The Word says in Romans 10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing,and hearing by the word of God.Back in the time that was written,there was much more "hearing" of the word than "reading" of the word.Now we have both luxuries,and the point is...Faith comes from filling yourself with the Word of God.I try to keep my faith level full by being as continually in the word as possible.You cannot produce faith within yourself.It comes from hearing,seeing,and doing.
The Word also says in James 2:20 faith without works is dead.In my opinion,that means it will atrophy,just as an unused limb will atrophy if never used.Use it or lose it.
My salvation came about 25 years ago through reading God's word in the Bible,at home alone without any encouragement or guidance from anyone.God alone shown me His truth and love,and I fell in love with Jesus.
I will post at some point about how I DID NOT keep to James 2:20,and a couple other key commands/teachings and backslid/fell away,whatever it was and was very lost for a long time,until the good shepherd snatched me up and brought me back completely without my expecting it.I have rededicated my life to God now and am so grateful for His rather harsh correction.
This is actually my first post here in probably 12 years,since that happened so I need to also post on the intro thread.It's good to be back,and to meet you all.