Epistle of Straw—or a Book of Faith?

 

Martin Luther once wrote that “St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw.” But what does the Bible say? Is James actually an inspired book of faith?

After receiving much criticism over his statement, Martin Luther removed that phrase in later editions of his Preface to the New Testament, but his original comment has raised questions over the centuries.

Does the book of James build straw on the foundation of Christ? Is the substance of Christ and the gospel not found in James’ epistle? Does James contradict Paul by saying that living faith must be accompanied by works?

The Bible is the best place to find the answers to those questions. James, the half-brother of Jesus, and all the other New Testament writers emphasize the gospel spoken by Christ and instruct members to build upon the faith of Jesus and to live in righteous conduct.

Comparisons between James and Peter

Both James and the apostle Peter were bondservants of Christ: “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings” (James 1:1). In 2 Peter 1:1 Peter starts off his letter by referring to himself as “a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ.”

James 1:2-4 begins with a theme of living faith: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Peter also speaks of the trials befalling Christians and the gold that it produces: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The apostle Paul is also in agreement with James and Peter on this subject of faith under trial, and its resultant good products: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Comparisons between James and Paul

One of the comparisons people tend to make is concerning what James and Paul wrote about law and faith. Yet when one reads what both have written, there is much similarity on this topic.

The subject of faith and works comes to a head in James 2:14-18, with the bold conclusion that faith without works is dead: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Now notice what Paul says in Romans 4:2-8: “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’… David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.’”

What is “righteousness apart from works”? The context of Paul’s statement is justification, which describes the process of having faith imputed to us for righteousness, and having our sins forgiven. By this we are then considered righteous before God (please see the article “What Is Justification?”).

When a faithful repentant sinner comes to Christ, God provides justification for him by the blood of Christ. No amount of doing good deeds of the law can justify the guilty sinner from the penalty of death incurred by his sins. Only justification by God’s grace and a righteousness of faith imputed to him (“righteousness apart from the law”) can save the sinner.

So there is actually no contradiction between the epistle of James and Paul’s epistle to the Romans.But once the baptized believer receives the Holy Spirit and begins to live a just life in Christ, he must yield to Christ. The just live by faith, and they also must be doers of the word. They are to live just and lawful lives.

In the final analysis of God’s judgment, the apostle Paul says: “Not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified” (Romans 2:13).

So there is actually no contradiction between the epistle of James and Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

Comparisons between James and Jesus Christ

In Luke 8:15, we read Jesus’ parable about the good seed: “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” These faithful ones therefore bear fruit with patience as a result of faith.

In fact, James 1:21 has more to say on this same subject (the hearing of the word sown and doing it): “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Doing the word and bearing good fruit is necessary, according to Matthew 7:19-24: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

“Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

The law of God must be written in the believer’s heart. James 1:25 speaks of God’s spiritual law, embodied in all of His commandments, as the perfect law of liberty: “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Matthew 5:16-19 proves that doing God’s commandments and having righteousness exceeding that of the Pharisees is taught by Jesus Christ: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Those were words spoken directly by Jesus Christ. Therefore James was in accordance with the gospel message when he taught the keeping of the commandments in James 2:8-12: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”

Transgressing God’s law is a serious matter, requiring our repentance and change of conduct.

The apostle Paul also agreed that dishonoring God by breaking the law is inexcusable ongoing behavior for a Christian and that teaching the commandments of God must also include doing them, so as not to be a hypocrite.

Romans 2:21-23 says: “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?”

Comparisons between James and other New Testament writers

Other writers in the New Testament also saw the need for demonstrating one’s faith by doing something. In 1 John 3:17-18, we read: “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

Hebrews 6:10-12 encourages a work of love and ministry for those who have faith in Christ, who serve Him: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

James: a book of faith

James has therefore been vindicated by the truth of the Word of God. The epistle of James is no epistle of straw, but instead it advocates building with gold on the foundation of Christ and faith. We must keep the commandments and have faith in God. For further information, please explore the articles on the “Change” section of this website.

So, when was the last time you read the book of James? It is a short book and can be read in just one or two sittings. By doing so, you will be filled with hope, faith and encouragement because the epistle of James is one of the inspired and inspiring books of God’s Holy Scriptures.

Men of Faith

 

The Bible contains many stories of men of faith, such as the three who were thrown into a fiery furnace. What can we learn from these men of faith?

Most of us have not had to face the decision that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego had to make as they were standing before an angry King Nebuchadnezzar. Would they break God’s law and bow down to an idol? Or would they obey God and risk being thrown into a fiery furnace?

God recorded their amazing example of faith and His miraculous rescue in Daniel 3. (Read more about this story of faith in our article “Daniel’s Three Friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego” and our children’s Bible story “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego and the Fiery Furnace.”)

But what would we have done? And if something similar arose for us today, what would we do?

A prominent theme discussed in the Bible is that of having faith. Men had it as well as women (see our series of articles on women of faith).

In fact, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). So it is very important to understand what it means to have faith.

What is faith?

In the New Testament, the English word faith is translated from the Greek word pistis. The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Words says: “Pistis is used of belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same. ‘Faith’ means trust, confidence, assurance, and belief” (p. 1315).

This refers to that same confidence and faith in God that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego had.

In fact, after God spared them from certain death in the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged their faith and trust in God by saying: “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!” (Daniel 3:28).

For further discussion of the meaning of faith, please read our article “What Is Faith?”

Abraham, the father of the faithful

One of the most profound stories of men of faith is that of Abraham.

Many have read the biblical stories of how Abraham trusted God by leaving his homeland and believing in what God promised him.

“Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:5-6).

Abraham believed and trusted God. In fact, he became the example of faith for both the Jews and gentiles. The apostle Paul wrote this about Abraham in Romans 4:20-22: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore ‘it was accounted to him for righteousness.’”

In the book of Galatians, Paul noted another aspect of Abraham’s faith: “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’ So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Galatians 3:8-9).

If we follow Abraham’s example of having faith in God and living by faith, we can be blessed along with faithful Abraham. As he looked forward in faith to the coming Kingdom of God, so must we.

“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9).

Abraham is among those referred to in this inspiring summary:Knowing about the great power God has, how can we doubt Him?

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth . . . But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (verses 13, 16).

For further reading about Abraham and his faith, please see our article “The Faith of Abraham.”

Some lesser known men of faith

We usually hear about how Noah, Jacob, David, Elijah and Daniel had amazing faith in God, but the Bible also has some other fascinating stories of men who had faith.

The faith of the centurion (Matthew 8; Luke 7)

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’” (Matthew 8:5-10).

The centurion humbled himself and had great faith in Jesus—even to the point of believing He could heal from a distance. And so, it came to pass that his servant was healed (verse 13).

That is the kind of faith that impressed Jesus. That is the kind of faith we need to have as well. We need to believe what the Scriptures emphasize about God’s ability to help us. He tells us:

• “Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?” (Isaiah 50:2).
• “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

Knowing about the great power God has, how can we doubt Him?

The faith of Caleb (Numbers 14; Deuteronomy 1)

Twelve men were sent to spy out the Promised Land. Ten of the men gave a bad report, yet Caleb and Joshua were convinced and had faith that with God’s help Israel could go in and possess the land.

“But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: ‘The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, “a land which flows with milk and honey.” Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them’” (Numbers 14:6-9).

The Israelites were ready to stone to death both of these men of faith. Yet Joshua and Caleb had the faith, the belief, that God would be with them. God was merciful and allowed Caleb to enter the land.

“And the LORD heard the sound of your words, and was angry, and took an oath, saying, ‘Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give to your fathers, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and his children I am giving the land on which he walked, because he wholly followed the LORD’” (Deuteronomy 1:34-36).

In Numbers 14:24, we read that Caleb had a different spirit. Matthew Poole’s commentary notes that Caleb “was a man of another temper and carriage, faithful and courageous, not acted by that evil spirit of cowardice, unbelief, unthankfulness, disobedience, which ruled in his brethren, but by the Spirit of God.”

Caleb actually believed God and had faith that God would lead Israel into the Promised Land. If only the Israelites had listened to him and followed his example! Read more about Caleb’s faith in our article “Spiritual Warfare: How to Win and How to Lose.”

The faith of Simeon (Luke 2)

Simeon was a just and devout man, and “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So, he came by the Spirit into the temple” (Luke 2:26-27). And sure enough, the parents brought in the Child Jesus.

It was then that Simeon “took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel’” (verses 28-32).What about us? Do we believe that God hears us? Do we have faith that God will send Jesus back to this earth?

This is the only account of this incident. Here was a man who had been “waiting for the Consolation of Israel” (verse 25). This phrase signifies that Simeon was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. So God blessed him and allowed him to see the Messiah before his death.

Simeon is a little-known man of faith, yet his story is part of the gospel message.

The Bible promises that Christ will return. And the Bible assures us of God’s care for His people. But notice what Jesus said:

“Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7-8).

What about us? Do we believe that God hears us? Do we have faith that God will send Jesus back to this earth? We may know this intellectually, but we need to have faith like Simeon’s, that the Messiah will come again and that He will bring about the Consolation of Israel and the rest of the world.

Other men of faith

Hebrews 11 is often called the Faith Chapter. It contains the names of many famous men and women in the Bible. And it includes a section that can be explored further:

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets” (verse 32).

These and other men of faith “worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong . . . Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection” (verses 33-35).

The faith of Jesus Christ

One of the most inspiring of all stories, however, is the faith Jesus exhibited. He is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). And we need to “consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (verse 3).

We therefore need His faith within us. Study more in our helpful article “Christ in Us: How Does He Live in You?”

We plan to add more articles to this “Men of Faith” section. You will read of men who trusted in God and believed in His ways, and you’ll also read how a number of them incorporated the faith of Jesus Christ into their own lives—something we all must do!

And we encourage you to read about what God has promised and what He will bring about in the article “God’s Promises: Rock-Solid Hope and Assurance.”

Women of Faith in the Bible

 

God’s Word speaks very highly of those who had faith. There are many examples of women of faith in the Bible, and we can learn much by studying their stories.

Many strong women of faith are mentioned in the Bible. The following are some of the more recognizable women of faith covered in other articles in this section:

• Sarah.
• Rebekah.
• Leah.
• Rahab.
• Deborah.
• Manoah’s wife.
• Ruth.
• Hannah.
• Abigail.
• Esther.
• Elizabeth.
• Mary.
• Martha and Mary.

Who has not heard of Sarah? She was Abraham’s wife, and her faith is recorded in Hebrews 11:11: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”

Who has not heard of Ruth? She was a Moabite woman who showed loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her God. Her character and faith in God brought her many blessings, including being listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

There are many other amazing women recorded in the Bible who were blessed by God because of their faith. It’s important to remember and learn from these faithful women as well.

What is faith?

Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1; see our article “What Is Faith?”). Sarah was well beyond the childbearing years, yet she bore Isaac just as God had said. She judged God to be faithful in what He had promised, and she was blessed because of her faith.

The Bible chronicles many such women of faith—women who believed and trusted in God. Their stories are found throughout the Scriptures.

For example, the story of Rahab is found in Joshua 2, and she—a gentile—is mentioned again in Hebrews 11:31 as having faith: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”

One of the most fascinating statements of faith is found in Hebrews 11:35: “Women received their dead raised to life again.”Examples abound of both Israelite and gentile women having faith. One of the most fascinating statements of faith is found in Hebrews 11:35: “Women received their dead raised to life again.”

Who were those women? The author of Hebrews does not specifically say, but there are at least four women in the Bible who did witness the resurrection of their children.

We may not often read their brief stories, but in each case, the faith of those women and those around them were increased, and reading of their experiences helps us also increase our faith in God.

Some lesser-known women of faith in the Bible who received an amazing miracle

1. The widow of Zarephath.

Her son had become very sick and died. Whereupon, Elijah the prophet “cried out to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD my God, I pray, let this child’s soul [life, New International Version] come back to him.’ Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, ‘See, your son lives!’

“Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth’” (1 Kings 17:21-24).

2. The Shunammite woman.

Her child was a miracle from God. She had been unable to conceive; but through God’s blessing, she finally bore a son.

When her son was young, he had a sudden illness and died. She laid him on the bed where Elisha slept when he traveled through the area. “When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD.

“And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

“And he called Gehazi and said, ‘Call this Shunammite woman.’ So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, ‘Pick up your son.’  So she went in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground; then she picked up her son and went out” (2 Kings 4:32-37).

3. The widow of Nain.

This lady lost her only son. Jesus was moved with compassion and, for her sake, resurrected her son.

“And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.

“Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us’; and, ‘God has visited His people’” (Luke 7:12-16).

4. Jairus and his wife.

Jairus was a ruler in a local synagogue. He and his wife were desperate since their only daughter was dying. So Jairus came to Jesus asking that their sick daughter be healed.

On the way to their house, another faithful woman experienced a miracle by simply touching Jesus’ clothing. “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

“When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.’ Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My clothes?’ …

“But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith had made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction’” (Mark 5:25-30, 33-34).

Just then some came from Jairus’ house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” (verse 35).

But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (verse 36).

“He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement” (verses 40-42).

Faith in our future and the future of all who have died

A woman’s love for her children is very strong. These women “received their dead raised to life again” just as Hebrews 11:35 said. In these four cases, women observed their children’s resurrections; and by what they and others saw, their faith was strengthened.

How much greater will be the time when all women will receive their dead back to life? This is the promise Jesus gave His disciples, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth” (John 5:28-29).

That is the hope of all—the resurrection from the dead! It takes faith to believe this is going to happen!

Characteristics of a woman of faith

By studying these stories of faithful women mentioned in the Bible, we can learn what it takes to become such a woman. There are shared characteristics in their stories.

1. A woman of faith has a relationship with God.

We must believe in and understand who God is. He is our Father, and He wants us to have a close relationship with Him. One way to accomplish that is by praying to Him regularly. The women of faith in the Bible did that often.

2. A woman of faith has a belief in God’s words.

God’s words are life, and they give us encouragement and comfort. He wants us to consider what is in the Bible. It is important to read and meditate upon what God says. The women of faith in the Bible often knew what God had said and believed in His words.

3. A woman of faith has hope in the future.

What does God plan for all of us? He wants us to be in His Kingdom. The stories of the four women who had their children raised from the dead can strengthen our faith and understanding of God’s promise to resurrect the dead, and that God’s Kingdom will come.

Other women of faith in the Bible

The Bible records a number of other women who had faith, for example, Naomi, Jael, Mary Magdalene, Anna, Dorcas, Priscilla, Phoebe, Eunice and Lois.

The story of these and other women of faith may be written in future articles. Please check this “Women of Faith” section often and learn how these women trusted in God and believed in His ways.