As you can see, I am trying to set up a good foundation for our Christian life. In future studies we will need to be able to fall back on these foundations as we study certain characters and events in the Bible. I am by no means an expert on these subjects but striving to understand and apply them to my life. It is great to see the comments and discussions that everyone has.
Today let’s look at "Faith”. What is it? What do we do with it? What does it mean?
The dictionary defines faith as:
1. Confidence or trust in a person or thing:
2. Belief that is not based on proof
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Matthew 21:21 "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Faith requires us to have an undeniable comprehension on who God is, and that we believe God is who He says He is. Without faith, we have absolutely nothing to hope for. (Hebrews 11:1) To believe we can be healed or have miracles in our life, we have to have pure faith with zero doubt. (Matthew 17: 1) he does not say we need a lot of faith but even small amount of pure faith without disbelief, anything can happen.
Many people go on the assumption that I do not have faith because I have seen anything to believe in, or have not witnessed, felt, or experienced God myself. (pics or it didn’t happen, lol) Jesus answers that in John 20:29. "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” This had to do after Jesus’ resurrection. Thomas did not believe it was actually Jesus. Thomas was lacking the faith that Jesus said he would be resurrected.
Having true faith requires us to believe God is God, whether t not we have seen Him. Faith requires us to truly believe that God’s promises are true in our life. No if, ands or buts! The whole chapter of Hebrews: 11 is a great read for learning more on Faith. Be sure to read it as we continue this study.
Questions?
Do we truly have faith that God is the creator of all things?
Do we have faith that if we believe in Him, we will go to Heaven?
Do we have faith that God will fulfill His promises in our life?
Do we have faith God will heal us when we are Ill?
Do we have faith God will answer our prayers?
COMMENTS
[ posted by Cindy, 09/11/2022 04:31 PM ]
2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight.
Faith is defined as "complete trust or confidence in something or someone" The power of faith is that we obey even when we cannot see the end. We have to believe God will take care of us even tho we cant see what or where he is taking us in our good times and bad times. God always knows whats best for us. We cant see the works he has going on for us, we have to trust what he is doing.
Look at the faith Shadrach, Meshach & Abed Nego had!!! Would we have that? Looking at sure death in a fiery furnace? I think today society has so many distractions that take us away from God, faith, etc... many have lost hope and faith because so many bad things do happen on a regular basis. Our faith should be based on what the future has for us.... the final fulfillment of Gods promises, the 2nd coming of Christ, new heavens and earth. Hebr 13:14 "For we do not have an enduring city, but are looking for the city that is to come"
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. We just have to take Him at His word.
[ posted by Mike, 09/12/2022 11:07 AM ]
Great Cindie, I purposely did not include 2nd Corinthians 5:7 being most people use that as the basis of the subject. I figured someone would respond with that. We have to quit relying on our own and truly trusting what God has for us.
[ posted by wendi, 09/15/2022 11:32 AM ]
When I read what you wrote Mike, a comment I hear alot and have said myself is "Things happen for a reason and only God/Jesus knows why" You have to have faith that a reason something in your life has not happened is because God did not allow it. You have to have faith and understand that there is a purpose or reason why it did not happen. It should not discourage you from having faith. You must be patient and understand that there are other forces at work to get you to that end result you are seeking.
[ posted by Kimberly, 09/18/2022 07:09 AM ]
I agree with all the comments. We are to walk by Faith and not by sight. It is easy to want to give up hope because we do not see with our physical eyes an answer to prayer or an answer to our circumstances. Sometimes, the smallest things get answered immediately but then the bigger things in our lives take much longer. I have to keep faith that God does know His plan and to rely solely on Him. Having that faith and trusting Him with all areas of my life. I am learning to tell God that I trust Him and will not take matters into my own hands. I ask myself the question frequently..."do I want to do things my way or have Faith in God and let Him do things His way?"