Faith

by Albert England

Our relationship with God is largely determined by our faith. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as the hall of fame for the faithful. Heb. 11:1 gives a definition of faith: �Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.� We see many examples of faith�� the hope and assurance of things not seen. We will look at Abraham and his faith. First of all Abraham had a faith that obeyed. Vs. 8 says �By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.� He had a faith that would sacrifice. VS. 17 says �By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said,� In Issac your seed shall be called�,� concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.�
Saving faith involves trust, obedience, and sacrifice.� Christians must have faith that God exists and that He reveals Himself in His word. We must believe that He hears and answers prayers. �If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.� John 15:7� Without this faith we cannot please Him. Regardless of good works or sacrifices, if we do not have faith we cannot please Him. Hebrews 11:6 �But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him� We cannot substitute our feelings for faith. Christians are to walk by faith and not by sight.


Faith is so important in the Christian life.� So how do we develop a stronger faith? Paul answers this in Romans 10:17 'so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.� The strength of our faith is determined by the emphasis we place on God's word and the time we devote to studying His word.� Paul teaches that it is by the hearing of faith that we receive the Holy Spirit. The great reward of faith is seen in 1 Peter 1: 8 -9 �'though you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith-the salvation of your soul.�


May 6, 2007



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