FAITH

What is faith?
 
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Heb 11:1-3
 
The word faith in Greek the original language of the New Testament, pistis means assurance, believe, faith, fidelity.
The Webster definition of faith is: 1. unquestioning belief, specifically in God, a religion ect. 2. A particular religion. 3. Complete trust or confidence.4. Loyalty.
 
HOW DO YOU GET FAITH?
 
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
 
Faith is God’s gift:
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God Ephesians 2:8
 
Faith is a work of God:
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:29
 
Faith comes from the heart:
For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. Romans 10:9-11
 
Faith results from:
Scriptures
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. John 20:30
 
Preaching
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word. John 17:20
 
Gospel
And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. Acts15:7
 
Without faith In God that is in His character, His promises and His Word, we cannot please Him.
 
For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Phil2:13
 
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing/creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Phil 2:13
 
Kinds of faith:
Saving:
For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. Romans 10:9-11
 
Temporary:
Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13 NASB
 
Intellectual:
You believe that “God is one”? Good for you! The demons believe it too — the thought makes them shudder with fear! James 2:19
 
Dead:
17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? James 2:17, 20
 
 
Lesson Quiz
 
God raised the dead; John 11:1-45, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 7:11-17
Opened the eyes of the blind; Matthew 9:37-41, Matthew 20:29-34,
Healed diseases; Luke 4:40-41, Matthew 8:5-13, Mark 1:40-45, Mark9:14-29
Cast out demons; Mark1:21-27, Luke 11:14-23
Turned water to wine; John 2:1-11
 
There is no greater power than God’s, and nothing is impossible for Him!
 
1. What do you believe about God? What are some of His characteristics?
 
 
2. According to Eph1:19-20, what does God promise those who believe Him, and what does that mean to you?
 
 
3. What did Jesus say we have to do in Matt 11:24-25 before we present our requests to God?
 
 
4. How do we receive salvation?  
 
 
5. Are there areas in your life that you are ready to release control of and trust God to handle?
 
 
6. What does God promise us in the following scripture?
21 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matt 21:22
 
  
7. What was your first experience as the result of your faith in God?