by Stewart Topping
What is faith?
Faith is the confident belief or trust in a person, idea, or thing that is not based on proof. As in, evidences of someone’s abilities gave him the faith that they had the ability to do the same (or similar) again. And therefore can be based on proofs or evidences, which can then be projected onto future events.
What does the Bible say?
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) 1 now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is a substance, something that is real; but there does not have to be evidence of it. So what do you believe? Take a look around you when you are outside. Could it be an accident to see the possibility of hundred and thousands of bugs, animals, trees, vegetation? Is it an accident that humans are so capable? Look at the advances of our race. We are playing catch up with creation. But with God’s help it is easier. Could it even be possible to have a big explosion and have creation, now the big bang theory take more believe than believing in God.
Hebrews 11:5-6 (KJV) 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 reward er of them that diligently seek him.
We can’t please God if we don’t believe and trust in him. Why would he acknowledge us if we don’t know him.Faith is one of the most precious treasures a man can possibly possess. It is a pity that so few understand what the Bible teaches about it. Faith is often confused with presumption, optimism, determination, superstition and imagination. Actually it is just simply believing.
(This is part of a series of Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam)
Romans 4:5 (KJV) 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Faith cannot be something you conjure up; it cannot be worked for; some would say you can appropriate it. Believing is something that requires no work. Remember grace (Eph 2:8-9) is free for all who believe; all you have to do is believe and He will reward them that seek Him. We must believe to have faith; I suppose they are really the same. If Faith is counted for righteousness; then you can only get saved if we have Faith. So believing produces faith which will count for righteousness which God then provides a covering for justification. (Just as if we had not sinned in the first place)
If you do not believe in God;
- · you might be nervous
- · you might feel condemned
- · you might feel you are not accepted by God, or forgiven
- · You might be worrying about life, your home, your kids, etc.
If you are utilizing the Holy Spirit living within you then you are not condemned; some call it walking in the spirit, or being led by the spirit. In either case it is allowing God to help and guide you in your everyday life. You must trust him!
Romans 8:1 (KJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-18 (KJV) 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
I know that it sounds simple, but sometimes it takes prayer to understand. Sometimes we have not allowed God to re-train us, we may have not moved on in our Christian growth. We are still on milk not meat of the word. We may assume that all we had to do was accept Jesus into our heart and we can continue with our lives without change
Hebrews 6:1-3 (KJV) 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Going on to perfection is spending time with God in prayer Remember it is not Religion it is Relationship.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Well doesn’t that sum up what we are talking about; Peace of mind, not worrying about anything. Just praying to God through Jesus and leaving everything to Him.