Faith - Part 1

Do you see it here?

or here?

What am I asking you to look for in these photos?  FAITH

We are going to study faith in several parts and the types of faith we have and the ability to believe in it.

The easiest way to explain faith is "believing in something not seen."

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we live by faith, not by sight.

 

Mark 11:22
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.

There are different types of faith.  We have intellectual, Godly and saving. Intellectual faith anyone can have, Christian or non-Christian. It is a personal view point and you do not have to have proof to believe in something to be true.  Godly faith is a confidence the the Lord will fulfill is promises and Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ, who forgives us of our sins, the son of God and gives us everlasting life.

The Pharisees had the intellectual faith. They knew the laws and decrees but did not believe in Jesus Christ. They had no faith.

 Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

I have be listening to Dr. Charles Stanley and he has mentioned there are grades of faith.  As I listened to each one, I realize how true.

No Faith:  We question if God cares or not, it is a lack of faith. We see this when Jesus rebukes a storm and he asks his disciples:  Mark 4:40  He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”


Little Faith:  The disciples were worried for they did not bring any bread to eat and this is after Jesus fed the 5000,   Matthew 16:8  Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?

 

Great Faith:  Jesus and his disciples met a Centurion,  Matthew 8:8-10   The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

 

Failing Faith:  We all have some sort of failing faith, even the disciples have failed.  Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

 

Saving Faith:  the best gift we could ever get the receiving of Jesus Christ our Savior.  Romans 5:1-2  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

In order to have a saving faith, one needs to believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, the son of God.  Like those pictures, what I see that God created everything from us to the universe.  That is my FAITH and I am sticking to it!

Come back next week to learn more about faith.  Until then.

 

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

This is a quote from someone on Bibleknowledge.com:

The lyrics to the song is a great reminder to always keep our faith up in the Lord, even through the most trying of circumstances, as you never know when God will come in with the answer to your prayer and cause you to rise back up again.

Hebrews 11

Faith in Action

¹ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6

⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

2 Corinthians 5:7

⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight

Where Do You Turn in the Time of Need?

If you are in need where do you turn?

Our lives seem to go in so many directions that we seem to get lost in it.

We all eventually face situations or fall in to circumstances in our lives and we do not know where to turn in the time of need. It can happen more than once in our lives too. Some people may turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, shopping, eating or something that can be of comfort. That comfort is only temporary and eventually you will have to face your situation or circumstance head on.

Let me say this, there is someone who you can turn to for comfort, direction, and strength.

Hebrews 4:12, 14-16

New International Version (NIV)

¹² For the word of God is alive and active.

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,^[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 

God came to earth as flesh and has suffered just like we do.

Hebrews 2:18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

So God understands what we are going through and He is there for us when we are in need of comfort and support. His mercy is that He gives to us when we do not deserve it and His grace is He gives to us when we did not earn it. He loves us so much that he is there with us through everything and will never leave us.

Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Just talk to God and ask Him for courage, strength, direction and help. He will answer but in His perfect timing and in His perfect way but no matter what He is always with us.