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Faith is based on the word of God.
NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Heb 11:1
or we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance. 2 Cor 5:7
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Rom 10:17
2. Faith is toward God
Our Faith must be in God and not things or people or processes. The difference is sometimes subtle.
What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel... For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God! Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits! Isaiah 31:1-3
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. Mark 11:22
3. We live by Faith
The Christian life is a continuous walk of faith. Every thing we do must be done by faith in God.
Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Romans 1:17
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." Hebrews 10:38
So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Galatians 3:11
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because [he does] not [eat] from faith; for whatever [is] not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23
4. Faith is based on God's word
Faith is not bold face (agidi) or positive confessions. It is based and must be anchored on God's word revealed to you. Faith starts where the will of God is revealed.
So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Luke 5:4-5
I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this,' they do it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" And when the officer's friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. Luke 7:7-10
5. All Christians have Faith and our faith can grow
When we became born again, we had a measure of faith. It is then our responsibility to grow our faith through God's word and listening to anointed vessels.
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3
Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand 2 Corinthians 10:15
Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 1 Thes 3:10
6. Faith must be with corresponding actions
Faith without action (works) is dead. One primary action is you confessing what you believe. There is no silent faith. Also, acting in line with your believe is of paramount importance.
We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. 2 Cor 4:13
So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead). James 2:17
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Heb 13:5
7. Your Faith needs patience
Sometimes Christians mistakes Faith for instant noodles. Faith works with patience (steadfastness). It is instructive that the 2 major scriptures that introduce faith were preceded by words on patience.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness 2 Peter 1:5-6
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." Hebrews 10:36-38
For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. " ... But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:3-4
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:3-4
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