WHAT IS FAITH

Hebrews 11:1-3, states, "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."

What Faith Is Not:
1. A mystical force.
2. Positive thinking.
3. Following a hunch.
4. A feeling of optimism.
5. Hoping for the best.
6. A mental conviction.

Webster defines faith as an unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence.

Faith from a biblical perspective is belief, confidence in the Person and or in the Word of God. It can refer to saving faith (at the moment of salvation), christian doctrine (The Faith) or to daily reliance, trust, and rest in the Lord.

A Description of Faith (Heb. 11:1-3):
1. Substance- Solid ground! "We are not walking on eggshells or pudding. We are standing upon the Solid Rock." (Adrain Rogers)
2. Evidence - Proof of unseen reality.
3. Understanding. "Faith goes beyond what we can perceive with our physical senses, so it does not work by the rules of science. Faith allows us to believe that the invisible God can do what is physically impossible." (Bible Study Guides.org)

Faith Is What We Don't See!
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see." (Heb. 11:1-3, The Message by Eugene Peterson)

Faith Is Spiritual Sight
"We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal....We walk by faith, and not by sight." (II Cor. 4:18; 5:7) It is not walking blindly in the dark, but a step into the light!!

Faith Is Pleasing To God
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Heb. 11:6)

Faith Is Action
Hebrews 11 is know as "The Hall of Faith." It reveals that faith, in order to be valid, must act. By faith Abel “offered” a sacrifice (v. 4), Noah “prepared” an ark (v. 7), and Abraham “obeyed” the Lord (v. 8). Faith, divorced from works (obedience), is dead (Jas. 2:26).

Faith Comes By Hearing
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Rom. 10:17) To grow our faith, we must read and study the Scriptures. Through them we gain knowledge and our faith increases.