Hebrews 11:1...NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.(KJV)
Faith in and of itself is not based on what we feel or see, but in the hope of what we choose to believe in.(2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 15:14) The term "blind faith" is an abstract concept, since even a blind man lives with the hope that he will eventually regain his sight. Sight is not a requirement for faith, but to have faith you must have "vision".
Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Philippians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)(Easton's Bible Dictionary) Faith and truth are intertwined since it is not likely that anyone will have much faith in something that they believe to be a lie. Though we may perceive that an individual may believe in a lie, that perception is based solely on our perception of truth. Truth can only exist when every shred of falsehood is removed.(Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.)
Faith is as essential to our existence as air is to breathing, as faith will determine who and what we are, were, or ever will be.(Romans 1:17; 5:1; James 2:26)When there is an absence of faith, all hope is gone. We are empty, our lives are unfulfilled, we are dead in our sins. It is only through faith in an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God, that we have life. And life in abundance!
We can increase our faith. (Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 10:15; 2 Peter 1:5-10; Jude 1:20) Faith is an element of our being that needs to be nurtured. Very much like a body builder needs to increase the amount of weight that he trains with to increase muscle mass, likewise a Christian must increase the amount of time spent in the study of the Word, in prayer, and fasting to increase faith!
Romans 12:3, "For i say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Everyone is given a measure of faith by God. Not everyone has the same measure or degree of faith. We are to operate according to the measure of faith we possess. Even the smallest amount of faith, without doubt can produce amazing results. Faith is also a fruit of the spirit, and is also amongst the spiritual gifts.
Even a very small amount of doubt in any way form or fashion will destroy a great deal of faith. (James 1:6-8; Hebrews 10:23; 11:6) This statement is not limited to Christianity or religion in general. In secular circles, positive thinking is essential in order to have any measure of success. No one will enter into a race, unless there is a belief that he can win. Likewise any doubt will limit the chances of any success in whatever you choose to do!
Faith without works is dead.(James 2:14,17,18,20,22,24,26) The term "leap of faith" would have no validity if no one were willing to "take the plunge". Faith is an action word, a verb, that requires an action for the faith to be activated.
Your faith must be tested!(1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:3,12; 1 Peter 1:7;4:12)Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
P.O.W.E.R. On-line Network
1542 Wampum Trl.
Orlando, FL 32825 USA
Prayer Hotline:
(407) 956-0425
Make a Donation to P.O.W.E.R. securely using PayPal!
