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We talk about faith. We study on faith. We have heard sermons preached on faith. We try to use our faith in prayers, in believing. But what exactly is faith?
If you ask a Christian what is faith, nine out of 10 times their answer will be “Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” If we read that same passage out of the Living Bible, it says “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is certainty that what we hoped for is waiting for us, even though we can’t see it up ahead.” Well then, where does faith come from? “Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” If I am understanding what this scripture is saying, in order to [hear], we must first listen to the Word of God, the Good News about Jesus. The more we hear about Jesus, the Word, the Good News the more we are able to hear and the more faith is built up in us. Faith is sureness, a conviction, a trust, reliance, a persuasion. Faith IS the substance of things hoped for.
The apostles said in “Luke 17:5b- Increase our faith,” The very men who walked and talked with Jesus, ask Him for more faith.
“Romans 8:24 – For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth why doeth he yet hope for?” The Living Bible reads “Romans 8:24 – We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don’t yet have – for a man who already has something doesn’t need to hope and trust he will get it.”
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