Introduction: What is Faith? Do you have Faith? Bible FAITH is not believing in yourself. Faith is taking Jesus at His Word.

1. What is FAITH?

“1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1)

• The word “faith” is πίστις, (pis’-tis), which means belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.
• Also notice the word “substance.” What does it mean? The word “Substance” is ὑπόστασις, (hoop-os’-tas-is), which means steadiness, assurance, confidence, reality.
• The words “hoped for” are ἐλπίζω (el-pid’-zo), which means hope for, expect, trust.
• The word “evidence” is ἔλεγχος, (el’-eng-khos), which means test, proof, persuasion. Some translate the word “conviction.”

Please note the words “not seen.” Why is that important? The Holy Spirit wanted us to know that we will not always be able to see things physically all the time….but seeing them with the “eye of faith”- spiritually is what is meant.

This does not mean, “name it, and claim it,” to what ever we want.

But this has to do with taking (trusting – depending) our God at His WORD, not to mention His WILL. Will you take a “Faith” inventory right now and make the necessary changes if needed?

2. How do we get FAITH?

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, reminds us of the importance of reading, hearing, studying, meditating, and memorizing the BIBLE. That is where FAITH is born; it grows; and it is experienced. Now you see again why we are encouraged to stay in the Word of God, attend Church, and let the Bible take root.

“16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Col 3:16)

Faith increases as we are tested and proven.

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5)

“2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3)

Our Faith in Jesus will be tested, but when approved, it increases.

3. Where can we exercise FAITH?

“28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” (Matt 15:28)

When we need a breakthrough!

“10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matt 8:10)

4. Who needs FAITH?

“21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:21-24)

Every CHRISTian needs FAITH! Do you need some mountains to be moved?

5. How much FAITH do you want?

“40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

No FAITH?

“25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matt 8:25-26)

Little FAITH?

“50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

Saving FAITH?