FAITH FOR A NEW BEGINNING (Heb. 11: 1 – 19) Part 2

In our last study, it was established that a Christian cannot do without faith. Salvation, sanctification, Holy Ghost Baptism, divine healing, divine health and answers to prayers come by faith. Heb.11:6; Eph. 2:8; Acts 26:18; Gal.3:2; Matt 15:26 – 28; Mark 11:24. As Christians, we live by faith (2Cor.5:7). We also learn what faith is and what it means to have faith. To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see (Heb.11:1, GNB). Even more, everything we do OUTSIDE OF FAITH IS SIN. (Rom. 14:23). Today we want to learn how to have and grow in faith.

1. BASIC FACTS ABOUT FAITH
Faith is always placed in a Person. We are saved by believing in Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9). He is the reality in which we trust.
Faith is based on knowledge. You cannot believe what you do not know (Rom. 10:14). That is why Bible knowledge (doctrine) is important - it tells us about God. We are not saved by the doctrine, we are saved by Christ. But, we believe in Jesus through the doctrine. Matt. 7:28; Rom. 6:17; 2Tim.3:16.
Faith is a confidence or trust that what God has promised is true.

2. HOW CAN WE HAVE FAITH?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Rom. 10:17. It does not come by Seeing; Praising; Experiencing; Singing; Loving; Serving; Deciding; Feeling; Striving. Through the preaching and reading of the Word of God, we hear the promise and intentions of God, we open our minds and through that the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and grants us faith (Heb.4:1-2). It is this faith which unites us with Christ and thereby gives to us every gift which God gives to everyone of his children (Rom.8:32; Col.2:9-10).
Since we cannot have faith without the Word of God, we cannot create faith outside the Word of God. When the Word of God (promise of God from Scriptures) enters our heart, it gives light and faith is created.
We grow in faith when we keep hearing the Word of God. Faith is hearing God's Word and repeating it back to Him. Prayer of faith (James 5:15) is prayer that is based on the Word of God. As we confess what Jesus has done for us, we show faith. Rom. 10: 9-10.