In this class we continued our look at faith. We looked at 5 verses from the bible and discussed how faith was being shown to us. Last class we had looked at all of Hebrews chapter 11 also known as God's Hall Of Fame. So to tie it all together we went back and looked at Hebrews 11 : 1.
" Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The reason this verse ties this whole chapter together is because it tells you how faith is shown by us to God...action !
The biggest mistake many Christians make is to go do what THEY think God wants and then ask God to bless it. Now this is action, but this is not faith in God but in mans actions and abilities. Pray and wait on God and he will show you his will ... THEN take action by faith and by God's will !!
" ...but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those that heard it." ( Hebrews 4 : 2) This is a very interesting part of faith that most do not think of ! People can not just pick up the bible and read and understand it. I know this also by personal experience ! It takes a saving faith and the Holy Spirit to remove the vale and open your eyes and heart to listen and understand God's word !!
" For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." ( Ephesians 2 : 8 ) Again , this is a tough idea ! If you get faith from God and can only be saved by faith, then do we really have free will ? The answer is yes. It is a gift from God BUT this gift is available to all who accept his son Jesus !!! Again... all other religions equate good deeds with going to heaven, except Christianity. If you accept His Son Jesus you will be saved !!!
" For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, " ( Philippians 1 : 29 ) Non Christians who hear we are saved by faith think we have it so easy. The truth is rarely explained further. Yes we are saved by grace through faith.. but we will also suffer in this body for that grace and faith, just as Jesus suffered in His body to give us the chance to go to heaven !!!
" ...not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; "( Philippians 3 : 9 ) Also by faith we receive righteousness. Not of ourselves since we are sinners and not able to give, grant, or be righteous... but Jesus' righteousness that is given to us and acknowledged by God since it is from God.
In studying faith we have found it to be so rich and valuable that we have decided to spend one more week on it. I could spend a year looking at the richness and complexity of faith. The great thing about it is that it is entirely from God. !!!
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