FAITH

FAITH 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1

- Substance of Things Hoped For -

   Now I am holding in my hand an air ticket which I know is genuine because it was issued by Singapore Airlines. This ticket gives me the sure hope of having seat number 36 J, on SQ 224. Therefore on the 25th of July I plan go to the Perth airport at 3.30 pm to catch this flight. Although I don't see the aircraft now, my confident anticipation lies on what is written on this ticket I have in my possession now.
   Similarly, my hope of experiencing blessings I don't see now, lies on the promises of GOD written in His Word, the Bible. If I walk in obedience, in due time, I will see and experience what GOD has promised. If I am not found at the specified departure gate at 3 pm at the Perth airport on 25th July, I will miss the flight although I have the ticket. We receive the promises of GOD as we walk in confident anticipation in obedience to His Word being found at the right place doing GOD's will. This is now my faith.

- Evidence of Things Unseen -

   Now I have in my possession a slip of paper that says that I have Australian $1000 in the ANZ bank. Although it is available for me right now, I can't see the money. If I go to the ANZ bank with my identity card, fill in a form and put my signature on it, I will be given the money in my hand. The evidence of the money in my name that I don't see, is the bank statement I have in my hand. I receive the money only when I go to the specific bank and identify myself according to the rules.
   Similarly, my faith lies on spiritual truths GOD has revealed to me in His Word. Although I don't see them with my physical eyes, I live and walk in obedience as if I possess these blessings because I believe in what GOD says in His Word. As I take steps of obedience in faith, these promises become real in my life.

Faith and GOD'S Word

  But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): - Romans 10:8

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17

• Is my Faith based on the promises in the Word of GOD?

   Faith - Believe, Trust and Hope
   Therefore faith is not an expectation of my dreams coming true or a belief that my wishes and plans will be fulfilled. It is not, 'The fancier my grandiose ideas, greater my faith.' The substance and the evidence of my faith should be the Word of  GOD. The fulfilment of them in my life would depend on my believing, trusting, hoping and obeying GOD. Believing, Trusting and Hoping are the
characteristics of faith that make me to walk in obedience. BTh - Bachelor of  Theology is the qualification of one who is walking with GOD, Believing, Trusting and Hoping!

And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. - Genesis 15:6 

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, - Romans 4:20 

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. - Psalms 20:7-8 

Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the 

LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. - Jeremiah 17:5-8

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:5 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 

• Am I believing in GOD and in what He says?

• Do I trust Him with my life in every situation?

• Am I rejoicing in the hope that I have in CHRIST JESUS, through the Holy Spirit for better things yet to be seen?

Faith and Authority

The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! - Matthew 8:8-10 

   My faith is based on what GOD says because He has all authority over my life, now and for eternity. It would be foolish for me to go for a seat on a Qantas flight with a SQ ticket or to go to Citibank to withdraw my money that is with ANZ. I should not be foolish to base my faith and put my trust in man because it is GOD Who created me and is keeping me on earth with a specific plan.

Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, - Psalms 146:3-6 

"Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. - Matthew 5:36

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:28 

   GOD has authority over all flesh, bodies and souls now and for eternity.

And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!" - Luke 8:24-25 

   JESUS has authority over all of nature. The disciples feared because their faith did not extend beyond the boat to JESUS Who was in the boat.

• Where is my faith?• Does my faith extend beyond the things on which I place my trust? For example money, medicine and the systems of this world?

Living According to My Faith

Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. - Romans 14:22-23

   Faith is a personal connection each individual needs to have with GOD. The air ticket and the bank statement have my name written on them and are specifically for me. Is my name written in the Book of Life - the Bible? All the promises written there are for me if I am living according to GOD'S Word. I must encourage others in their faith by sharing GOD's Word and my testimonies with them but I should not expect them to live according to my faith.

• Am I living according to my faith?

• Am I imitating another's actions while having doubts in my heart?

• Do I expect another to live according to my faith?

We are asked to imitate CHRIST. To live like Him. To live the life that He lived connected to Father GOD, glorifying Him. We should not just imitate His actions.

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. - Hebrews 6:11-12

• Am I living a life of faith that others can follow?

• Do I take every opportunity to speak GOD'S Word and share testimonies to build the faith of the hearers?

• The following phrases are seeds of doubt often sown by Christians which hinder simple steps of faith in obedience to the LORD:

 'Just in case’

 'We should be wise also'

 'I don't want to make a fool of myself'

 'I'll wait for a better time'

 'I'd better be careful'

 'You'd better be careful'

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." One of His disciples,
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" - John 6:5-9

   To be a witness is to live a life of faith that others can see, observe and follow. We read about the heroes of faith listed in Chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews. This is the great cloud of witnesses we are exhorted to follow in our faith journey.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2

The Beginning and the End of Faith

   Imagine a cord connecting each man with GOD. This cord represents The LORD JESUS. My end of the cord is faith and GOD's end of the cord is Faithful - Full of Faith. Therefore my faith does not originate from me. It does not originate from Godly people. I cannot inherit it automatically from my Godly parents or ancestors. It originates from the One Who is Faithful (GOD), through the One Who is Faithful (JESUS). When I am connected, I receive faith. The revelation of the Word of GOD through the Holy Spirit brings faith to me and builds the faith in me. My faith journey starts when JESUS enters my life. My faith walk continues through my life on earth and finishes the moment I see Him face to face. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith.

 I had the privilege of growing up in a Godly Christian home with Godly values. Although this gave me a good foundation and prepared my heart, my faith journey began only when I received the LORD JESUS into my heart personally, after repenting of my sin.

Faith as a Mustard Seed

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:19-20

Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? "It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; "but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade." - Mark 4:30-32

   The Word of GOD is like a mustard seed, which when planted into my heart grows into the tree of life and brings forth the fruit of the Spirit in my life. The mustard seed in due time grows into a big tree when sown on good ground and watered. It brings forth much fruit and seed, which in turn have the potential and ability to grow and produce seed. The scope of multiplication is therefore phenomenal! Faith sees the big mustard tree while looking at a tiny mustard seed. Such is the potential in the Word of GOD! When it is believed and obeyed, power is released!

Building up on the Little Faith

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, - Jude 1:20

   Once I have come to faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, I need to walk and grow in this faith. The Word of GOD builds my faith as I walk in obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of JESUS) in me. He opens my spiritual eyes to see beyond the natural to the spiritual, my ears to hear, my mind to understand and my heart to receive His love. When I see a bird with my physical eyes my spiritual eyes will look to my Heavenly Father Who is the source of my provision. This is pro-vision!

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” - Matthew 6:26-30

• Am I taking every opportunity to connect with GOD so that my faith can be strengthened?

Faith and Sight

For we walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7

   I was just over 40 years of age when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medication. The desire to trust GOD and not the medication became strong in me after about 10 years. The confirmation to take the step to put my trust in the LORD was when the following Scripture verse was quickened in me during an evangelistic meeting that I attended:

And He (JESUS) said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go inpeace, and be healed of your affliction." Mark 5:34

   As I believed that GOD had spoken to me from His Word the Bible, I got off the medication that same day. It is more than 7 years since I took this step of faith. Although my faith wavered often and I feared greatly for my life, GOD has proved Himself faithful to His promise. He is not only healing me physically, but continues to teach me many things about my life, making me whole - spirit, soul and body.

   Although the monitor continued to show that my blood pressure levels were high, the Holy Spirit urged and strengthened me not to live according to what I saw, but according to the promise of GOD by faith.

• Do I walk by the medical reports I see or by faith in the word of GOD?

   Caleb’s eyes of faith focussed on the fulfilment of GOD’s promise in possessing the land and not on the giants they had to overcome.

"There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." - Numbers 13:33 

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." - Numbers 13:30 

   David, with his eyes of faith, did not perceive Goliath as a giant but as an
uncircumcised Philistine.

And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders. Now the staff of his spear
was like a weaver's beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him. - 1 Samuel 17:4-7

 Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" - 1 Samuel 17:26

   Elisha’s faith vision saw GOD’s army that his servant couldn’t see.

And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:15-17

Intercession for the Faith of Others

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." - Luke 22:31-32

• As much as I need others to pray for my faith, I should be interceding for those whose faith is being tested.

Testing of the Faith

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. - 1 Peter 1:3-9

Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, - Hebrews 11:35-39

And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." - Luke 17:5

   Like the Apostles, we can also ask the LORD to increase our faith. Most of the apostles were martyred, not being delivered from the sufferings of this life although they lived lives of faith.

Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. - Genesis 15:5-6

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness." - Romans 4:20-22

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." - Genesis 22:1-2 

   Abraham had faith in GOD, believed His promise and fathered Isaac at 100 years of age.

   Abraham had to step up his faith by laying this very gift on the altar in obedience to the LORD. This act not only strengthened the faith of Abraham but also that of Isaac. Abraham received GOD's promise by faith. In due time this promise was fulfilled and his faith became sight. He saw, heard, touched, embraced and loved Isaac. Isaac was not to be the end of Abraham's faith. Abraham had to continue and progress in his faith towards the LORD Who had to be the end of his faith. He had to obey the LORD and actively and purposefully take steps to let go of and lay on the altar this Isaac that used to be his faith. It was as it were, GOD was asking Abraham to put away the finishing point where he had arrived. He had to continue to walk by faith and not by sight. His faith was being stretched and stepped up. He had to let go the lower rung of the ladder to reach higher! 

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." - Romans 1:17

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2

   The fulfilment of GOD's promises and blessings in this life should not be the end of our faith. Our faith has to reach beyond this life until we see JESUS. Such was the faith of the heroes who endured suffering in this life.

• Am I at a point where my faith has been rewarded and has become a reality?

• Is it a job I have been waiting for? A partner? A child? A house? Healing?

• I have to then prepare myself for the higher step of faith that the LORD will soon be leading me onto.

• Am I willing to let go or lay these on the altar if the LORD requires me to?

• This faith journey has to continue to the end of my faith - JESUS - Whom I will see at the end of my life on earth. That will be the salvation of my soul!

   I need to make an effort to lift up my eyes to look to JESUS. I have to fight against my self within myself and against everything that competes for my love and faith that is meant to be anchored in my Saviour alone.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. - 1 John 5:4

   Let us therefore diligently keep this faith that overcomes the world and brings us to victory in CHRIST at the end of our life on earth.

Faith, Grace and Salvation

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, - Ephesians 2:8

Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - Romans 5:1-2

Faith and Justification

Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; ... Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. - Romans 3:22, 28 

Since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. - Romans 3:30-31 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, -Romans 5:1

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, ... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." - Romans 1:5, 17

Faith and Sanctification

'To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' - Acts 26:18

Faith and Love

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:2

 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. - Galatians 5:6 

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, - 1 Timothy 1:5-6

• Is my faith working through love?

Faith and Works

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:15-17

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his  on on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? - James 2: 21-22

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - James 2:26

Faith and Fear

But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" - Mark 4:40

when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:5-7

   Faith and Fear spell thus:-
Fear is the Enemy’s Anchoring Rope; But Faith’s Anchor Is Trust and Hope
   Fear has to be removed from the heart by Faith and replaced with Love.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18 

Faith and Partiality

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. - James 2:1

Unity of the Faith

..Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; - Ephesians 4:3-5

. till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; - Ephesians 4:13

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6:10

• Am I mature in my faith to walk in unity with all believers?

Full of Faith

And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. - Acts 6:5

• Like Stephen, when I am full of the Holy Spirit I am full of faith.

   Imagine a new house built with all the necessary electrical sockets. It is initially dark. It starts lighting up as electric lights are fitted in and put on gradually. Imagine its appearance the day all the electric sockets are plugged in with various bulbs and light fittings and all the lights are switched on! The house will be full of light. Such would be my life when my eyes of faith are completely opened in every aspect of my life and I am full of faith. Then I will be prepared to enter the new Jerusalem!

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. ... The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. - Revelation 21:9-11, 23