The Reality of Faith

faith can be compared to a baby

although it is invisible at first, it is still very much real.

Naturally speaking, the seed of man produces a child of flesh

Spiritually speaking, The seed of God’s Word produces a child of faith

like a child, faith can see, hear, talk, and walk

what faith is

basics

birth

on the breast – in the house always

Faith is not a Fantasy

· like a new baby, a woman may not even know she is pregnant, but that does not change the fact that she is a mother, even though she cannot yet see the baby. Her baby is not a fantasy, but a reality.

· likewise, faith is real, even though we may not see the results immediately

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Faith is not fiction

· or make believe

· faith is not an Alternate reality

· faith is not a coping mechanism for weak people – or a crutch for the simpletons,

· faith is not a made-up story for the weak minded

· faith is not a figment of the imagination of the childish or immature

· Sermons on faith at church are not to be compared to “story time” at the local library where naïve children are entertained about mythical creatures in a land of make believe.

Faith is not a Fad

· of the 80s

· the faith movement is not a cult comprised of a bunch of weirdos.

· Faith is not a box on shelf to pull down in case of need - Or glass broken in case of fire

Faith is real

– sanctification

· God is a faith God

· God created the universe – by faith

Hebrews 11:3 NLT

3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

· Faith will put food on the table

· Change the Drs report

· Fill the coffers and empty the coffins

A living faith is based on a living Word

Word is alive- faith is based on the Word, so it should be alive as well

Faith is Mandatory

Faith is Not Optional

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

God demands faith of us.

Now, if God demands that we have faith when it is impossible for us to have faith, then we have a right to challenge His justice. But if God places in our hands the means whereby faith can be produced, then the responsibility is up to us as to whether we have faith or not.

Faith is Given by God

each one has been given the measure of faith

Romans 12:3 NLT

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

faith has different parts that work together, like a baby

the parts of faith may not be fully developed, but they are there!

Faith Sees the Invisible HAND of God

The EYES of Faith

The eyes of faith see the invisible God

Jesus is not an imaginary friend; He is an invisiblefriend!

John 20:29 NLT

29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Colossians 1:15 NLT

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,

Faith Hears the Inaudible Voice of God

The EARS of Faith

Romans 10:17 NLT

17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Romans 4:17 NLT

17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.

Faith Speaks with the Word of God

says what Jesus says – until it sees it – until the situation changes

even if it takes weeks

we believe, therefore we speak

Romans 10:8 NLT

8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:

Faith Beats with the HEART of God

The HEART of faith – receives salvation

Romans 10:10 NLT

10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Faith Grabs the PROMISE of God

pulls the future into the present

I believe it and I receive it!

I have it now! – even before I see it

Mark 11:24 NLT

24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.

Faith Walks the PATH of God

The FEET of faith – goes where God leads, even if it seems contrary to natural reasoning.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT

7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.

Faith is final - salvation

John 3:18 NLT

18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

Mark 16:16 NLT

16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

Saved by faith

Eternity hangs on faith in Christ.

Believe and be saved

Believe not and be damned

How is your faith life?

· Are you living by your own means or by faith?

· Faith is to be a living integral and continual part your life

Faith is a means not and end

· even though God rewards the faithful!

· Lifestyle - no just increase my lifestyle

· To get what I want but to be what He wants.

· Faith is not to be used selfishly but selflessly

· Believe to receive- to give

· Faith for blessings- to be a blessing.

· Not a vending machine or buffet for my four.

· Receive by faith to give by faith

· Sow by faith, harvest by Faith, to have more seed to sow by faith