Our family made a decision to go without television for sixteen days beginning February 24.  This was prompted by one of our church families who does this annually adding an additional day each year.  One of the primary reasons for doing this was to create more quality family time and personal spiritual time.  I will let you know how it goes in the days ahead.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is…”

Faith is one of the most important and foundational words in Christianity.

“And now abideth faith, hope, and charity…” 1 Corinthians 13:13

The word faith is used 247 times in 231 verses in the King James Bible.  I find it interesting that It is only found twice in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 32:20, Habakkuk 2:4) and while It is used throughout the New Testament it is not found in the Gospel of John, 2 John, or 3 John.  It is used one time in 1 John 5:4.

• The use of the word “faith” in Habakkuk 2:4 in very important.  It is found in the phrase “the just shall live by faith.”  This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; and Hebrews 10:38.  These passages are key and foundational verses in each of these letters.
• Even though the word “faith” is found only once in the Apostle John’s writings, its use in 1 John 5:4 is also fundamental. John says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

FAITH is FOUNDATIONAL because without it…

• There is no Spiritual Life
• There is no Hope
• There is no true Love
• There is no Trust in God or God’s Word

We are SAVED by FAITH – Ephesians 2:8

We are to LIVE by FAITH – Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38

We can only PLEASE God by FAITH – Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

By FAITH we SEE – Hebrews 11:1,3

By FAITH we UNDERSTAND – Hebrews 11:3

FAITH DEFINED…

Faith involves trust and belief in someone and/or something.

Faith involves acceptance that something said or done is truthful or true.

Faith is the exercise of an assured reliance in/on the character, ability, strength, and truth of the one true God.