From the pages of

( A Bible study by brother Tarran Dookie)

Heb.11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

A Christian lives in hope. We hope to dwell in heaven with Jesus someday. However, many will say that we have no evidence that heaven exists. We pray for something and we declare that God has heard and the request will be granted. And someone asks, “ What evidence do you have?” We can offer none that they will accept, for this evidence is not to be seen physically. We know that heaven exists, we know that we have eternal life, we know that God has heard our petitions. This knowing is spiritual and it springs from the touch of God upon us. Therefore, we can enter into the spiritual reality or substance of things hoped for. This hope is a living hope birthed by a living God.

FAITH COMES BY HEARING THE WORD

Rom.10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word.”

Jn.8:30 “As he spake these words, many believed on him.”

Acts 4:4 “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.”

Eph.1:13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”

See also Jn.19:35; Jn.20:30-31; Acts 8:12; Acts 17:10-12.

Faith in the God of the word comes by hearing the word of God. The more we are immersed in the word of God, the more we shall believe God and His promises. The more we study the word, the more shall we know that it is the truth. And it shall set us free. Let us be like Job and esteem the word of God more than our necessary food (Job 23:12).

FAITH COMES FROM GOD

Acts 14:27 “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”

Rom.12:3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Eph.2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

Heb.12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;…”

2Pet.1:1 “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. True faith is the gift of God and not of ourselves. We hear or read the word but God must open our hearts to pay heed to the word and believe it. Oh how we should thank Him that He has chosen us to be believers!

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH

Heb.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.”

Lk.18:8 “….Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

2Cor.5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Heb.4:1-2 “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

See also 1Pet.1:8-9; Jude 20-21.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. It is fundamental doctrine (Hebrew 6:1). We can neither enter into His rest or His promises without faith. Jesus declared it to be one of the weightier matters of the law (Mat.23:23). As the day of the Lord draws closer the faith of some shall become shipwrecked and the Lord laments over the fact that not many will have faith. Brethren, let us have faith and recognise that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE ONE FAITH

Heb.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.”

Is.43:10 “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

Jn.6:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

Jn.14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

1Jn.3:23 “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”

1Cor.2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

1Cor.15:17 “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”

1Jn.4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

Jn.12:36 “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light…”

See also 1Pet.1:21; Jn.9:35-39; Jn.14:9-11; 1Jn.5:10-13; Jn.17:20-21; Col.2:12; 1Pet.1:21; Eph.4:4-6.

We believe in God and that the Father of our Lord Jesus is the only true God. We believe that the Father sent the Son to redeem the lost. We believe in the Son as we do believe in the Father for they are one. Our faith rests in the power of God which He wrought  in Christ by raising Him from the dead. We believe that God loves us for He is love. We believe in the light of the world which is Jesus Christ.

FAITH AND SALVATION

Jn.1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

Jn.3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Acts 16:30-31 “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

1Pet.1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

1Pet.1:8-9 “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

See also Jn.3:36; Jn.5:24; Jn.6:47; Jn.8:24; Jn.11:25; Rom.1:16; Rom.3:23-25; Rom.10:9-10; Eph.2:8.

Faith is essential to salvation. No one can be saved unless he believes in the Son of God. No Christian can continue in his pilgrimage without faith. We must fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. And what is the end of our faith? It is even the salvation of our souls.

FAITH, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE LAW

Gen.15:16 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

Rom.1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Rom.3:20-22 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”

Rom.10:4 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

Rom.10:10-11 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

Gal.2:16,20 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Gal.5:5 “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.”

Ph.3:8-9 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

See also Rom.3:23-31; Rom.4:1-25; Rom.9:30-33; Gal.3:1-14,22-26.

We have been set free from the law of sin and death. The flesh cannot keep the law of God. We in our own strength cannot obey God’s law. But we must live by faith in the Son of God. Christ in us can obey the law of God. May He dwell in our hearts by faith. He is our righteousness. The just shall live by faith.

FAITH AND WORKS

1Th.1:3 “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

2Th.1:11-12 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Js.2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

See also Js.2:14-26.

We may believe we can cross the Jordan but unless we step in we shall not advance. Faith is perfected by works, such works as God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Let each of us be a pattern of good works, being rich in good works. We are not saved by works but we are saved to maintain good works. Let us be zealous of good works for faith without works is dead.

FAITH AND PRAYER

Mk.11:22-24 “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Js.1:6-8 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

See also Mat.21:18-22.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Doubt dishonours God for we are saying that we are not sure that He is able. We must have confidence that God hears our prayers. Of course, sin must not stand in the way. We must come before the throne of grace not wavering but in full assurance of faith.

FAITH AND MIRACLES

Ex.4:30-31 “And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.”

Jn.2:11 “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

Jn.7:31 “And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?”

Mk.16:20 “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

See also Ex.14:31; Jn.2:19-23; Jn.11:45; Acts 9:40-42; Acts 13:12.

Miracles and signs are for the glory of God. Such miracles also quicken the faith of His people. The word of God is confirmed by signs following. Our prayer should be that God would grant us an outpouring of His Spirit that miracles and signs would be done in the name of Jesus so that God is glorified and His word believed in.

FAITH AND HEALING

Mat.9:27-29 “And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.”

Mat.17:19-20 “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus saith unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Acts3:16 “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

Acts 14:8-10 “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.”

See also Mat. 9:18-26; Mk.2:1-12; Mk.9:14-29; Mk.10:46-52; Lk.17:11-19; Acts 3:11-16; Js.5:14-15.

There is healing in the name of Jesus but for that healing to become a reality faith must be released. The person in need of healing must have faith for he is healed according to his faith. The one praying for or laying hands  on another must also have  faith. He has sent His word and healed our disease. Let us have faith in His word that healing may be manifest.

THE POWER OF FAITH

Lk.17:5-6 “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

2Th.1:11-12 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Heb.6:11-12 “And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Faith in God will move mountains. Do not say that you will wait until your faith is great. Put into effect the little faith you have. The faith even small as a grain of mustard seed shall accomplish much.

FAITH AND WARFARE

Eph.6:16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

1Tim.6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

1Pet.5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

1Jn.5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

As we follow the Captain of our salvation, let us bear the shield of faith for through faith we shall overcome the wicked one and all his forces of darkness. Let us endure, let us be strong, let us fight the good fight of faith and the Lord shall reward us.

FAITH AND ACCESS

Eph.3:12 “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

Heb.10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Jesus has made a way and we can enter into God’s presence with confidence. But this access is through faith in God. Let us not hesitate to approach His throne of grace but let us do so with full assurance of faith.

SINCERITY OF FAITH

1Tim.1:5 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.”

1Tim.1:19 “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”

God requires a faith that is unfeigned or sincere. If our faith is pretentious, we will soon be found out. Our faith will be made shipwreck if we are not careful to maintain a good conscience before God.

FAITH AND LOVE

1Cor.13:2,13 “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, and have not charity, I am nothing….And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Gal.5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

Eph.6:23 “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1Th.5:8 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

See also 1Tim.1:14; 2Tim.1:13.

Why is faith considered not to be as great as love? Because faith in God springs from the love of God. His love sent Jesus to die for our sins and by His love our hearts are opened to believe the gospel. Faith is anchored in the love of God.

INCREASE OF FAITH

2Cor.10:15 “Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly.”

2Th.1:3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”

See also Rom.1:8; 1Th.3:9-10; 1Tim.4:6; Jude 20-21.

God desires that our faith towards Him grows. We ought not to remain stagnant in faith. As our faith grows we shall despoil the enemy more and more. Through faith in God we shall not be afraid of the giants.

TESTING OF FAITH

Lk.22:31-32 “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Js.1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

1Pet.1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

The trials and temptations we encounter are for our growth. From time to time God shall test our faith. Let us fix our eyes upon the Lord that our faith fail not. May God strengthen us in faith that we come forth as gold refined unto praise, glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FAITH

Mat.8:5-13             The Centurion

Mat.15:21-28         The Woman of Canaan

Rom.4:16-25          Abraham

Heb.11:1-40           The faith chapter citing the cloud of witnesses.

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