## Faith?

## Hebrews 11:1

I. What is Faith?

A. Some people mistakenly define faith as some kind of magical potion or power.

1. They would have us believe that if we could just work up enough of this remarkable substance or feeling,

2. We could do anything.

3. We could heal the sick and raise the dead.

4. We could perform all sorts of amazing feats of wonder.

5. But that isn't faith!

B. Other's think of faith as positive thinking.

1. If I just think good thoughts and positive thoughts, I can change the world.

2. It is all in the mind!

3. But, that isn't faith either!

C. All of these attempts at defining FAITH fall far short of an accurate definition.

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

1. We have always heard that 'seeing is believing' but that isn't true!

2. Faith is believing!

3. Now, we exercise faith all the time in our day-to-day existence.

4. We put the key in the ignition, we flip the switch on the wall, we sit down in the pew, all of this we do without hesitation…why? Because of faith!

5. To have faith in God simply means to believe Him; it is taking God at His Word.

1Jo 5:10-13 "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." a. If we believe the record God has given us about His Son, we have life. b. If we don't believe what God has said about His Son, we make God a liar and we don't have life. c. Saving faith is believing on the Son because we know that what God has said of Him is true.

II. What Kind of Faith Do We Have?

A. Do we have saving Faith?

1. 'Without faith it is impossible to please God.'

2. Without faith in Jesus we cannot be saved.

(John 8:24) "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

3. The Word Of God was written to produce such saving faith.

(John 20:30-31) "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: {31} But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

4. This morning, if you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, I want to invite you do so right now!

5. You don't have to wait…believe in Jesus right now and receive eternal life!

6. Believe in who He is, and what God has said about Him…accept Him as your personal Savior!

Ac 16:30-31 "… Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…"

B. Do we have worshiping faith? v.4

1. Abel is the example of worshiping faith.

2. His faith prompted him to worship in accordance to God's Word.

3. Why don't folks come to church and worship God? Lack of faith.

4. Abel's faithful worship (sacrifice) showed his righteousness (being right with God.)

5. Three kinds of sacrifice is expected from the believer.

a. The sacrifice of praise … the fruit of our lips. (praying and singing)

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

b. The living sacrifice … our bodies.

Ro 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

c. Our gifts or offerings to God and His work are termed as sacrifice

Php 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

6. Abel's faith was a faith that prompted worship according to God's word, is our faith a worshiping faith?

C. Do we have walking faith? v.5-6

1. Enoch walked with God in a day when others were walking away from God.

Ge 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

a. "Walking" has to do with the way we live our lives.

b. This kind of faith lives the way God wants you to live.

c. This kind of faith has the power to form character, and has no fear of death.

2. The word 'translated' used here literally means to be 'transported' or 'carried over'.

3. Enoch was literally 'transported' from this world into heaven. Ex. Star Trek transporter

4. Sometimes we miss some wonderful truths in the Scriptures…note the last phrase in this verse. "…he had this testimony, that he pleased God."

5. 'Without faith it is impossible to please Him'

6. Do we have a faith that walks with God in a world where so many have rejected Him?

D. Do we have working faith? v7

1. What did Noah Do?

2. He believed God.

a. Noah took God at His word.

b. The only proof Noah had of an impending flood was what God told him.

c. Again we see that his faith was founded on God's word.

3. His faith moved him to action.

Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

4. Noah's faith is seen in what he did…he 'Prepared' an ark for the saving of his family from the flood.

5. Does our faith move us to action?

6. Notice: Noah's faith proved to be a great benefit to his family! What about our faith?

E. Do we have willing faith? v8-10

1. By faith Abraham obeyed God's call upon his life.

2. God called him and he responded.

3. Abraham made the right choice; he chose to follow God willingly.

4. His focus was on the future, not the past.

5. He believed God and looked beyond this world!

6. Do we have a willing faith that will listen and heed the call of God upon our lives?

7. Is our focus on the future that God has promised?

What is our need this morning? Do we need to come to Jesus by faith and receive eternal life? Believer, do we believe God? Are we worshiping like we believe Him? Are we walking like we believe Him? Are we working like we believe Him? Are we willing to answer His call today and follow Him?