HIS GOODNESS – FAITH

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TEXT: Heb.11:1-6

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

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
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
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INTRO
A lot has been said about faith, which is one of the key or major ingredients in our relationship with God, what is faith? How does faith come and how can I build my faith to the point that I can obtain a good report, blessings and please God? These and many more are the things we intend to consider under the subject of faith this month.
What is Faith?

Faith is confidence in God – Heb.10:35-35
Faith is knowing that God will do what HE says HE would. – Jer.32:27; Lam.3:37
Faith is acting on God’s word –Matth.14:28-29
Faith is what gives substance to hope – Heb.1:1
Faith is a procurer or an obtainer e.g –Abraham –Gen.18:17-19
Good report i.e Divine – Job 1:8, 2:3 –Job approval/commendation – David –Isam.13:14 – Doing all of God’s command
Blessings from God to us – Matth.15:21-28
Gives us insight into God–V3– Acts 10:34-35
Makes our sacrifices acceptance –V5
Life – V6 for us.

Sources of Faith
Not all men have faith – 2Thess.3:2 but God has given to everyone at salvation a measure of faith. – Rom.12:3 and if we act in faith we produce a result (salvation) that pleases God (Heb.11:6) for without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

I want to briefly discus five (5) sources of faith:

The word of God – Gen.15:6,Rom.10:8-17
Principal source
Hearing the word brings and strengthens faith
Heb.4:2 tells us that for the word to produce effect, it must mix with faith in our heart therefore, the word cannot act alone.
Faith needs to be in the heart and mouth for it to be complete. – Rom.4:20; 10:8-17
An Encounter with God– Gen.28:10-18; Exo.3:1-6,John 20:31, Acts 9:1-9
A Divine Revelation – Gen.30:37-40;31:10-13, Acts 27:25
The influence of a Godly Person – Gen.18:19, IITim.1:5; 3:14-15
Impartation – 1Cor.12:9; Gal.5:22

IMPORTANCE OF FAITH

Faith makes the intangible become tangible –James 2:17-18
Faith is honoured and rewarded by God –Heb.11:6
It is faith that makes the grace on our lives to be evident –Eph.2:8-9
Faith guarantees a favourable result – Luk.22:31-32
Faith is a defence or a covering –Eph.6:16
Faith pleases God – Heb.11:6
In faith is contained all the victories and triumph you will ever need IJohn 5:4
Faith always attracts God –Acts 14:8-10
Faith can be contagious and can be seen of you open up –Dan.3:19-30; Mk.5:25-34
Faith makes God famous – Dan.3:26-30
Time and distance are no barrier for faith –Matth.8:5-13
Faith is in our heart, expressed first by our words and then our actions – Mk.9:23, Rom.10:6-10

The word prevailed in Ephesus because the disciples kept talking and speaking the word inspite of opportunity – Acts 19:20
HOW DOES FAITH WORK?

It must be a constant attitude or lifestyle, not just a “life preserver!”Romans 10:17.
It must be unashamedly vocalized. Romans 10:8-10
It must be accompanied by action. James 2:17-20
It must disregard the obstacles. Romans 4:19-21
It will not operate effectively where there is doubt present. Mark 11:23-24 ;Mark 6:4

DEGREES OF FAITH

Little faith – “Why Are You Fearful?” (Battles Fear and Doubts God Constantly)

Disciples in Storm – Matthew 8:26, Peter Walking on Water – Matthew 14:31
Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 6:30

Faith – “Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole” (Needs Immediate Sign or Feeling to Confirm)

Woman with Issue of Blood – Matthew 9:22; Blind Bartimaeus – Mark 10:52

Great Faith – “Go Thy Way” (Believes “Long Distance” – Without Sign or Feeling) – only 2X

Centurion with Sick Servant – Matthew 8:10,13 ; Woman with Demon-Possessed Daughter – Matthew 15:28 28

Dr. Udoh
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