FaithFaith

1 of 3 main important virtues (1 Cor 13:13)

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

DefinitionDefinition It is not something that you are born born

inin or something that you just believebelieve or even claim that you believe in God.

Faith is how you livelive your life. Faith is tested by your fruits, “You will know them by their fruits” Mt 7:16

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

Faith is beyond senses or intellectbeyond senses or intellect. It requires a simple and humble heart. One accepts without investigation or argument like children.

DefinitionDefinitionAll Unseen Matters God and His qualities and works: God is

unseen, so can’t see His divinity. Believer does not let his eyes or mind determine conclusion.

You believe in His goodness and choice. The timing of God Dwelling of the Spirit and His work in us:

we see the fruits of the Spirit. The grace of God in our lives God’s blessings Faith in angels, spirits, Heaven and hell. Second coming of Christ Salvation Sacraments

DefinitionDefinition Tightrope walker

If you don’t live it, you don’t believe it (Paul Harvey)

ExamplesExamples Noah Abraham Moses Joshua David Daniel & 3 youths Susanna Peter Centurion Bleeding woman

VersesVerses Mt 8:10 “I have not found such great faith, not even

in Israel”

Mt 9:29 “According to your faith, let it be to you”

So many “Your faith has made you well”

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

Eph 6:16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Js 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

SayingsSayingsFaith is like radar that sees through the

fog.  - Corrie Ten Boom,

Fear knocked at the door.  Faith answered.  And lo, no one was there. – Author unknown

To me faith means not worrying.  ~John Dewey

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.  ~Martin Luther King Jr.

What weakens our faith1) Self – must deny yourself, “If anyone

desires to come after Me, let him deny himself” (Mt 16:4). Deny your will, wishes, passions, ideas and desires.

2) Seeing and still not believing (Pharisees)3) Need to be logical4) Associate with doubtful people5) Weak personality6) Fear (Pontius Pilate)7) Love of the world8) Outer circumstances9) Satan’s misleading (false messages)10) Doubt and blame

What strengthens our faith1. Confidence in God’s qualities

a) God is a doer of goodb) God is our fatherc) God can do anythingd) God is perfect in His judgment

2. Confidence in God’s timing (Abraham)3. Look unto God, not circumstance (David

and Goliath)4. Stories of faith5. Humility (accept that you are not in control)6. Personal Experiences 7. Give God all the credit8. Prayer that God increases your faith9. Faith comes from hearing (Rom 10:17)

What strengthens our faith