Isaiah 40: 29-31

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Faith In God

I.                Introduction

Faith is a confidence or trust in a person or thing. Some people say that faith is blind because it is a belief that is not based on proof. The world views faith as a belief in anything, as a code of ethics, or standards of merit. There are many types of faith. You can have faith in the one true God, faith in other gods, faith in men, or faith in evidence and the physical world.

II.                Bible Verses on Faith

A.     What is the Bibles definition of faith?

i.                    Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

ii.                  Romans 4:22-25 (Phi) This was the "faith" which was counted unto him for righteousness. Now this counting of faith for righteousness was not recorded simply for Abraham's credit, but as a divine principle which should apply to us as well. Faith is to be reckoned as righteousness to us also, who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered to death for our sins and raised again to secure our justification.

B.     How do you get faith?

i.                    Romans 10:17 (NIV) Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

ii.                   Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

C.     Why do we need faith?

i.                     Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And 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 seek Him.

ii.                   Ephesians 6:16 (Phi) Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you.

iii.                  Romans 5: 1-5 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

III.             Quotes on Faith

A.     “Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

B.    “ I would rather err on the side of faith than on the side of doubt.” - Robert Schuller

C.     “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." -Saint Augustine

D.     “Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understande at the time." -Oswald Chambers

E.      “When walking through the "valley of shadows," remember, a shadow is cast by a Light.” - H. K. Barclay

IV.             Conclusion

Faith is much more than just a belief in something you can not see. It measures up to being the only way we can please God, and have any hope for the future. Even the world admits that faith is essential for us to continue each day. Faith is not knowing where you are going, but going full speed ahead anyway hoping for the best. It helps us get through good times and bad. Faith is the only way we can have a relationship with God, because we can not see Him, we have to merely believe He is there and that He will take care of us.