“Practicing Biblical Faith with Truth” Faith – Family – Finances - Freedom Heb 11 & Selected Cross Creek Community Church, Pastor Dave Martin – Nov 1, 2015

Guatemalan mission team

Introduction: Faith: (Webster’s dictionary) - A confident belief or trust in a person, idea, or thing… Whereas true Bible faith is steadfast, faithful, confident trust/belief/faith in God with obedience to His Word in spite of circumstances and consequences.

Two Types of Faith… Jn 3:3,6; 1Co 2:14; Eph 2:8-9 1.Natural Faith… Comes by natural birth – Everyone

Two Types of Faith… Jn 3:3,6; 1Co 2:14; Eph 2:8-9 1.Natural Faith… Comes by natural birth – Everyone 2.Spiritual Faith… Comes by spiritual birth – Only Saved John 3:3,6 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again… " John 3:3,6 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again… 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. "

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

I. Biblical Faith is critically important

Belief —acceptance of facts supported by evidence. John 20:31 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Trust —confidence in the object of faith. John 1:12 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--

Action —personal involvement. James 2:17 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

I. Biblical Faith is critically important Your eternal destiny rests upon Jesus Christ, John 3:16-18; 10:6  Know what you believe.  Believe what you know.  Know who you believe.

II. Biblical Faith is based upon God’s Word Hebrews 11:1-2 1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. nlt

II. Biblical Faith is based upon God’s Word  “Confidence” – Substance, to stand under, to support… Foundation Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen;

II. Biblical Faith is based upon God’s Word  “Assurance” – Inward conviction… God will do what He… Promised …it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

II. Biblical Faith is based upon God’s Word  “Reputation” – God’s divine approval is manifested… Testimony 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

Romans 5:1-2 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 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.

III. Biblical Faith involves a Growth Process 2 Cor. 10:15b “… Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand,”

A foremost researcher J.W. Fowler, states the activity of “faithing” comes through one’s community… Consisting of three parts: the person themselves, their church, and the object of church’s faith: GOD J.W. Fowler, “Faith development”

Stage One: Simple Faith… childlike saving faith, “faith as a grain of mustard seed”…

Stage Two: Identification Faith… connects with church body, begin to learn, believe and apply…

Stage Three: Dependent Faith… learns and accepts doctrine, yet still depends on others…

Stage Four: Internalization Faith… realizes they are ultimately responsible for their spiritual growth…

Stage Five: Sustaining Faith… People keep on keeping on, “standing firm in the faith” no matter what

IV. Practicing Biblical Faith… In Trials Jam 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

IV. Practicing Biblical Faith… In Serving James 2: Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

IV. Practicing Biblical Faith… In Decisions Romans 14:23 23 … and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

IV. Practicing Biblical Faith… In Pleasing God Hebrews 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Make application to what I know!