Faith 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.”

Definition born inbelieve  It is not something that you are born in or something that you just believe or even claim that you believe in God. live  Faith is how you live your life. Faith is tested by your fruits, “You will know them by their fruits” Mt 7:16 things not seen  “Now faith is substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Heb 11:1 beyond senses or intellect  Faith is beyond senses or intellect. It requires a simple and humble heart. One accepts without investigation or argument like children.

Definition All 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

Definition  Tightrope walker  If you don’t live it, you don’t believe it (Paul Harvey)

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

Verses  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.

Sayings Faith 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 faith 1)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 logical 4)Associate with doubtful people 5)Weak personality 6)Fear (Pontius Pilate) 7)Love of the world 8)Outer circumstances 9)Satan’s misleading (false messages) 10)Doubt and blame

What strengthens our faith 1.Confidence in God’s qualities a)God is a doer of good b)God is our father c)God can do anything d)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 faith 5.Humility (accept that you are not in control) 6.Personal Experiences 7.Give God all the credit 8.Prayer that God increases your faith 9.Faith comes from hearing (Rom 10:17)

What strengthens our faith