I hear much about faith that has nothing to do with faith. We are immersed in too many “faith preachers” and “faith healers” who misuse and abuse the biblical term. Their view of faith is more presumptive and arrogant than it is biblical. They tell people who are not healed that they just don’t have enough faith. They ask you to exercise faith by sending them money. If they had faith, would they need to ask for seed faith gifts and donations?
The best book on faith I ever read was written by Ron Dunn. It is the most biblical and balanced of all the books I have dealing with faith. You can get a copy of his book through his website www.rondunn.com. It is a must-read if you want to understand biblical faith. Manley Beasley said it was the best book on faith written in the last 100 years. Manley was the greatest man of faith I ever met, and I totally trust his judgment and recommendation.
Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, referenced “that which is lacking in your faith.” Do you find something lacking in your faith? Do you have trouble believing God? Why is it we have faith to sit down in a chair we’ve never sat in, but we don’t have faith to trust God for daily bread?
• True faith leads to the life of rest (Hebrews 4:3). Believing is rest. A life that struggles is evidence of an underdeveloped faith.
• True faith is filled with joy (1 Peter 1:8). As I walk by faith I find joy in living, regardless of circumstances.
• True faith is hopeful (Galatians 5:5; Hebrews 11:1). Faith and hope are not the same, but they are inseparable. Those who walk by faith are not pessimists. They may go through dark valleys and difficult times, but they have an eternal and heavenly outlook.
• True faith is loving (Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:6). You can’t separate faith and love.
• True faith is practical (James 2:26). It’s not theoretical. If someone says they are living by faith, there will be fruit that will bear witness to that profession.
• True faith is patient (2 Timothy 3:10; Hebrews 6:12). Real, biblical faith will remove impatience. We must know how to trust God and wait on His timing.
• True faith is victorious (1 John 5:4). This is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith has its basis in our victorious Christ.
• True faith is verbal (2 Corinthians 4:13). We believe, and therefore we speak. Faith is confessional. Faith is bold, not timid.
How biblical is your faith?
“Why is it we have faith to sit down in a chair we’ve never sat in, but we don’t have faith to trust God for daily bread?”
That’ll preach – tomorrow in fact!
Thanks, brutha!
Good Morning Michael: I much appreciate this blog. On July 19th my wife and I were getting dressed to go to Sunday School and Church. I felt pains in my shoulders and had her drive me to the local hospital. It turns out I had a heart attack and needed three stents put in. Two on the right side of my heart and one on the left. Prior the the operation, my wife and I prayed, faith believing,that no heart damage occured. Praise God, no heart damage. I consider that an act of faith. I too am sick and tired of these “so called faith healers.” Send me 100.00 and I will send you a prayer cloth. Nonsense, I say. A bunch of legalized thieves taking advantage of poor people. Wes Allard – Mansfield, Texas.