Real Faith

Bill Brinkworth

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Many claim to have faith, but few do. Faith is important because it is necessary to please God.
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Examples of Faith:

That the best of Abel's flock and sacrificing his future was better than an easy gift.
Hebrews 1:4 "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."
That Noah heard God and knew that God’s promise would come true.
Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."
That God would honor Abraham’s faith.
Hebrews 11:17 "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,"
That God would honor Jacob's desire.
Hebrews 11:21 "By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff."
That God would keep his promise to Joseph.
Hebrews 11:22 "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones."

You need faith to:

Be saved
Be faithful – to keep reading your Bible, going to church, praying, soul-winning, serving – because there APPEARS to be no one making you do so and there is not always an immediate response.
Be obedient – There APPEARS to be no one making you do right.
Be confident of your future – It takes faith to believe there is a future with God in Heaven or to know that Christians are the victors.
Be confident that the past is the past – that God made the Earth) and that our sins are under the blood if we are saved.

February 13, 1999