Everyone has faith-the capacity to trust. We don't stay alive long without it. But what we base our faith on is ultimately what makes the difference. The faith I'm talking about here is the faith that turns away from placing our trust in circ.u.mstances or our own abilities, which always fail us. We're saying, "My life goes much better when I place my deepest faith and confidence in a sovereign G.o.d." That's the faith that Jesus invites us to place in Him. That's the faith that is so powerfully ill.u.s.trated by Hebrews 11.

THE PRESCRIPTION OF FAITH.

What does faith mean, exactly? Hebrews 11:1 gives us an excellent definition of faith. I like the New King James Version: New King James Version: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I love those two words- I love those two words- substance substance and and evidence. evidence. They comprise the prescription of faith. Let's look at them. They comprise the prescription of faith. Let's look at them.

First of all, faith is substance faith is substance. Most people don't look at it that way. They look at faith as very ethereal. It's not; faith has substance. We practice such faith often in the physical world. Pick up the phone and call a department store to place an order, and they'll ask for your credit card number. Then they'll probably mail you a receipt. You don't have the product; you only have a receipt. But with it in hand, you wait confidently for the product you ordered to come. That receipt in hand- that's the substance that you hold on to while you wait for the thing that you've ordered.

Same thing with a hotel reservation: They give you a confirmation number, and with that number, you have faith a room is reserved and waiting for you. Or you pay a bill over the Internet. The first time I did that, it was so scary. What's going to happen? The money came out of my account. They gave me this long number with seventy-four digits and said, "This is your order number." As I waited to see if the money I sent made it, I hung on to that number. The number is the substance that I hang on to while I wait to see if the transaction is completed.

Now the spiritual world operates under similar principles. I take a need before G.o.d in prayer. My faith, my active confidence in G.o.d, is the thing that I hold on to while I wait to see how the Lord is going to answer what I've brought before Him. If I have a painful circ.u.mstance in my life and I'm asking G.o.d to change that or to change me, my faith is the substance that I hold while I wait upon G.o.d to do the things that I've asked Him to do. So faith is substance.

Faith is also evidence. The reason that I know the product that I ordered is going to come to my front door is because I've done it before. So I don't feel like a fool every time I walk to my front door and check to see if they have delivered the product yet. I don't feel stupid, or presumptuous, or even silly, because I've done this before and I know how it works. So my past experiences are the evidence that I hold on to while I wait for the doorbell to ring. The reason that I know the product that I ordered is going to come to my front door is because I've done it before. So I don't feel like a fool every time I walk to my front door and check to see if they have delivered the product yet. I don't feel stupid, or presumptuous, or even silly, because I've done this before and I know how it works. So my past experiences are the evidence that I hold on to while I wait for the doorbell to ring.

Now, in the same sense, faith is the evidence that G.o.d is faithful. Did you know that we're not the first people to trust G.o.d? Psalm 90:1 says, "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations." "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations." People have been trusting G.o.d for thousands of years. This is not a foolish thing to do. The fyou wfulness of G.o.d-not just in generations past, but in my own life-provides me with evidence. People have been trusting G.o.d for thousands of years. This is not a foolish thing to do. The fyou wfulness of G.o.d-not just in generations past, but in my own life-provides me with evidence.

I'm sure you can think of specific times and places where G.o.d has come through for you, showing Himself faithful. He has met your needs in the past. That's the evidence of things not yet seen for the future. We know how He works-we've seen it before-so we don't feel foolish waiting upon G.o.d to meet our needs again. Faith is active confidence in G.o.d. Faith is substance and evidence.

STATEMENT OF FAITH.

Faith is so integral to the Christian life that over the years we've boiled it down to a very practical definition. This is our definition of faith: Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d and acting upon it, no matter how I feel, because G.o.d promises a good result. Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d and acting upon it, no matter how I feel, because G.o.d promises a good result.

Let's break that definition down, so you can see how it will work in very practical ways in your life.

Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d.

That word believing believing is not "I hope so" as in, "Wouldn't it be nice if . . ." It's much more than that. Believing is a lot more than just shallow hope. Believing is, "I have all my eggs in that basket. I've got all my dreams in that place. I'm 100 percent in, and I don't have an escape route." That's faith. is not "I hope so" as in, "Wouldn't it be nice if . . ." It's much more than that. Believing is a lot more than just shallow hope. Believing is, "I have all my eggs in that basket. I've got all my dreams in that place. I'm 100 percent in, and I don't have an escape route." That's faith.

But faith is not believing in a vacuum; it's belief based on the Word of G.o.d. belief based on the Word of G.o.d. That's the key. Faith in That's the key. Faith in what? what? My faith is in the Word of G.o.d! I'm not believing the newspaper or the television or my neighbor or my boss. G.o.d wrote a Book! I believe in a G.o.d who wrote a trustworthy Book. My faith is in the Word of G.o.d! I'm not believing the newspaper or the television or my neighbor or my boss. G.o.d wrote a Book! I believe in a G.o.d who wrote a trustworthy Book.

I know the Bible is trustworthy because G.o.d cannot lie. The apostle Paul wrote in t.i.tus 1:2, "In the hope of eternal life, which G.o.d, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago." "In the hope of eternal life, which G.o.d, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago." Think about that: G.o.d cannot lie! Not Think about that: G.o.d cannot lie! Not won't won't lie, like the promises we always hear. Not lie, like the promises we always hear. Not doesn't doesn't lie, as in could but hasn't yet. lie, as in could but hasn't yet. Cannot Cannot lie! Everything G.o.d has said is true, and it will happen exactly as He said. So it's not foolish at all to put your confidence in a G.o.d like that. Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d. You say, "Well, if I lie! Everything G.o.d has said is true, and it will happen exactly as He said. So it's not foolish at all to put your confidence in a G.o.d like that. Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d. You say, "Well, if I think think I believe-is that faith?" Here's how you'll know for sure: I believe-is that faith?" Here's how you'll know for sure: By acting acting upon it. Faith without works is dead. upon it. Faith without works is dead.

Genuine faith always downloads into life. There are all kinds of things that we say say we believe-but must not really believe them because they don't show up in the way we live. A physics professor who was teaching his cla.s.s about pendulums and expended energy decided to prove a point with a demonstration. He had told his students that an untouched pendulum will always swing in an ever-decreasing series of arcs. If you start a pendulum swinging from a certain height, it never swings as high on the return trip. The teacher wrote out the mathematical formula, and he drew the picture for the whole cla.s.s. He asked for questions and encouraged the cla.s.s to tell him if they had any doubts about the principle. Then he asked, "How many people believe that this is actually true-that a pendulum swings in an ever-decreasing series of arcs?" we believe-but must not really believe them because they don't show up in the way we live. A physics professor who was teaching his cla.s.s about pendulums and expended energy decided to prove a point with a demonstration. He had told his students that an untouched pendulum will always swing in an ever-decreasing series of arcs. If you start a pendulum swinging from a certain height, it never swings as high on the return trip. The teacher wrote out the mathematical formula, and he drew the picture for the whole cla.s.s. He asked for questions and encouraged the cla.s.s to tell him if they had any doubts about the principle. Then he asked, "How many people believe that this is actually true-that a pendulum swings in an ever-decreasing series of arcs?"

The cla.s.s responded unanimously, "Oh, we believe that!" "Yes, of course, we believe that."

"Well, that's perfect," said the teacher. "You're now ready for the demonstration." He walked over to a large steel ball hanging from a chain that was attached to one of the ceiling joists and reaching almost to the floor. To one side was an empty chair.

"This is how the demonstration will work," he said. "Someone will sit in this chair. I'll move the ball up to barely touch their chin and then I'm going to let it go. It's going to swing away, down, across the room, and then back toward you. How many people believe that this ball will swing in ever-decreasing series of arcs, so there is no danger of getting hit as it swings back?" They all put their hands up.

"Who will be first to sit in the chair?" Guess how many people sat in the chair? n.o.body. 1 1 Clearly, there's a difference between saying you believe something and really believing it. Clearly, there's a difference between saying you believe something and really believing it.

Now that's a critical point, because it's only when you sit in the chair-it's only when you're willing to put yourself at risk-that faith is active with G.o.d. Only when you come to the place where you say, "I know G.o.d's grace is my only option-I've cut off all other backup plans. I have thrown myself upon G.o.d's mercy."

"Nothing in my hands I bring, only to Your cross I cling," is the way the old hymn writer put it. That's saving faith, and nothing short of that is making it with G.o.d. Faith is how we come to G.o.d and faith is how we grow in Him, too. Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d and acting upon it. The litmus test of genuine faith is "Do I act upon what I say I believe?"

ACTING UPON OUR FAITH MEANS ...

Acting upon our faith will impact every area of life, including our families, our finances, and even our sense of fulfillment. Let's start with the family need. Let's say that you're a wife, and maybe your husband is not a believer. As a follower of Christ, you want more than anything for your home to be centered on G.o.d. Yet your spouse isn't following the Lord. Maybe he goes to church with you sometimes-or maybe never. You're like, "What should I do about this? How should I handle this? How can I influence him?"

G.o.d's Word tells you how to handle it. In 1 Peter 3:15, the Scripture says that the unbelieving husband can be won through the conduct of the wife without her speaking a word. without her speaking a word. Now if you always shove taped sermons at him, give him Christian books to read (even this one), and plead with him to come to church, you are following your own well-meaning plan. But if you follow G.o.d's plan in 1 Peter 3:1, you will Now if you always shove taped sermons at him, give him Christian books to read (even this one), and plead with him to come to church, you are following your own well-meaning plan. But if you follow G.o.d's plan in 1 Peter 3:1, you will "be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives." "be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives."

If you start the evenings with, "You've got to watch this video with me," and continually ha.s.sle him by saying, "When are you going to accept the Lord?" you have a problem, and it isn't your husband. You can say what you want to say about whether you believe the Word of G.o.d, but your actions say that you don't. When we believe the Word of G.o.d and act upon it, that's real faith.

In family matters, an active faith means we will trust G.o.d to work through a wayward child or even an unbelieving spouse. In finances, we will trust G.o.d to meet our daily needs, while giving t.i.thes and offerings; we believe the Scripture that says, "G.o.d is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" "G.o.d is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (2 Corinthians 9:8). (2 Corinthians 9:8).

What about the need for fulfillment? Maybe you're reading this with an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Maybe you're just discouraged about your life and your direction. You're not sure where to turn, and you're not sure what to pursue. What will be the answer for you?

Sadly, many who claim to be Jesus' followers don't turn to Him to meet their deepest life needs. They turn to a particular substance, or relationship. They expect things or experiences to fill that emptiness inside. But that's actually a lack of faith in our Savior who said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). As you pursue the answer to the longings of your heart, faith determines where and to whom you turn. (Matthew 11:28). As you pursue the answer to the longings of your heart, faith determines where and to whom you turn.

Where do you believe the answers to life's deepest perplexities are really found? Faith is believing the Word of G.o.d and acting upon it.

The next phrase in our definition of faith is: no matter how I feel no matter how I feel.

That's critical. Like the woman I just described who wants like anything anything just to talk to her husband about Christ. She's having a hard time believing that she can't be a big part of the solution by telling him some stuff! She feels that she has to say some things or he will never change. But faith discounts how we feel and boldly acts upon the Word of G.o.d. just to talk to her husband about Christ. She's having a hard time believing that she can't be a big part of the solution by telling him some stuff! She feels that she has to say some things or he will never change. But faith discounts how we feel and boldly acts upon the Word of G.o.d.

Maybe you're at a place of real financial hardship, and you feel giving a consistent t.i.the or offering to your church is unrealistic. I can understand the fears that limited funds can bring. When Kathy and I were in Bible college, we didn't have two dimes to rub together. We had $180$200 per week of expenses, and I was making $150 a week as a youth pastor. I can remember writing that little t.i.thing check for $15 and thinking to myself, "What am I doing this for? I'm just getting further behind."

Those were real feelings of fear and frustration, but they were nonsense compared to G.o.d's faithfulness. G.o.d was teaching us some very important lessons about life. I learned that G.o.d is true to His Word and can be trusted to meet all of our needs if, by faith, we choose obedience and refuse to be guided by emotion. Here's the best part of faith: We can act upon our faith, no matter how we feel, because . . .

G.o.d promises a good result.

Here are four questions I've heard from those struggling with faith: -- "Why would I do what G.o.d tells me?"

-- "Why would I wait on G.o.d to bring my husband to Christ?"

-- "Why would I give of my finances when I have so many debts?"

-- "Why would I invest my energies in following hard after the Lord when I feel like my life is so empty and meaningless?"

The answer to each question is the same: Because G.o.d promises a good result. Because G.o.d promises a good result. That's faith-believing the Word of G.o.d and acting upon it no matter how I feel, because G.o.d promises a good result. That's faith-believing the Word of G.o.d and acting upon it no matter how I feel, because G.o.d promises a good result.

THE BIBLE'S GRAND VIEW OF FAITH I have a long-established habit of preaching from one pa.s.sage of Scripture. We go through it carefully; we give attention to the details of G.o.d's Word. But I also know that sometimes it helps to do a flyby of a Bible section to get that sort of overview feel. Sometimes you can study the details of G.o.d's Word in such a way that you can't see the forest for the trees. I'm telling you the forest, in the Bible, is faith. I usually want to walk up to one tree and describe it in detail. In the next few paragraphs, I want you see the flyby-the big picture.

Hebrews 11 offers a great landscape of faith to fly over. That chapter is full of what I call the "redwoods of faith," the giants of the Old Testament. Their lives ill.u.s.trate the prominence of faith. Hebrews 11:23 gets us airborne with a powerful challenge about the way faith looks at everything: "For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of G.o.d, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." "For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of G.o.d, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." Have you ever read a clearer answer to the lie of evolution than that statement, Have you ever read a clearer answer to the lie of evolution than that statement, "What is seen "What is seen [in the universe] [in the universe] was not made out of things which are visible" was not made out of things which are visible" ? ?

Catch a glimpse of the forest of faithful ones!

Now let's enter the forest of faithful ones, as recorded in verses 439. The trees are majestic, and remain as reminders for us of a faithful G.o.d to those who trust Him.

In verses 47, we're reminded of the faith of Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Consider Noah, who "by faith...prepared an ark " " (verse 7). Everybody was laughing at him. "What a fool you are! Dumb boat. What are you going to do with that? You're miles from a lake." Those comments must have hurt, but Noah ignored his feelings (remember, "no matter how I feel") and kept building by faith, because G.o.d had promised a good result. I am sure he became very discouraged at times, but he trusted G.o.d, and kept on keeping on. Verses 831 recount the faith of Abraham, Sarah, and other Old Testament believers, including the prost.i.tute Rahab. Consider the list of these members of the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11: (verse 7). Everybody was laughing at him. "What a fool you are! Dumb boat. What are you going to do with that? You're miles from a lake." Those comments must have hurt, but Noah ignored his feelings (remember, "no matter how I feel") and kept building by faith, because G.o.d had promised a good result. I am sure he became very discouraged at times, but he trusted G.o.d, and kept on keeping on. Verses 831 recount the faith of Abraham, Sarah, and other Old Testament believers, including the prost.i.tute Rahab. Consider the list of these members of the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11: -- "By faith Abraham ...went out, not knowing where he was going" "By faith Abraham ...went out, not knowing where he was going" (verse 8). (verse 8).

-- "By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive" "By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive" (verse 11). (verse 11).

-- "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac" "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac" (verse 17). (verse 17).

-- "By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph" "By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph" (verse 21). (verse 21).

-- "By faith Moses . . . refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter" "By faith Moses . . . refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter" (verse 24). (verse 24).

-- "By faith the walls of Jericho fell" "By faith the walls of Jericho fell" (verse 30). (verse 30).

-- "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish" "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish" (verse 31). (verse 31).

Beginning with verse 32, the author picked up speed in naming those people of G.o.d who were victorious by faith, including, "Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, . . . escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong....All these... gained approval through their faith" "Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, . . . escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong....All these... gained approval through their faith" (verses 3234, 39). (verses 3234, 39).

It's clear the Bible commends and urges faith. The Old Testament word barach barach is translated is translated trust. trust. When you see When you see trust trust in the Old Testament, that's the equivalent of in the Old Testament, that's the equivalent of faith faith in the New Testament. The word for in the New Testament. The word for trust trust ( ( believe believe or or be faithful be faithful ) is found more than three hundred times in the New Testament. ) is found more than three hundred times in the New Testament.

For example, let's look briefly at the gospel of Matthew. As we do a "flyover" of Matthew, notice the prominent way that faith faith serves as the message of Scripture. Every good thing that G.o.d brings to us comes through the funnel of faith. Look at these quick references from the first of four Gospels: serves as the message of Scripture. Every good thing that G.o.d brings to us comes through the funnel of faith. Look at these quick references from the first of four Gospels: -- Matthew 6. Matthew 6. Jesus teaches His followers that their lives should not be marked by anxiety nor concern about the matters of life but by faith in the G.o.d who provides for every need. Jesus teaches His followers that their lives should not be marked by anxiety nor concern about the matters of life but by faith in the G.o.d who provides for every need.

-- Matthew 8. Matthew 8. Jesus heals a leper who exhibits faith in Him. Jesus heals a leper who exhibits faith in Him. "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean" "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean" (verse 2). What a great prayer! In the same chapter, Jesus heals the servant of a centurion and marvels at the soldier's expression of faith: (verse 2). What a great prayer! In the same chapter, Jesus heals the servant of a centurion and marvels at the soldier's expression of faith: "I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel" "I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel" (verse 10). Later, Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith in the midst of a great storm: (verse 10). Later, Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith in the midst of a great storm: "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" (verse 26). (verse 26).

-- Matthew 9. Matthew 9. Seeing the faith of a paralytic and his friends, Jesus heals the man and forgives his sins. A little later, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years touches Jesus' cloak in faith and Jesus heals her instantly and says to her, Seeing the faith of a paralytic and his friends, Jesus heals the man and forgives his sins. A little later, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years touches Jesus' cloak in faith and Jesus heals her instantly and says to her, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well" "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well" (verse 22). (verse 22).

-- Matthew 13 Matthew 13. Jesus returns to His hometown but does not do many miracles there becaue of the people's unbelief.

-- Matthew 14 Matthew 14. Seeing Jesus walking on the sea, Peter gets out of the boat and walks toward Him. Then he starts to get frightened, and he sinks down. The Lord questions his faith and says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (verse 31). (verse 31).

-- Matthew 15 Matthew 15. A Canaanite woman implores Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus answers her request, saying to her, "O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish" "O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish" (verse 28). (verse 28).

-- Matthew 16 Matthew 16. The disciples quietly discuss their lack of bread. Jesus questions their faith, saying again, "'You men of little faith'" "'You men of little faith'" (verse 8). (verse 8).

-- Matthew 17 Matthew 17. The disciples are unable to cast a demon out of a young man. Jesus informs them that the reason they cannot is because of the little-ness of their faith.

-- Matthew 21 Matthew 21. Jesus causes a fig tree to wither all at once and tells His disciples that they will be able to do even greater things "'if you have faith and do not doubt'" "'if you have faith and do not doubt'" (verse 21). (verse 21).

CAN YOU SEE IT?.

The message of faith permeates the New Testament; it's somewhere on every page and in every story. Every step with G.o.d is a step of faith. Every lesson learned is a lesson of faith. Every victory won is a victory by faith. That's the prominence of faith in the New Testament. It's on that basis that I say this: Faith is not a part of the Christian life. Faith is not a part of the Christian life.

Say what? That's right; faith is not a part of the Christian life. It's not like patience and kindness or other character traits. It's not one part among many other a.s.sorted components that may or may not be lacking in our lives at any one time. It's not like teaching or showing compa.s.sion or ministering or other Christian activities. It's not like worship or prayer or meditation or other actions that we take toward G.o.d. Those are all parts.

Faith, however, is not a part of the Christian life; it's the whole thing. it's the whole thing. Let me repeat that: Let me repeat that: Faith is not a part of the Christian life; it's the whole thing.

The Christian life is a life of faith. Genuine believers trust G.o.d and exercise active confidence in G.o.d. They believe the Word of G.o.d and act upon it no matter how they feel, because G.o.d promises a good result. When I'm doing that, I'm going forward in a phenomenal way spiritually. When I'm not doing that, I'm backing up and losing ground and falling away from Him.

THE LOVE QUESTION.

When I say that faith is the whole thing, Christians will often reply, "Well, what about love? I thought love was the whole thing." Usually they're thinking of or even refer to 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Now abide faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" "Now abide faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (NKJV). (NKJV).

If you study the context of 1 Corinthians 13:13, it is talking about the greatest element in our relationships with people. Love is the greatest thing relationally-the greatest thing as we would seek to impact and influence others. In that sense-as it relates to influencing others-love is greater than faith. But keep in mind that love builds on the foundation of faith. We can't even begin to love as Christians until we believe-until faith in Christ has bridged the gap between us and G.o.d. So in this way-as it relates to our basic relationship to G.o.d-faith is the greatest thing. The book of 1 John makes it very clear that if you say that you have a relationship with G.o.d, that you love G.o.d, but you don't love other people, you're lying (see especially 2:9; 4:20). So in reality, love for others flows out of our relationship with G.o.d.

No doubt about it. Faith is the greatest. That's whyy, "Faith is not a part of the Christian life; it's the whole thing." That's why Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please [G.o.d.]" "Without faith it is impossible to please [G.o.d.]" That's why the cry of the Reformation was That's why the cry of the Reformation was sola fide sola fide , "by faith alone." Every good thing that G.o.d wants to bring to our lives comes through faith. , "by faith alone." Every good thing that G.o.d wants to bring to our lives comes through faith.

BEYOND PRESCRIPTION AND PROMINENCE-POWER!

The last two verses of Hebrews 11 talk about the power of faith. the power of faith. We've defined faith and discovered its prominence in Scripture. Now we need to see faith's power. Hebrews 11:39 says, We've defined faith and discovered its prominence in Scripture. Now we need to see faith's power. Hebrews 11:39 says, "All these "All these [the people he's just listed], [the people he's just listed], having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised." having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised." In other words, they didn't understand the gospel the way we do. Verse 40 goes on, In other words, they didn't understand the gospel the way we do. Verse 40 goes on, "because G.o.d had provided something better for us." "because G.o.d had provided something better for us." We know about the Cross; we understand what Jesus did. The Cross had to happen, and the salvation G.o.d accomplished there covered all humanity past, present, and future. We know about the Cross; we understand what Jesus did. The Cross had to happen, and the salvation G.o.d accomplished there covered all humanity past, present, and future.

The Old Testament believers looked forward to something by faith. We look back to something by faith. For them it was a promise; for us, what Christ did in dying and rising again and paying the penalty for our forgiveness is an established fact. Faith allowed all those people to be converted to G.o.d before the Cross. It allows all of us to be redeemed by looking back. Faith is a powerful force!

In fact, 1 John 5:4 says, "This is the victory that has overcome the world-." "This is the victory that has overcome the world-." What is it? What is it? "-our faith." "-our faith." That's a great verse-one you want to get on the tip of your tongue. That's a great verse-one you want to get on the tip of your tongue.

How on earth does faith give us victory?

The apostle John had it right: "Faith is the victory." When I look at what I see, I am filled with doubt. But when I disregard what I see and focus my thoughts on a G.o.d who has promised to ultimately triumph; a G.o.d who said, "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19), my small circ.u.mstances suddenly fit into a much bigger picture! Faith trusts a G.o.d who has promised to balance all the books of justice. (Romans 12:19), my small circ.u.mstances suddenly fit into a much bigger picture! Faith trusts a G.o.d who has promised to balance all the books of justice.

Maybe you're carrying a hurt or an injury or an injustice with you right now. Our faith is in a G.o.d who says, "I see that. I know that. You just sit still for a moment. Flip a few pages on your calendar by faith. I'll be on the scene, and I'll take care of that." So we wait on G.o.d by faith. Faith Faith is the victory. It's not man's ingenuity, or argumentation. Ultimate victory in this world comes by faith. is the victory. It's not man's ingenuity, or argumentation. Ultimate victory in this world comes by faith.

Regardless of our political persuasion, we saw immense cracks in the integrity of American leaders and some of their supporters during the presidential election of 2000. We could easily despair when we see the immense capacity of human nature to organize opinions around what they want to be true. Whether one yearned for George W. Bush or Al Gore to become the forty-third American president, we saw rational people, including senators, congressional representatives, and lawyers on both sides, organize the facts around what they wanted to be true.

That's the deceptiveness and the deceitfulness of the human heart. That's why we need a Book that wakes us up and makes us say, "Forget about what I think and forget about what you think. What does G.o.d have to say about that?" As I watched the controversy over the Florida presidential vote unfold on the television news day after day, it became really depressing. I mean, there is just no way you can walk in victory looking at that. You have to have another place to put your eyes. Our eyes are upon the Lord, and His eyes are upon us! The Republican candidate eventually won, but the election of President Bush is not the answer, anyway. The answer is not in political victories or power. If we put our eggs in that basket, we're going to be disappointed. Instead, pick up your hopes and lay them before the Lord. G.o.d is the One whom we're trusting. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. There is no other way.

HOW TO BUILD YOUR FAITH: WITH THE WORD, A WITNESS, AND A WALK.

How many people would say that our land is the land of promise? As great as it is, it isn't our eternal homeland! Don't live like a citizen; live like an alien. Our citizenship and hopes are elsewhere. Abraham "lived as an alien in the land of promise . . . looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is G.o.d" "lived as an alien in the land of promise . . . looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is G.o.d" (Hebrews 11:910). Like Abraham, we should also look to the city whose maker and builder is G.o.d. (Hebrews 11:910). Like Abraham, we should also look to the city whose maker and builder is G.o.d.

Here's a practical, three-step plan for building your faith. First, study the Word; that is how you . . .

Cultivate your faith.

Paul pointed out that "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). That's what grows your faith: the Word of Christ-His holy Scriptures. If we could stick a spiritual thermometer under your tongue and measure the level of your faith, the thing that would cause your faith-temperature to go up measurably is the minutes and hours and days that you've spent with your nose in G.o.d's Word. "Well, my faith is very low right now, and my heart is cold towards G.o.d," you say. Then I know something else about you too; you haven't been in the Word. Faith grows by hearing the Word of G.o.d. (Romans 10:17). That's what grows your faith: the Word of Christ-His holy Scriptures. If we could stick a spiritual thermometer under your tongue and measure the level of your faith, the thing that would cause your faith-temperature to go up measurably is the minutes and hours and days that you've spent with your nose in G.o.d's Word. "Well, my faith is very low right now, and my heart is cold towards G.o.d," you say. Then I know something else about you too; you haven't been in the Word. Faith grows by hearing the Word of G.o.d.

It's discouraging to me sometimes when I hear people say, "James, I wish I had your faith." Actually, I have thought the same about others, but there is no mystery about how to close the gap we perceive between our faith and that of others. Log more time in G.o.d's Book! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of G.o.d. Is this a difficult concept? I don't think so. If I find myself Thursday morning filled with anxiety and trouble and "What's going to happen?" kinds of thoughts, I must remember that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of G.o.d. You can cultivate your faith.

I spoke recently at Chicago's Moody Bible Inst.i.tute during their spiritual enrichment week. I didn't know the students at all, but the campus auditorium was filled with young people. I spoke on Jonah and went home the first day kind of discouraged. I didn't think the students were all that open and receptive. But I went back the next day, opened the Scriptures again, and saw its power begin to change hearts. The third morning, in Jonah 3, I pointed to the principles of continuous revival.

During those three days of extended exposure to the Word of G.o.d, their faith and spiritual focus seemed to build. So I told the MBI president, Joe Stowell, "I think we should have a special meeting, one that hasn't been planned." He was great with that, so we invited the students-anyone who wanted to come. I didn't know if fifteen or twenty would come, but almost five hundred students came back that third night.

I brought our church worship team and spoke on repentance, again sowing the Word of G.o.d into their lives. At the end, we gave an invitation, and almost every student came forward and got on his or her face before G.o.d. It was phenomenal and G.o.d was working powerfully!

Where did all of that come from? To what can you attribute their incredible responsiveness and humility? "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ." As the Word of G.o.d is sown increasingly into our lives, we find our faith growing and flourishing. If your spiritual diet for the whole week consists of what you take in each Sunday, don't be confused about the lack of faith. You're starving yourself iritually!

Second, have a witness; that is, Confess your faith.

Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord..." "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord..." There is great power in what we say from the heart. G.o.d wants what's in us to come out. That's why Paul asked the Ephesians (6:1920), There is great power in what we say from the heart. G.o.d wants what's in us to come out. That's why Paul asked the Ephesians (6:1920), "Pray on my behalf that . . . I speak boldly, as I ought to speak." "Pray on my behalf that . . . I speak boldly, as I ought to speak." If you want your faith to grow, confess your faith. Throughout church history, the power of confessing faith was understood, and so they recorded their beliefs in creeds. Everyone would say those creeds aloud as part of corporate worship. Somehow this has been lost in the modern church, and we need to get back to this, confessing our faith. There is power in confessing your faith in the church-as well as to the world outside. If you want your faith to grow, confess your faith. Throughout church history, the power of confessing faith was understood, and so they recorded their beliefs in creeds. Everyone would say those creeds aloud as part of corporate worship. Somehow this has been lost in the modern church, and we need to get back to this, confessing our faith. There is power in confessing your faith in the church-as well as to the world outside.

Have you ever had an experience where you were somewhat discouraged spiritually until all of a sudden G.o.d gave you an opportunity to speak for Him and share your faith? So you opened your mouth and spoke about Christ and what He means to you! Then as you walked away, you realized how much it fired you up to speak for Christ. Why? Because when we confess our faith to others and say, "Christ means so much to me," and "I'm trusting the Lord in this situation," our own faith grows. Jim Cymbala, pastor of New York's Brooklyn Tabernacle and author of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, is such an encouragement to me. Recently we were talking on the phone about faith. I picked up a little line and recalled how many hundreds of times he has said this to me, "Let's just believe G.o.d for that." is such an encouragement to me. Recently we were talking on the phone about faith. I picked up a little line and recalled how many hundreds of times he has said this to me, "Let's just believe G.o.d for that."

I would say, "Well, what about . . . ?"

"Let's just believe G.o.d for that," he would answer. He was gently pointing me to faith as the answer. There is such power in speaking out, "I'm trusting the Lord. I'm waiting on G.o.d. I'm believing G.o.d for that!" Confess your faith.

Third, walk daily in your faith; that is . . .

Corner your faith.

Someone has said that we should live our lives in such a way that if G.o.d is not who He said He is, we'll fall flat on our face. I would encourage you, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit-not testing or presuming upon Him (Matthew 4:37)-to look for opportunities to trust G.o.d. Choose to live your life in such a way that G.o.d has to come through for you. Make decisions that will cultivate and build your faith during tough times.

During a recent visit to my alma mater, Trinity Seminary, I listened to John Piper, a Minneapolis pastor I greatly respect, speak to fellow pastors. He talked about suffering and how we need to trust G.o.d during suffering.