Romans 10:17 (HCSV)
“Faith comes by hearing, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
This column is called “Matters of Faith” because it is intended to impress upon it’s readers the impact that faith has in almost every aspect of life. The Bible gives the most succinct definition for the word faith, which is found in Hebrews 11:1. It states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (NKJV). But not everyone really understands what faith is, how to acquire faith, or what it means to have faith.
I looked at Dictionary.com to see how they define faith and if they would explain it from a secular and/or from a non-biblical perspective. Faith is identified as a noun (person, place or thing) then followed by six descriptions for the word. First, it is defined as “the confidence or trust in a person or thing; faith in another’s ability.” Next, “faith is a belief that is not based on proof.” Then it says that faith is a “belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion,” followed by a “belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.” Then “the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.” It ends with “fidelity to one’s promise, oath, allegiance, etc.”
What I found to be interesting is that it’s very difficult to define faith from a secular perspective. I was hoping that my research would uncover a definition from an intellectual viewpoint so that readers would be able to fully internalized and put into practice what followers of the Word have understood since they first believed. What I found, however, is that each definition in Dictionary.com has a direct or inferential reference to God. So I asked myself, “Why am I trying to explain what’s spiritual from a secular perspective?”
Romans 10:17 helps us understand that in order to have a full faith experience, one has to recognize that faith is the result of knowing God. The verse says that faith comes…, it is not generated by the faithful, but comes to the faithful…, because of their trust. Trust is created when one hears the massage of Christ and believes what it says is true. That’s when faith comes to life. Did you get that? When you get to know the Lord, faith comes! It’s a package deal. Faith comes upon us as a gift from God! Unearned and undeserved, but given nonetheless.
The measure of our faith is determined by our willingness to receive Christ, and how freely we follow Him. Faith moves mountains, heals the sick, encourages the discouraged, and becomes a life-changing word for those in our circle of influence.
Do you know what this faith is all about?
Be blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” online at Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen here or by phone at 626-226-1448. Be sure to friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. You can also use the email or call (718) 328-8096 to order Matters of Faith: The Book.
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