We value...taking steps of FAITH trusting in the character, guidance and Word of God.
(Hebrews 11:1-6; James 2:14-26.)
Faith asserts a certainty of trust in God’s promises. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” (Heb. 11:1). Faith is more than intellectual belief in Christian teachings. Rather, it also includes a total commitment of a person’s whole life to Jesus Christ as Lord (Mt. 7:21; Rom. 10:10, 1 Sam. 16:7). Through faith in Christ’s life, death and resurrection, we can be made right before God and live empowered by God’s Spirit (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1,2; Phil. 3:9).
Biblical faith expresses itself in decision-making and taking action; this glorifies God (James 2:14-26). All we do is to be by faith, because without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6; 3:12; Rom. 14:23). Faith also rests on Christ’s completed work, not on our own works (Eph. 2:8,9; Heb. 4:10).
Prayers to God should be in faith for what we or others need (Matt. 21:22; James 1:6). Faith is spiritual sight which recognizes that God acts on our behalf even when we don’t perceive it with our physical senses. (2 Ki. 6:8-17). Faith is strengthened through intake of the Word of God and persevering through adversity (John 20:31, Rom. 10:17; 1 Pe. 1:7).