Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. ROMANS 4:1-5 NLT

God wants me to have faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. HEBREWS 11:6 NIV

The atheist on earth demands that God prove himself to be real. The God of heaven demands that you have faith that he is real.

What is faith?

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. HEBREWS 11:1 & 11:3 NIV

In Greek, the word Faith is pistis (Πίστις) and can be translated as…

Trust

Jesus said… “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. JOHN 14:1 NLT

Why would God want you to trust him? All real relationships are based on trust.

Faithfulness/loyalty

If we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself. 2 TIMOTHY 2:13 ESV

Belief

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” ROMANS 4:3 ESV

God wants me to know my faith is real

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. JAMES 2:19 NLT

How do I learn if my faith is real?

God proves our faith through…

– Testing: What happens to me

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son. HEBREWS 11:17 NIV

What is a test?

1. A way of discovering, by questions or practical activities, what someone knows.

We don’t like to give tests because it exposes children to failure in a subject, and because of this we have destined an entire generation to be failures in life.

2. A medical examination of part of your body in order to find out how healthy it is or what is happening with it. 23 and me-

3. An act of using something to find out if it is working correctly or how effective it is.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 PETER 4:12 NIV

– Works: What God is doing through me

How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” JAMES 2:20-23 NLT

Faith is opposed to earning, but not effort.

Faith is like love. If you truly love someone, you show it through your actions.

God is willing to help me with my faith

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” MARK 9:23-24 NIV

Explore the When In Rome Series

Why We Need Romans

How to Live for Christ in a Culture That Doesn’t

The True Power of Faith

Living in Denial

Are We Getting Sex Wrong?

Rejecting God

A Better Exchange

How to Survive Cancel Culture

Does a Loving God Judge?

Have You Been Blinded?

How to Fix What’s Wrong in My Life

What Does God Want from Me?

How to Find Hope in Hardship

Good Friday at Home

Understanding the Beauty of Baptism

Will You Get Into Heaven?

What Do You Need to Change?

Finding Power to Live Better

Does God Care About Pain?

Dealing with a Distracted Mind

The Power of Real Love

How God’s Election Can Heal Racial Tension

How God Heals Anxiety

How to Overcome Discouragement

How to Have the Life Everyone Wants

How to Live the Christian Life

How to Love my Country (Without Losing my Mind)

How to Overcome Your Enemy

How to Find My Gifts

How to Live an Honorable Life

How to Love Your Neighbor

How to Stop Judging Others

How to Approach Controversial Issues

How to Care for Others

How To Bless Others

Why Christians Remember the Crucifixion of Jesus