Focus: Real Faith

Text: Act.27:25

"For I believe God…"

Real f.a.i.t.h:

1. Feeds on God's Word

Paul says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" - Rom.10:17.

Jesus says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" - Mt.4:4.

Faith constantly and passionately feeds on every word God speaks. Faith has a large appetite and God's word is its daily food.

2. Acts on God's Word

Faith does what God bids and complies with whatever God forbids. The writer of Hebrews notes, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place…obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" - Heb.11:8. Faith acts by obeying the word of God.

3. Involves God

Faith involves God in all its decisions and actions. Eliezar prays, "O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham…" - Gen.24:12ff. Eliezar, Abraham's chief servant, involves God in his journey of finding a wife for Isaac. He prays for God's leading and guidance. Another has said that "whatever you do without God, you either fail miserably or you succeed even more miserably." Faith does nothing, nor takes any steps without God. Faith begins, continues and ends with God.

4. Takes God at His Word

The Word says that Abraham "believed in the LORD…" - Gen.15:7.

Mary says, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" - Lk.1:38. Also, read Rom.4:18-21.

5. Hopes on God's Word to the end

The psalmist says, "My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word… I hope in thy word" - Ps.119:81, 114.

Peter says, "Receiving the END OF YOUR FAITH even the salvation of your souls… Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and HOPE TO THE END for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" - 1Pet.1:9,13.

Amen.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter