In a world where science and the advancements of technology dominate the 21st century American context, the idea of "having faith" almost appears to be going out of style like the radio cassette tape or like a pair of bell-bottoms in a 70's club. Unfortunately, there is this major misconception regarding the definition of what faith really means. For some, faith is believing in something that's unknown, unseen, or uncertain. For others, faith is living life with blindfolds on, and for those who are really heavy into science, faith is an abstract idea that cannot be investigated under a telescope, or provide the necessary evidence for God's existence. The notion of "having faith" just doesn't cut it for many anymore. 

Nevertheless, little do people know that everyone has faith in something whether they believe it or not. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the "evidence" of the things we do not see. To shed some perspective on this particular passage, there are many examples in life people put their faith in without seeing it with their own eyes. For instance, the air we breathe is a perfect example of having faith in something that cannot be seen, and the rising and falling of our chest is the evidence of that air. Another example of faith pertains to the evolutionists who believe in the theory that the world is billions of years old even though they weren't there in the beginning. They trust in their interpretation of the available facts and believe it to be true. Another good example of applied faith can be drawn from people who lived in the past. For instance, many people believe that George Washington was the first president of the United States and a great general even though no one living today was alive to witness him lead this country or do battle. Yet, there exists a great amount of faith that the historical records of George Washington's life, leadership, and presidency are true. 

Well, the same concept applies to Christians who believe and have faith that Jesus Christ really lived, really died, and really rose from the dead on the third day. Christians do not need to see Jesus to believe that He lived and performed everything recorded in the scriptures. Why? Because the Bible (a historical book) along with the extra-biblical historical evidence corroborates his life, his death, and his resurrection, which can be trusted as truth. Furthermore, in the New Testament Jesus told doubting Thomas in John 20:29, "blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed (faith)."

Therefore, having faith is knowing, having faith is trusting, having faith is assurance, having faith is facts, having faith is evidence, and having faith is confidence in something or someone that cannot be seen with the naked eye to be true. In other words, by faith Christians understand that the universe was formed at God's command so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Christians know that Jesus Christ truly lived, truly sacrificed his life on the cross for the forgiveness of sin, and truly left the grave empty appearing to the disciples and the multitudes in his post-resurrected body. And without faith in the evidence of Jesus Christ, it is "IMPOSSIBLE" to please God according to Hebrews 11:6. So, this idea that having faith is weak or having faith is vanity is a misunderstanding of what faith really means. As a matter of fact, having faith is essential in the journey of life, especially the Christian walk because without faith it is "IMPOSSIBLE" to please God, and without faith it is impossible to believe in anything that occurred in the past.  

Therefore, if you are reading this post and are struggling with your faith, remember that faith is facts, not indecisiveness! And just in case you are wondering how a person gains faith, Paul says in Romans 10:17 that faith comes from hearing the message, and that message comes from the Word of God in the Bible, which is given at the Lord's church. And once you hear the Word that is sharper than any two-edge sword, the faith you obtain will be the catalyst to your spiritual action, to your spiritual passion, and to your spiritual works. The Bible says in James 2:26 that just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.

#Time4Truth #FaithisFacts #GotFaith?