Faith is not primarily a feeling.

Faith is not a magic combination where if we do the right things the right ways enough times, then we can manipulate God.

There is something wrong with me.

There is something wrong with God.

Biblical faith starts with God and is based on the trustworthiness and the reliability of God as described in Scripture.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 

Faith is the confidence that Jesus is who he said he is, and he will do everything he promises to do.

Genesis 15:2–5

But Abram said, “. . . “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars. . .So shall your offspring be.” 

Genesis 15:6

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. 

Acts 16:31

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved

Romans 8:1

There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus

Romans 8:28

God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God 

Genesis 15:6

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. 

2 Corinthians 5:21

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 

Growing in your faith will force you to be vulnerable where you have to learn to rely on God as your provider instead of leaning on your own strength and resources.

Genesis 16:2

So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” 

Genesis 16:5

Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! 

Genesis 17:17-19

Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?” 

So Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” 

God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants 

Genesis 18:11–15

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? . . .  14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? . . . ” 

1. When God makes a promise, we don’t determine the timing or the method through which God will deliver his promise.
2. When acting in Biblical faith, we take the next obedient step God gives us, whether we understand it or not, because we believe God.
3. Sin does not have to disqualify us from God’s plan. 

Faith is life lived assuming that what God is in character He will perform in concrete.

--E. Stanley Jones

“God asks us”

“God showed up.”