In our thinking we tend to limit faith to mere belief. But the King James Version of the Bible defines it as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). This is the rather poetic-sounding definition that many Christians can quote. But what does it really mean in simple modern English that we can fully understand? It certainly is more far reaching than just belief in something but do we really comprehend this scripture so that faith can be operating effectively in our lives as God intends?

The more modern English translation of the Greek word translated in the KJV as substance is the word confidence. Thus, faith is having the confidence or the assurance that what we are hoping for will actually come to pass. By faith we believe in God, we accept Jesus as Lord and we are confident that the result will be eternal life. By faith we believe that the Word of God is Truth and we are confident that the promises it contains will come to pass. In addition, this particular Greek word conveys a sense of ownership. So we can say that faith involves taking ownership over the things we are hoping for before we actually receive them. It is a knowing, a certainty, that God will bring to pass what we are hoping for.

The use of the word evidence in the second part of this passage is synonymous with the words proof or conviction. Therefore, the scripture says that our faith is itself the proof that what we are hoping for is already a reality even though it does not appear to be so to our physical senses. By faith we have the conviction, we are convinced, that what we are hoping for is reality before we actually receive it.

In short, the meaning of faith is the act of trusting in God. We trust in His Word, we trust in what He has promised, we trust that what He tells us will come to pass in the natural, we trust that He will only cause goodness and blessing to come into our lives, we trust that soon by our faith we will come to enjoy the fullness of biblical prosperity. The Word says so and we believe it is already true even though we can’t see it or touch it. You are debt free even though you may have outstanding balances on your credit cards. You are healed even though your physical body is fighting and resisting symptoms of illness. By faith you stand in agreement with what the Word of God says even though what you see in the natural is in disagreement with it. Which of these is your reality today: what the Word says or what you see in the natural? Do you walk by faith or only by what you can see?

Faith also involves acting on what we believe. The Bible says to be a doer of the Word (James 1:22) and that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Another way to say this is that your faith will not be effective, that is it won’t function properly, unless there is corresponding action. Your faith is confirmed by what you do. If you believe that Jesus is Lord then you can’t continue to live like you belong to the World. If the Word says you are prosperous then you can’t continue to speak and act as though you are in poverty and lack. Faith requires “stepping out” and trusting through your actions and speech that God will provide as He has promised.

Although we tend not to think of it this way, faith is also a force. The truth is our faith overcomes the world (1 John 5:4); it is not a passive emotion or feeling. It is a power force! Faith can cause situations in your life to change. It can cause prosperity to manifest. It can change your body and your health. It is a spiritual force that can activate the power of God in your life sufficient to accomplish what seems impossible in the natural. Faith can overcome any trial or tribulation you are facing and make it seem unimportant. It can completely change your perspective about anything. Indeed, faith is a force to be reckoned with.

Nevertheless, as we have discussed in previous issues of this series, we must keep in mind that faith won’t be able to do any of these great things unless it comes through love (1 Corinthians 13:2). We won’t be able to overcome anything important without love. But faith with love and with works will inevitably produce biblical prosperity. You can be confident that this is true because the Word of God says so.

The Bible says to put your trust in God and His Word and you will be established and successful. (2 Chronicles 20:20). The person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and live without fear or anxiety (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Your faith will justify you so you can live in peace with God (Romans 5:1) and in victory over the World (1 John 5:4). So in the context of this series we reach the following new Law of Biblical Prosperity for you to consider: In order to experience the manifestation of biblical prosperity, you must walk in faith.

Walking in faith means to live by faith. Most of us go through the details of life and give little thought to the involvement of the Lord. But He wants to be involved in everything. He wants you to trust Him for everything. Therefore, Christians by and large need to give much greater attention to what faith really is and where it resides in their personal lives. We need to examine everything we do and where necessary redirect whatever is not going through faith. If it’s not going through faith, it’s not pleasing to God and the reward of biblical prosperity can’t manifest.

In the next issue of PLN we will talk about how we obtain faith and make it grow. In short, it’s a gift from God. If you are a Believer, if you are one who is trusting Christ for salvation, your faith is itself the proof that you believe you are special to God. But many of us need to learn more about the power our faith can release. We can’t let our faith stop at salvation. God has much more for us to do, more for us to accomplish for the Kingdom of God that requires a strong and growing faith. God bless you and thanks for reading Prosperous Life Newsletter today.

If you have never invited Jesus to become the Lord of your life, you can do so today by saying the following simple prayer: Jesus I believe in you and I receive you as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for my sins and come into my life today.

If you were sincere as you prayed this prayer, God has already come into your life and you are a new creation. Congratulations! Now ask the Lord to lead you to a bible teaching church where you can be developed to fulfill your potential in the Kingdom of God. And please send us an e-mail advising your decision so we can rejoice with you in our prayers. If you’re unable to find a church, give us a call and we’ll try to help you find a good one.

It would bless us to have an opportunity to answer your questions concerning any of the financial areas covered by this ministry. We would also be happy to consider your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to e-mail them to us or give us a call anytime during normal business hours at our toll free number 1-800-357-4223.

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