Living by Faith
Scripture says; but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to YHWH must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Finding out what Scripture says about faith is very important. If we want to know how YAH defines faith we will have to go to the Word of YAH. If we want to have true faith, we have to search the word of YAH and see what it tells us true faith is. Faith is necessary to please YHWH Hebrews 11:6.
If we want to please YAH we need to know faith that pleases YHWH.
Faith is a gift of YAH
Faith is necessary for salvation; for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and not of yourself; it is the gift of Yahuah, not of works lest anyone should boast Ephesians 2:8. If we want to spend eternity with YAH we need to know about the faith that saves us from our sins. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. John 8:24, we must have faith.
Abraham the Father of Faith
YHWH told Abraham that his covenant was with him and asked him to walk perfect before him. YHWH appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty Yahuah; walk before me, and be thou perfect… 4. As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations5. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations 6. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be YAH to you and your descendants after you Genesis 17:1, 4-7
The scripture explains that since Yahuah already found Abraham with faith, he made the covenant with Abraham making him the Father of Faith. 9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that Faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also. Romans 4:9-11
Abraham did not consider his own inability, but the promise of YHWH. 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of YAH through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to Yahuah, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:19-21
Abraham trusted the word of YAH about the seed of his son Isaac. So, he did not hesitate to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called." Hebrews 11:17-18
We see that Abraham acted upon every promise of YHWH by obedience; even when it came to sacrifice his only loving son. The faith of Abraham was to inherit the eternal kingdom, but not for the things of this world. "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Elohim." Hebrews 11:10
Our faith must be like the faith of Abraham if we want to be the children of Abraham in faith. "They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Yahusha said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39
Faith in Yahusha
The bible talks about our faith in Yahusha, YHWH raised Yahusha from the dead and made him Messiah and Savior. 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that Yahuah has made this Yahusha, whom you crucified, both Savior and Messiah.” Acts 2:36
So, our faith should acknowledge the lordship of Yahusha to obey his commandments. Then, the obedient believers will be sanctified by their faith in Yahusha, which is the obedience to his commandments. Then, they will receive the inheritance in the kingdom of YAH. 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of haSatan to YAH, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." Acts 26:18
Yahusha endured the cross, despised his shame and he became the author of faith. 2 looking unto Yahusha, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the tree, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of YHWH. Hebrews 12:2
Yahusha being the author of salvation as well as the author of our faith, He calls us to follow his life of sufferings to sit in his throne. 21 For to this you were called, because Yahusha also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1 Peter 2:21
This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:11
Object of Faith
The Bible teaches that the object of faith is YHWH and His Son Yahusha above all else. Yahusha said: "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in Yahuah, believe also in me" John 14:1. We are not to put our faith in that which is false 23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Messiah!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it Matthew 24:23, 26. Unless our faith is in Yahuah and His Son, we do not have the right kind of faith.
Substance of Faith
Scripture teaches that the substance of faith is belief; a complete trust, assurance or confidence. There is no fear; As soon as Yahusha heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe. Mark 5:36
But when Yahusha heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well Luke 8:50 or doubt; For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:23-24 in faith. Unless our faith is complete trust, we do not have the right kind of faith. Faith is not grounded in subjective feelings. "But these are written that ye may believe that Yahusha." John 20:31.
Fruit of Faith
The Bible teaches that the fruit of faith is active obedience to YAH's word. Faith is not just a mental thought; it is a mental thought that leads a person to act, to work, to obey. Unless our faith produces active obedience to YAH's word, we do not have the right kind of faith.
Faith leads to unity and proclaiming the gospel. "But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak" 2 Corinthians 4:13.
"Because to you if hath been granted in the behalf of Yahusha, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for in his behalf" Philippians 1:29.
Unless our faith leads to unity, proclamation and persecution, we do not have the right kind of faith.
The Reward of Faith
Our faith results in eternal life (salvation) given to us by Yahusha. "For YHWH so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life" John 3:16.
Eternal life with our YAH is our first and greatest reward, but the reward also must expand into growth in relationship with Yahusha, receiving and operating in the gifts of the Spirit, receiving or believing for Healing, receiving and believing for our daily needs to be meet and believing for the promises of YAH here on this earth all of which require faith. Faith is an absolute requirement for answered prayer.
A Lack of Real Faith
People often say, I lack faith, I do not feel the presence of YHWH or His power in my life. Do you lack faith to believe YAH causes all things to work together for good to those who love YAH, to those who are called according to His purpose? Romans 8:28
Scripture says that you need not lack faith in any of these areas! However, Scripture says that most people, in the age preceding Yahusha's Return, will not have sufficient faith to confidently claim any of these or other promises from YAH's Word!
This world is in trouble. Problems are escalating everywhere on our planet. The Return of Yahusha is imminent. This event will only occur after certain catastrophic events have taken place. Catastrophic weather will cause havoc on civilizations around the globe, Wars, famines, disease epidemics, religious confusion and economic upheaval al must happen prior to his return.
When Yahusha spoke about our time, he asked, "When the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8.
Is it possible that true faith could be completely gone from earth at Yahusha's Second Coming? "It is clear that many Americans do not know their Bible, 60 % of Americans cannot name half of the Ten Commandments and 63 % can't name the four gospels of the New Testament. 81% percent believe that 'God helps those who help themselves' is a direct quote from the Bible.
This lack of knowledge and faith in the word of YHWH is the single greatest reason why there is so little genuine faith is to be found. But Yahusha said that He would build His body and He promised that it would never be destroyed Matthew 16:18.
YAH's true Body will have people that have true faith according to Scriptural definition and will ensure that there will be people that will be found to have true faith when Yahusha returns.
We must establish another important point relating to the life of all true believers. Real faith comes from the Spirit of YAH; it is a fruit of the Ruach ha Kodesh. No one can have it, or even be a true believer without YHWH's Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.
What Faith Is
Hebrews 11 has often been called the "faith" chapter. It describes many of YAH's greatest servants and how their faith enabled them to perform great acts and miracles or to endure severe trials. Hebrews 11:1 is probably the most concise definition of faith found in Scripture. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The New Testament was written in Hebrew, so it is best to understand what faith is through Hebrew definitions.
Faith Is Substance
The Greek word for “substance" is”hypostasis" and it means: "A setting under or support (foundation), assurance, confidence, confident expectation, an assured impression and a mental realizing
The derived meaning is "that which has real existence, the basic essence, the actual reality, the substance of something." It is a condition of the human heart that is as real to YAH as the thing we asked for will be to us when we receive it. It is the exact image of the thing for which we ask (hupostasis is translated "image" in Hebrews 1:3). When we receive what we have prayed for the image is replaced by the actuality.
Faith is a thing
The Greek word used here for “things” is pragma, which is where we get our English word “pragmatic.” It refers to things which are under consideration, things which have been, or are being accomplished
Faith is Hope
The Greek word for hope is elpis: which meansexpectation... mixed with confidence
Faith Is Evidence
The Greek word translated "evidence" is elegchos, which means proof or conviction." And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him 1 John 5:14-15.
The existence of the YHWH kind of faith in the human heart is the evidence that what we have prayed for exists. Faith, based on the Word of YAH, is the evidence, not what we see or don't see, not good or bad circumstances. Faith is not based on human feeling but rather it is based squarely on the fact of what YAH says. The evidence is not found in the feeling, rational, visible or sense realm.
Faith involves evidence in the following way. Real faith, in any promise made by YAH, is actually the evidence. It is the belief that is the evidence. If YAH promises to do something, it is impossible for Him to lie? Hebrews 6:18.
Your evidence that He will perform it is the very unwavering faith that you hold. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is…the evidence." If you have true faith, you do not need to search for the evidence, you already possess it!
Just as faith is the substance or underlying reality of the promises of YAH which we expect to see fulfilled, faith also makes evident or obvious to our spirit the things which we cannot yet see in the natural. Faith is able to make it obvious to us on the spiritual level because faith is itself a spiritual matter. Faith is a "spiritual substance" on the inside of you that can grows as the Bible tells us that we have all been given a certain "measure of faith" by YAH in which to work with. Here is the verse that will give us this specific revelation:
"... Yahuah has dealt to each one a Measure of Faith. Romans 12:3.
Scripture says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains! Since the mustard seed is one of the smallest of all seeds this means that we only need is a very small amount of faith to please YHWH and move YAH’s hand in your life.
YAH has given each one of us a certain "measure of faith." Otherwise we would not be able to get saved, as Scripture specifically tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. Your faith can literally grow in the Lord over time.
We are bound to thank YAH always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your FAITH grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Faith is knowing and that knowledge is based on evidence leading to confidence or conviction. But Scriptural faith is more than that, there is another element. Faith is not just knowing, it is also acting. Scriptural faith is a confidence so strong that it results in action. You're willing to act based on that belief, that faith. Faith is knowledge in action. It is active trust in the truth.
Knowledge of the truth in YAH's Word brings faith. Faith believes what the word of YAH or voice of YAH said without wavering. Our faith is based upon the truth in YAH's Word. Thus, knowing what YAH's Word has to say about something gives us the ability to believe it. Our faith is based upon YAH's Word.
How to Increase Your Faith
Faith comes from the Spirit of YHWH, by hearing the Word of YAH. Now here is how your faith is built up and increased over time. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of YAH Romans 10:17
"Hearing" means that the Word of YAH is entering into your mind either through "reading" Scripture or "hearing" someone preaches or teaches about Scripture. Eitherway, the Word of YAH is entering into your mind where you receive it.
This is why Scripture says that your faith will grow by hearing the Word of YAH. In other words, your faith will grow as you continue to increase your knowledge about Yahusha, through the study of Scripture.
When you are hearing the Word of YAH, you are increasing your knowledge about YAH and that is what will cause the Ruach ha Kodesh to raise your faith to higher levels.
What Faith Is Not
Faith is not mere human hope! Faith is based on the Word of YAH alone. Human hope is based on wishful thinking or desire, rather than on the Word of YAH. Doubt and hope raise the question, "What shall I do?" Faith says, "It is done!" The common phrase, "I am hoping and praying" is scripturally incorrect. "I have prayed and believe" is more scriptural. Faith is not a psychological attitude. Mere positive thinking may have some good results, but it is not Biblical faith. Faith is not based on mere sensory perception or human reasoning. We live by faith, not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7
Yahusha had Real Faith
Yahusha had tremendous faith and was filled with YHWH's Spirit; It gave Him tremendous understanding of the importance of faith through the power of the Ruach ha Kodesh. This is why He said, "I can of Mine own Self do nothing" John 5:30.
"The Father that dwells in Me, He does the works" John 14:10.
It was through the power of YHWH's Spirit in Him that Yahusha accomplished everything that He did. He understood completely that it was only the presence of the Ruach ha Kodesh in Him that allowed Him to perform miracles. He perfectly exercised the fruit of faith present in Him because of the Ruach ha Kodesh. He had no doubt and complete faith as needed to endure all he was to face through His sacrifice as Savior of the world.
The apostles performed mighty miracles before and after Yahusha's Resurrection and through the power of real faith, believer can also do amazing things just as Yahusha did!
Yahusha said, "He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" John 14:12.
The Faith in Yahusha Most people think that they must "work up" faith through human effort. They see it as something from within that they can WILL themselves into possessing. This is not scriptural and is not how we gain Faith. You can have the exact same faith that Yahusha possessed, not only can you, but you must!
Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Yahusha, even we have believed in Yahusha, so that we may be justified by faith in Yahusha and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. Galatians 2:16.
This is an extremely important verse. It differentiates two vital points. First, it states that "we believe[d] in Yahusha", this is something we must do. Second, it is the faith of Yahusha; Yahusha’s actual faith that is placed in us, is what justifies us (makes us righteous). Faith starts with human belief, but must quickly move to the real faith of Yahusha, which enters a person at the moment of baptism and conversion with the receiving of YHWH's Spirit.
Scripture describes a certain temporary human faith that many people have. In the New Testament, when Yahusha healed people, none of them were converted. Yet, He sometimes told them, "Your faith has made you whole" Matthew 9:22 or "according to your faith be it unto you" Matthew 9:20. These people lacked YHWH's Spirit but they did have a temporary human faith that allowed Yahusha to heal them.
It is this growth from human faith to the faith of Yahusha that Paul referred to when he said "the righteousness of Yahuah is revealed from faith [human] to faith [of YAH in us]" For in it the righteousness of YHWH is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17.
This elevated faith continues to increase as we grow in relationship with Yahusha the Messiah through studying the Word of YAH and faith in its promises. Human faith wavers continually according to how one feels at any given moment in time. When events seem positive or look good, human faith is up. When things look bad and the outcome of a matter appears gloomy, human faith fades. YAH's faith is constant and does not waver.
Faith is not merely something you only use during moments of crisis, when "things aren't going well." faith is not just for the "bad times" it is full-time! Faith is completely inseparable from the spiritual and physical issues you face in your daily life as a believer.
He requires that all who come to Him in prayer, with requests, to "not waver." He considers all who waver to be unstable in everything they do, and says that they will receive nothing from Him James. 1:6-8.
The Fight of Faith
Paul told Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life" 1 Timothy 6:12.
Faith is more than a battle; it is a war that all believers fight throughout their lives! And it is not an easy war, won by victory in a single battle; it involves many battles and constant faith in the one who gives us victory.
Jude tells all believers, Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3.
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of YHWH and the faith of Yahusha. Revelation 14:12.
There is a reason why this verse joins patience, commandment keeping and the faith of Yahusha. They are inseparable. Believers are able to keep the commandments, but only through the faith of Yahusha. It takes patience to do this throughout a lifetime and is exactly what true believers must continually do.
Living by Faith
"The just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4 This is a powerful statement about faith as a way of life! It is faith that guides individuals through life. Yahuah has always taught that His true servants must have real faith.
"Now the just shall live by faith." Hebrews 10:38. Note the definition of faith immediately follows in Hebrews 11:1.
Faith is trusting in Yahuah, Lack of faith doubts YAH. There are three truths concerning Scriptural faith. When you combine these three truths, we can operate in mountain moving faith!
In Mark 9, there was a boy that had an unclean spirit, such a strong unclean spirit that even Yahusha's disciples couldn't cast him out. They regularly cast out demons, but for some reason, when they reached this case, they were unable to cast it out:
And one in the crowd answered Him, "Teacher, I brought you my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it." Mark 9:17-18
Now Yahusha had given His disciples authority over all powers of the enemy, so they clearly did not lack authority to drive out that unclean spirit: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Luke 10:19
So what did the disciples lack? Clearly they didn't lack authority! What they lacked was faith in their authority: He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me. Mark 9:19
When they asked Yahusha why they were unable to cast out the spirit, He told them they lacked faith!
19 Then the disciples came to Yahusha privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Yahusha said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:19-20
We need to believe YAH’s promises! If He said we shall cast out demons, then it means He has given us the authority to drive out those evil spirits! If He's said we are healed in Yahusha' name, then it is YAH’s will for us to be healed and we just need the Faith to believe what he has promised us already, we need to start trusting the word of YAH and believe it!
Yahusha said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Mark 9:23
The word believe means to trust. Yahusha was telling His disciples that all things (referring to the promises of YAH) are possible for them who will trust YAH for them (believe).
How can you believe something that you do not know? You can't. That's why it's important to know what the Word of YAH has to say, so that we can believe it. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of YAH" Romans 10:17
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
Faith works through love, True faith comes from being rooted and grounded in love so that your faith will operate through love. Scripture tells us clearly that all believers should be rooted and grounded in the love of Yahusha, if we want to experience the fullness of YHWH. that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Yahusha may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all believers what is the width and length and depth and height 19 to know the love of Yahusha, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of Yahuah. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Ephesians 3:16-20
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Conclusion
Faith is not hope even though we all have a measure of faith and hope. Faith is how we receive those things we hope for. Faith is not sight; Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Faith can only operate in the realm of the invisible concerning those things we hope for and do not yet see. Faith cannot exist in the visible realm, until the things we hope for are manifested to our sight, then faith, the invisible "substance," having done its work, is recognized by the visible substance, the things we hope for and then the image (faith) is fulfilled.
So, let us have faith in YAH to inherit the kingdom of heaven. Then YAH will give us the kingdom with pleasure. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom Luke 12:32.
YAH requires obedience and faith to inherit the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is free for those who obey YAH's word in faith.
Finding out what Scripture says about faith is very important. If we want to know how YAH defines faith we will have to go to the Word of YAH. If we want to have true faith, we have to search the word of YAH and see what it tells us true faith is. Faith is necessary to please YHWH Hebrews 11:6.
If we want to please YAH we need to know faith that pleases YHWH.
Faith is a gift of YAH
Faith is necessary for salvation; for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and not of yourself; it is the gift of Yahuah, not of works lest anyone should boast Ephesians 2:8. If we want to spend eternity with YAH we need to know about the faith that saves us from our sins. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. John 8:24, we must have faith.
Abraham the Father of Faith
YHWH told Abraham that his covenant was with him and asked him to walk perfect before him. YHWH appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty Yahuah; walk before me, and be thou perfect… 4. As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations5. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations 6. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be YAH to you and your descendants after you Genesis 17:1, 4-7
The scripture explains that since Yahuah already found Abraham with faith, he made the covenant with Abraham making him the Father of Faith. 9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that Faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also. Romans 4:9-11
Abraham did not consider his own inability, but the promise of YHWH. 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of YAH through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to Yahuah, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:19-21
Abraham trusted the word of YAH about the seed of his son Isaac. So, he did not hesitate to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called." Hebrews 11:17-18
We see that Abraham acted upon every promise of YHWH by obedience; even when it came to sacrifice his only loving son. The faith of Abraham was to inherit the eternal kingdom, but not for the things of this world. "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Elohim." Hebrews 11:10
Our faith must be like the faith of Abraham if we want to be the children of Abraham in faith. "They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Yahusha said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39
Faith in Yahusha
The bible talks about our faith in Yahusha, YHWH raised Yahusha from the dead and made him Messiah and Savior. 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that Yahuah has made this Yahusha, whom you crucified, both Savior and Messiah.” Acts 2:36
So, our faith should acknowledge the lordship of Yahusha to obey his commandments. Then, the obedient believers will be sanctified by their faith in Yahusha, which is the obedience to his commandments. Then, they will receive the inheritance in the kingdom of YAH. 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of haSatan to YAH, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." Acts 26:18
Yahusha endured the cross, despised his shame and he became the author of faith. 2 looking unto Yahusha, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the tree, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of YHWH. Hebrews 12:2
Yahusha being the author of salvation as well as the author of our faith, He calls us to follow his life of sufferings to sit in his throne. 21 For to this you were called, because Yahusha also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1 Peter 2:21
This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:11
Object of Faith
The Bible teaches that the object of faith is YHWH and His Son Yahusha above all else. Yahusha said: "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in Yahuah, believe also in me" John 14:1. We are not to put our faith in that which is false 23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Messiah!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it Matthew 24:23, 26. Unless our faith is in Yahuah and His Son, we do not have the right kind of faith.
Substance of Faith
Scripture teaches that the substance of faith is belief; a complete trust, assurance or confidence. There is no fear; As soon as Yahusha heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe. Mark 5:36
But when Yahusha heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well Luke 8:50 or doubt; For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:23-24 in faith. Unless our faith is complete trust, we do not have the right kind of faith. Faith is not grounded in subjective feelings. "But these are written that ye may believe that Yahusha." John 20:31.
Fruit of Faith
The Bible teaches that the fruit of faith is active obedience to YAH's word. Faith is not just a mental thought; it is a mental thought that leads a person to act, to work, to obey. Unless our faith produces active obedience to YAH's word, we do not have the right kind of faith.
Faith leads to unity and proclaiming the gospel. "But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak" 2 Corinthians 4:13.
"Because to you if hath been granted in the behalf of Yahusha, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for in his behalf" Philippians 1:29.
Unless our faith leads to unity, proclamation and persecution, we do not have the right kind of faith.
The Reward of Faith
Our faith results in eternal life (salvation) given to us by Yahusha. "For YHWH so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life" John 3:16.
Eternal life with our YAH is our first and greatest reward, but the reward also must expand into growth in relationship with Yahusha, receiving and operating in the gifts of the Spirit, receiving or believing for Healing, receiving and believing for our daily needs to be meet and believing for the promises of YAH here on this earth all of which require faith. Faith is an absolute requirement for answered prayer.
A Lack of Real Faith
People often say, I lack faith, I do not feel the presence of YHWH or His power in my life. Do you lack faith to believe YAH causes all things to work together for good to those who love YAH, to those who are called according to His purpose? Romans 8:28
Scripture says that you need not lack faith in any of these areas! However, Scripture says that most people, in the age preceding Yahusha's Return, will not have sufficient faith to confidently claim any of these or other promises from YAH's Word!
This world is in trouble. Problems are escalating everywhere on our planet. The Return of Yahusha is imminent. This event will only occur after certain catastrophic events have taken place. Catastrophic weather will cause havoc on civilizations around the globe, Wars, famines, disease epidemics, religious confusion and economic upheaval al must happen prior to his return.
When Yahusha spoke about our time, he asked, "When the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8.
Is it possible that true faith could be completely gone from earth at Yahusha's Second Coming? "It is clear that many Americans do not know their Bible, 60 % of Americans cannot name half of the Ten Commandments and 63 % can't name the four gospels of the New Testament. 81% percent believe that 'God helps those who help themselves' is a direct quote from the Bible.
This lack of knowledge and faith in the word of YHWH is the single greatest reason why there is so little genuine faith is to be found. But Yahusha said that He would build His body and He promised that it would never be destroyed Matthew 16:18.
YAH's true Body will have people that have true faith according to Scriptural definition and will ensure that there will be people that will be found to have true faith when Yahusha returns.
We must establish another important point relating to the life of all true believers. Real faith comes from the Spirit of YAH; it is a fruit of the Ruach ha Kodesh. No one can have it, or even be a true believer without YHWH's Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.
What Faith Is
Hebrews 11 has often been called the "faith" chapter. It describes many of YAH's greatest servants and how their faith enabled them to perform great acts and miracles or to endure severe trials. Hebrews 11:1 is probably the most concise definition of faith found in Scripture. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The New Testament was written in Hebrew, so it is best to understand what faith is through Hebrew definitions.
Faith Is Substance
The Greek word for “substance" is”hypostasis" and it means: "A setting under or support (foundation), assurance, confidence, confident expectation, an assured impression and a mental realizing
The derived meaning is "that which has real existence, the basic essence, the actual reality, the substance of something." It is a condition of the human heart that is as real to YAH as the thing we asked for will be to us when we receive it. It is the exact image of the thing for which we ask (hupostasis is translated "image" in Hebrews 1:3). When we receive what we have prayed for the image is replaced by the actuality.
Faith is a thing
The Greek word used here for “things” is pragma, which is where we get our English word “pragmatic.” It refers to things which are under consideration, things which have been, or are being accomplished
Faith is Hope
The Greek word for hope is elpis: which meansexpectation... mixed with confidence
Faith Is Evidence
The Greek word translated "evidence" is elegchos, which means proof or conviction." And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him 1 John 5:14-15.
The existence of the YHWH kind of faith in the human heart is the evidence that what we have prayed for exists. Faith, based on the Word of YAH, is the evidence, not what we see or don't see, not good or bad circumstances. Faith is not based on human feeling but rather it is based squarely on the fact of what YAH says. The evidence is not found in the feeling, rational, visible or sense realm.
Faith involves evidence in the following way. Real faith, in any promise made by YAH, is actually the evidence. It is the belief that is the evidence. If YAH promises to do something, it is impossible for Him to lie? Hebrews 6:18.
Your evidence that He will perform it is the very unwavering faith that you hold. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is…the evidence." If you have true faith, you do not need to search for the evidence, you already possess it!
Just as faith is the substance or underlying reality of the promises of YAH which we expect to see fulfilled, faith also makes evident or obvious to our spirit the things which we cannot yet see in the natural. Faith is able to make it obvious to us on the spiritual level because faith is itself a spiritual matter. Faith is a "spiritual substance" on the inside of you that can grows as the Bible tells us that we have all been given a certain "measure of faith" by YAH in which to work with. Here is the verse that will give us this specific revelation:
"... Yahuah has dealt to each one a Measure of Faith. Romans 12:3.
Scripture says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains! Since the mustard seed is one of the smallest of all seeds this means that we only need is a very small amount of faith to please YHWH and move YAH’s hand in your life.
YAH has given each one of us a certain "measure of faith." Otherwise we would not be able to get saved, as Scripture specifically tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. Your faith can literally grow in the Lord over time.
We are bound to thank YAH always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your FAITH grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Faith is knowing and that knowledge is based on evidence leading to confidence or conviction. But Scriptural faith is more than that, there is another element. Faith is not just knowing, it is also acting. Scriptural faith is a confidence so strong that it results in action. You're willing to act based on that belief, that faith. Faith is knowledge in action. It is active trust in the truth.
Knowledge of the truth in YAH's Word brings faith. Faith believes what the word of YAH or voice of YAH said without wavering. Our faith is based upon the truth in YAH's Word. Thus, knowing what YAH's Word has to say about something gives us the ability to believe it. Our faith is based upon YAH's Word.
How to Increase Your Faith
Faith comes from the Spirit of YHWH, by hearing the Word of YAH. Now here is how your faith is built up and increased over time. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of YAH Romans 10:17
"Hearing" means that the Word of YAH is entering into your mind either through "reading" Scripture or "hearing" someone preaches or teaches about Scripture. Eitherway, the Word of YAH is entering into your mind where you receive it.
This is why Scripture says that your faith will grow by hearing the Word of YAH. In other words, your faith will grow as you continue to increase your knowledge about Yahusha, through the study of Scripture.
When you are hearing the Word of YAH, you are increasing your knowledge about YAH and that is what will cause the Ruach ha Kodesh to raise your faith to higher levels.
What Faith Is Not
Faith is not mere human hope! Faith is based on the Word of YAH alone. Human hope is based on wishful thinking or desire, rather than on the Word of YAH. Doubt and hope raise the question, "What shall I do?" Faith says, "It is done!" The common phrase, "I am hoping and praying" is scripturally incorrect. "I have prayed and believe" is more scriptural. Faith is not a psychological attitude. Mere positive thinking may have some good results, but it is not Biblical faith. Faith is not based on mere sensory perception or human reasoning. We live by faith, not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7
Yahusha had Real Faith
Yahusha had tremendous faith and was filled with YHWH's Spirit; It gave Him tremendous understanding of the importance of faith through the power of the Ruach ha Kodesh. This is why He said, "I can of Mine own Self do nothing" John 5:30.
"The Father that dwells in Me, He does the works" John 14:10.
It was through the power of YHWH's Spirit in Him that Yahusha accomplished everything that He did. He understood completely that it was only the presence of the Ruach ha Kodesh in Him that allowed Him to perform miracles. He perfectly exercised the fruit of faith present in Him because of the Ruach ha Kodesh. He had no doubt and complete faith as needed to endure all he was to face through His sacrifice as Savior of the world.
The apostles performed mighty miracles before and after Yahusha's Resurrection and through the power of real faith, believer can also do amazing things just as Yahusha did!
Yahusha said, "He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" John 14:12.
The Faith in Yahusha Most people think that they must "work up" faith through human effort. They see it as something from within that they can WILL themselves into possessing. This is not scriptural and is not how we gain Faith. You can have the exact same faith that Yahusha possessed, not only can you, but you must!
Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Yahusha, even we have believed in Yahusha, so that we may be justified by faith in Yahusha and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. Galatians 2:16.
This is an extremely important verse. It differentiates two vital points. First, it states that "we believe[d] in Yahusha", this is something we must do. Second, it is the faith of Yahusha; Yahusha’s actual faith that is placed in us, is what justifies us (makes us righteous). Faith starts with human belief, but must quickly move to the real faith of Yahusha, which enters a person at the moment of baptism and conversion with the receiving of YHWH's Spirit.
Scripture describes a certain temporary human faith that many people have. In the New Testament, when Yahusha healed people, none of them were converted. Yet, He sometimes told them, "Your faith has made you whole" Matthew 9:22 or "according to your faith be it unto you" Matthew 9:20. These people lacked YHWH's Spirit but they did have a temporary human faith that allowed Yahusha to heal them.
It is this growth from human faith to the faith of Yahusha that Paul referred to when he said "the righteousness of Yahuah is revealed from faith [human] to faith [of YAH in us]" For in it the righteousness of YHWH is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17.
This elevated faith continues to increase as we grow in relationship with Yahusha the Messiah through studying the Word of YAH and faith in its promises. Human faith wavers continually according to how one feels at any given moment in time. When events seem positive or look good, human faith is up. When things look bad and the outcome of a matter appears gloomy, human faith fades. YAH's faith is constant and does not waver.
Faith is not merely something you only use during moments of crisis, when "things aren't going well." faith is not just for the "bad times" it is full-time! Faith is completely inseparable from the spiritual and physical issues you face in your daily life as a believer.
He requires that all who come to Him in prayer, with requests, to "not waver." He considers all who waver to be unstable in everything they do, and says that they will receive nothing from Him James. 1:6-8.
The Fight of Faith
Paul told Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life" 1 Timothy 6:12.
Faith is more than a battle; it is a war that all believers fight throughout their lives! And it is not an easy war, won by victory in a single battle; it involves many battles and constant faith in the one who gives us victory.
Jude tells all believers, Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3.
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of YHWH and the faith of Yahusha. Revelation 14:12.
There is a reason why this verse joins patience, commandment keeping and the faith of Yahusha. They are inseparable. Believers are able to keep the commandments, but only through the faith of Yahusha. It takes patience to do this throughout a lifetime and is exactly what true believers must continually do.
Living by Faith
"The just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4 This is a powerful statement about faith as a way of life! It is faith that guides individuals through life. Yahuah has always taught that His true servants must have real faith.
"Now the just shall live by faith." Hebrews 10:38. Note the definition of faith immediately follows in Hebrews 11:1.
Faith is trusting in Yahuah, Lack of faith doubts YAH. There are three truths concerning Scriptural faith. When you combine these three truths, we can operate in mountain moving faith!
In Mark 9, there was a boy that had an unclean spirit, such a strong unclean spirit that even Yahusha's disciples couldn't cast him out. They regularly cast out demons, but for some reason, when they reached this case, they were unable to cast it out:
And one in the crowd answered Him, "Teacher, I brought you my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it." Mark 9:17-18
Now Yahusha had given His disciples authority over all powers of the enemy, so they clearly did not lack authority to drive out that unclean spirit: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Luke 10:19
So what did the disciples lack? Clearly they didn't lack authority! What they lacked was faith in their authority: He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me. Mark 9:19
When they asked Yahusha why they were unable to cast out the spirit, He told them they lacked faith!
19 Then the disciples came to Yahusha privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Yahusha said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:19-20
We need to believe YAH’s promises! If He said we shall cast out demons, then it means He has given us the authority to drive out those evil spirits! If He's said we are healed in Yahusha' name, then it is YAH’s will for us to be healed and we just need the Faith to believe what he has promised us already, we need to start trusting the word of YAH and believe it!
Yahusha said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Mark 9:23
The word believe means to trust. Yahusha was telling His disciples that all things (referring to the promises of YAH) are possible for them who will trust YAH for them (believe).
How can you believe something that you do not know? You can't. That's why it's important to know what the Word of YAH has to say, so that we can believe it. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of YAH" Romans 10:17
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
Faith works through love, True faith comes from being rooted and grounded in love so that your faith will operate through love. Scripture tells us clearly that all believers should be rooted and grounded in the love of Yahusha, if we want to experience the fullness of YHWH. that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Yahusha may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all believers what is the width and length and depth and height 19 to know the love of Yahusha, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of Yahuah. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Ephesians 3:16-20
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Conclusion
Faith is not hope even though we all have a measure of faith and hope. Faith is how we receive those things we hope for. Faith is not sight; Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Faith can only operate in the realm of the invisible concerning those things we hope for and do not yet see. Faith cannot exist in the visible realm, until the things we hope for are manifested to our sight, then faith, the invisible "substance," having done its work, is recognized by the visible substance, the things we hope for and then the image (faith) is fulfilled.
So, let us have faith in YAH to inherit the kingdom of heaven. Then YAH will give us the kingdom with pleasure. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom Luke 12:32.
YAH requires obedience and faith to inherit the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is free for those who obey YAH's word in faith.