The Substance of Our Faith
The Substance of Our Faith
“Faith is not a power we use; it is a trust we place in God’s Word.”
~ ray mileur
Our walk with the Lord begins by hearing the Word, which gives us a measure of faith that leads to salvation. However, faith is not a one-time act or experience; it is a lifelong practice that grows as our knowledge of God's Word increases.
The word “faith” is translated from the Greek word pistis, meaning belief, trust, or confidence in someone or something. Its verb form is most often translated as “believe.”
Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “without faith, we cannot please God.” Therefore, it’s important to understand the source of our faith. Romans 10:17 (KJV) says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” This verse emphasizes the importance of continually hearing the Word—not just having heard it once—as the key to growing into mature Christian faith.
The scripture “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” teaches that faith develops by taking in God’s Word. This stands in stark contrast to many modern-day faith movements, which often teach a version of faith that does not align with scripture. For example, they may present faith as a personal power, making man the central element rather than the Word of God.Pastor J
The late John MacArthur had recently commented on the Word of Faith movement: “When they talk about the power of faith, they mean that we can use our faith as a power to write our own future history. We can literally believe things into being. We have the power of faith that can create a healing. We have the power of faith that can bring about a salvation. We have the power of faith that can change how people can treat us. We have the power of faith that can change our economic situation, that can take us from poverty to wealth, that can take us from having little to having much, from being deprived to being prosperous, from being a failure to being successful, from being a nobody to being a somebody, from having only ambitions and hopes and dreams to experiencing fulfillment.”
This false teaching suggests that the substance and power of faith begin within the individual, rather than in the Word of God. In contrast, sound biblical faith is rooted in studying, meditating on, and confessing the Word. It is not a free-flowing power of positive thinking or feelings, but the true substance of our faith. Only through faith in the Word and the Gospel of Jesus can we place our hope for the future.
As you place your trust and faith in Him and His Word may God’s Word—the very substance of our faith—fill you with joy, peace, and hope for the future. The Lord be with you.
In His Name.
Let us Pray
Dear Heavenlty Father, Thank You for the gift of faith that comes not from within me, but from hearing and receiving Your Word. Deepen my understanding of what it means to walk by faith, so that my trust in You is rooted in a growing knowledge of Your truth. Help me to see the details of Your promises in Scripture and to discern the difference between genuine faith and the false teachings that place trust in myself instead of in You.
Give me a spirit of humility and perseverance as I study, meditate on, and obey Your Word, so that my life reflects the depth and richness of Your love. May my faith be marked by a clear description of Your work in my life—joy in trials, peace in uncertainty, and hope that endures. Let Your Word inspire me daily, filling my heart with courage to live boldly for You and to share Your truth with others.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Walk in faith, rest in grace, and trust the One who walks beside you.
In His love and grace,
ray mileur
“Helping believers walk closer to Jesus, one day at a time.”
www.raymileurministries.com
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