TODAY’S VERSE:

Romans 10:17 (NLT) So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

As we continue our study on Christianity vs. religion in prep school, we are learning more and more about the differences between these two ways of approaching God. We have learned that one of the primary differences is whom exactly you are told to have faith in.

What exactly is faith? Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. When we have faith in God, we trust Him and have confidence that what He says is true- even when we cannot see and do not know what exactly is happening in our life.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

How can we be sure that we can trust God?

Psalm 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.

So, we know that He is perfect and that we can trust Him. We also know that the faith we need comes from hearing His Word, the Good News. How much of His Word do we need and how often do we need to hear it? Well, how often do you need to eat? Just as your body needs daily nourishment, so does your soul.

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Why is it so important to have faith and to trust in Him?

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.

This verse tells us that we must have faith in Jesus Christ. How exactly do we get this faith? Do we concentrate real hard or cross our fingers or wish upon a star and hope to have that faith? Nope, it is not by our work, like religion would have you believe. Faith is a grace gift from the Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--

We MUST have faith that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world in order to receive saving grace, which is necessary to spend eternity with Him. God wants you to completely trust in Him for EVERYTHING, understanding that He does ALL of the work!! Religion tells you that you cannot completely trust in God. It teaches that you must work hard, be good, and earn your eternity with God- that you must have faith in YOURSELF to finish what God started. What does the Bible have to say about who finished the work of salvation?

John 19:28-30 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.