The church I go to is known for expository preaching, which often times translates into an unknown language to non-Christians or new believers. This past Sunday by contrast was simple, yet more than just “a good reminder” for even the mature believer.

Faith is NOT believing in something you do not know or believing in something solely based on facts. Faith is based on trust, supported by facts. You cannot have faith in someone unless you know them. Faith is believing in something that has not happened yet, but having the certainty that that will happen.

These statements clarified the problems about “blind-faith” and people intentionally staying ignorant in order to have faith. They also imply that faith is required to believe in God since it’s impossible to know everything about God, a concept likened to a pill prescribed to you by your physician. When it comes down to it, you have faith in the system to help your illness. Do you know for sure that the drugs would cure you? You can certainly put a lot of effort into tracing the drug back to the research facilities and manufacturers to make sure they are putting the right ingredients into the capsules. You can do a background check on your physician to make sure he’s qualified to be making decisions related to your health. You can do all these things, but you don’t. You simply have faith knowing what you know, and people come to faith for a variety of reasons. They may do their own research about the health care system or hear about the drug from their friend.

Intellectual agreement is when you agree with something mentally, but there is no follow through. Using the same analogy, had you expressed “faith” in the health care system, but you never once used the health care system, but instead used home remedies or some other same-cost alternative, you are merely intellectually agreeing that the health care system is trustworthy.

The Christian faith is described as an active one that transforms a person’s attitude and behavior. Sadly, it’s not too uncommon to find people professing their faith in Jesus for years, when there is little evidence of surrendering their life (opinions, ambition, possessions, career) to Him.

Advertisement