The question of faith in the life of Christians is paramount and is the bedrock of their eventual maturity into which all are destined to arrive. At one time in this country a ministry was born and became prominent in the ranks of Evangelicals and was labeled the "Faith Ministry." The prominent feature among that group was to call things from the invisible into the visible simply by speaking the word of faith. Faith can be defined by many into different schools of thought. But the bible offers specific outlines as to what faith is, and what is its purpose in the life and growth of the believers in Christ. I think at this early juncture it will be helpful for us to correctly define what faith really is, based upon the scriptures, and not merely upon individual suggestion or individual interpretation.

What does the scripture say in plain English what faith is? And after learning what faith is, we need to ask, how can it be obtained—where can we get it? Hebrews eleven is called the gallery of faith. It is where we can browse through the whole chapter and visit with people of old, both male and female, and from varied stations in life. Here, we watch them do exploits that the writer of Hebrews said they were too many to mention—and that holds true as far as this lesson is concerned. We are served with a very bold and distinct statement as we begin to browse through the scriptures.

Thus, we read: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report." Hebrews 11:1,2. We are encouraged to observe each word carefully, and glean the truth that each word expresses. It is rather unusual that faith should be linked to substance; but I call it the "creative substance". It was that substance that enabled God to proceed with his creation. With it being real and tangible, it became (in real time) the evidence of things not seen. This combination assured the Creator himself that there would be no failure in the forthcoming work of his hands. From the very beginning the Master had in his hands both, the substance that indeed, was also the evidence. So whatever God intended to create the building blocks were already available, beginning with FAITH. Even at this early stage, we should have already concluded that faith is more than believing in something large or small. Its implication surpasses believing with the heart and confessing with the mouth, the Lord Jesus. Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 11, and you will be overwhelmed as you examine real faith at work.

Having established the true nature of faith, and assuring ourselves on this wise: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." verse 3. In other words, God did not speak to the atoms and suddenly they came rushing together and became God’s building blocks. Standing as it were, at the very edge of eternity, God spoke the "Creative Word" and as the new creation took shape, eternity faded away and time began bringing us along with it. Because before time began, we were with God and already chose in Christ before the world began.

I like Paul’s account that draws back the curtains of time, and bids us look into eternity. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. (that is before time began—before God said, "Let there be light" Ephesians 1:3,4. I like to say in sermons that when God stood at the edge of nothingness—an empty void—he did not have to panic or get frustrated with himself: He simply said, Let there be—and there was. That was the "Creative Word of Faith at Work." Look at the example!

"By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Psalm 33: 6,9. Actually, it is God’s intention and will for us, his children, to utilize the power of "the spoken word." I remember in 1968 in London, England during my times of seeking the Lord for his anointing on the ministry, he said to me, "Teach my people to accept the spoken word." From then on, in services when people join in prayer to have their needs met, I usually stand behind the lectern and pray a single prayer of deliverance, while those in need of an answer are instructed to stand with lifted hands ready to receive the answer. At the end, some would still come to me for the laying on of hands, and I minister to them on the level that they are comfortable with.

As far as the bible is concerned, from cover to cover we can read how God worked by faith, which, as we said earlier is a reality much deeper, stronger, and more powerful than the simple saving faith that we acquired when we first believed. Since we have now learned with all clarity what faith is, we can now prove to ourselves how this kind of faith is acquired. Is faith given to some, and withheld from others? Do we need to individually lock ourselves away in total seclusion, and in several days of fasting to obtain this faith that we are studying? In a practical manner, it does not take long for us to see in our everyday activities that we live with faith all the time. For instance! We board an airplane to fly away on vacation, or to attend a special conference two thousand miles across the country.

As we take our seats on the plane, we fasten our seat belts and quickly, we are offered a choice of magazines for our reading pleasure. Just about that time, we are offered a complementary drink, and anything else that we might need. The thought of whether the plane will fly or not does not enter into our mind. We have faith (although unspoken) that the plane is fit for service.

We believe that it was tested many, many times by the appropriate agencies to certify its air worthiness, even though we have no personal proof of this. We act in simple faith much like the actions of a child without wondering what the result will be. Much of what we do during the course of a lifetime is based upon faith, because at the start we have no guarantee what the results will be. Here is the reason why: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3. So then, we can suggest that every man is given an equal start in life by the measure of faith that he is given. (We mean women too.)

We need to move on to step number two. Having received that measure of faith, what do we do with it? The first thought that enters our mind, and rightfully so, is that we need to increase it. That measure is like a tender plant or seed that we plant in the garden of our heart, and hiving been given that little seed we must cultivate it so that in due time its impact and productivity cannot be missed. The process is based upon the words of the Apostle Paul, when he wrote: "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10.17. But if we want to be practical and broad minded, we must conclude that also doubt and fear come by hearing. Look at the present state of our pollical landscape. People are being blown into fierce anger, leading to vicious protests and planned violence. ALL BECAUSE OF WHAT IS BEING SAID!

The Wise Man added a few words of wisdom that we can add to our lifestyle for good results. "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips." Proverbs 16:23. Look at the desired connection between "preacher and congregation." "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not prophet them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4: 2. It can be suggested here that the work of the preacher can be hindered by the lack of faith in the hearers. With our personal "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) each individual is on his own in contributing to the growth of his own faith. It is imperative for each person to create the more perfect soil in which his faith can find fertile soil in which to sow his "
seed of faith." When watching documentaries on wild life in any of the current forests on any continent, we see how he wildlife display skill in living in harmony with the landscape, the times and the seasons.

As we said earlier, in the same way faith comes by hearing, so also does doubt and fear. There is a constant need for us to filter and separate what we hear on a daily basis, and in the process decide what to digest and what to cast aside from our thought process. We are given the ability to determine and separate all the sounds and thundering that echo from the realm of politics and all the other factors that impact our daily lives. The birds and animals in the wild distinctively accept that which is good and healthy for them; and by the same token rejects that which is unhealthy. We were born in a world that seemingly, is getting more complex, diverse and evil every day; but we must remain on top to survive.

Let us observe the kind of faith that Jesus had to use as a model or a template. It remained relevant against all odds. "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city: and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while, but after a while he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubelth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continued coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8.

WIn other words, Christ is asking: When the Son of man comes shall he find this kind of faith on the earth? He means the kind of faith that keeps coming back! The kind of faith that will not take NO as the answer! As we stated before, to each person is given a measure of faith. We don’t know if each measure was the same—the bible does not provide the answer. When the master distribute to each of his servants talents upon his departure, he did so upon the several ability of each servant. "And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." Matthew 25: 15. We can safely infer that the Master already knew the ability of each servant, and he gave talents based upon that knowledge. By the same token, God already knows each of our potential: what capacity we already possess; after all, he is the one who made us, and fashioned each of use with that which he has already proposed for us along our earthly journey.

Let us be very frank to ourselves in this time of conflicting voices in so much that one can ask loudly "What is the truth? Have you tuned in to the news recently? Have you watched ongoing political events recently? Growing in faith is a personal responsibility, and Paul marked out his space and efforts. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation unto everyone that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The Just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16,17. The term "from faith to faith" alludes to the continued growth that is required of those who follow Christ in the power of His Gospel as propelled by the moving of the Holy Spirit.

Thus, we have shown what faith is in reality! We have also shown how to obtained it, and we have given some examples of the power and works of the gift of faith. As we can see in scripture, while there is faith, in general terms, there is also "the gift of faith" which in all sense of the word speaks of faith on a higher presented to the believer as a "gift of the Spirit." In listing the gifts of the Spirit, Paul offered a clear word. "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit." 1^st Corinthians 12: 8,9.

When operating by the gift of faith, the life of the believer, and the work of the ministry becomes more forceful and productive on a personal basis, and for the collective body of Christ. But faith cannot stand upon nothing. On this note, we can remember what Jesus said to the woman at the well: "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we know what we worship for salvation is of the Jews" John 4:22. Again, we read: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth , and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15: 8.

These couple examples show the importance for faith to be centered around the truth of scripture. For faith to be productive in the maximum, it has to be centered upon the Word of truth at all times. False concepts will only whither and stall the desired fruit of faith.

The writer of Hebrews offers an idea that serves this study very well: "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in the, that heard it." Hebrews 4:2. We can thus conclude that no matter how anointed a preacher is: no matter how articulate the teacher is, the spoken word ministered in faith, must out of necessity be also received by faith. Learning faith is a two-street at all times: it involves the deliverer (teacher-preacher) and the recipients. Let us ask ourselves, why did God speak in his act of creation? Why did he say, "Let there be light"? There was no one there to hear his words, he knew that very well, yet he spoke, and it was done. He could simply "will" the creation into being, because in fact, all that was created came out of him anyway.

In speaking the "Creative Word" God introduced a workable system that he put in place for mankind to utilize in the ages to follow. Jesus knew the importance and creative contained in our words that he warned: "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36. Why is that, you may ask? It is because words are always creative: and they are meant to be used constructively for creative purposes. God does not speak simply to be saying something! Every time he speaks, a creation happens. Peace is created out of war and tumult! Light is created out of gross darkness! Jesus was emphatic when he said: "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.

As Jesus came into Capernaum a certain centurion approached him, asking that he would come and heal the sick servant. But here is how we can learn by simple observation. The centurion observed that by his word alone Jesus did the word, just like he himself. He says to one go and he goes: to another come, and he comes. He noticed that Jesus used the very power and authority that he himself is used. Based upon that premise Jesus said: "Go thy way; and hast thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." Matthew 8: 5-13. The "Creative Word" was put in place for service by, and for the church in particular, but in truth, for anyone who is willing to apply its principle at any time. "HE SENT HIS WORD AND HEALED THEM" Psalm 107:20.

Let us search for a while, some of the several mention of the importance of the use of words. When we acknowledge the power of words and understand what they can accomplish even in normal every-day life. The wise man had a lot to say about the words of our mouth, which we will do well to practice. "The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him." Proverbs 12:13,14. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it? Pro.15:23.

Jesus added his endorsement to the concept of the power of the tongue in this scripture. "And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God: For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall whatsoever he saith." Mark 11:23,24. Much of our life’s journey covering the years of our natural life is seasoned with faith; and some of this comes naturally without us expending any, or much effort in a lifestyle that is natural like everyone else around us. For instance: we board an airplane, intending to fly to the next city for business or a vacation.

We take our seats on board, fasten our seat belts, and possibly reach for a magazine. In some cases, a stewardess comes around offering a wide selection of popular magazines to choose from. Another stewardess comes by offering a choice of soft drinks, a pillow, and anything else to make our flight as comfortable as possible. What is on display in this scenario? Every action on your part, is an act of faith (which does not enter your mind.) You are relaxed, and in deep thoughts about your trip out of town. You do not ask to see the documents certifying the air worthiness of the aircraft. You do not ask to see the paperwork reflecting the maintenance of the aircraft. Without thinking, or without any extra effort on your part, your faith is working like a charm.

That is, as we said earlier in this study: "For I say, unto you through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3. It is like saying that God hath given to every man an equal start. Perhaps, in realty all starts in life are not equal; but God has implanted in every person the ability to join every other person at the "starting gate." On my visit back to Kingston, Jamaica, the city of my birth, I marvel how the crowds justling in all directions are making a living as if with no care in the world. They wear big smiles, some singing, others are even dancing to their own music. Yes! Everyone is busy putting his/her talents to work for them.

In every crowd, in every station in life, in every endeavor that involves the human race there are positive streams to inspire, and also, there are abundant sources of negativity. As we alluded to earlier, "faith comes by hearing—and so does doubt."

The entire process in living, is like mining for gold or silver. Some years ago while ministering in Phoenix, Az I was taken on a tour to Apache Junction to tour a gold smelting plant. Two conveyor belts bring the raw ore into the plant from the mountain sides in the distance. In the plant itself, there were three smelting pots. This is my term. Each is a burning furnace. So, the raw ore is run through all three furnace. Each furnace burns the raw ore to a point where the core is broken into small particles in which the genuine ore is separated from the ordinary soil. Each furnace applies the same process at different temperature, until the finished product leaves all the dross aside to be disposed of and the genuine gold is ready for storage or for market.

The hearing of faith is based upon that same principle. All sorts of information come pouring into our ears every day. Even while in bed at night, before falling asleep, we are still being fed a smorgasbord of current events, movies and such the like. We are constantly required to filter the bulk of words and noises the fill the air around us. There has to be a good process that enables us to determine what to reject and what to accept that will work for our good. Today, at this very moment in America, in the field of politics, there are so many conflicting voices, that our very Democracy is at stake. To succeed at the polls, many have resorted to hiring people with advertising skills to corner the market with the most compelling advertisements.

It is almost the same in the field of religion. The field is so crowded that the big picture looks like a patchwork quilt. But amidst the myriads of voices and activities that cater to every vital point in society, many are hearing the "original voice" that spoke all things into being. The original concept of "the creative word" is not an invention by certain members of the clergy, or by graduates from the most elite seminary and their professors. When was the term "the creative word" formulated and put into the lingo of the church. Listen to this commentary that as stated, needs no argument, or contention regarding its authenticity—and its duration. The writer of Hebrews solemnly declared: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD OF GOD, so that things which are seen were not made from things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3.

Looking back at the Creation Story, we are able to coin this phrase: "God said, "let there be and there was." This is our first introduction to the "creative word." We will repeat, that God did not have to speak creation into being. He could easily have "willed it into being." By a simple thought birthed into the mind of God, all of the created realms, even worlds yet to be discovered: All of these worlds could suddenly have become visible, tangible and everlasting, without God having to speak a single word. But in speaking the creative word, he set in place a principle and a pattern for mankind to follow. As we heard one say: "Speak the word, and my servant shall be made whole."

To be continued...