Faith can seem like a loaded word to some. It is a function of belief. The Webster dictionary defines faith as "strong belief or trust in someone or something; belief in the existence of God: strong religious feelings or beliefs; a system of religious beliefs." A logical conclusion then is that belief strengthens faith. What are your beliefs then? What do you trust in?
There are people who have faith in their parent's beliefs, then wonder why their faith wavers during times of stress. Many people do not take the time to examine their beliefs, and a few do. Others have faith in what they know to be true. A few individuals wonder if what they believe is true. Beliefs can be extremely personal, or shared with others. Each person has a right to their beliefs. There is a difference between fact and belief. Belief is defined as "a feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true" Facts are defined as "something that truly exists or happens: something that has actual existence: a true piece of information." Facts establish existence. Belief is an acknowledgement of said existence. Faith is trusts belief. It is simple. In order to practice true faith, one must know what one believes is based in fact.
There are people who have faith in their parent's beliefs, then wonder why their faith wavers during times of stress. Many people do not take the time to examine their beliefs, and a few do. Others have faith in what they know to be true. A few individuals wonder if what they believe is true. Beliefs can be extremely personal, or shared with others. Each person has a right to their beliefs. There is a difference between fact and belief. Belief is defined as "a feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true" Facts are defined as "something that truly exists or happens: something that has actual existence: a true piece of information." Facts establish existence. Belief is an acknowledgement of said existence. Faith is trusts belief. It is simple. In order to practice true faith, one must know what one believes is based in fact.
I recently read a book by Lee Stroebel called "The Case for Christ." Lee was an Atheist. He set out to disprove Christ's existence. Yet, Stroebel found evidence in support of Jesus' existence historically. Stroebel came to acknowledge not only Christ's existence, but evidence of His resurrection. He found profound evidence of Christ's presence in the lives of people he knows. Consequently, he encountered Christ. When he put his faith into the knowledge that Christ died for him and rose again, his life changed. With the advent of Easter, take a few moments and ask yourself, can I believe in God's unconditional provision of true love for me? Can I believe in unfailing love? The choice is yours.
