ABUNDANT LIFE VISION
THE FAITH OF LIFE. Galatians 3:9-11
So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. [10]But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” [11]So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” NLT.

The topic of faith has many takes in the body of Christ. There are many definitions of faith and many teachings on the concept of faith. I will talk briefly about it and pick one of the three dimensions of faith as it relates to our topic today. What is faith? Faith is a system in the kingdom of God that reveals the mind, act, ways, and thoughts of God to man. Faith is the currency of relating with God. Hebrews 11:6: And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. NLT. The scripture above says we only please God through faith. How do you please someone? You please someone when you know what the person wants, what he thinks about, what he desires and others. For anyone to know God, such person must firstly believe that He exists and this can only be found in Christ as he is the only way to God. John 14:6: Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. NLT.

Believing in God through Jesus is the first dimension of faith. This dimension says we are saved from sin through our faith in Jesus. Romans 10:14-17: But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them [15]And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” [16]But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “lord, who has believed our message?” [17]So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. NLT.

The second dimension of faith is the dimension of believing God for the things we need, miracles, healing, deliverance and others. Matthew 7:7-11: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [8]For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [9]“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? [10]Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! [11]So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. NLT. In my experience, people dwell on this when talking about faith, without starting from the faith that reveals Jesus.

Lastly, the third dimension of faith is the transformational aspect which is revealed in our deeds. James 2:14-18: What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? [15]Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, [16]and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? [17]So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. [18]Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” NLT. Through our faith in Jesus, our experiential knowledge of the power of God, and the tools of growth like the study of the Bible, the peak of the expression of our faith is found in good deeds just as Jesus went about doing good. Acts 10:38.

However, our teaching today dwells on the first dimension of faith, the revelation of Jesus. It is only our faith in Jesus that can give us life (eternal life). There is no life outside Jesus Christ and the only way we can have eternal life is by believing in Jesus. Galatians 3:11: So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” NLT and John 14:1-6: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2]There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3]When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4]And you know the way to where I am going.” [5]“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” [6]Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. NLT.

The faith of life is found in Jesus, as he is the life-giving being. Eternal life is not found in keeping the law but in the finished work of Jesus which is available to us free of charge. If you are reading this and you have not received the life of God by accepting Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I urge you to do so by saying this prayer with your whole heart; Dear Jesus, I believe that you died for my sins and you resurrected on the third day by the power of God, please forgive my sins and write my name in the book of life and I will serve you forever. Amen. If you have recited the prayer, I congratulate you and I urge you to join a bible believing church as you begin your journey in Christ.

God bless you.