"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.
* The Definition of Faith:
Dictionary: Faith is belief, trust, fidelity, or loyalty to something or someone.e.g. We relax and without looking, place or whole weight on a chair; faith says we will not fall.
Faith is simple enough for the child to fulfill but too sublime for the sage to comprehend fully or explain satisfactorily.
Bible defn.: Faith is the conviction in the heart based on the trustworthy evidence of God's Word.
It is not the blind act of the soul; faith in God rests upon the best evidence, the infallible Word of God.
It is like the arm that takes what God is offering . It is in contrast to what man can do on his own and achieve. Unlike "works", faith simply trusts and depends upon a source outside of self.

* The Necessity of Faith:
Heb.11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
There can be no dealings with the invisible God without faith in His existence. We must believe that He exists; that He rewards men; this confidence is called faith.
Faith is necessary to salvation. Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8,9.
And all the Spiritual Blessings,and Promises of God are received and experienced by Faith alone.
By it saints:
Live. Gal.2:20.
Stand. Rom.11:20; 2Cor.1:24.
Walk. Rom.4:12; 2Cor.5:7.
Obtain a good report. Heb.11:2.
Are supported. Ps.27:13; 1Tim. 4:10.

* The Nature of Faith:
There are two kinds of faith:
* One is Intellectual faith: a head knowledge of the histroical Christ and a general acceptance of the Bible. No action at all. It is passive.
* Second is the Conviction in the Heart: belief from the heart that causes the person to act on his faith. This is active. This is also known as the Saving Faith-it saves us from our sins as we trust in the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly as our Savior and Lord. Jn.1:12; Rom.10:9,10.

* The Source of Faith:
1. The Divine side: Faith is the gift of the Triune God
a. Given by God the Father. Rom. 12:3; 1Cor.12:9.
b. Given by God the Son. Heb.12:2. Lk. 17:5.
c. Given by God the Spirit: Gal.5:22.
2. The human side. Rom. 10: 17.
As we hear the Word of God, faith is produced and grows. Acts 4:4; Mk. 9:24; Matt.17:19-21.

* The Object of Faith:
1. God Himself: John 14:1.
2. The Word of God. Faith must be on the Bible as the revealed Word of God, true and genuine.John 5:46; Ac.24:14, 26:27; Rom.4:21 Heb.11:13.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ: Faith in itself will not save us or benefit us in any way. Faith in an object- Person of Lord Jesus Christ. Jn.6:29; Ac.20:29; Eph. 2:8,9. Rom.10:9,10.

* The Results of Faith:
1. Salvation: Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31.
2. Remission of sins: Acts 10:43; Rom. 3:25.
3. Sanctification:Acts 15:9, 26:18.
4. Justification: Acts 13:39; Rom.3:21,22,28,30, 5:1; Gal.2:16.
5. Eternal Life: John 3:15,16, 6:40,47.
6. Edification:1Tim.1:4; Jude 1:20.
7. Preservation: 1 Pet.1:5.
8. The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Acts 11:15-17; Gal.3:14; Eph. 1:13.
9. Victory over the devil & world: Eph. 6:16; 1Pet.5:9; 1John 5:4,5.
10. Triumphant death: Heb.11:13. and so on.