What is Faith?

What is faith? I ask because it is one of the most important words in the book of Romans. But when I ask this question, believers struggle to answer. Can you tell me what faith is?
  

Faith is not a force (like Star Wars). It is not a power, like magic. It is not something that comes from some object, like a cross worn as a piece of jewelry or your grandmother’s bible.

Faith is a verb. That was a surprise! The word faith comes from the Hebrew word “a’men.” That’s right, it comes from amen. So what does amen mean? We use the word amen as if it is the way to sign off from prayer. (Ten-four good buddy) Why do you say amen after prayer? I must confess that it is a habit that I have been taught. But amen is a verb with amazing meaning.

The first time Paul mentions faith-amen in the book of Romans is in chapter 1 verse 5; 

...through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the  obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake, (6) among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

 Faith-amen is your promise to obey. MY promise? What does that mean? When we say “amen” we affirm that we will do something.

Hold on Mrs. Hagerty, haven’t you told us before that we are saved by Grace? Why do you say that “amen” means we will do something? I thought Y’shua-Jesus did everything for us.

Guard the treasure. You have heard that believers are soldiers. One thing soldiers are often asked to do is to stand-firm, meaning do not give up what you guard. Look at what Paul says about what we are to do with “the armor of God” in another letter he wrote.  

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, Ephesians 6:11-14

Three times Paul tells us to “stand firm”. That is faith. In Hebrew that is “a’men” What is it we stand on? The Word of God. Why must we “a’men--stand firm”? We are in a war with the devil who schemes to get us to not believe the Word of the Almighty… just like he did to Eve. We are in the exact same battle. God told Adam truth. The devil asked Eve if God really said something, (meaning, could she really trust her husband) he suggested that God did not want her to have everything that the devil can give us. He comes (and will come) as a beautiful angel of light who brings us first hand, secret knowledge so that we can be like God, divine. That is what he offered Eve, that is what he will offer us with lust (a strong desire for something we want, 1 John 2:16) Stand firm (have faith-a’men); guard the treasure -- the Word of God, when the devil tries to seduce you. The armor of God is used to help us resist the devil on the evil day…. and evil days do not look like a storm. Often they are pretty days when we relax and enjoy life. Paul says, Stand firm on God’s Word, "wrapped in Truth" as if it was a belt. ( Y’shua-Jesus is the truth John 14:6, THAT is what we mean when we say "in Jesus name...) and putting on Righteousness… something you have only if you are a born-again believer.

 
Next time you say “in Jesus Name, amen” take a moment and think about your words. You have just made a promise to the Almighty, …do you know what you just promised? Matthew 12:36

June 3, 2016
Mrs. Hagerty