Hebrews 11:6
When we are
forced to our knees it is reasonable to reach out for God. But is faith a grace
gift provided only for times of desperation or is there a larger purpose of
faith in our lives as believers? Faith
is more than an antidote for fear or worry.
It is the source of our hope, peace, direction and salvation.
Faith is the means
God uses to transport His grace into our lives. Ephesians 2:8-9
People who have
a God but ignore Him in the daily living of their lives can be termed “Practical
Atheists.”
Faith Drives Behavior
The Christian
world view is theistic and sees all truth and circumstance as part of a Divine
order.
A Christian not
only acts in faith, but also prays in faith.
Biblical Examples
of Living in Faith
Mary the Mother
of Jesus - Luke 1:45
Paul on Ship at
Risk - Acts 27:25
Abraham - Romans 4:20–21
Sarah - Hebrews 11:11
Noah - Hebrews 11:7–12
Faithlessness Affects
Behavior
A practical
atheist talks about faith, but never really exercises it.
Practical
atheism dismisses the notion of the authority of God. It is not an outright denial of God;
it is more of a subtle disregard for God. Jeremiah 2:32
Faith Pleases
God
- Faith
brings rewards. Hebrews 11:6
- Faith is
the righteousness of the believer.
Genesis 15:6
Faith is a relationship not a creed or a tradition.
- Faith is
needed for salvation. Romans 3:28
- Faith brings
peace with God. Romans 5:1
We are inwardly fashioned for faith.
Worry is one of the
greatest signs of Practical Atheism.
Intellectual belief does not
produce the rewards of active faith.
Worry or anxiety
is literally a "dividing of
the mind".