Church Words: "Faith"

Welcome to our new blog series, Church Words, where we take a closer look at the language we often use as Christians—words that are woven into the fabric of our faith but may be misunderstood or misused. You might feel like you should know what these words mean, and so you feel uncomfortable asking about them in a Bible class. Or maybe you are just beginning your study on Christianity, and you are unfamiliar with any of the language that Christians use. Either way, I hope this series is helpful to you!

As a Youth Minister, I began this series with our teens on Wednesday nights, helping them understand the depth and beauty behind terms like "church," "grace," and "baptism", or concepts like "marriage", "fasting", and "communion". Too often, we use these words without fully grasping their meaning or significance. This series invites us to pause and reflect on these key terms, uncovering their biblical roots, rich history, and the powerful truth they hold for us today. Join us on this journey of discovery, as we rediscover the words that shape our faith and help us live out the gospel with greater understanding and purpose.

*We have also covered the concepts of "Church", "Grace", and "Holy". I really enjoyed working on those posts, and if you would like to read them then please click on them to follow the links.

-"The Church"

-"Grace" -"Holy"

"Like the calm of the sea, faith calms the storm within, bringing serenity to the soul."

Faith

This post is addressing the word "Faith", so let's dive into this powerful and beautiful concept.

Faith is a theme that runs through the entirety of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. We often hear about faith in the context of well-known stories like Abraham’s trust in God or the disciples walking with Jesus. But the Bible is filled with lesser-known stories where ordinary people displayed extraordinary faith in God. In this study, we’ll explore the word “faith” from the Old and New Testaments, examine more obscure examples of faith, and discuss what it means that God is faithful in the past, present, and future.

Faith in the Old Testament: Emunah (אֱמוּנָה)

In the Hebrew Bible, the word for faith is emunah (אֱמוּנָה), which conveys the idea of steadfastness, trust, and faithfulness. This faith is not just about intellectual belief but is rooted in deep trust and reliance on God’s character and promises.

While Abraham’s faith is often highlighted, there are many other lesser-known figures who exemplify faith in remarkable ways. Let’s explore some of these examples.

1. Rahab: The Faith of a Prostitute (Joshua 2)

While we often focus on the more well-known people of the Bible, Rahab offers a striking example of faith in a seemingly unexpected individual. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute in the city of Jericho, demonstrated faith in the God of Israel when she hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. Her faith is remarkable because, at that time, she had no reason to believe in Israel’s God—she was a Gentile with no formal connection to the Israelites. Yet, when she heard of God’s power, she trusted in His ability to deliver His people and protect her family. Rahab’s story shows that faith can transcend background, and God honors even the smallest step of trust.

In Hebrews 11:31, Rahab is included in the "Hall of Faith" alongside figures like Abraham and Moses: "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." God rewarded her faith, not only by sparing her life but by making her part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: The Faith in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)

Another powerful example of faith comes from three young Hebrew men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that everyone worship a golden image, these men refused, even under the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace. They stood firm in their faith, declaring that even if God didn’t deliver them, they would not bow to the idol.

In Daniel 3:17-18, they boldly say: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Their faith wasn’t contingent on God’s immediate intervention but was rooted in trust in His sovereignty, no matter the outcome. God honored their faith by delivering them from the fire.

3. Hezekiah: Faith in the Face of Assyrian Threats (2 Kings 19)

King Hezekiah of Judah faced an enormous crisis when the Assyrian army, under King Sennacherib, laid siege to Jerusalem. Hezekiah was terrified and turned to God in prayer, spreading the threatening letter from Sennacherib before the Lord and asking for His intervention. Hezekiah’s faith wasn’t in his own military strength, but in the power of God to save His people.

In 2 Kings 19:14-15, Hezekiah prays: “Lord, the king of Assyria has laid waste to these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.” God responded by sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian army. Hezekiah’s faith was steadfast, and God proved Himself faithful to protect His people.

"Faith is like a tree planted firmly in the ground, its roots growing deeper with every storm."

Faith in the New Testament: Pistis (πίστις)

In the New Testament, the word for faith is pistis (πίστις), which emphasizes belief and trust. It is a confidence in the truth of God’s Word and His promises. While the Apostle Paul and the disciples are often highlighted for their faith, there are other figures in the New Testament whose faith, though less frequently discussed, provides deep insight into what it means to trust God.

1. The Syrophoenician Woman: Faith Beyond Cultural Boundaries (Mark 7:24-30)

In Mark 7:24-30, a Syrophoenician woman comes to Jesus, asking Him to heal her daughter who is possessed by an unclean spirit. At first, Jesus appears to refuse, saying that it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs. Yet, the woman responds with a bold statement of faith: “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Her faith is remarkable because she, a Gentile, humbly acknowledges that Jesus' power is not limited by ethnicity or boundaries.

Jesus commends her faith: “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” This woman’s faith in Jesus’ power, even when she was considered an outsider, shows that God’s grace is available to all who truly believe.

2. The Centurion: Faith in Jesus' Authority (Luke 7:1-10)

The faith of the Roman centurion in Luke 7:1-10 is another example of an outsider who displayed great faith. When his servant fell ill, the centurion sent Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal him. Instead of asking Jesus to come to his home, the centurion expressed faith in Jesus' authority, saying, "But say the word, and my servant will be healed."

Jesus was amazed by this faith, saying, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” The centurion’s trust in Jesus’ power to heal from a distance, without Jesus physically being present, reveals a profound understanding of Jesus' divine authority.

3. The Woman in the Crowd: Faith in Jesus' Healing Power (Mark 5:25-34)

In Mark 5:25-34, a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years demonstrates great faith in Jesus’ healing power. She believes that if she can just touch Jesus’ clothes, she will be healed. In faith, she presses through the crowd, and when she touches Him, she is immediately healed.

Jesus, recognizing that power had gone out from Him, asks who touched Him. The woman, trembling with fear, admits it, and Jesus affirms her faith: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” This story is a powerful example of faith that not only seeks Jesus’ help but believes in His ability to heal with just a touch.

God’s Faithfulness: What Does It Mean?

While we are called to have faith in God, the Bible also frequently highlights God’s own faithfulness. The word emunah in Hebrew, meaning “faithfulness,” speaks to God’s unwavering reliability and commitment to His promises. God's faithfulness is shown throughout scripture—He is the one who remains true to His Word, no matter the circumstances.

In the Old Testament, we see God’s faithfulness in His covenant with Israel. Despite their failures, God continually proves Himself to be a faithful, trustworthy God. In 2 Timothy 2:13, we are reminded that "if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."

Ultimately, God's faithfulness is fully revealed through Jesus Christ. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate the depth of God’s commitment to His people. Through Jesus, we see that God’s promises are never void, and His faithfulness endures forever.

Conclusion: The Power of Faith

Faith isn't just blind trust; it's built on past experiences and a deep understanding of God's faithfulness. It’s about looking back at how He has provided and using that as a foundation for facing the future. While the future may seem uncertain, we can find strength and guidance in the examples of those who walked in faith before us. Scripture is filled with stories that remind us of God's unchanging nature, reassuring us that He is with us every step of the way.

Faith is a journey, one that grows like a mustard seed, starting small and gradually expanding as we trust in God. It’s natural to have moments of doubt or weak faith, but even in those times, God is always willing to help us grow. As we nurture our faith with His guidance, it will continue to strengthen and flourish, just as He promises.