Changes

<br />

<br />

The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind [[prayer]] experiments: where people pray for others with a terminal illness. Habermas admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox Christians praying for the sick."<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref>]]

The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind [[prayer]] experiments: where people pray for others with a terminal illness. Habermas admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox Christians praying for the sick."<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref>]]

'''Faith'''<ref>Etymology: a very early English term dating from 1200-50, based on the Middle English term "feith" (Anglo-French fed,  Old French feid, feit, Latin fidem, accusative of fidēs meaning trust, akin to fīdere meaning to trust).</ref> (Greek: pistis/πίστις) is trust, [[confidence]] or [[belief]] about something unseen, such as attaining [[God]]'s will .<ref>Also, the website Bible Odyssey notes about certain contexts in the New Testament: "By the late first or early second century, Christians were beginning to stretch the meaning of pistis to describe the distinctive nature of their relationship with God and Christ. When the [[Letter of Jude]] exhorts a [[Christian]] group “contend for the faith (pistis) which was once delivered unto the saints” ([[Jude|Jude 3]]), it may be using pistis to refer to a body of teaching or even the “new covenant” in Christ." [https://ww.bibleodyssey.org/articles/faith-word-study/ Faith (Word Study)]</ref><ref>Faith in God is mentioned first in the [[Bible]] concerning [[Abraham]], at [[Genesis]] 15:6: "And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him as [[righteousness]]."</ref> It is faith that overcomes [[addiction]], and heals.

'''Faith'''<ref>Etymology: a very early English term dating from 1200-50, based on the Middle English term "feith" (Anglo-French fed,  Old French feid, feit, Latin fidem, accusative of fidēs meaning trust, akin to fīdere meaning to trust).</ref> (Greek: pistis/πίστις) is trust, [[confidence]] or [[belief]] about something unseen, such as attaining [[God]]'s will.<ref>Also, the website Bible Odyssey notes about certain contexts in the New Testament: "By the late first or early second century, Christians were beginning to stretch the meaning of pistis to describe the distinctive nature of their relationship with God and Christ. When the [[Letter of Jude]] exhorts a [[Christian]] group “contend for the faith (pistis) which was once delivered unto the saints” ([[Jude|Jude 3]]), it may be using pistis to refer to a body of teaching or even the “new covenant” in Christ." [https://ww.bibleodyssey.org/articles/faith-word-study/ Faith (Word Study)]</ref><ref>Faith in God is mentioned first in the [[Bible]] concerning [[Abraham]], at [[Genesis]] 15:6: "And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him as [[righteousness]]."</ref> It is faith that overcomes [[addiction]], and heals.

Faith goes beyond [[materialism]] to include beneficial use of the unseen, [[spiritual]] reality. [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] taught that even a little faith (the size of a [[Mustard|mustard seed]]) can move mountains ([[Matthew, Chapter 17#20|Matthew 17:20]]).  

Faith goes beyond [[materialism]] to include beneficial use of the unseen, [[spiritual]] reality. [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] taught that even a little faith (the size of a [[Mustard|mustard seed]]) can move mountains ([[Matthew, Chapter 17#20|Matthew 17:20]]).  

Precisely defining "faith" is challenging. .<ref>''See also [[defining faith]]''.</ref> Faith is "realizing the [[infinity|infinite]], and using it for [[Goodness|good]]." . Faith overcomes adversity, [[evil]] and [[deceit|lies]] (including [[liberal denial]]).   

Precisely defining "faith" is challenging.<ref>''See also [[defining faith]]''.</ref> Faith is "realizing the [[infinity|infinite]], and using it for [[Goodness|good]]." . Faith overcomes adversity, [[evil]] and [[deceit|lies]] (including [[liberal denial]]).   

The entire Chapter 11 of the [[Epistle to the Hebrews (Translated)#11:1|Epistle to the Hebrews]], possibly spoken by [[Jesus]] on the [[Road to Emmaus]], is devoted to explaining faith, which is unique to [[Christianity]].

The entire Chapter 11 of the [[Epistle to the Hebrews (Translated)#11:1|Epistle to the Hebrews]], possibly spoken by [[Jesus]] on the [[Road to Emmaus]], is devoted to explaining faith, which is unique to [[Christianity]].

Faith is more than mere thought, [[emotion]], and [[belief]].  Faith elevates one's being, while belief is limited to a mental state or emotion.  Faith implies a [[causation|causal]] role by the believer in an outcome ,<ref>For example, the Biblical [[Peter]]'s walking on water based on his faith.</ref> or in overcoming a personal [[fear]].  Faith also implies advancement or accomplishment of something good, while mere belief does not achieve by itself.  

Faith is more than mere thought, [[emotion]], and [[belief]].  Faith elevates one's being, while belief is limited to a mental state or emotion.  Faith implies a [[causation|causal]] role by the believer in an outcome ,<ref>For example, the Biblical [[Peter]]'s walking on water based on his faith.</ref> or in overcoming a personal [[fear]].  Faith also implies advancement or accomplishment of something good, while mere belief does not achieve by itself.  

The importance of faith [[logic|logically]] follows from the [[Arguments for the existence of God|existence of God]], as explained in [[Luke, Chapter 17#7|Luke 7-10]] (merely doing as told is not enough - "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.") .<ref>Luke 17:10 (ESV) (emphasis added).</ref>  God went beyond His duty and would prefer His [[creation]] to do likewise.  That requires faith.

The importance of faith [[logic|logically]] follows from the [[Arguments for the existence of God|existence of God]], as explained in [[Luke, Chapter 17#7|Luke 7-10]] (merely doing as told is not enough - "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.").<ref>Luke 17:10 (ESV) (emphasis added).</ref>  God went beyond His duty and would prefer His [[creation]] to do likewise.  That requires faith.

Faith combined with [[Works (theology)|good works]] is a foundation of [[virtue]] and this is the strongest way to overcome [[addiction]] and harmful [[obsession]]s, including [[obesity]] and football watching/[[video game]] playing, as well as overcoming all kinds of [[fear]]s/[[anxiety]]. Faith could even be defined as the opposite of anxiety.

Faith combined with [[Works (theology)|good works]] is a foundation of [[virtue]] and this is the strongest way to overcome [[addiction]] and harmful [[obsession]]s, including [[obesity]] and football watching/[[video game]] playing, as well as overcoming all kinds of [[fear]]s/[[anxiety]]. Faith could even be defined as the opposite of anxiety.

"Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman—though the weaker vessel, they are joint heirs of the gracious gift of life—so that nothing may hinder your prayers." - 1 Peter 3:7 (NRSV)

"Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman—though the weaker vessel, they are joint heirs of the gracious gift of life—so that nothing may hinder your prayers." - 1 Peter 3:7 (NRSV)

'''5.''' Be firm in your faith, have your walk with God be rooted and built up in God. .<ref>[https://www.bibleref.com/Colossians/2/Colossians-2-6.html#:~:text=Our%20walk%20with%20God%20must,taken%20in%20by%20deceptive%20arguments. What does Colossians 2:6 mean?], Bibleref.com</ref> <ref>[https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Col/Col_002.cfm#:~:text=As%20we%20have%20received%20Christ,Observe%2C Matthew Henry Commentary on Colossians 2] - [[Matthew Henry]]'s Commentary on the Whole Bible</ref>  Have a grateful heart towards God (See: [[Gratitude#How to be more grateful to God|How to be more grateful to God]])

'''5.''' Be firm in your faith, have your walk with God be rooted and built up in God.<ref>[https://www.bibleref.com/Colossians/2/Colossians-2-6.html#:~:text=Our%20walk%20with%20God%20must,taken%20in%20by%20deceptive%20arguments. What does Colossians 2:6 mean?], Bibleref.com</ref> <ref>[https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Col/Col_002.cfm#:~:text=As%20we%20have%20received%20Christ,Observe%2C Matthew Henry Commentary on Colossians 2] - [[Matthew Henry]]'s Commentary on the Whole Bible</ref>  Have a grateful heart towards God (See: [[Gratitude#How to be more grateful to God|How to be more grateful to God]])

"For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your orderly conduct and the firmness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him,  rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." - Colossians 2:6-7 (NRSV)

"For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your orderly conduct and the firmness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him,  rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." - Colossians 2:6-7 (NRSV)

{{cquote|Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the [[Holy Spirit|Spirit of our God]]." - I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)}}

{{cquote|Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the [[Holy Spirit|Spirit of our God]]." - I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)}}

The website ''The Berean Call'' has several articles on various false claims and unbiblical notions that many practitioners of counseling psychology promote .<ref>http://www.thebereancall.org/topic/psychology</ref>

The website ''The Berean Call'' has several articles on various false claims and unbiblical notions that many practitioners of counseling psychology promote.<ref>http://www.thebereancall.org/topic/psychology</ref>

Faith plays a central role in overcoming [[addiction]].  Virtually everyone is plagued by one or more addictions, and faith enables overcoming those weaknesses. Similar to this is faith's key role in overcoming [[recidivism]].  This role is unique to [[Christian]] faith and has not been shown concerning other [[religion]]s' belief systems or to secular humanist ideologies.

Faith plays a central role in overcoming [[addiction]].  Virtually everyone is plagued by one or more addictions, and faith enables overcoming those weaknesses. Similar to this is faith's key role in overcoming [[recidivism]].  This role is unique to [[Christian]] faith and has not been shown concerning other [[religion]]s' belief systems or to secular humanist ideologies.

Lack of faith can lead to fear, anxiety, [[depression]], lack of confidence and sometimes death.  A lack of faith can be very harmful, leading to self-destructive behavior.  Faith can be described as the power to ignore the [[devil]] and all his antics.

Lack of faith can lead to fear, anxiety, [[depression]], lack of confidence and sometimes death.  A lack of faith can be very harmful, leading to self-destructive behavior.  Faith can be described as the power to ignore the [[devil]] and all his antics.

Often faith inspires extra initiative or effort, adding confidence that it will yield the desired good result.  "Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on," and Jesus cured him .<ref>Mark 2:4</ref>

Often faith inspires extra initiative or effort, adding confidence that it will yield the desired good result.  "Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on," and Jesus cured him.<ref>Mark 2:4</ref>

==Frequency==

==Frequency==

A&nbsp;classic statement of faith in the [[Bible]] was by the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] centurion of [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208:5-10;&version=49; Matthew 8:5-10], who expressed his confidence that [[Jesus]] could cure his beloved servant from a distance without even seeing him.  [[Jesus]] repeatedly emphasized the importance and value of faith to his disciples.

A&nbsp;classic statement of faith in the [[Bible]] was by the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] centurion of [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208:5-10;&version=49; Matthew 8:5-10], who expressed his confidence that [[Jesus]] could cure his beloved servant from a distance without even seeing him.  [[Jesus]] repeatedly emphasized the importance and value of faith to his disciples.

Faith is expressed in [[Greek language|Greek]] using the term ''pistis'', and in [[Latin]] using the term ''fidēs''.  Faith is mentioned in 229 verses in the [[New Testament]] ([[KJV]]), but only twice in the much larger [[Old Testament]] ([[KJV]]) .<ref>http://www.crosswalk.com</ref>  In an attempt to convert [[Jews]] to [[Christianity]], [[Paul]] described [[Abraham]]'s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son [[Isaac]] to [[God]] as an act of faith, though the [[Old Testament]] did not describe it with that term.

Faith is expressed in [[Greek language|Greek]] using the term ''pistis'', and in [[Latin]] using the term ''fidēs''.  Faith is mentioned in 229 verses in the [[New Testament]] ([[KJV]]), but only twice in the much larger [[Old Testament]] ([[KJV]]).<ref>http://www.crosswalk.com</ref>  In an attempt to convert [[Jews]] to [[Christianity]], [[Paul]] described [[Abraham]]'s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son [[Isaac]] to [[God]] as an act of faith, though the [[Old Testament]] did not describe it with that term.

Faith is strengthened by prayer ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jude%2020;&version=9; Jude 20]). For those who strengthen their faith, [[Jesus]] promised "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." <ref>John 14:12 (NIV).</ref>

Faith is strengthened by prayer ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jude%2020;&version=9; Jude 20]). For those who strengthen their faith, [[Jesus]] promised "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." <ref>John 14:12 (NIV).</ref>

Perhaps the greatest description of faith is Hebrews 11:1. It states: "Now faith is being sure of what we [[hope]] for and certain of what we do not see." <ref>Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).</ref>

Perhaps the greatest description of faith is Hebrews 11:1. It states: "Now faith is being sure of what we [[hope]] for and certain of what we do not see." <ref>Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).</ref>

[[File:St Paul Preaching.jpg|thumb|right|The [[painting]] by Giovanni Ricco (1817-1873) shows Paulus before that "high priest and the advice of the oldest" in Jerusalem where he defends its theology for the moors.]]The King James Version expresses this passage as: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  The Greek word translated as "substance" is `hupostasis', meaning setting under (support).  The Greek word for "evidence" is `elegchos', meaning proof .<ref>J. Strong, 1890, ''Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible'', Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.</ref>  The Bible thus distinguishes clearly between the ''leap of faith'' of Kierkegaard and a faith based on acknowledgment of the evidence presented by God within our own experiences in this world.  Paul, in {{bibleref|Romans|1|17-20}} explains that faith has its basis in the observed expression of God's existence in this universe: "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen...."

[[File:St Paul Preaching.jpg|thumb|right|The [[painting]] by Giovanni Ricco (1817-1873) shows Paulus before that "high priest and the advice of the oldest" in Jerusalem where he defends its theology for the moors.]]The King James Version expresses this passage as: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  The Greek word translated as "substance" is `hupostasis', meaning setting under (support).  The Greek word for "evidence" is `elegchos', meaning proof.<ref>J. Strong, 1890, ''Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible'', Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.</ref>  The Bible thus distinguishes clearly between the ''leap of faith'' of Kierkegaard and a faith based on acknowledgment of the evidence presented by God within our own experiences in this world.  Paul, in {{bibleref|Romans|1|17-20}} explains that faith has its basis in the observed expression of God's existence in this universe: "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen...."

[[Paul]] indicated that exceptional faith may be a gift of the [[Holy Spirit]].  1 Corinthians 12:8-9 ''For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit''

[[Paul]] indicated that exceptional faith may be a gift of the [[Holy Spirit]].  1 Corinthians 12:8-9 ''For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit''

==The natural and the supernatural aspects of Faith==

==The natural and the supernatural aspects of Faith==

Faith is a gift from God that may be viewed in two ways. One is clearly an intrusion or at least an introjection into our ordinary lives. Under this aspect, we see it as pure grace. "For by grace are you saved through faith, and this is not as a result of your deeds, It is God's gift and not something from ourselves". Our response is from the extremity of our situation and as a clear product of something outside ourselves - the new word of God, the message concerning Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Even the ability to hear and understand is given to us from above, "Faith comes by hearing, and " "hearing" itself comes by the Word of God. And thus we call out, from the depth and from consciousness, for salvation. " Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, will be saved." Even if the calling is an inchoate yearning from the depth of the soul that finds no articulation, it knows not how, the Lord sees the heart of longing calling for him, and saves .<ref>Psalms 22:9-10; 58:3; 71:6; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:42, 44; Acts 17:27-28; Romans 8:26; Galatians 1:15; 2 Peter 3:9</ref>

Faith is a gift from God that may be viewed in two ways. One is clearly an intrusion or at least an introjection into our ordinary lives. Under this aspect, we see it as pure grace. "For by grace are you saved through faith, and this is not as a result of your deeds, It is God's gift and not something from ourselves". Our response is from the extremity of our situation and as a clear product of something outside ourselves - the new word of God, the message concerning Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Even the ability to hear and understand is given to us from above, "Faith comes by hearing, and " "hearing" itself comes by the Word of God. And thus we call out, from the depth and from consciousness, for salvation. " Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, will be saved." Even if the calling is an inchoate yearning from the depth of the soul that finds no articulation, it knows not how, the Lord sees the heart of longing calling for him, and saves.<ref>Psalms 22:9-10; 58:3; 71:6; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:42, 44; Acts 17:27-28; Romans 8:26; Galatians 1:15; 2 Peter 3:9</ref>

The other aspect of Faith is not by intrusion or introjection, but by infusion and irradiation. This too is of the grace of God. Whereas the first aspect had come to us at our extremity from without, this aspect comes to us from within and around, pervading the so-called natural structures that we experience every day, that are so supportive of stability, confidence, trust, and hope. Good parenting, the solidity of home and provision, loving faithfulness among friends as we grow, and continual exposure to the truth of the Word of God (and the truth is always therapeutic), strengthen our faith, and our expectation for continuing faithfulness and involvement of a loving and good God.  Faith seems so natural, so in accord with our experience, that we could even be surprised that it could have been otherwise. Here we experience, most often, not a crisis of faith, but the need to give ourselves more fully to Him in whom we are believing. Under this aspect, God is to be appreciated and acknowledged for being our good and heavenly Father. The Old Testament presents us with the reality of this aspect of faith. Amidst even the miraculous events such as the parting of the "Red" Sea, and the many deliverances Israel experienced so beyond their natural ability to affect, little is said or acknowledged consciously of the quality of faith itself. It is the air that a fish is most conscious of, not his home in the water.

The other aspect of Faith is not by intrusion or introjection, but by infusion and irradiation. This too is of the grace of God. Whereas the first aspect had come to us at our extremity from without, this aspect comes to us from within and around, pervading the so-called natural structures that we experience every day, that are so supportive of stability, confidence, trust, and hope. Good parenting, the solidity of home and provision, loving faithfulness among friends as we grow, and continual exposure to the truth of the Word of God (and the truth is always therapeutic), strengthen our faith, and our expectation for continuing faithfulness and involvement of a loving and good God.  Faith seems so natural, so in accord with our experience, that we could even be surprised that it could have been otherwise. Here we experience, most often, not a crisis of faith, but the need to give ourselves more fully to Him in whom we are believing. Under this aspect, God is to be appreciated and acknowledged for being our good and heavenly Father. The Old Testament presents us with the reality of this aspect of faith. Amidst even the miraculous events such as the parting of the "Red" Sea, and the many deliverances Israel experienced so beyond their natural ability to affect, little is said or acknowledged consciously of the quality of faith itself. It is the air that a fish is most conscious of, not his home in the water.