Psalm 100, Habakkuk 2.1-4, Mark 9. 14-29, Eph.2.1-10

  To inherit the kingdom of God, one must repent and believe in the gospel. Those who believe in the gospel will be saved. By faith miracles and signs can be done (Mark 1:15; 16:15-16). A person who believes in the gospel is saved regardless of whether he is a Jew or a Gentile (Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16). Jesus’ parable about the miraculous power of faith is well known. If you have faith as the mustard seed, you can move even the mountain (Matthew 17:20-21; Luke 17:6) or even a tree uprooted and falling into the sea can be done by faith. There is a connection between faith and prayer. Faith is the foundation of prayer. Jesus promised that you will receive whatever you ask in prayer by believing (Matthew 21:22). Jesus taught us to believe that when we pray, we receive whatever we ask for (Mark 11:24). The reason for Jesus’ miracles in the Gospels was the faith of the people (Matthew 8:10; 9:2,29; 15:28; Mark 2:5; 5:36; Luke 5:20; 7:9; 8:50). Jesus repeatedly said, “Let it be according to your faith” (Matthew 9:22; Mark 5:34; 10:52; Luke 8:48; 17:19; 18:42). The miracles and signs that Jesus performed in the Gospel of John caused the people to believe (2:11; 4:53; 7:31; 11:15,42,45; 12:37; 20:31). However, in contrast to this, Jesus grieved over the people who were not ready to believe unless they had seen signs and wonders (John 2:18; 4:48; 6:26,30). The words of Jesus to Thomas, who said that he would not believe unless he saw the risen Christ, are significant: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”(John 20:29).

1.Meaning and Definitions of Faith (Psalm 100)

In the Old Testament, faith is given a word that includes the meanings of trustworthiness, faithfulness, Faith and doctrine of belief. Although they are closely related, many terms are used in the English language to illuminate this diversity of concepts. In the Old Testament, the verb aman, which underlies the concept of faith, means sure and permanent. The words ‘reliable’, ‘faithful’‘established’ (David’s kingship, 2 Sam 7:16, faithful priest who does the will of God, 1 Sam 2:35, faithful prophet, 1 Sam 3:20; faithful witnesses, Isa 8:2, faithful true God, Acts 7:9; Psalm 58:11; 100:5) etc., are used interchangeably. The meaning of the word ‘amen’ is to accept what one says as it is (Deut. 27:15-26; Neh 5:13; Jer 11:5). It is this recognition that is contained in the verb ‘to believe’. When Moses revealed the miracle, the people believed in Moses (Exodus 4:31). When God assured Abraham that he would have children, he believed it (Genesis 15:16). Israel believed in Jehovah and Moses when God performed miracles (Exodus 14:31). Jehoshaphat called the people to believe in God and the prophets (2 Chronicles 20:20). At the same time, the Bible also mentions some instances of disbelief. Jacob was stunned when he was informed that Joseph was alive and became the chief official in Egypt. Jacob could not believe it (Genesis 45:26). King Ahaz did not believe the prophet’s assurance that God was the protector of the city of Jerusalem and that it was impossible for enemies to attack (Isaiah 7:1-9). Where there is faith there is no impatience and fear (Isaiah 28:16; 30:10). Another related word is faithfulness. It is a characteristic that humans should follow. It should be in marriage (Hosea 2:20), witnesses (Isaiah 8:2), God’s people (Psalm 37:3), and the righteous (Proverbs 12:17, 22). God is faithful.  Justice and mercy are eternal attributes of God. In many Psalms (88:11; 91:1,2,5,8; 100:5) God’s justice (Psalm 96:13; 143:1; Isaiah 11:5) and mercy (Psalm 89:24; 92:3; 98 :3) salvation etc (Psalm 96:13; 143:1) can be found in relation with faithfulness. Loyalty (reliable) is an immutable characteristic based on justice and mercy. Faith is a positive response to it.

2. The righteous shall live by faith (Hab 2:1- 4)

The righteous shall live by faith. Here it is said that faith is more than loyalty. Although the word faith is rare in the Old Testament, the concept is present. The expression of trust is seen in many places as equivalent to faith. “Jehovah, do justice to me; I walk in my innocence; I trust in Jehovah without being moved” (Psalm 26:1). Unwavering trust in Jehovah shows faith. Trust in Jehovah with all your heart; Many Old Testament passages convey the idea of ​​faith –“do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5,6). Faith figures prominently in the New Testament. The Greek words pistis (faith) and pistuo (believe) are repeated about two hundred and forty times in the New Testament; The adjective pistos occurs sixty-seven times. Faith became paramount in the New Testament in the context of the saving work accomplished by God in Christ Jesus. Christ completed the salvation of man by His own death. Faith is an attitude of complete reliance on Christ for salvation rather than relying on one’s own works. It is not possible for a person to be a child of God without having faith in God. All the New Testament booksspeaks about faith except 1 and 2 John. In the New Testament, faith refers to complete reliance on God and Jesus Christ (John 5:24; Acts 27:25; Romans 4:3; Gal 3:6; James 2:23). A person’s faith leads to an unbreakable relationship with God and the resurrected Jesus Christ. There are many references to believing in Jesus in the New Testament – ‘believe in Jesus’ (John 12:11), ‘in Christ Jesus’ (Gal 2:16), ‘in the Son’, ‘in the Son of God’ (John 3:36; 1John 5:10). ‘In the Son of Man’ (John 9:35), ‘in Him’ (John 2:11; 3:15, 16,18; 4:39; 6:29,40; 7:5,31,39, 48; 8:30 ; 10:41; 12:43; Romans 1:29). ‘in Me’ (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; John 6:35; 7:38; 11:25; 12:44,46; 14:1,12, 16:9; 17:20), ‘in the name of Jesus’ (John 1:12; 2:23; 3:18; 1John 5:13) etc.. In John’s Gospel, the idea of ​​believing appears 90 times as the main theme of Jesus’ teaching. It appears a total of 29 times in the parallel Gospels.  

3. Everything is possible for one who believes (Mark.9.14-29)

  Once Jesus went up to the mountain with his disciples and was transfigured in their midst. All the synoptic gospels testify that Moses and Elijah appeared to them (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:28-36). When he came down from the mount of transfiguration or Mount Tabor, he saw a large crowd standing around and the scribes arguing with their disciples. As soon as the crowd saw Jesus, they ran and worshiped him. When asked what they were arguing about, one of the persons in the crowd explained that he had brought his son with a dumb spirit to Jesus, and when he brought him to the disciples because he couldn’t see Jesus, they couldn’t do anything. This spirit has often cast him into fire and water to destroy him. So he pleaded, “If you can, please help us”. Jesus said in response: “If you can, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). The different versions are – “Everything is possible for one who believes” (NIV), “All things can be done for the one who believes” (NRSV) and “All things are possible to him who believes” (NKJV) etc. After that, it is recorded that Jesus healed that son. All three synoptic gospels attest to this miracle (Matthew 17:14-19; Mark 9:14-32; Luke 9:37-45). He who believes can do all things. From what Jesus says, we must understand that the healing of your son depends not only on me but also on you. This is not an abstract theological mystery, but a simple universal truth. If you approach anything with despair, you can expect disappointment and if you approach it with hope, you can expect hope. This means that our approach is important. At the same time, it is dangerous to interpret this word alone without looking into the context as well. It should not be usedfor the temptation of making money and ‘selling God’ even when He says that whatever you ask by faith (Mark 10:27; 11:24) it will happen. Because ultimately God’s will is to be done in us (Mark 14:36).But this word refers to the deep faith that men should place in God. Mark is the only one who refers to this verse in this instance. Because, in general, Mark seems to place more importance on faith.Mark also emphasizes the serious point that Jesus could not perform miracles because of people’s lack of faith (Mark 6:5). It also says that Jesus was amazed at their unbelief (Mark 6:6). Matthew tells the same story that because of their unbelief Jesus did no mighty works there (Matthew 13:58). However, Mark emphasizes the importance of faith in God. This is very strong statement -‘Everything is possible’ with you, if you have faith.

4. Faith is the mandatory for salvation (Eph.2.1-10)

  Faith is the mandatoryfor salvation. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). In Hebrews 11 there is a list of heroes of faith. The Christian life is a life of faith (2 Cor 5:7). Faith is the foundation of successful living (1 John 5:4,5). Being sanctified by faith (Acts 26:18), experiencing quietness and peace (Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:1; Phil 4:6,7), being guarded by the power of God (1 Peter 1:4), experiencing joy (1Peter 1:8), prayers are answered (Matthew 21:21) and miracles are performed (Hebrews 11:32-34). In the New Testament, believing in Jesus is no different from believing in God (John 12:44; 14:1; 10-11). Repentance towards God comes through faith in Jesus (Acts 20:21). It is God who raised Jesus from the dead and made salvation possible through Christ (Romans 4:24; Col 2:12). Faith in this way means accepting the saving work of God in Christ. That is, not only that God raised Jesus from the dead, but that Jesus died and rose again (Romans 6:8; 1 Thess 4:14), that God sent Jesus (John 11:42; 16:27,30; 17:8,21) and that Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:69) that Christ is the Son of God (John 11:27; 20:31; 1 John 5:1,5) should be accepted and believed.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of faith that You have bestowed upon us. We thank You for the precious words of the Bible that guide us, strengthen us, and remind us of Your unwavering love and power.As we conclude this time together, we ask that You help us to hold firmly to the faith that moves mountains, the faith that heals, and the faith that saves. Let our hearts be ever steadfast in believing in Your promises, knowing that with You, all things are possible.Lord, empower us to live out our faith boldly in our daily lives. Let us be shining examples of Your love, grace, and power, so that others may see Your light through us and be drawn closer to You. Strengthen our resolve to trust in You through every trial, and fill us with the peace that comes from knowing that You are always with us.We pray that our faith would not just be words, but action. Help us to love others as You have loved us, to serve selflessly, and to walk humbly with You each day. May our faith be a beacon of hope to those around us, and may it inspire a deep and abiding trust in You.Thank You, Lord, for the power of faith that transforms lives. We surrender ourselves to You, trusting in Your perfect plan and timing. Let Your will be done in our lives, and may we always glorify Your name in all that we do.In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray,

Amen.