Faith is often one of the most discussed topics in Christian teaching. But what is faith, really? How does it work? What role does it play in our spiritual lives? These were some of the deep questions explored by Apostle Joshua Selman in his powerful sermon titled “What Faith is and How It Works.” In this blog post, we’ll break down some key insights from his sermon to provide a clear understanding of faith and its operation in the life of every believer.
Defining Faith: More Than a Mere Belief
In his sermon, Apostle Selman emphasized that faith is not just a passive belief in something, nor is it just wishful thinking. It is a conviction of the heart that moves you to act. Faith, according to Scripture, is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It’s a deep-rooted trust in God’s character and His promises.
Apostle Selman made it clear that many people believe, but faith is more than acknowledging God’s existence. True faith is an active force, a living principle that propels us toward action. For instance, it’s not just believing that God can heal you but believing in such a way that it motivates you to align your thoughts, words, and actions with God’s promises.
Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God
One of the foundational principles Apostle Selman highlighted is the importance of hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In other words, we build our faith when we consistently expose ourselves to the Word of God. The more we hear and meditate on His promises, the more we develop and strengthen our faith.
Apostle Selman also mentioned that faith is not just a mental ascent to what we read or hear. It requires personal revelation. Hearing the Word transforms into faith when the Holy Spirit brings understanding, causing it to move from our minds to our hearts. That’s when faith becomes active and powerful in our lives.
Faith and Obedience Are Inseparable
Apostle Selman reminds that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Faith, when truly alive, will always be accompanied by action. Genuine faith will result in obedience. For example, when God speaks a promise over your life, the proper response is not passive waiting, but active obedience to His instructions.
Faith demands that we act on what we believe. This means taking practical steps that align with God’s will for our lives. Just like Abraham demonstrated his faith by obeying God’s call, which counted as righteousness, we show our faith through our willingness to act on God’s Word, no matter how impossible it may seem.
4. The Power of Speaking in Faith
Apostle Selman also discussed the critical role of speaking in faith. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The words we speak shape our reality. Faith speaks boldly in alignment with God’s promises. Speaking in faith means declaring God’s Word over our circumstances, even when we don’t see immediate results. It’s about creating an atmosphere of faith through our declarations.
The apostle urged believers to cultivate a lifestyle of speaking faith. It’s not enough to believe quietly in our hearts; we must speak it out loud and create an environment where faith can thrive. Your words matter—they have the power to either build up or tear down.
5. Faith is Tested, But It Produces Results
Faith isn’t always easy. Apostle Selman acknowledged that faith would be tested. This is part of the process that strengthens and refines our trust in God. Challenges, trials, and delays are all part of God’s plan to purify our faith. However, the testing of faith is never in vain. As we stand firm in our trust in God, we are refined and strengthened.
James 1:3-4 tells us that the testing of faith produces patience, and patience leads to maturity. It’s through the fire of trials that we see the real strength of our faith. Apostle Selman encouraged believers to remain steadfast, knowing that their faith will not fail if they continue to trust God through every season.
6. Faith Operates on the Principle of the Seed
Apostle Selman also described how faith operates like a seed. A small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, can grow into something mighty when you nurture, water, and allow it to mature. Just as you must plant, water, and tend to a seed to produce a harvest, nurturing and activating faith will bring forth results.
The key here is consistency. Faith is not something that can be built overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and regular feeding with the Word of God. It’s a process of growth that results in the manifestation of God’s promises in our lives.
7. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Faith
Lastly, Apostle Selman stressed the importance of the Holy Spirit in our journey of faith. The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in strengthening our faith and helping us stay focused on God’s promises. As believers, we are not left to struggle alone; the Holy Spirit is our helper, teacher, and comforter. He empowers us to rise above doubt and fear, and to walk confidently in faith.
The Holy Spirit also helps us to see things from God’s perspective, enabling us to act in faith even when our natural circumstances don’t make sense. When we walk in tune with the Holy Spirit, our faith operates at its fullest potential.
Conclusion: Walking in Faith Daily
Apostle Joshua Selman’s message on “What Faith is and How It Works” serves as a powerful reminder that faith is not a passive concept but an active, living force that shapes our lives. Faith is more than just believing; it requires hearing, speaking, acting, and walking in alignment with God’s Word. It’s about obedience, consistency, and trusting God through every trial.
As you continue on your journey of faith, remember that God’s promises are true, and as you build and walk in faith, you will see His power at work in your life.
Faith is not just a doctrine; it’s a lifestyle. So, let’s choose to live by faith, trusting in the One who is faithful to fulfill His promises.
This post captures the essence of Apostle Selman’s teachings, offering practical steps to understand and apply faith in your own life. May your faith grow stronger each day as you walk by the Word of God!