Jesus is the Finisher of our Faith

Jesus is the Finisher of our Faith Heb 12:2
Heb 7:19 Jesus brings a better hope than the law. The law was a type that pointed to Christ. Jesus fulfilled the law and gave us a better covenant.

Heb 10:14 We the sanctified, are perfected by Jesus' offering.

Ps 138:8 The Lord will accomplish what concerns me.

Phil 1:6 Jesus will perfect the work He started.

Psalm 57:2 I will cry to God most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.

Faith Prepares for the Future

Faith prepares for the future. Noah Genesis 6:13-22
Noah built an arch when God told him of a flood.  Noah worked many years to prepare for this event. The boat was about 450' buy 75'. A lot of trees needed to be cut and hauled to the site, milled into boards and cut to size. As long as it took it seems like Noah would have had time to  plant trees to grow and be cut latter, when they had grown to a mature size. This preparation was a work of faith.

Our work at the direction of the Lord will be a work of faith in what God will do for us.

We are to number our days to apply our heart to wisdom. Ps 90:12

Jesus is the Author of Our Faith.

Hebrews 12:2
Jesus is the author of our faith.
The Bible was written by Jesus. It is as real to our heart today, as it was when it was written. Matt 4:4 and Heb 4:12


Hebrews 2:10 Jesus is the author of our salvation through sufferings. He is the one who brings all things.
Mark 9:24  I do believe, help my unbelief
Luke 17:5 the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
Acts 5:31 Jesus grants repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Rev 1:8 Jesus is the Alpha and omega
Rev 1:17 Jesus is the first and the last.

Looking To Jesus Builds Faith

Look to Jesus Hebrews 12:2; Numbers 21:6-9
I look to Jesus when I go through my day. Prov 3:5,6
I look to Jesus to sustain me when I am weak Ps 72:12-14
I look to Jesus to move even when I don't deserve to have Him move. 1 Cor 15:9
I look to Jesus because of who He is not what I deserve Jn 1:14
I look to Jesus because of the power that flows from His throne Col 2:10 Heb 4:16
I look to Jesus because the vision for the future come from Him. Hab 2:2
I look to Jesus because life flows from Him. Jn 4:14
I look to Jesus because with Him I get to my destination Jn 6:21
I look to Jesus because He saves me from the penalty of my sin Rom 6:23
I look to Jesus because He wants to be my friend. Jn 15:15
I look to Jesus because He tells me what will come. Jn 15:15
I look to Jesus because He teaches me. Col 3:16
I look to Jesus for He sustains me. Ps 107:9
I look to Jesus because He heals me. Ps 107:20
I look to Jesus because He delivers me from my problems Ps 121:1,2
I look to Jesus because He is my savior. Jn 3:16

He Did Not Answer Her a Word

Jesus did not answer her a word. Matt 15:23-28; Mark 7:24-30
Many would say that a no answer is an answer of no.

What does God want? Does He want obedience? Yes but He wants more than that. Does He want church attendance? Yes He wants us to gather together but He wants more than that. What does God want? From what I know of the Bible Hebrews 11:6 says that God is pleased with faith. Faith will not take a no answer or an answer that is not adequate as the final answer.

Jesus disciples tried to stop her, and Jesus testing her tried to put her off. Yet she was not put off.

What did the woman do that demonstrates this great faith?

Because of the love for her daughter, she sought an answer from Jesus.
When she hears of Jesus, she immediately comes to where Jesus was.
She calls out to Him as she approaches Him.
When she gets to Him, she falls at His feet and worships Him.
She does not let a lack of response from Jesus stop her.
She does not let the opposition of the religious leaders stop her.
She does not let the reasoning of Jesus stop her.
She does not let offense stop her.
She does not let a pre-planned method stop her.
She keeps asking until she gets the answer.
She didn't take a lack an answer as the final answer.

The Poor are Rich in Faith

James 2:5 The poor are rich in faith.
Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:20
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:3

Isaiah 14:32 Afflicted people seek refuge in Zion.
Isaiah 29:10 Afflicted and needy will increase their gladness in the Lord
Zeph 3:12 A humble and lowly people will take refuge in the name of the Lord.
Zech 11:11 Afflicted will know God's word.
Matt 11:5 Jesus preaches to the poor.
Luke 9:58 Even Jesus was homeless.
1 Cor 1:26 Not many mighty or noble were called.
2 Cor 8:9 Jesus became poor that we may be rich.

It's not that the rich can't have faith. It's just they think they don't need God. Rich feel they can take care of themselves.

The poor are needy. And faith is only possible if there is a need. Following the example of people of faith, gets me out of the self reliance mindset.

People of faith see their need for God and His provision. Self absorbed people don't consider God as viable for them.

Lord I am a needy person. I need you to come to my life and provide me with the living word.

Faith Understands Authority

Luke 7:1-10
Matt 8:5-10
The Centurion shows that faith understands authority.
"Just say the word and my servant will be healed."
Luke 4:36 With authority and power  Jesus commands the unclean spirits and they come out.

Joel 2:11 . . . For strong is he who carries out His word.
Micah 5:7-9 Action does not wait or delay for others

Authority and submission involves obedience and respect. If we obey and respect God, then we can ask with belief.

"Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:21

Jesus was sent with authority and we have the same authority.

Matthew 28:18-20
All authority has been given to Jesus and He has commissioned us to be His spokesman in this life. We can go in that authority as we are under His authority. Faith is built as we live in obedience to Jesus.

Lord let me submit to your authority. I want to act in courage and trust that you will back up your instructions with power.