1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it 1a) relating to God 1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ 1b) relating to Christ 1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God 1c) the religious beliefs of Christians 1d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same 2) fidelity, faithfulness 2a) the character of one who can be relied on

This is the definition of the Greek word that is translated into English as faith. The Greek word is "pistis". This word describes a strong deep rooted block--immovable--unshakeable--upon which rests our belief, and from our belief we take action, (that is why "faith without works is dead"...works are faith in action!).

Our word faith has been diluted in meaning through the ages...people ask "What faith are you?"...or we "pray" for someone when there is no other hope and even then, without any real expectation...our word "faith" is weak, but the real definition for faith is a very very strong and powerful conviction.

"Pistis" is the kind of faith that I want! How about you? So, how can we obtain this kind of strong "pistis" faith?

#1 We must come to Jesus!...get filled with the Holy spirit!

#2 Build our faith from the Word!...Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." When we have built this firm rooted "pistis" faith---then we must---

#3 Live by faith!.....Hebrews 10:38 "Now the just shall live by faith:..." We live by our relationship with Jesus, through prayer and by knowing Gods Word (the Holy Bible) We will now have a strong foundation to rest our belief on, and from which to take action!

TIP*** Sometimes, in an area we have difficulty with, we might be taking action beyond what our faith has been built upon, and we may fall. The problem isn't our exterior action but rather our underlying lack of faith. The answer is to build "pistis" faith in that area---remember--- PRAY TO JESUS---READ THE BIBLE--- and God will grow your faith!

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