Building A Faith Life

Building God’s House

“Building a Life of Faith”

Hebrews 11

The other week, one person suggested I do a series on the three pillars we adhere to at Living Waters Fellowship. One of our pillars is that of discipleship, which we call, “Building Up The House of God Within Each Person.”

This got me thinking about doing two series of messages in this one area. The first series, which we’re starting today, is about the type of house we’re suppose to build, and the second series we’ll look at those values we’re to hold while building God’s house within us.

Now, some people think that the way they please God, and build His house within them, is through rituals. They chant certain ritualistic prayers. They light incense and chant mantras. Or they light candles and perform certain ritualistic moves.

But, that’s not what the Bible says in how we please God.

Other people think the way to please God, and build His house within them, is through keeping rules and regulations. They make a list of all the things that they’re suppose to do, and make a list of all the things they’re not suppose to do. And if they do more of the things on the “To Do” list, and less of the things on the “Not To Do” list, then somehow they’ll be okay with God, and that God will be okay with them.

But, that’s not what the Bible says pleases God.

And then there are those people think the way to please God, and build His house within them, is through religion. They keep certain holy days, or go to certain church functions deemed necessary by the church, and then God will say, “You’re on my ‘A’ list.”

But again, the Bible doesn’t say that.

What the Bible does say is that God isn’t interested in ritual, rules, regulations, or religion. Rather, God is interested in having a personal and intimate relationship with us. This is seen in the Great Commandment where we are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, that is, we are to love God with the whole of our being.

And so, having that personal intimate relationship with God is what pleases Him the most. But how is such a relationship possible? Well, it only possible through faith.

The Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)

So it is by God’s grace that such a relationship begins. But, like any relationship it takes two to tango. And so, what brings God’s grace into our lives is our faith in Him, which is why the Bible says that faith is what pleases God. In fact, the Bible says that without faith it’s impossible to please God.

The writer of Hebrews says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

As I said earlier, in our series, we are going to be looking at several aspects and characteristics that we need to build into our lives upon so that miracles can take place, especially if we want to make a difference in our community for Christ, which is the third pillar of Living Waters Fellowship.

This week I’ll be looking at the biblical mandate to build our lives upon a foundation of faith in God.

“But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20 NLT)

Therefore, if we want to please God, and if we want to build up His House within us, then it begins with our faith. It is therefore imperative that we learn what faith then is all about.

Some have likened faith to a multi-faceted diamond, and so today we’ll be exploring these various facets of faith as we look at the Bible’s faith chapter, Hebrews chapter 11. It is also referred to God’s Hall of Faith, because it lists out men and women who, according to God, did it right.

It is through their lives that we’ll explore these various facets and learn how we can build a great life of faith.

Faith is Believing Without Seeing

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Faith is all about visualizing the future in the present. It is being certain of what has been promised, and what we know to be true, even though we do not see it.