INTRODUCTION

            As we continue our study, we come to perhaps the most basic of the      fundamental principles of the Lord...faith toward God.  In our pursuit of the

            things of God, it is paramount that we have a strong foundation and       understanding of basic Bible faith.

I.         THE DIRECTION OF OUR FAITH

            A.  Faith in God.

1.   God Is the Object of Our Faith. [Persuasion, conviction, reliance upon

      Christ for salvation and a behavior that is consistent with that belief.]

            B.  Faith in His Word.

                        1.  The Foundation of Our Faith. Romans 10:17, Romans 4:20-21 

                                    a.  Recognition. Psalm 89:34, Isaiah 55:11, Psalm 119:160, 

     Psalm 119:89

II.        THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR FAITH

            A.  Active Faith.

                        1.   Operation. Mark 4:14-20  

                                    a.  Believe It or Not...Hebrews 4:2, Mark 2:1-12, 

     Matthew 13:14-15

            B.  Attacked Faith.

                        1.  Development. James 1:2-4 

                        a.  The Force of Consistency. Luke 8:15, Romans 5:3-5

III.       THE DETERRENT TO OUR FAITH

            A.  Defining Unbelief.

                        1.  Unbelief. There are two words translated “unbelief” in Scripture.

                                    a.  Unbelief…Apistia. [want or lack of faith]  

     Hebrews 3:12,18-19, Mark 6:6 

                                    b.  Unbelief…Apithia. [disobedience, abstinence, unpersuadable,

                                         a decision to resist God’s Word] Hebrews 4:6, Ephesians 2:1-2 

            B.  Dealing with Unbelief.

                        1.  Unbelief…Apistia - We must have more Word. (Romans 10:17)

                        2.  Unbelief…Apithia - We must repent.

IV.       THE DECLARATION OF OUR FAITH

            A.  The Confession of Faith.

                        1.  Confessing. Romans 10:6-10 (II Corinthians 4:13)

                                    a.  Confess. (x2) [Homologia) = Confession, profession. The word 

      comes from two Greek words:  Homou…the same, 

      together…and Logos…communication, doctrine, tidings, word]

1)    We must speak the same as the Word. I Timothy 6:12,

      Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 3:1  

CONCLUSION

            Our faith must be toward God...He must be the object of our faith. Our 

            faith must not waver...because He never wavers. If the believer is going to

            grow and mature to other levels with God...this foundational principle must 

            be in place.