Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Notice, verse one defines faith and the rest of the chapter gives us examples of faith. Verse 1 gives us two terms to describe faith. 1. Faith is substance. Substance means, “confidence” or “being sure.” We don’t have faith in nothing. Our faith is real! Our faith has substance! We have our faith anchored in a Person, and that Person is Jesus. We don’t have blind faith or unknowing faith; our faith is in Christ. Jesus must be the object of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” Looking means, “gazing upon” or “to have our eyes fixed.” In other words, there are no distractions. Christ has our full attention. Author means, “Chief Leader” or “Captain” or “Prince.” Finisher means, “Completer” or “Consummator.” In other words, it starts with God and it ends with God. He must be everything to us. He’s the beginning and the end. He’s the Alpha and Omega. He’s everything you need! If you need salvation, then go to Jesus. If you need healing, then go to Jesus. If you need deliverance, then go to Jesus. If you need a comforter and a friend, then go to Jesus. Whether you need victory, encouraging or direction, go to Jesus. He is the I AM THAT I AM! He’s the All-sufficient One. I like what Paul said in Colossians 3:1-4, “If then you were raised in Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Our faith must be in Christ and what He did for us at Calvary nearly 2,000 years ago. Our faith must not be in self or works or your organization. Faith is also the “underlining essence” or “that which stands under.” Faith is being sure of what we hope for, which is the inheritance that we have in Christ. The things we hope for are not yet a reality, but it’s the hope we have that all God’s promises will be fulfilled. Paul said in Romans 8:24, “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? but if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Hope is expectancy! 2. Faith is also evidence. In other words, it is “conviction” or “being sure.” It’s a belief that something is inarguably true. It’s knowing it in your knower. You know that you know. There’s no doubt about it. Nobody can convince you otherwise. You know that Jesus is Lord. You know that you’re saved. You know the Bible is truth. You know that He’s coming back again. All these things bear witness in your spirit, and no one can talk you out of it. 3. You don’t speak faith into existence. The words we say are immensely powerful, but faith is not based on what we say, faith is based on what God says! To be continued – Pastor Mark