We Have Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for."  Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV)

The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews describes what faith is.  He states that it was because of their faith that the men of God, that were mentioned earlier in The Bible and listed later on, (Hebrews 11:5-32 by name and Hebrews 11:32-39 by what they endured) were commended for.

Faith in The Lord God is essential to the believer.  Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)  We are taught to hold on to our faith through trying times. (Hebrews 10:23)  In fact, we are taught that the just shall live by faith. (Hebrews 10:38)  It was because of their faith that the patriarchs pleased God and received a good report. (Hebrews 11:2)  Our faith is demonstrated by our actions, faith without action is useless. (James 2:18, 2:20, and 2:28)  We must exercise our faith and put it to work. (James 1:3 and 2:22)  This is clearly a case when actions speak louder than words.  We are justified by exercising our faith during trials and tribulations because that leads to patience and hope in The Lord God. (Romans 5:1-5)