2025-01-02 09:05:10 · 56

Thrive Perspectives: What is faith?

Episode Notes

Faith is a profound trust and confidence in God and His promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, as described in Hebrews 11:1. Faith involves believing in and trusting God's character, His word, and His plan for humanity, even when circumstances are challenging or the future is uncertain. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through action and obedience to God's commands. Faith is not believing FOR SOMETHING but believing IN SOMEONE – God. We see faith exemplified by the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, who trusted God's promise of a son despite his old age, and Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt by faith. And yet for these and many other ‘heroes’ of the faith, they did not see all that God had promised in their lifetime – yet they still trusted God and in His goodness. Faith is foundational to the Christian life. It guides and empowers us to live in accordance with God's will and to trust in His provision and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Meet The Presenters

Dr Matt Jacoby

Matt is the teaching pastor at his church in Victoria, Australia, lecturer at the Melbourne School of Theology, an author, a songwriter and, a musician leading the Psalms project band Sons of Korah.

Matt has a doctorate in philosophy and theology from the University of Melbourne, and is the author of the daily Bible reading guide Thrive launched in 2005. Matt's most recent work as an author is his book Deeper Places (Baker Books USA 2013) with an expanded edition released in 2019. In Deeper Places, Matt shares a rich portrait of authentic spirituality. A gifted teacher and Bible scholar, Matthew is invited to speak at conferences and churches where he brings a fresh but foundational perspective to Scripture.

“I do a lot of teaching these days in my various roles but I always see myself more as a learner. I love learning. I enjoy academic learning and because of that I am a perpetual student of many disciplines. But most of all I love learning to live life the way God made me to live it.” MJ

DJ Paine

DJ is a podcaster, photographer and has had a number of years experience as a Christian Radio Breakfast announcer. He would consider himself a professional Christian music geek & amateur Bible nerd. DJ was raised on the Gold Coast and studied at Word Of Life Bible College in Sydney.

Devoted husband of Benita Paine and proud of their three boys: the #BrothersPaine

“If you have ever wondered if God has a place for you in His plan... or if you have ever felt you are just a round peg trying to fit into a square hole... well I want to encourage you: if God can use a goof like me then we are all in good hands! I love the scriptures and if I can leave any legacy behind it is simply to say: read the Bible, the Bible is God’s light by which we can really see the universe.” DJ

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