Alpha Film Series // Episode 04 // How Can I Have Faith

Summary

This video explores the concept of faith, emphasizing that true Christianity is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ rather than mere beliefs or cultural background. It illustrates how faith is built on evidence, experience, and the promises found in the Bible. Through personal stories of transformation and redemption, the video highlights the profound change that comes from accepting Jesus into one's life. It also explores how faith is both a journey and a gift, offering forgiveness, hope, and the assurance of eternal life through repentance and trust in Jesus.

Takeaways

• 😀 Faith is not blind but a reasonable step based on evidence, and it is described as a journey.
• 😀 Becoming a Christian is more about following Jesus and having a relationship with Him than simply believing in God.
• 😀 Faith is described as trust and confidence, similar to how people trust things they cannot see, like a chair they sit on.
• 😀 The concept of faith is based on the Word of God, with the Bible serving as the foundation for Christian belief.
• 😀 Christian faith is not about being good enough but receiving forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
• 😀 Becoming a Christian involves both repentance (turning away from bad things) and faith (trusting in Jesus).
• 😀 The Holy Spirit plays an important role in the Christian journey, providing a subjective experience of God’s presence and love.
• 😀 The analogy of a parent-child relationship is used to illustrate the intimate, loving relationship between Christians and God.
• 😀 The Bible describes the process of becoming a Christian in terms of being a new person, with old ways passed away and a new life beginning.
• 😀 Faith and relationship with God are not limited to events or feelings, but include evidence and ongoing experiences with God.
• 😀 God’s love is described as even greater than the love a parent has for a child, illustrating the depth of God's care for His followers.

Q & A

What does the speaker say about the nature of faith?

The speaker describes faith as not being blind, but as a reasonable step based on good evidence. Faith is seen as a journey, and it is based on confidence and trust, not feelings.

How does the speaker explain the relationship between faith and evidence?

The speaker emphasizes that faith is based on evidence. For example, when asked how they know they are married, they would point to their marriage certificate and the experience of their relationship. Similarly, they reference the Bible as the foundational document of their Christian faith.

What role does the Bible play in the speaker's understanding of faith?

The Bible plays a critical role in shaping the speaker's faith. They mention that faith comes from hearing and reading the Word of God, and that it is through the Bible that they interact with God and grow in their understanding of Him.

What is the significance of the analogy of Jesus knocking on the door?

The analogy of Jesus knocking on the door symbolizes how Jesus offers friendship and a relationship with individuals. The door represents the person's life, and it is up to the individual to choose whether to open it and invite Jesus in. Jesus promises to come in if invited.

How does the speaker explain the concept of repentance in the Christian faith?

Repentance is described as a change of mind and turning away from bad things in life. It is not about being perfect but about acknowledging the need for change and accepting the forgiveness offered by Jesus.

What does the speaker say about the role of the Holy Spirit in a Christian's life?

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the Christian faith. The speaker refers to the Holy Spirit as God's presence in the believer's life, providing evidence of the relationship with God. The Holy Spirit brings about changes in the individual, such as love, joy, and peace, and testifies that the person is a child of God.

How does the speaker address the fear of change when considering becoming a Christian?

The speaker acknowledges that many people fear the changes that might come with becoming a Christian. However, they reassure that these changes are positive and that the Holy Spirit brings about transformation in the believer's life, leading to greater love and joy.

What does the speaker say about the idea of 'earning' salvation?

The speaker stresses that salvation is not about being good enough or earning it. It is a gift from God, offered through Jesus' death and resurrection. The individual receives this gift through repentance and faith, not through personal achievement.

How does the speaker explain the concept of eternal life?

Eternal life is described as a free gift from God that is given to those who trust in Jesus. It is not something earned but something freely offered, and it ensures a lasting relationship with God. The speaker contrasts this with the skepticism around 'free gifts' but emphasizes that eternal life comes without a catch, though it cost Jesus His life.

How does the speaker describe their personal transformation after accepting Jesus?

The speaker shares their personal story of transformation, which began when they accepted Jesus into their life. They describe a shift from living in a destructive environment to finding purpose, meaning, and hope. This transformation was not about changing who they were, but about accepting who they were and becoming who Jesus wanted them to be.