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What does it truly mean to have faith? Not just a casual acknowledgment of spiritual realities, but a transformative belief that shapes how we navigate our world. In this first episode of our new faith series, we dive deep into Hebrews 11:6 – "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

Faith begins with the profound realization that God doesn't just exist as a historical creator or future hope – He IS, right now. More real than the microphone I speak into, more substantial than the ground beneath your feet, more essential than the air filling your lungs. This isn't merely theological rhetoric; it's a perspective that revolutionizes how we experience each moment. For many believers, understanding God's past actions or future promises comes easily, but grasping His immediate presence transforms everything.

The second crucial aspect of faith explored is believing God rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Many struggle with this concept because earthly relationships, particularly with parents or authority figures, have created distorted expectations. But God isn't like our natural or spiritual parents – His very nature is to reward genuine seeking. Drawing from Nahum 1:7 and James 1:17, we see God's consistent character as a refuge and giver of good gifts, even to scattered believers facing uncertainty and destruction.

The key distinction? We must seek God Himself, not merely His blessings. When we pursue relationship with the Great I Am rather than chasing divine handouts, everything else naturally follows. The greatest reward isn't found in material blessings but in the refuge and relationship we find in Him.

Join me as we continue this faith-building journey in the coming weeks. Subscribe to the Lifted Warrior podcast for biblical wisdom and strength for life's daily challenges, delivered every two weeks straight to your favorite podcast platform.

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The distinction between following Jesus and merely admiring Him forms the powerful foundation of this episode. Drawing from Matthew 16:24, we explore Jesus's challenging words: "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me."

Most believers consider themselves followers of Christ, but many have unknowingly positioned themselves as fans instead. A fan cheers from the sidelines, appreciates from a distance, and enjoys the spectacle without participation. A true follower, however, emulates Christ's example, becoming a doer of the Word rather than merely a hearer. This distinction isn't about enthusiasm—it's about action.

The cross we're called to carry daily isn't simply a metaphor for suffering, though suffering may come. More profoundly, it represents purpose—the God-ordained assignment for which we were created. When we substitute our own "good ideas" for God's divine purpose, we effectively leave our cross on the ground. As Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."

Our spiritual journey requires daily surrender—not just of sinful desires but of our own wills, our own plans, even the paths that seem logical or beneficial. This isn't about self-deprivation but about exchange—trading our limited vision for God's perfect plan. True discipleship means asking each morning, "God, what should I be working on today to fulfill the purpose you've given me?"

The world doesn't need more admirers of Jesus—it needs followers who will heal the sick, cast out demons, and win souls for the kingdom. Will you deny yourself, pick up your cross of purpose, and follow Him today? Stop pursuing what's merely good, and start pursuing what's God.

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Our understanding of who Jesus is must come from spiritual revelation, not just logical reasoning or human teaching. This episode explores Jesus' warning about the "yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" and how misinterpreted doctrine can slowly overtake our spiritual lives.

• The yeast Jesus warns against is misrepresentation of who He is and what He came to do
• Peter's revelation about Jesus came directly from God, not from human understanding
• Like yeast, false doctrine only needs a small foothold before spreading throughout your beliefs
• The Pharisees were blinded by tradition while the Sadducees rejected the spiritual realm
• Bad theology either produces unhealthy influence (alcohol) or spiritual suffocation (carbon dioxide)
• Three ways to combat deceptive teaching: read your Word daily, find community, and build relationship with Christ
• We must monitor what spiritual information we're consuming and check everything against Scripture

Monitor what information you're taking in daily. The next time you encounter a teaching that raises red flags in your spirit, check it against the Word of God. If it aligns with Scripture, accept it. If not, reject it.

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