But faith first starts by hearing the message. Somehow, somewhere, and probably through someone else, we hear the message that Jesus Christ died for our sins. This author first heard the message from an audiotape from a pastor that a co-worker was playing. Later on in ministry, this author also shared the message with about 1,000 homeowners in East Providence, Rhode Island. You see, in order for us to have an opportunity to place our faith in Christ we must first receive the message (and later on, share it with others). Paul wrote to the Romans these words, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). This verse speaks to the importance of hearing the message, but it also highlights that the message is heard through the Word. References to the Bible throughout this book have been made as the Word of God. No matter how we reference it (i.e. the Bible or the Word of God), we are dealing with God’s spoken Word through the prophets and apostles. At the onset of this book, the pre-condition was made that the Word of God is divine, perfect, and inerrant. We must understand that we cannot misinterpret or make it say anything we want. We have to treat it for what it is and humble ourselves to it instead of trying to misinterpret it for our own desires. Once we accept it, out of humility, we are then ready to place our faith in it and Jesus Christ, who is the Object of the Word. We must have a clear, basic understanding of the Word, because this is how many people receive it (i.e. by hearing the message).

Our faith in Christ and His Word is something that resides within us. Once we have repented of our sins and accepted Christ’s forgiveness, our souls have an eternal relationship and eternal life with Christ. But our mind is where faith comes into play. We are still human and have human tendencies and thoughts. In our daily walk in this life, we are either drawing closer to Christ or further away from Him. This is based on how regular we pray and read God’s Word. But our overall mental state when it comes to God has to do with our faith. Our faith tells us that Christ is within us (2 Corinthians 13:5). Once we have a relationship with Christ as described above, He is always with us. Our faith reminds us that He is here; it reminds us of His presence and relationship with us.