The Hebrew writer has given us an "operational" definition of faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Faith is the composition of and basis for the spiritual "things" we hope to obtain. Christians expect one day to receive heaven as a reward, based on their obedient faith. Christians hope for their souls to receive an eternal heavenly reward based on their faith in God. Though we have not seen heaven, we have "evidence" that it exists...our faith. It is this manner of faith that provides Christians with the capability of moving on unto perfection. It is this level of faith...that provides us with evidence of the spiritual things we cannot see, like heaven...that also assures us that God created Earth and all living things that dwell upon it. This is also the type of faith...obedient, accepting, active faith...that is pleasing to God. Again, we are indebted to the Hebrew writer for informing us: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Heb. 11:6) As one continues to read the entire chapter of Hebrews 11, an understanding of how these individuals became members of the "roll call of faith" is obtained. All of the individuals listed in Hebrews 11 took advantage of opportunities to demonstrate their faith. That is because the faith that is pleasing to God is always validated by obedience to God's commands. James confirms this principle of the necessity of faith being accompanied by action. "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:14, 17-18, 26) It is my genuine hope that this Bible Study guide leads you to examine your commitment to grow in faith. It is our Lord's desire that Christians continue to grow after their initial conversion. Based on our faith (Rom. 10:9-10), repentance (Acts 2:38), confession (Mt. 10:32), and baptism (Acts 2:38, Mk 16:16), we can become Christians. Then, we must continue to grow by consuming spiritual food, the Word of God. (Mt. 4:4). May you grow into spiritual adulthood... maturity... through a sincere study of His Word.