Faith and Praise | Nick Bowlin | River Church Frankfurt

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.3 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.4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.6 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.
[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:18-21 AMP


Faith is defined as: confidence or trust in a person or thing; a belief that is not based on observed proof or evidence. Abraham had no proof – other than God’s promise to him – that he would have a son. According to his and Sarah’s advanced age and her barrenness, it was physically and naturally impossible. However, he still continued to unwaveringly believe and trust in God’s word to him. In fact, with every passing year, his faith grew stronger, rather than weaker! The scripture tells us that Abraham grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.


Joshua 6


1. The Ark Represented God’s Presence


• The Ark of the Covenant was where God’s presence dwelled among His people (Exodus 25:22). By carrying the Ark during the march around Jericho, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on God rather than their own strength.
• The presence of the Ark showed that the battle was not theirs but the Lord’s.


“The Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:4).


2. It Was Central to Obedience and Faith


• God explicitly commanded that the Ark be carried during the procession (Joshua 6:6-8). Obeying this instruction showed the Israelites’ trust in God’s plan, even when it seemed unconventional.
• Their obedience to involve the Ark signified their faith in God’s promise to give them victory.


3. A Reminder of God’s Covenant and Promises


• The Ark contained:
• The stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God’s law.
• A jar of manna, representing God’s provision.
• Aaron’s budding staff, showing God’s power and authority.
• Bringing the Ark into the battle reminded the Israelites of their covenant with God and His faithfulness in keeping His promises.


4. The Ark Marked God’s Leadership


• The Ark often went before the Israelites in significant events, signifying God’s leadership (e.g., crossing the Jordan River in Joshua 3:3-4).
• In Jericho, the Ark preceded the people and the army, symbolizing that God was leading the charge.


5. Spiritual Authority Over Physical Strength


• The Ark’s presence emphasized that the victory at Jericho would not come through physical might or traditional warfare but through the power and authority of God.
• The miraculous collapse of Jericho’s walls after the Ark was carried around the city for seven days demonstrated God’s supernatural intervention.


In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 AMP


O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast, in the confidence of faith); I will sing, yes, I will sing praises, even with my glory [all the faculties and powers of one created in Your image]! Psalms 108:1 AMP


The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise. Psalms 64:10 AMP


And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord. Psalms 40:3 AMP


But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalms 5:11 AMP


What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me? Psalms 56:3-4 AMP


For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. 6 Upon You have I leaned and relied from birth; You are He Who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You. 7 I am as a wonder and surprise to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalms 71:5-8 AMP