FAITH

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>Robert J. Brown" <rj@eli.wariat.org>
>Hebrews 11:1
>  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
>  not seen.
>
>"Substance" is stuff -- solid stuff, like concrete, not like fog.
>
>"Evidence" is reason to believe a certain thing -- like evidence in a
>criminal trial can convict a defendent.
>
>So if we have hope of a certain thing, situation, occurance, etc. then
>faith gives it substance -- makes it REAL to those who have that
>faith.  Faith gives us reason to believe it will ultimately
>materialize, that it will happen, and we will know that it did because
>of our fiath.

Hmm..  This is very interesting.  I like the perspective.  Personally, I
always read "the substance of things hoped for" as the answer you
receive to a prayer request.  You ask God for something when you
have need and He answers that need.  The substance, is His 
answer.  Example:  You need $4000 in the next week or you can't
go to school.  You (and whomever you ask along with you) pray 
to God for a resolution.  Two days later you win the lottery and 
receive exactly $4000 after tithes and taxes.  That is indisputable
substance, even to a non-believer.  It is also evidence of "things
not seen" i.e. God and His existence and His ability and willingness
to answer prayer.  

That is the way I have read this verse.  I like your perspective 
though, Bro. Brown.  It is always nice to see things in a different 
light.

His child,
-Dee
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