What is the difference between faith and believing?
Hebrews tells us...
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.
By faith the elders obtained a dood report.
We also know in Romans 10...
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Faith begins with the hearing of God’s word.
Thoughts?
I think the difference between belief and faith has to do with trust. I know people who believe Jesus was a real person but they don't trust what He said. They are believing He existsed, but are not having faith that what He said is entirely accurate.
The disciples of Jesus were given supernatural Holy Spirit gifts to exercise in their ministry. Why? Because being shown that something is real is a lot more powerful than simply being told it is real. It isn't a party trick, this is about getting God some glory.
The written word of God, the Bible, is useful for the Holy Spirit to convict people of sin, righteousness, and judgement.
So how is it even possible believe that Jesus was crucified, rose from the dead, then ascended to heaven? Because faith is a gift from God.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 says the message of the cross is the power of God to salvation for all who believe and that through the the wisdom of the world we cannot know Him.
30It is
because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.