Jesus Is . . . ! Series

Jesus Is…

Hebrews 11:1-13

September 3, 2017

There are lots of things in life we just don’t understand. I mean a few weeks ago I had to get a bunch of dental work done. Yet, why is it sharks simply have lots of razor sharp teeth that pop up when one breaks.

Have you wondered why we have all those sweat bees outside? I know there’s an answer, but I wonder, God . . . why?

For that matter . . . mosquitoes, moles, and centipedes . . . REALLY?

And . . . we can ask those serious questions . . . as we wonder about hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters.

Why do bad things happen to good people and why do some kids pay for the sins of their parents? Questions of sickness and death.

We could go on with lots of questions, some serious and some silly!

All kidding aside — another thing people have a hard time understanding — even Christians — is FAITH. Faith can be difficult to get our minds around because at times, many of us struggle when it comes to defining concepts that our five senses don’t grasp.

To make matters worse attempts at defining faith lead to lots of misconceptions.

Some people mistakenly think of faith as some kind of magical potion or power and think if we could just work up enough of this remarkable substance or feeling — or whatever it is — we could do anything. It’s like the FORCE in Star Wars.

Other’s think of faith as simple positive thinking - - or having a hunch.

But all of these attempts at defining FAITH fall far short of an accurate definition. So, I want to dispel misconceptions like these and set ourselves straight when it comes to understanding exactly what FAITH is — because FAITH is vitally important. In fact, there may not be a more important word than FAITH.

Faith is the means by which we receive anything at all from God. And — without faith, it’s impossible to please God. It’s not difficult — it’s impossible! It can’t be done.

We’re moving into week 14 of our study of the book of Hebrews. Today and next week, we’ll be looking at chapter 11 of Hebrews. It’s nicknamed the Hall of fame of Faith. And this chapter will give us a great perspective and understanding of FAITH - - because it not only defines FAITH, but the writer cites example after example of people who were known for their faith. Let’s look at Hebrews 11:1-13 ~

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous,

God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.

5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him.

Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.

6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.

By this He condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.

And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.

10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants

as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar,

and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. – Hebrews 11:1-13