This sermon explores the power and importance of faith as the foundation of our Christian walk, urging believers to actively engage with God's promises.
Welcome, beloved, to this gathering of saints, where we find ourselves wrapped in a fellowship of faith, united by our shared love for the Lord. We are here to immerse ourselves in the Word of God, to drink deeply from the well of wisdom that never runs dry, to be refreshed, renewed, and revitalized by the life-giving power of His truth.
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, a passage that shines like a beacon of faith in the midst of a world often clouded by doubt and despair. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith, a monument to the mighty men and women of old who dared to believe God, even when the odds were stacked against them.
Hebrews 11 reads:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
As we turn our attention to the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, we find ourselves in the company of some of the most faithful men and women in history. These are individuals who, despite the challenges they faced, held fast to their faith in God. They were not swayed by the changing tides of their circumstances, but stood firm on the unchanging promises of God. They were not deterred by the obstacles in their path, but pressed on towards the goal of their high calling in Christ. They were not overcome by the trials of life, but overcame through their faith in the Lord.
Consider Noah, for instance. He was a man who lived in a time when wickedness was rampant and righteousness was rare. Yet, he found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He was given a daunting task, to build an ark in preparation for a flood that would wipe out all life on earth. Despite the ridicule and rejection he faced, Noah held fast to his faith in God. He trusted in God's promise of salvation, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness.
Then there's Abraham, a man who left his homeland and his family to follow God's call. He did not know where he was going, but he knew who was leading him. He did not see the promised land, but he saw the promise maker. He did not understand the full extent of God's plan, but he understood the faithfulness of God's character. And so, he believed, and his faith was counted to him as righteousness.
And let's not forget about Moses, a man who was born into slavery but raised in a palace. He could have lived a life of luxury and ease, but he chose to suffer with his people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He looked ahead to his reward, and by faith, he led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and towards the Promised Land.
These are just a few examples of the faithful forefathers who are highlighted in Hebrews 11. Their faith was not a passive acceptance of their circumstances, but an active trust in God's promises. They did not merely believe in God, but they believed God. They took Him at His word, and their faith was rewarded.
As we turn our gaze upon the trials and tribulations that life inevitably presents, it is essential to remember that faith and fortitude are not merely optional extras in the Christian life, but rather, they are the very lifeblood of our spiritual existence ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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