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Good morning, family of God! I'm so glad to see each and every one of you here today. We are about to embark on a journey through Hebrews 11. This chapter is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith", where the author recounts the stories of men and women who demonstrated extraordinary faith in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and challenges.
In the words of Oswald Chambers, "Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time." In many ways, this echoes the sentiments expressed in Hebrews 11:1, where we read, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
So, today, we are going to unpack Hebrews 11, exploring what it means to live with faith, examine the examples of faith presented in this chapter and the hope that comes from being faithful. This message is not just for today; it's for tomorrow, next week, next year, for the rest of our lives. It's for every moment we find ourselves in a situation where we can't see the end, where the road is rocky, where the path ahead seems uncertain, but we trust God and keep moving forward anyway.
Living with faith is not merely a concept or an abstract idea: It is a way of life, a lifestyle, a deliberate choice we make every day to trust God and to live according to His will and purpose for our lives. It is a commitment to believe in God's promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them. It is a decision to follow God's leading, even when the path is unclear or difficult.
Trust: Trust is the foundation of faith. It is the bedrock upon which our relationship with God is built. Without trust, faith is impossible. Trusting God means believing that He is who He says He is, and that He will do what He has promised to do. It means relying on God's wisdom, power, and love, even when we don't understand His ways or His timing. Trusting God means surrendering our fears, doubts, and worries to Him, and resting in His peace and assurance.
Obedience: Obedience is the evidence of faith. It is the fruit that shows that our faith is real and genuine. Obedience is not about following a set of rules or regulations. It is about living in alignment with God's will and purpose for our lives. It is about making choices that honor God and reflect His character. Obedience is a response to God's love and grace. It is a way of saying "thank you" to God for all that He has done for us.
Perseverance: Perseverance is the endurance of faith. It is the ability to keep going, to keep trusting, to keep obeying, even when the going gets tough. Perseverance is not about gritting our teeth and trying to tough it out on our own strength. It is about leaning on God's strength, drawing on His grace, and relying on His power to help us overcome the challenges and obstacles we face. Perseverance is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of faith.
Hope: Hope is the anchor of faith. It is the assurance that keeps us grounded and stable, even in the midst of storms and trials. Hope is not wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is a confident expectation based on God's promises and character. Hope is the light that shines in the darkness, the beacon that guides us through the uncertainties and ambiguities of life.
Living with faith is not easy: It requires courage, determination, and resilience. It involves risk, sacrifice, and sometimes even suffering. But it is also rewarding, fulfilling, and life-giving. It brings peace, joy, and satisfaction. It deepens our relationship with God, strengthens our character, and enriches our lives.
As we delve deeper into Hebrews 11, we encounter a rich tapestry of faith stories ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO