Hebrews_11
Scripture:Hebrews 11:1-3What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. 2 Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith.3 By faith—by believing God—we know that the world and the stars—in fact, all things—were made at God’s command; and that they were all made from things that can’t be seen.[a]Observation:This might be one of my most favorite chapters of the Bible – the nature and power of faith described.Understanding:What a powerful way to start the morning – with the definition of faith, followed by So. Many. Stories. of GREAT faith throughout the Bible. This is both a reminder and an encouragement. Pastor Levi shared about seasons of doubt yesterday. We all experience them. And, I’m sure, many of us are or have experienced those doubts during this pandemic period that we are all in now – whether due to loss of jobs and/or income, loss of access to the things that fill us up and keep us sane, loss of SPACE to think as we are home-bound for days on end. The things that help me in these periods is getting out into nature. Something about being in God’s creation, recognizing how big and varied our world is, remembering biblical references to the stars in the sky or sands on the beach…it brings me home, it brings me happiness and peace in my heart. Last night, I had the opportunity to chase down starry night views to catch a glimpse of the Neowise comet – something they say won’t happen again (after the 23rd) for another SIXTY-EIGHT HUNDRED YEARS! And as I sat under the dark canyon skies, seeing all the beauty of all the stars above, I was reminded of God’s hand at work. God has known about this moment in time before any of us were born. He hasn’t forgotten us, He hasn’t walked away from us. He is here and active, even now…regardless of what circumstances in your life may show otherwise. We find here – in Hebrews 11 – a reminder of the many ways faith was rewarded throughout time. I imagine in each of those stories, the circumstances felt big, impossible, unlikely…yet God “showed up.”Life Application: Let’s take time to build our faith.TODAY: Use the comments below to share your favorite faith story, how/where/when you’ve seen God move. It can be one from our reading today in Hebrews 11 or one of your own or of someone you know. [Justin’s Miracle Monday’s are a good weekly reminder of this…and, guess what, it’s Monday! Check out @eaves05 on Instagram.]THIS WEEK: Let’s borrow the exercise the Pastor Levi shared yesterday. Every time you think or say something negative, pause and thank God for 3 things. Gratitude changes things, it reorients our brains…it’s science, it’s biblical and it works!ONGOING: Let’s look for his fingerprints. Even when it seems like God may not be working in an area, look for where He is. He’s ALWAYS in the details. May you be encouraged today. May we share that encouragement with one another. <3With love,Rei PS I liked this from the Enduring Word website…
- (1) A definition of faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
- Now faith is the substance: Just as our physical eyesight is the sense that gives us evidence of the material world, faithis the “sense” that gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world.
- Faith has its reasons. The Bible doesn’t recommend a “blind leap” of faith. But the reasons can’t be measured in a laboratory; they have to be understood spiritually.
- “Faith extends beyond what we learn from our senses, and the author is saying that it has its reasons. Its tests are not those of the senses, which yield uncertainty.” (Morris)
- “Physical eyesight produces a conviction or evidence of visible things; faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible order.” (Bruce)
- Of things hoped for… of things not seen: If you have the substance before you or if you can see it, there is no use for faith. Faith is needed for what we can’tsee and can’t
- Faith does not contradict reason, though it may go beyond reason. One may objectively prove the Bible is the most unique book ever published and has impacted society more than any other book. But only faith can provethat the Bible is the Word of God. Therefore, this is a belief beyond reason but not in contradiction to reason or against reason.
- Faith is the substance… the evidence: Faith is nota bare belief or intellectual understanding. It is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to.
- Faith enabled people in the past to overcome.
For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
- For by it the elders: The great examples of godliness all had different circumstances and personalities, but they all had one thing in common – faith.
- Obtained a good testimony: These Jewish Christians were discouraged and thought of giving up on Jesus and a distinctive Christianity. They needed a good testimony, and so they needed these examples of faith to break them out of discouragement.