Tested Faith

Strength can be demonstrated through lifting heavy objects. Intelligence can be demonstrated by solving puzzles or answering questions.

But what about faith?  What is faith?  How can it be measured?

In Hebrews 11:17-22 the author teaches about faith from the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

Because He Lives (We Have The Cure For Death)

What does it matter that Jesus arose from the dead?

Everything depends on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  If he didn't, then the Bible is false, there is no hope of sins forgiven or life after death. But if he did arise, then everything he promised is true. Death is not the end of our story.

We have the eternal life we hoped for!

The Stones Will Cry Out!

Imagine the scene on Palm Sunday as Jesus approached Jerusalem in the crowd of pilgrims who were gathering for the Passover celebration...  The people were singing the same old Psalms - but with new vigor. Now they were addressing these words toward Jesus... "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"  "Hosanna!"  "Save us, please, Lord!"

The Pharisees thought this was blasphemous and expected Jesus to rebuke them... but he accepted the praise.  These words were written about him - and he was the Messiah they prayed would arrive.

We should learn from their praise... and we should join in the praise!

Trust God & Let's Go

Hebrews chapter eleven teaches about faith by example. From the very first generation after Adam, Abel showed faith by his excellent sacrifice. Enoch showed faith by his pleasing relationship with God. Noah showed faith by obeying God and building an ark to save his family and land based animals from God's judgment in the flood.

What about Abraham and Sarah?  How did their lives show faith?  What do we learn about faith from the biblical account?

To Live By Faith

There are people who claim that faith is a blind leap into the dark.  They say it is irrational and unreasonable.  They only believe in what they can see, touch, taste or hear.  They only believe in things that can be tested by the scientific method.

The truth is, they have many areas on their life in which they operate by faith. But they don't often realize it.

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

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

The Y in The Road

When you come to a "Y" in the trail you need to gather whatever information is available in order to decide which way to go.  The author of Hebrews has come to a decision point and lays it out in stark terms.

Which path will you choose?

What should you do about your loved ones on the wrong path?

Sermon In A Sack: Trophies

For thousands of years people have been highly motivated by the prospect of winning trophies - even something as perishable as a laurel wreath.  How much more should we be motivated to work hard toward pleasing Jesus Christ?  The rewards he will distribute are eternal!