Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1,3,6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1)  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.(3)   But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6)

Scripture Commentary: Faith is the evidence of our relationship with Christ

Believing in God is only the beginning. Faith is the foundation and the evidence of our relationship with Christ and our eternal life with God in Heaven. God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of his existence. He wants a personal and dynamic relationship with you. He wants to transform your life.

The first step to faith is believing in God’s character; he is who he says he is. The endpoint is believing in God’s promises; he will do what he says. Believing in God’s promises demonstrates true faith.

Faith allows you to carry the power of God within you.

How many times have you asked for God’s help and received a solution? God’s word has awesome power, and faith allows you to carry that power within you. Through faith, God is always with you, giving you the strength you need to serve him.

God rewards those who seek him with his intimate presence. Faith is trusting God regardless of the circumstances or consequences. In times of pain, persecution, or suffering we should trust confidently in God.

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Hebrews Chapter 11

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1, 3, 6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.(1)  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.(3)   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.(6)

Scripture Commentary: What words describe faith?

Faith is certainty. It is surety.  But of what are you sure?  And of what are you certain?  These two qualities have a secure start and end point.

The start point of faith is believing in God’s character.  He is who He says.

The end point is believing in God’s promises.  He will do what He says.

Do not put your faith in earthly things.

Our faith is in the God who created us and the entire universe.  We are here to serve God.  Put yourself in His hands and spread His gospel.

God will not settle for a mere acknowledgement of His existence.  He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you.  When you tell others the gospel, tell them to be honest and diligent in their search for the truth.

God will give you the strength to do what He asks.

Remember others who obeyed the call: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses.  And if you listen, you too!

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11

Scripture: Hebrews 10: 10-14

 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Scripture Commentary: There is no sacrifice greater than that of Jesus who saves us all

The high priest would make sacrifices once a year, every year, to God.  The sacrifice, a burnt offering, was given to atone for sins committed.  The costly offering of an animal’s life impressed upon the sinner the seriousness of his sin before God.

Jesus Christ sacrificed himself by shedding his blood on the cross.  This was infinitely greater than any offering in the Old Testament.  Jesus’ blood negated the animal sacrifice and negated the system where the priest made intercession on our behalf before God.  With Jesus’ death and resurrection, this system was no longer needed.

Jesus makes it possible for us to go directly to God

The priests’ work was never finished in that every year they had to stand and offer sacrifices.  Jesus’ sacrifice finished it.

We still sin, but because of Jesus dying on the cross, we can go to God ourselves and ask for forgiveness.  He sent the Holy Spirit to help us.  If only we will listen.

God is still preparing us; He is not finished with us.

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Hebrews Chapter 10

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1, 3, 6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1)  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the world of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.(3)   But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6) 

Scripture Commentary: He is able to do all!

Do you have faith in Jesus Christ? Do you believe that he is your redeemer?  Are you seeking him? Do you believe God’s promises?

In reading Hebrews 11, you will read about Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Raihab, Samson, Jephithae, David, and Samuel. You will read about their faith and the promises God kept with them.

God’s plan for your life only comes when you choose to walk with him

God promises love, forgiveness, and mercy. We can accept this promise through faith in Jesus Christ. Our victories over oppressors directly relate to the plan God has for us. Those victories will only come if we choose to walk with him. Do not value worldly desires and possessions. God will not be able to talk to you if you do.

This world is not our home, we will not be here forever. Our best and greatest rewards await us in heaven with God. When our bodies deteriorate and die, our spirits will live forever because Jesus defeated death. Jesus promises that his father has many rooms for us in heaven.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1,3,6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.(3) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6)

Scripture Commentary: Faith is believing that God is who He says He is

What is the substance of your faith?  Do you believe God is the author of everything? Do you have faith in Him? Will you put your life and faith in his hands?

Two words describe faith: sure and certain. These two qualities need a secure beginning and end. The beginning of faith is believing in God’s characteristics; He is who He says He is.

He is the only God, the beginning of everything, the creator of the universe. The end is believing God’s promise; that He will return, and He will do what He says.

When we believe that God will fulfill his promises we demonstrate true faith. God will not settle for mere acknowledgement of His existence. He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life.

Remember, if God asks you to do something, He will give you the necessary strength to carry it out. Have faith.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1, 6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6)

Hebrews 11: 1,6

Commentary: Faith means trusting God for what he will do for you … without faith it is impossible to please him

Faith, belief; trust; confidence; and conviction are words, that are meaningless if what you say and do are not in God’s way of living. Believing in the existence of God is only the beginning.

Noah and Abraham’s life were filled with faith in God. At God’s command they obeyed what he told them to do without any questions. Do you listen when God tells you to do something?

God wants a personal, dynamic, responsive, relationship with you that will transform your life. Faith means resting in what Christ has done for you in the past.  It also means trusting him for what he will do for you in both the present and future.

Acts 17:29 says, “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.”

Remember God is the creator of all of us, not the creation. God is sovereign and in control, and having faith in him is trusting in him.

God has faith in you. Accept his salvation. Have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11
Acts Chapter 17

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions, that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 

Hebrews 9: 13

Commentary:

When Jesus went to the cross and died and was raised from the grave. The  need for sacrificing animals was removed. As well as the need for someone to ask the Father to forgive our sins. In the Old Testament this was done once a year by the high priest for the people. But Christ, through his death, freed us from the slavery of sin forever. His sacrifice is infinitely more effective than animal sacrifices. With the dead of Christ there is no point in returning to the sacrificial rituals. Christ shed his blood for our sins so that we wouldn’t have to experience spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Jesus is our source of life, not death. With what Jesus did for us, death has no hold on us. We are free.