Running with Perseverance
Chris Hall
29/01/24
As this “hall of faith” draws to a close, the writer to Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses. We are to flee from sin, run with perseverance and fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who endured the greatest sacrifice of all.
The call for us all is to keep going – not to lose heart or grow weary. But fix our eyes on Jesus and see His example of sacrifice and glory. Keep running the race!
Strength in Weakness
David Walker
24/01/24
Just in case we thought God’s story through these people of faith was glorious, the writer of Hebrews tells us that their stories involve great trials and battles. They stood against powerful kingdoms and injustice (vs33), enemies in the form of lions (vs33), flames and swords (vs34), torture, destitution, stoning and death. But God……..had something far greater to come (vs40), which we now know as Christ’s salvation and resurrection.
Serving God’s Purposes
David Walker
15/01/24
As we continue the “hall of faith”, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that being part of God’s story involves us being tested (vs17), remaining faithful to God to the very end of our lives (vs21), standing firm for God (vs23) and choosing faithfulness over our own desires (vs25).
Christ is introduced in verse 26 as an example of how we are to live lives of sacrifice (vs26) and perseverance (vs27). Through this list of the “hall of faith”, we read of many characters who were far from perfect, including Moses who murdered and Rahab who was a prostitute. God works through all people of faith, regardless of our imperfect pasts!
Living By Faith
David Walker
10/01/24
Introduce the “hall of faith” as this chapter is known. The writer of Hebrews begins with his definition of faith (verse 1), with an example of faith (verse 3). He then leads on to give the examples of faith through Genesis, with Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah.
In amongst these inspiring examples are some helpful reminders for us: ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’ (vs6); ‘holy fear’ of God is key to a faithful life (vs7); faith and obedience go hand in hand (vs8). None of the people listed received the things promised (vs13). This is living by faith.