"Hebrews 11 Series - The Faith of Abraham"

 

Hebrews 11:8-19 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is GOD. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged HIM faithful WHO had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embrace them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the Earth.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore GOD is not ashamed to be called their GOD: for HE hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that GOD was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure."

     This lengthy passage describes the faith exercised by Abraham, considered to be the father of all who live "by faith" (believers of every dispensation). Abraham illustrated his faith through his actions.

     First, the LORD told him to leave all he had known and travel to a land completely unfamiliar to him (Genesis 12:1-6 two pictures above). Taking GOD at HIS WORD, Abraham did not hesitate or mull over this offer from the LORD. The word "obeyed" means that as GOD was calling him, Abraham was already submitting to HIS command (v.8). In other words, while the LORD was speaking, Abraham's heart was yielded in obedience. Note also: GOD did not tell him specifically where his destination would be, only that it was "unto a land that I will show thee" (Genesis 12:1 pictured above) -- Abraham was to travel to an undisclosed territory. Second, he illustrated his faith by willingly becoming a foreigner (v.9). Abraham arrived in the land of promise, not as an owner of it, but as an outsider. The word "dwelling" (v.9) indicates he was "a stranger in temporary dwellings," and in Genesis we find this transiency became the norm for Abraham for the rest of his earthly life. Yet, GOD had promised that Abrahm would one day live in the land as the owner of it, and he, along with Isaac and Jacob (Israel), trusted in this covenant, even if it would not be fulfilled until after their resurrection.

     Do you truly believe all that GOD has declared ? The benefits of our salvation are incredible to ponder (Ephesians 1:3-14; 2nd.Peter 1:3-4 pictured above). The same GOD WHO assured Abraham of a glorious future is the same LORD WHO has made promises to us (Romans 8:28-39). HE will fulfill HIS WORD. Display your faith by obeying immediately and continually. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Noah's Incredible Testimony"

 

Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet [rain], moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

     The LORD specifically warned Noah concerning the impending doom that was about to destroy the Earth's entire population. Noah subsequently took great care to exercise his absolute confidence in the LORD's declaration that "things not seen as yet" would indeed occur shortly. GOD amply warned Noah and provided him with the way of escape. For over 100 years, Noah constructed a massive ship in which a specific number of air-breathing creatures would be rescued from the judgment that GOD was about to execute upon the earth in the global deluge. The dimensions of the ark were adequate to carry other humans to safety, but they refused to hear and heed the dire warnings of Noah and his family. This ark, which saved the family of Noah, was a witness of condemnation against the rest of the Earth's population. Yet it was also a testimony that showed the justification of faithful Noah. The ark was not the means of salvation in the sense that the act of building the ark was what saved Noah's soul, but it revealed evidence of something he already possessed: a righteous standing before GOD. The ark demonstrated his faith that the LORD was going to do exactly as HE had described, though nothing like that had ever happened in the Earth's history. The globe had never before been deluged by water. Death had never occurred on such a massive scale prior to the flood. Likewise, the storms that raged (forty days and nights of torrential rain pouring down upon the entire planet) had never before been experienced either. Are you, like Noah, prepared to obey the LORD and be a witness for HIM ? Are you willing to be an ambassador for CHRIST in the face of open ridicule and hostility ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Enoch's Rapture"

 

Hebrews 11:5-6 "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD. But without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and the HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."

     The story of Enoch is one of the most intriguing in the book of Genesis. He was the son of Jared (Genesis 5:18) and a descendant of Adam's son Seth (Genesis 5:3). At the age of 65, which was significantly younger than most of those listed in the fifth chapter of Genesis, Enoch fathered Methuselah, a man who was destined to live longer than any other person recorded in Scripture (Genesis 5:27). The Bible specifically mentions that "Enoch walked with GOD" (Genesis 5:22) following the birth of Methuselah, during which time other children were born into his family for the next 300 years. At the end of that time, at the age of 365, Enoch was taken from this earth -- but not by death, for he was "translated" (v.5). The Hebrew text underlying Genesis 5:24, pictured above, literally reads, "He was there, and then he was not there anymore." Today's passage tells us, "Enoch was translated that he should not see death" (v.5). It was not just Enoch's rapture that marks him as being unique among those who lived prior to him as well as those who came later. Rather, he, like Abel, was a testimony of one who walked by faith; he lived in a manner that was pleasing to the LORD (v.5).

     We live in times when "evil men and seducers [are waxing] worse and worse" (2nd.Timothy 3:13 pictured above). Yet throughout the Scriptures we have the assurance that GOD is faithful and watches over HIS people in the midst of difficulties and dark days. And, we also have GOD's promises that HE will save us from HIS impending judgment upon this Earth (1st.Thessalonians 4:14-5:11). HE has delivered HIS saints before (v.5), and HE is perfectly capable of doing it yet again. Christian, "have faith in GOD" (Mark 11:22) -- we are safe in HIM ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Abel"

 

Hebrews 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."

     Abel demonstrated his love for GOD and unswerving devotion to HIM by offering the blood sacrifice from his own flock of animals, an offering that GOD accepted (Genesis 4:4 pictured above). On the other hand, the LORD refused Cain's offering, and this led to the murder of Abel, his brother. In today's text, the SPIRIT of GOD emphasizes Abel's determination to obey the LORD; through this legacy, he is yet able to communicate what it means to walk by faith -- namely, to walk in obedience to the LORD. The sacrifice was not what justified Abel; rather, his justification was through faith alone in the true and living GOD. Abel's offering merely expressed his faith in GOD. Because of his willing obedience, Abel remains as a "witness" or example of those who live by faith, not sight. He believed, so he gave a sacrifice that the LORD regarded as "excellent." And since it was accepted by GOD, this revealed to all that Abel was a justified man -- he had a righteous standing before the LORD. He serves as a wonderful illustration of what it means to worship the LORD "by faith" and exemplifies what a life of faith truly entails.

     The Christian walk does not consist of merely following a set of rules and regulations. It is a life of joyfully obeying what GOD commands and a willingness to show our love for the LORD through submission to HIS WORD. Faithful service is not something we strive to do in order to appease an angry deity who is never satisfied. When we understand the ramifications of sin and the price paid to save us from those consequences, we will want to be like righteous Abel -- eager and willing to obey our LORD, regardless of the response of others, including those who are the closest to us. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - By Faith"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-40 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 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. . .And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and other were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     How do we know that living life "by faith" is possible ? How can we be sure it is not just possible but completely necessary if we are to ascertain and accomplish GOD's will as revealed in HIS WORD ? The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives us remarkable examples of men and women who were faithful servants of the living GOD. Each one -- from Abel (v.4) to Samuel (v.32), as individuals or as part of a great company ("the prophets," v.32) -- reveals that serving the LORD "by faith" is not only possible but is the only way GOD can rightly be honored in our life each day.

     To live "by faith" means to serve and honor the LORD in an outward, tangible way, proving that we trust HIM to keep HIS WORD to us. Notice that in Hebrews 10:35-39, pictured above, the AUTHOR encourages the exercise of "patient endurance" on the part of HIS readers, in chapter eleven, HE then cites numerous examples from the Old Testament and shows how they exercised this fortitude throughout their lives. We can have this same victory in our own experience today. Several chapters earlier (Hebrews 6:12 pictured below), the AUTHOR commanded the readers to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises"; the "Faith chapter" (Chapter 11) then gives examples of those who inherited GOD's promises.

     Finally, we note that the key word in this chapter is faith. It is found twenty-four times, translated once as "faithful" (v.11) and also "believe" (v.6). Having faith in GOD means we trust HIM absolutely and depend upon HIM for everything in life. These examples from the Old Testament ought to encourage our belief that GOD is wholly trustworthy and steadfast and will meet our needs according to HIS perfect plan. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - The Great Hall"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 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."

     The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as the "Hall of Faith" for its great summary statements concerning many believers found throughout the pages of the Old Testament. This passage commences by describing exactly what faith is (v.1) and then presents an incredible object of our faith, namely, the creation of the universe out of nothing (v.3) -- and account that can only be understood "by faith."

     One essential principle concerning faith is that we do not trust in just those things we can see or that are tangible in our world (v.1). This entire universe was created when GOD simply spoke it into existence (v.3 cf. Genesis 1:3 ff pictured above); HE did not use previously existing matter in order to make this Earth, the seas, the plants, or the animals. When HE made man from the dust of the Earth and with HIS breath, as described in Genesis 2:7, man became a living soul created in the image and likeness of GOD (Genesis 1:27 pictured above). The LORD removed a rib from Adam's side to fashion a helper for him (Genesis 2:21); HE did not use evolution of any sort to bring about mankind's existence. HE placed Adam in a garden to work and till the land; it was a place of great beauty and sustenance for the benefit and enjoyment of man. GOD graciously and abundantly supplied all of their needs; however, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against the LORD and thus brough sin into the world (Genesis 3:6 pictured below).

     How do we know all of the above to be true ? We believe, "by faith," what is written in GOD's WORD. No one was there, except the LORD, to tell us what or how everything happened, but we do have the inerrant revelation of GOD. "By faith," we know that the Bible is absolutely reliable and true. Our eternal future depends upon its veracity. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"I'm A Pretty Good Person"

 

     It is true; most people are pretty good. However, contrary to popular opinion not all good people go to Heaven. In fact, you do not have to be a bad person to go to Hell. Notice what the Bible says in Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us. . ." The Bible also states in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast." You can see that even if you are a good person, GOD's WORD declares that your goodness is not sufficient to merit a home in Heaven.

     Another interesting fact found in the Bible is that you are not really as good as you think you are ! Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, "For there is not a just man upon the Earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. . . As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:10,23).

     It is true that you must have goodness to get to Heaven, but the truth is you do not possess that goodness in and of yourself. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear."  (Isaiah 59:2). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). You see, everyone deserves to die and go to a Devil's Hell because of their sin; however, JESUS loved us so much that HE shed HIS sinless blood and died in our place. Three days later, CHRIST arose from the grave, proving that HE had conquered death and Hell, and establishing that HE alone has the power to give us eternal life. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

     Think about this. If your goodness could save you, JESUS would have died in vain. The fact is no one can possibly get to Heaven on their own. JESUS HIMSELF stated in John 14:6, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." The Apostle Paul also gave us a short and to the point Gospel of salvation in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:"

     Perhaps by now you are wondering how you can obtain JESUS CHRIST's goodness for yourself. It is really very simple. First, you must be genuinely sorry for your sin. Luke 13:3 states, ". . .except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."  True repentance (a turning to GOD from our sin) produces a new way of living. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto THY (GOD's) testimonies." (Psalm 119:59).

     Secondly, you must believe that JESUS died for you. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10).

     Finally, ask HIM to forgive you and to come into your heart to save you. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Please call on HIM today. You have no guarantee of tomorrow. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). What a tragedy it would be for a good person like you to die and go to a Devil's Hell !

     Why not ask HIM to save you right now ? You can pray from your heart a simple prayer like this one:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     If you have decided to trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, after reading this post, please let us and your family know of your new life in CHRIST.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation