Our faith is not based on a vague, pipe-dream hope. It is based on the finished work of Christ, which was secured by the cross and confirmed by His resurrection. Be encouraged!
Hebrews 11: By Faith
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,
18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."
19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets---
33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated---
38 of whom the world was not worthy---wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Things to think about…
1. Meditate on Heb 11:1. Faith is the assurance (substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (or evidence) of things not seen. Faith is not fickle, shallow, wavering or seasonal. It is solid, consistent, deep and abiding. It is assured and resolved. Faith is based on sound evidence – this gives our faith conviction, it makes us resolute in who we are and what we believe. This is why bible teaching and apologetics are so important when it comes to our faith in Christ. If you are wavering in some way, the problem might be that you lack teaching or you need more evidence to confirm what you believe. There are some great apologetic resources available. Ask your cell group leader about these if you believe you could benefit from them. In August look at ‘Apologetics’ in more detail where we discuss evidences for our faith.
2. Hebrews 11:3 is a plug for ministries like Creation Science. What is your understanding of how God created the universe? Is it important to believe it was done in six literal days or not? What are the consequences of the argument either way? The answer and commentary to this verse is found in Romans 1:18-25. We have Creation Ministries International coming to CBC in August.
3. Hebrews 11:4-40 is often called the ‘Hall of Faith Heroes’. Christians are only propelled into action by something that they are fully convinced by and have no logical reason to doubt. Were these people deluded, or did they see something that most in their generation missed? Is this how you feel in our day? Have you considered what you would be prepared to endure for your faith? What are you prepared to give up? We are called to be ‘living sacrifices’, which means we are to be prepared to give up even our lives if required. The writer speaks more about this in tomorrow’s reading.
All the people in the list did not receive in this life what they had been promised, Heb 11:39, 40. This is the essence of hope in Christ. We should not put great hope or desire in this world and for the things of this age. Our inheritance is far better in Christ and will be fully realised in eternity. These heroes of the faith are our example of faithful living in this life, Heb 11:40.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
For Cell Groups.
Reading was from Rev 1 - Title “Who is Christ really”
1. When you read Rev 1:4-20 what are some of the gleanings you understand about who Christ is?
2. Andrew Otte mentioned some of the misunderstandings people have of who Jesus is especially around Christmas. How has this affected the message of the gospel and the effectiveness of the church.
3. When was the last time you had a right fear of Christ and the fact that He is a Judge and the One who will declare to many “Depart from Me I never knew you”. How does this sit with you?
4. Pray for the church and especially the teaching ministry in the church that there is an accurate portrayal of who Jesus is.
Prayer Points
1. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
2. New families as they settle into church.
3. Church finances to meet our new staff and to put a roof over our café.
4. Getting drawings into council.
5. Sunday’s message – Pastor Jay.
Praise Points.
1. Saturday night men’s movie night. Praise the Lord for the freedom we have in this country.
2. Praise the Lord for Caleb – Recharge, keep praying the Lord reveals His will.
3. Praise the Lord for the Kids@church ministry. Thankyou Maddison.
4. More new folk on Sunday – Praise God.
5. Praise and worship – pray for continued growth and blessing.
6. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
Announcements
1. Recharge Progressive dinner. All high schoolers. Be at church at 6:30pm Friday. $10 to cover costs. Get youth to invite their friends.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
