Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.
Background to Chapter 11
In this Chapter, the writer is encouraging the Jewish converts to remain fithful in Christ Jesus by recounting the stories of many of the Old Testament "men of faith". He is reminding them and us to never give up, even in the face of severe persecution, and turn away from Christ Jesus to live as we did before we came to salvation in His name,
A true, born again Christian believer is to walk (live) by faith and not by sight!
2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP)
for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Biblical faith is not something that can be measured by human understanding and intellect. It is something that can only be measured and understood spiritually!
Verse 1, in my humble opinion, is probably one ofr the most powerful verses in the Bible that explains how a born again Christian should live their life - by faith in Christ Jesus alone and by embracing the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit! and being obedient to God's Word in all things!
Let's examine the word "faith" here from its transliteration of the Greek word "pistis". Pronunciation: PIS-tis and its expanded meaning is: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity, persuasion, proof
1. Persuasion, i.e. credence
2. Conviction (of Biblical truth, or the truthfulness of God or a teacher of the gospel.
3. The reliance upon Christ for salvation - Him alone.
4. Constancy (never changing) in such a profession of one's faith.
5. Committed belief in the Biblical truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Faith is a gift to the Church from God! We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
By faith we can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens us!
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
When we live by faith, it is pleasing to God. Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6.
Without the Holy Spirit we cannot walk in truth!
John 16:13 (AMP)
But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].
Faith enables us to see, understand and feel beyond our physical senses. It is the eyesight that enables us to see what is invisible and see clearly the spiritual things that the Holy Spirit reveals to us so that we can live according to the Father's will and glorify the name of Jesus! Faith enables us to do extraordinary and miraculous things that are beyond human understanding and effort!
Faith enables us to walk our Christian walk in step with the Holy Spirit and thus in accordance with the Father's will and to glorify the name of Jesus!
Galatians 5:25-26 (ESV)
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Faith is not an unfounded belief system or intellectual understanding. It is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to Jesus in all things and it is instilled in us by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
In verse 2 the writer tells us the men of faith (sometimes referred to as the father's of faith) in the old testament received their commendation from God Himself!
The Greek word for 'commendation' is "martureó" (Strong's 3140) and its expanded meaning is: to bear witness to, to testify to, give evidence of, affirm that one has seen, heard, or experienced something.
Faith helps us understand God's spiritual realm which is invisible to the human eye that doesn't know Jesus!
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.
Today's scientists and indeed the unbelieving world today believe that the world was created somehow out of 'matter', although none of the great scientific minds (the many that don't believe in God) over the centuries fail to explain precesely what' matter' is.
Their wonderfully fabricated theories of how the world was created are in direct conflict with the Bible which clearly states that the world was created from nothing!
Genesis 1:1-4 (AMP)
In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Faith does not come through the theories of man it is gifted to men by the power of the Holy Spirit. The whole Bible was written by Godly men who were moved by the power of the Holy Spirit just as the Apostle Paul explains in the verses below! All scripture (the entire Bible) was breathed by God.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (AMP)
4 And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them], 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom and rhetoric of men, but on the power of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
All scripture, Old and New Testament, was given to us by God through men who were inspired by God and wrote in the power of the Holy Spirit! The Old Testament is there for today's church to learn lessons and instruction in righteousness. Read 1 Corinthians 10;1-11.
1 Corinthians 10: 6 and 11 (AMP)
6 Now these things [the warnings and admonitions] took place as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
Romans 15:4 (AMP)
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Faith emerges at the beginning of human history and permeates the entire Old Testament and through the to New Testament by faith in Christ Jesus for those who are born again and receive eternal life!
From verse 4 through to verse 40 at the end of the chapter, the writer encourages the Jews remain in the faith by reminding them of the great men of faith from their ancestry.and the great things they achieved from believing in God and by faith moving in obedience to His instructions and commands.
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.
In verse 4 the writer recounts the sacrifices that Cain and Abel made before God in Genesis 4:3-5.
Genesis 4:3-5 (ESV)
3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.
Well, Jesus tells us the answer to this in Matthew 23:34-35:
34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
In Matthew 23:35 above Jesus tells us that Abel was a righteous man "the blood of righteous Abel." Abel was a man who walked in obedience to God as a righteous man. From this we can safely assume that Cain was not a righteous man as God held no regard for his sacrifice and if he was not righteous before God then he was an evil man who lived a life of disobedience to God.
When we as born again Christians walk in obedience to God we are seen as righteous in the eyes of God because of our faith in Jesus, His son!
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.
Genesis 5:22-25 (AMP)
22 Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah and had other sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 And [in reverent fear and obedience] Enoch walked with God; and he was not [found among men], because God took him [away to be home with Him].
Now, what's interesting in verse 22 above is the Hebrew word for "walk" which is "halak" and is pronounced "haw-lak", when read in its full expansion, reveals just how closely Enoch walked with God:
- to go along with or about with continually
- to be conversant with always
- to be at ease with
- to grow in (relationship) with
- to move with and keep pace with more and more
- to share intimately with
He was daily proactive in his walk seeking God at all times and walking in the knowledge and faithfaith that God had him covered! Enoch's walk of faith was pleasing to God.
When we actively draw near to God, He draws near to us and we receive His favour and blessings!
James 4:8 (AMP)
Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].
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.
Verse 6 is pretty self-explanatory. If you want to please God then walk with Him in faith and obedience!
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.
The account of Noah and the flood can be found in Genesis 6-9 although he is first mentioned in Genesis 5 proving his lineage from Adam.
In Genesis 6:9 Noah is described as being a righteous man who was blameless in his generation and a man who walked faithfully with God. In fact Noah was the only man of his generation who was found to be righteous in the sight of God, hence his calling to build the Ark thus, with his sons and their wives, be the sole survivors of the flood and to re-populate the Earth!
Noah was warned of something that had never happened before. His faith was shown in not merely believing that the flood would come, but in doing what God told him to do regarding the flood regardless of what the rest of humanity thought of him – he was moved with godly fear and belief in God's Word.
That's the kind of walk we need as Christians and His Church. Do we have that reverent fear of God in our daily walk?
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.
When Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and go to a place where he would receive and inheritance, he responded in obedience, belief and faith in God's Word to him. He hadn't a clues of where he was going or what would happen on the way, but he believed God and went in faith!
He knew by faith that God was his provider and that he would lack for nothing. Abraham walked by faith and obedience to God's Word.
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.
When Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and go to a place where he would receive and inheritance, he responded in obedience, belief and faith in God's Word to him. He hadn't a clues of where he was going or what would happen on the way, but he believed God and went in faith!
He knew by faith that God was his provider and that he would lack for nothing. Abraham walked by faith and obedience to God's Word.
We Christians today should be doing the same, walking in faith and obedience to God's Word by the leading of the Holy Spirit!
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.
Abraham, together with his family, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob lived nomadic lives in the land of promise (Canaan). Abraham looked forward in faith to the city that had a sure foundation and whose designer and builder was God Himself!
Today, dear readers our sure foundation is in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and He has prepared a place for us to live for eternity and God will live with us, among His people. Keep your eyes on Jesus, never ever let Him go!
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.
Sarah, Abraham's wife, believed in faith that she would conceive even though she was long passed normal child bearing age. Although her faith, just like ours, was weak at first and she fist laughed when God told her she would conceive.
As Sarah's faith in God grew because He who made the promise is faithful, she gave birth and from Abraham's seed came the birth of many nations!
Dear Reader, God is faithful and true, all His promises are Yes and Amen! You can believe it and walk in it!
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.
Abraham and Sarah and the other Old Testament men and women of faith lived and died in faith. The didn't get to see all their promises from God fulfilled but by faith they new they would happen, "they greeted them from afar". They were pioneers of the faith knowing that their descendants would be the ones to see the promise fulfilled.
They knew by faith that they were sojourners here on earth and that their heavenly home would come just as ours is with them!
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.
Abraham, together with his family, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob lived nomadic lives in the land of promise (Canaan). Abraham looked forward in faith to the city that had a sure foundation and whose designer and builder was God Himself!
Today, dear readers our sure foundation is in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and He has prepared a place for us to live for eternity and God will live with us, among His people. Keep your eyes on Jesus, never ever let Him go!
Revelation 21:3 (ESV)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their 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.
Sarah, Abraham's wife, believed in faith that she would conceive even though she was long passed normal child bearing age. Although her faith, just like ours, was weak at first and she fist laughed when God told her she would conceive.
Genesis 21:6 (NKJV)
And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”
As Sarah's faith in God grew because He who made the promise is faithful, she gave birth and from Abraham's seed came the birth of many nations!
Dear Reader, God is faithful and true, all His promises are Yes and Amen! You can believe it and walk in it!
2 Corinthians 1:20 (AMP)
For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.
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.
Abraham and Sarah and the other Old Testament men and women of faith lived and died in faith. The didn't get to see all their promises from God fulfilled but by faith they new they would happen, "they greeted them from afar". They were pioneers of the faith knowing that their descendants would be the ones to see the promise fulfilled.
They knew by faith that they were sojourners here on earth and that their heavenly home would come just as ours is with them!
We are in this world but we are not of the world! Those that belong to Jesus and have faith in Him are, like Abraham and others of faith, are sojourners in this world.
God is not ashamed of those that walk in faith and He is proud to call us His children!
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.
John 14:1-3 (AMP)
“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 17:14-16 (AMP)
14 I have given to them Your word [the message You gave Me]; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world and do not belong to the world, just as I am not of the world and do not belong to it. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
God is not ashamed of those that walk in faith and He is proud to call us His children!
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.
Abraham's faith was tested when God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac, the son of God's promise to he and Sarah. But Abraham's faith was so great that he knew God would provide an alternative sacrifice! Abraham's faith went all the way and God saved the day! The writer also says that Abraham knew that God would be able to raise Isaac from the dead anyway!
Dear Readers, sometimes God will test our faith in things that will happen in and around our lives but faith in God will see us through all our trials and tribulations!
James 1:2-4 (AMP)
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
No matter what you are going through, KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS and your faith will grow exponentially as you go through each and every trial and will become a strong testimony to those around you! You will not be defeated.
2 Corinthians 4:13-15 (ESV)
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
By faith Isaac blessed both of his sons (see Genesis 27), both blessings covering their futures prophetically but Jacob was the son chosen by God to continue the line of the "promise*.
21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
By faith Jacob in his old age realised that God was a faithful God and just before he died he was able to bless Joseph's sons as he bowed his head and worshiped God. His blessing on his two grandsons was, like his father's to him, was prophetically futuristic in nature!
By faith and obedience to God's word we can secure our hope of eternity with God in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour!
22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
On his deathbed and by faith Joseph new that God would set Israel free from Egypt and that his bones would rest in the Promised Land. Joseph was embalmed and was placed in a coffin but he was not buried as such, his coffin was kept in state for all Israel to see and was later taken to the Promised Land by Moses.
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.
In verses 23-28 the writer encourages the Jews by recounting some of Moses' walk of faith. Moses was considered by the Jews to be one pf their greatest ancesters.
Faith was instilled in Moses by his parents from the time he was born.
By faith:
God never changes, what he did yesterday He will do today and tomorrow! He will sustain His Church - we are His sons and daughters! Our faith in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death!
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.
By faith:
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.
In verses 32-38 the writer encourages the converted Jews, and His Church today, by recounting many of the the miraculous things that the people of faith see and experience and how we are sustained by faith in Christ Jesus through the good and bad times of life!
Through faith in Christ Jesus, by being obedient to God's word and by continually being filled and led by the Holy Spirit we will overcome and have victory over this world to His Glory.
Through faith in Jesus we receive His perfect peace in all situations!
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.
In verse 39 the writer reminds us that although the great men of faith in the Old Testament were commended for it, they did not receive the promise of entering the presence of God until the work of the cross through Christ Jesus was completed! God made a better way,the only way for us to perfection - Christ Jesus
Genesis 25:23 (ESV)
And the Lord said to her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples from within you shall be divided;
the one shall be stronger than the other,
the older shall serve the younger.”
21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
By faith Jacob in his old age realised that God was a faithful God and just before he died he was able to bless Joseph's sons as he bowed his head and worshiped God. His blessing on his two grandsons was, like his father's to him, was prophetically futuristic in nature!
By faith and obedience to God's word we can secure our hope of eternity with God in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour!
22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
On his deathbed and by faith Joseph new that God would set Israel free from Egypt and that his bones would rest in the Promised Land. Joseph was embalmed and was placed in a coffin but he was not buried as such, his coffin was kept in state for all Israel to see and was later taken to the Promised Land by Moses.
Genesis 50:24
And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
Exodus 13:19 (ESV)
Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph[a] had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.”
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.
In verses 23-28 the writer encourages the Jews by recounting some of Moses' walk of faith. Moses was considered by the Jews to be one pf their greatest ancesters.
Faith was instilled in Moses by his parents from the time he was born.
By faith:
- His parents hid him from Pharoah so that he would not be killed.
- When Moses grew up and realised he was an Israelite denied being Egyptian (living in sin) and chose to be mistreated with his people the Isaraelites.
- He knew his reward was in heaven through Christ Jesus.
- He led the Israelites out of slavery.
- He kept God's instruction concerning the Passover sprinkling the blood of the lamb so that God's destroyer would pass over the Israelite homes.
God never changes, what he did yesterday He will do today and tomorrow! He will sustain His Church - we are His sons and daughters! Our faith in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death!
Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)
Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.
Galatians 3:23-27 (ESV)
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God,
through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 8:1-2 (AMP)
Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
By faith:
- Israel crossed the red Sea on dry land - the Egyptians were drowned.
- The walls of Jericho came tumbling down.
- Rahab was not killed because she protected the spies and welcomed Israel in.
John 16:14-15 (AMP)
14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.
In verses 32-38 the writer encourages the converted Jews, and His Church today, by recounting many of the the miraculous things that the people of faith see and experience and how we are sustained by faith in Christ Jesus through the good and bad times of life!
Through faith in Christ Jesus, by being obedient to God's word and by continually being filled and led by the Holy Spirit we will overcome and have victory over this world to His Glory.
Through faith in Jesus we receive His perfect peace in all situations!
John 16:33 (AMP)
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
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.
In verse 39 the writer reminds us that although the great men of faith in the Old Testament were commended for it, they did not receive the promise of entering the presence of God until the work of the cross through Christ Jesus was completed! God made a better way,the only way for us to perfection - Christ Jesus
Dear Readers
Don't let go of these two very important scripture reminders about our walk of faith in Christ Jesus:
Dear Heavenly Father
I thank you for my salvation in Christ Jesus and for the blood that He shed for me on the cross so that I may receive forgiveness of my sins and eternal life. Help me, Lord, to remain steadfast and faithful in you and give me your strength to overcome any worldly adversity that the enemy will throw at me. increase my measure of faith in you Lord Jesus that my life may glorify your name and be a true witness to a lost world. Amen!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!
Don't let go of these two very important scripture reminders about our walk of faith in Christ Jesus:
- We live by faith not by sight - 2 Cor 5:7
- Faith is the evidence of things not seen - Heb 11:1
Dear Heavenly Father
I thank you for my salvation in Christ Jesus and for the blood that He shed for me on the cross so that I may receive forgiveness of my sins and eternal life. Help me, Lord, to remain steadfast and faithful in you and give me your strength to overcome any worldly adversity that the enemy will throw at me. increase my measure of faith in you Lord Jesus that my life may glorify your name and be a true witness to a lost world. Amen!
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus, the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!
