WHAT IS TRUE FAITH? (HEBREWS CHAPTER 11) Not even giants of faith get exactly what they want These were all commended for thier faith, yet none of them received what had been promised:(Hebrew 11:39) What is faith? And how can you be sure youve got it? Some Christians think of faith as an almost magical force: if you muster up enough of it, youll get rich, stay healthy, and live a contented life, they say. Yet how does one muster up faith? What are signs of true faith? The author of Hebrews launches into a detailed description of faith, complete with references to several dozen biographical models. =Not What Youd Expect= But the picture of faith emerging from Hebrews chapter 11 contains some surprises. The author uses words and phrases like persevere, endure, dont lose heart. In many instances, the heroes cited did not receive the promise they hoped for; some ended up flogged and destitute, hiding out in goatskin. Many died - horrible deaths. Faith, concludes the author, most resembles difficult race. The runner has his eyes in the winners price, and despite nagging temptations to slacken the pace, he refuses to let up until he crosses the finnish line. Throw of everything that hinders. = It Is Worth The Struggle?= Why do people punish thier bodies to run a grueling marathon race? Most runners name two reasons: the sense of personal reward they get and the physical benefits if the exercise. The same two rewards apply in the spiritualrealm: great prices await those who persevere, and the very process of living by faith builds strong character. In this race, no one losses. If you finish, you get the reward.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:56:14 +0000
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