Faith

Hebrews 11:13

   In Hebrews 11 we come across a section of scripture that has been deemed the “Great Hall of Faith.” We have a listing of numerous people who lived during the time that the old testament was recorded and here they are remembered by their faith in God! Hebrews 11:13 tells us that some of these died without having receive the promise given to them, but by the eyes of their faith they saw it coming. They knew that God was a promise maker and a promise keeper. Each one of these “Heroes of Faith” have something in common. Their faith had action! Faith is never stale. It never sits on the side believing in God and doing nothing! The Hebrew writer talks about Abraham twice in this section in verses 8-13 & 17-19 and it speaks of the actions of his faith. Throughout the old testament and the new testament, faith is always something more than just “mentally accepting Jesus as Lord,” but rather it is acting on that belief. When Abraham was told to get up and “go to a place that I will show you,” he did it even though he had no clue where his final destination was (Heb. 11:8-10). When James writes about Abraham he says that ‘But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Issac his son on the alter? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.”’ (James 2:20-23) Abraham was considered to “have believed” God only AFTER he did what he was told. Faith involves action every time. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley