Ryan Shook: The Hall of Faith

My name is Pastor Ryan and it's great to My name is Pastor Ryan and it's great to be able to spend a few moments with you be able to spend a few moments with you be able to spend a few moments with you in God's word. It's an honor to be part in God's word. It's an honor to be part in God's word. It's an honor to be part of this church family and to get into of this church family and to get into of this church family and to get into God's word together. Well, for weeks God's word together. Well, for weeks God's word together. Well, for weeks now, all of us have been following the now, all of us have been following the now, all of us have been following the World Cup or at least most of us have. World Cup or at least most of us have. World Cup or at least most of us have. And last weekend, we all watched the And last weekend, we all watched the And last weekend, we all watched the finals of the World Cup. Billions of finals of the World Cup. Billions of finals of the World Cup. Billions of people tuning in to watch one game. And people tuning in to watch one game. And people tuning in to watch one game. And last Sunday afternoon, as we watched the last Sunday afternoon, as we watched the last Sunday afternoon, as we watched the medals being handed out to different medals being handed out to different medals being handed out to different players, you could feel the agony of players, you could feel the agony of players, you could feel the agony of defeat for Argentina and the joy of defeat for Argentina and the joy of defeat for Argentina and the joy of victory for Spain. I see some of you victory for Spain. I see some of you victory for Spain. I see some of you wearing jerseys still today and so you wearing jerseys still today and so you wearing jerseys still today and so you love your teams and I love the passion love your teams and I love the passion love your teams and I love the passion that we have for our sports. But here's that we have for our sports. But here's that we have for our sports. But here's the thing. Even among the best teams in the thing. Even among the best teams in the thing. Even among the best teams in the world, only a few names will ever be the world, only a few names will ever be the world, only a few names will ever be elevated to legendary status. These are elevated to legendary status. These are elevated to legendary status. These are the people who make it into the Hall of the people who make it into the Hall of the people who make it into the Hall of Fame. Every sport has a hall of fame Fame. Every sport has a hall of fame Fame. Every sport has a hall of fame that recognizes the greatest in their that recognizes the greatest in their that recognizes the greatest in their field. In soccer, it's names like Pelle field. In soccer, it's names like Pelle field. In soccer, it's names like Pelle or Messi or Ronaldo. Names that 50 years or Messi or Ronaldo. Names that 50 years or Messi or Ronaldo. Names that 50 years from now will still be remembered for from now will still be remembered for from now will still be remembered for their great accomplishments. And you their great accomplishments. And you their great accomplishments. And you don't get into the Hall of Fame by being don't get into the Hall of Fame by being don't get into the Hall of Fame by being ordinary. No, you get in by being ordinary. No, you get in by being ordinary. No, you get in by being extraordinary, doing something that the extraordinary, doing something that the extraordinary, doing something that the rest of us can only dream about. Like rest of us can only dream about. Like rest of us can only dream about. Like many kids growing up, I had this idea many kids growing up, I had this idea many kids growing up, I had this idea that one day I would be a star athlete, that one day I would be a star athlete, that one day I would be a star athlete, some kind of athlete. I wasn't sure some kind of athlete. I wasn't sure some kind of athlete. I wasn't sure exactly which one. And so when I started exactly which one. And so when I started exactly which one. And so when I started off as a kid, I said baseball is my off as a kid, I said baseball is my off as a kid, I said baseball is my sport. But then I realized that I wasn't sport. But then I realized that I wasn't sport. But then I realized that I wasn't the most coordinated and I couldn't the most coordinated and I couldn't the most coordinated and I couldn't really throw very well. And so I said

really throw very well. And so I said really throw very well. And so I said maybe not baseball. Then I got into maybe not baseball. Then I got into maybe not baseball. Then I got into junior high and I said football. We're junior high and I said football. We're junior high and I said football. We're in Texas. Football. I can be a football in Texas. Football. I can be a football in Texas. Football. I can be a football star. They put me at center and I would star. They put me at center and I would star. They put me at center and I would get tackled and hurt. And I realized get tackled and hurt. And I realized get tackled and hurt. And I realized that getting clobbered by someone 40 lbs that getting clobbered by someone 40 lbs that getting clobbered by someone 40 lbs heavier than me was not my idea of fun. heavier than me was not my idea of fun. heavier than me was not my idea of fun. I realized that sports and pain aren't I realized that sports and pain aren't I realized that sports and pain aren't the best combination for me. So I I the best combination for me. So I I the best combination for me. So I I said, "You know what? High school said, "You know what? High school said, "You know what? High school tennis. You can't get tackled there. You tennis. You can't get tackled there. You tennis. You can't get tackled there. You can't get hurt too bad. Maybe tennis can't get hurt too bad. Maybe tennis can't get hurt too bad. Maybe tennis elbows, sure, but tennis is going to be elbows, sure, but tennis is going to be elbows, sure, but tennis is going to be my sport. I'll be a star." But then I my sport. I'll be a star." But then I my sport. I'll be a star." But then I realized you have to run back and forth realized you have to run back and forth realized you have to run back and forth and back and forth for a long time in and back and forth for a long time in and back and forth for a long time in one spot. And that was tiring. And I one spot. And that was tiring. And I one spot. And that was tiring. And I realized being tired was not my favorite realized being tired was not my favorite realized being tired was not my favorite either. So, it's safe to say that I either. So, it's safe to say that I either. So, it's safe to say that I probably won't have my name up in lights probably won't have my name up in lights probably won't have my name up in lights anytime soon for any great athletic anytime soon for any great athletic anytime soon for any great athletic accomplishments. And maybe you are in accomplishments. And maybe you are in accomplishments. And maybe you are in the same position where your name may the same position where your name may the same position where your name may not be recognized for being someone not be recognized for being someone not be recognized for being someone amazing or a star or an athlete or super amazing or a star or an athlete or super amazing or a star or an athlete or super talented, but the truth is that even the talented, but the truth is that even the talented, but the truth is that even the greatest athletes, even the biggest greatest athletes, even the biggest greatest athletes, even the biggest celebrities, their names will eventually celebrities, their names will eventually celebrities, their names will eventually fade into the books of history. They'll fade into the books of history. They'll fade into the books of history. They'll be forgotten in eternity. In the big be forgotten in eternity. In the big be forgotten in eternity. In the big scheme of things, at the end of your scheme of things, at the end of your scheme of things, at the end of your life, there's really only two things life, there's really only two things life, there's really only two things that will truly matter. As all the that will truly matter. As all the that will truly matter. As all the accomplishment and all the acclaim fades accomplishment and all the acclaim fades accomplishment and all the acclaim fades away, what remains at the end are two away, what remains at the end are two away, what remains at the end are two things. God's word, it's an eternal things. God's word, it's an eternal things. God's word, it's an eternal word. It was before the earth and it word. It was before the earth and it word. It was before the earth and it will remain long after it. And his book will remain long after it. And his book will remain long after it. And his book of life, the people that God has said, of life, the people that God has said, of life, the people that God has said, "These are the ones that will be with "These are the ones that will be with "These are the ones that will be with me." And today we're concluding our

me." And today we're concluding our me." And today we're concluding our series, World Cup Faith. And the good series, World Cup Faith. And the good series, World Cup Faith. And the good news is that each of us, every one of news is that each of us, every one of news is that each of us, every one of us, if we're followers of Christ, can be us, if we're followers of Christ, can be us, if we're followers of Christ, can be in that hall of fame. We can be in the in that hall of fame. We can be in the in that hall of fame. We can be in the hall of fame that only really matters, hall of fame that only really matters, hall of fame that only really matters, the one that matters most, which is the one that matters most, which is the one that matters most, which is God's Hall of Faith. God's Hall of Faith God's Hall of Faith. God's Hall of Faith God's Hall of Faith. God's Hall of Faith is act is actually referred to in is act is actually referred to in is act is actually referred to in Hebrewsap 11. And so, Hebrews chapter 11 Hebrewsap 11. And so, Hebrews chapter 11 Hebrewsap 11. And so, Hebrews chapter 11 is often called God's Hall of Fame or is often called God's Hall of Fame or is often called God's Hall of Fame or God's Hall of Faith. And today we're God's Hall of Faith. And today we're God's Hall of Faith. And today we're going to be studying this passage going to be studying this passage going to be studying this passage because these are the people that God because these are the people that God because these are the people that God points to and says, "These people that points to and says, "These people that points to and says, "These people that I've listed out in Hebrews chap 11, they I've listed out in Hebrews chap 11, they I've listed out in Hebrews chap 11, they got it right. They pleased me. They got it right. They pleased me. They got it right. They pleased me. They honored me. Look to them as the honored me. Look to them as the honored me. Look to them as the example." And so that's what we're going example." And so that's what we're going example." And so that's what we're going to do today as a church family. Will you to do today as a church family. Will you to do today as a church family. Will you please stand with me in honor of God's please stand with me in honor of God's please stand with me in honor of God's word as you read Hebrews chapter 11. word as you read Hebrews chapter 11. word as you read Hebrews chapter 11. Now faith is confidence in what we hope Now faith is confidence in what we hope Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not for and assurance about what we do not for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were see. This is what the ancients were see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith, we understand commended for. By faith, we understand commended for. By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God's that the universe was formed at God's that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not command, so that what is seen was not command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith, made out of what was visible. By faith, made out of what was visible. By faith, Abel brought God a better offering than Abel brought God a better offering than Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith, he was commended as Cain did. By faith, he was commended as Cain did. By faith, he was commended as righteous when God spoke well of his righteous when God spoke well of his righteous when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith, Abel still offerings. And by faith, Abel still offerings. And by faith, Abel still speaks even though he is dead. By faith, speaks even though he is dead. By faith, speaks even though he is dead. By faith, Enoch was taken from this life so that Enoch was taken from this life so that Enoch was taken from this life so that he did not experience death. He could he did not experience death. He could he did not experience death. He could not be found because God had taken him not be found because God had taken him not be found because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was away. For before he was taken, he was away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And commended as one who pleased God. And commended as one who pleased God. And without faith, it is impossible to without faith, it is impossible to without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to

please God because anyone who comes to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that him must believe that he exists and that him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. he rewards those who earnestly seek him. he rewards those who earnestly seek him. You can be seated. You can be seated. You can be seated. Have you spent much time thinking about Have you spent much time thinking about Have you spent much time thinking about what it really takes to please God? It's what it really takes to please God? It's what it really takes to please God? It's an important question. How do you please an important question. How do you please an important question. How do you please God? Some people think the best way to God? Some people think the best way to God? Some people think the best way to please God is by following rules and please God is by following rules and please God is by following rules and regulations, making sure that you do all regulations, making sure that you do all regulations, making sure that you do all the right rituals. And maybe if you're the right rituals. And maybe if you're the right rituals. And maybe if you're religious enough, God will look at you religious enough, God will look at you religious enough, God will look at you and say, "You know what? You did okay. and say, "You know what? You did okay. and say, "You know what? You did okay. I'm pleased with you." But that's not I'm pleased with you." But that's not I'm pleased with you." But that's not what the Bible says. Some people say what the Bible says. Some people say what the Bible says. Some people say that pleasing God requires following a that pleasing God requires following a that pleasing God requires following a list of dos and don'ts. And if you do list of dos and don'ts. And if you do list of dos and don'ts. And if you do enough of the good things and you avoid enough of the good things and you avoid enough of the good things and you avoid enough of the bad things, then God will enough of the bad things, then God will enough of the bad things, then God will probably be okay with you and he'll be probably be okay with you and he'll be probably be okay with you and he'll be pleased. But again, the Bible doesn't pleased. But again, the Bible doesn't pleased. But again, the Bible doesn't say that. The Bible says that it's say that. The Bible says that it's say that. The Bible says that it's impossible to please God without one impossible to please God without one impossible to please God without one thing. That one thing is found right thing. That one thing is found right thing. That one thing is found right here in Hebrews 11:6. And without faith, here in Hebrews 11:6. And without faith, here in Hebrews 11:6. And without faith, it is impossible to please God. It's not it is impossible to please God. It's not it is impossible to please God. It's not just hard to please God without faith.

just hard to please God without faith. just hard to please God without faith. It's impossible. So, if faith is so It's impossible. So, if faith is so It's impossible. So, if faith is so important to God, don't you think it's important to God, don't you think it's important to God, don't you think it's important that you and I understand what important that you and I understand what important that you and I understand what faith really is? faith really is? faith really is? Last weekend, my daughter Joanna and I Last weekend, my daughter Joanna and I Last weekend, my daughter Joanna and I walked around the church and we asked walked around the church and we asked walked around the church and we asked some of you that question. We said, some of you that question. We said, some of you that question. We said, "What does faith mean to you?" Take a "What does faith mean to you?" Take a "What does faith mean to you?" Take a look. look. look. Hey, Will Church. Today, we're going to Hey, Will Church. Today, we're going to Hey, Will Church. Today, we're going to be asking people what faith means to be asking people what faith means to be asking people what faith means to them. Come on. How would you define faith? How would you define faith? >> What? >> What? >> What? >> Believing in something you don't see. >> Believing in something you don't see. >> Believing in something you don't see. >> Faith is believing in what you cannot >> Faith is believing in what you cannot >> Faith is believing in what you cannot see. according to Hebrews 11:1. see. according to Hebrews 11:1. see. according to Hebrews 11:1. >> Knowing with confidence what God can do >> Knowing with confidence what God can do >> Knowing with confidence what God can do and what God has done and trusting in and what God has done and trusting in and what God has done and trusting in that. that. that. >> Okay. Is there anybody out here? What >> Okay. Is there anybody out here? What >> Okay. Is there anybody out here? What does faith mean to you? Like peace and does faith mean to you? Like peace and does faith mean to you? Like peace and that's it. When like helping each other that's it. When like helping each other that's it. When like helping each other out, you know that he's like always with out, you know that he's like always with out, you know that he's like always with you. you. you. >> This is fun. >> This is fun. >> This is fun. >> How would you define faith? >> How would you define faith? >> How would you define faith? >> Just the belief in things that we can't >> Just the belief in things that we can't >> Just the belief in things that we can't see.

see. see. >> That I love Jesus. >> That I love Jesus. >> That I love Jesus. Great. What does faith mean to you? >> What does faith mean to you? >> What does faith mean to you? >> Um, I don't know. >> Um, I don't know. >> Um, I don't know. >> It's basically like believing in Jesus. >> It's basically like believing in Jesus. >> It's basically like believing in Jesus. So, faith is very important. So, faith is very important. So, faith is very important. >> Mainly trusting in God, like turning to >> Mainly trusting in God, like turning to >> Mainly trusting in God, like turning to God. God. God. >> Dance party. >> Dance party. >> Dance party. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Faith to me uh means believing >> Faith to me uh means believing >> Faith to me uh means believing and something without seeing it and and something without seeing it and and something without seeing it and trusting and knowing that it's real. trusting and knowing that it's real. trusting and knowing that it's real. It's a lot more, but it's something like It's a lot more, but it's something like It's a lot more, but it's something like that. Joanna, that. Joanna, that. Joanna, >> can you say something? >> can you say something? >> can you say something? >> Jesus loves you. Have a great day. >> Jesus loves you. Have a great day. >> Jesus loves you. Have a great day. >> Yeah, we had fun with that one. >> Yeah, we had fun with that one. >> Yeah, we had fun with that one. It's clear from that video that many of It's clear from that video that many of It's clear from that video that many of you have thought about what faith is. We you have thought about what faith is. We you have thought about what faith is. We were taken back by how many of you had were taken back by how many of you had were taken back by how many of you had really thought about it and wondered, really thought about it and wondered, really thought about it and wondered, you know, what does my faith mean? So, you know, what does my faith mean? So, you know, what does my faith mean? So, it's important for us to define as a it's important for us to define as a it's important for us to define as a church and it's also important to define church and it's also important to define church and it's also important to define in our own lives. And when we look at in our own lives. And when we look at in our own lives. And when we look at faith through the lens of Hebrews faith through the lens of Hebrews faith through the lens of Hebrews chapter 11, sometimes it's easy to think chapter 11, sometimes it's easy to think chapter 11, sometimes it's easy to think that these men and women were somehow that these men and women were somehow that these men and women were somehow superhuman. That they had abilities and superhuman. That they had abilities and superhuman. That they had abilities and gifts way beyond ours that we could gifts way beyond ours that we could gifts way beyond ours that we could never attain. But the truth is that never attain. But the truth is that never attain. But the truth is that everyone listed in Hebrews chap 11 was everyone listed in Hebrews chap 11 was everyone listed in Hebrews chap 11 was ordinary. They were an ordinary person ordinary. They were an ordinary person ordinary. They were an ordinary person like you and I. They had flaws. They had like you and I. They had flaws. They had like you and I. They had flaws. They had shortcomings. They had doubts. But they shortcomings. They had doubts. But they shortcomings. They had doubts. But they kept choosing to act in faith. And so, kept choosing to act in faith. And so, kept choosing to act in faith. And so, how can we become more like these heroes how can we become more like these heroes how can we become more like these heroes of the faith that we find in God's hall of the faith that we find in God's hall of the faith that we find in God's hall of faith? Well, there are six aspects of of faith? Well, there are six aspects of of faith? Well, there are six aspects of faith that I want to touch on today that

faith that I want to touch on today that faith that I want to touch on today that really define faith for us because faith really define faith for us because faith really define faith for us because faith has so many aspects and we need to touch has so many aspects and we need to touch has so many aspects and we need to touch on each one. The first one is that faith on each one. The first one is that faith on each one. The first one is that faith is believing when I don't see it. Faith is believing when I don't see it. Faith is believing when I don't see it. Faith is believing when I don't see it. This is believing when I don't see it. This is believing when I don't see it. This is the foundation of all faith. Look at is the foundation of all faith. Look at is the foundation of all faith. Look at how the author of Hebrews opens up the how the author of Hebrews opens up the how the author of Hebrews opens up the entire chapter one more time. Now faith entire chapter one more time. Now faith entire chapter one more time. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and is confidence in what we hope for and is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. We assurance about what we do not see. We assurance about what we do not see. We love to say today in our culture that love to say today in our culture that love to say today in our culture that you know what I'll believe it when I see you know what I'll believe it when I see you know what I'll believe it when I see it. I'll believe that when I see it. We it. I'll believe that when I see it. We it. I'll believe that when I see it. We live in a very doubting world. But God live in a very doubting world. But God live in a very doubting world. But God says no. You've got it backwards. Some says no. You've got it backwards. Some says no. You've got it backwards. Some things you have to believe before you things you have to believe before you things you have to believe before you will ever see. We believe in things we will ever see. We believe in things we will ever see. We believe in things we haven't seen yet all the time in our haven't seen yet all the time in our haven't seen yet all the time in our daily lives. Think about it. The daily lives. Think about it. The daily lives. Think about it. The architect has to believe that the architect has to believe that the architect has to believe that the building will be completed to the plans building will be completed to the plans building will be completed to the plans that he laid out before the first that he laid out before the first that he laid out before the first foundation or the first brick is ever foundation or the first brick is ever foundation or the first brick is ever laid. The Olympic athlete has to see the laid. The Olympic athlete has to see the laid. The Olympic athlete has to see the record-breaking in their mind before record-breaking in their mind before record-breaking in their mind before anything changes on the scoreboard.

anything changes on the scoreboard. anything changes on the scoreboard. And the sculptor or the artist has to And the sculptor or the artist has to And the sculptor or the artist has to see and visualize what could be in the see and visualize what could be in the see and visualize what could be in the sculpture or the piece of art before sculpture or the piece of art before sculpture or the piece of art before they ever pick up a paintbrush or begin they ever pick up a paintbrush or begin they ever pick up a paintbrush or begin to chisel away at the rock. We all have to chisel away at the rock. We all have to chisel away at the rock. We all have faith in different areas, but faith faith in different areas, but faith faith in different areas, but faith requires believing it's possible long requires believing it's possible long requires believing it's possible long before it actually is. 30 years ago, my before it actually is. 30 years ago, my before it actually is. 30 years ago, my parents gathered their small parents gathered their small parents gathered their small congregation in a rented high school congregation in a rented high school congregation in a rented high school facility and told them, "One day, we're facility and told them, "One day, we're facility and told them, "One day, we're going to have our own church building, going to have our own church building, going to have our own church building, and it's going to be on 50 acres right and it's going to be on 50 acres right and it's going to be on 50 acres right here in Houston, and we're going to here in Houston, and we're going to here in Houston, and we're going to reach the entire town of Houston, the reach the entire town of Houston, the reach the entire town of Houston, the entire city. We're going to make a huge entire city. We're going to make a huge entire city. We're going to make a huge impact." And you and I are sitting here impact." And you and I are sitting here impact." And you and I are sitting here today in this 4,000 seat auditorium on today in this 4,000 seat auditorium on today in this 4,000 seat auditorium on 150 acres because that small group had 150 acres because that small group had 150 acres because that small group had enough faith to believe that what they enough faith to believe that what they enough faith to believe that what they had not yet seen was possible. Seeing had not yet seen was possible. Seeing had not yet seen was possible. Seeing life. Yeah, life. Yeah, life. Yeah, I'll applaud that. Pastor Carrie and I'll applaud that. Pastor Carrie and I'll applaud that. Pastor Carrie and Chris, they're amazing. But it's is Chris, they're amazing. But it's is Chris, they're amazing. But it's is their faith. They'll tell you time and their faith. They'll tell you time and their faith. They'll tell you time and time again, it wasn't us. It's our faith time again, it wasn't us. It's our faith time again, it wasn't us. It's our faith that makes things possible. Seeing life that makes things possible. Seeing life that makes things possible. Seeing life from God's perspective starts with that from God's perspective starts with that from God's perspective starts with that simple idea. I have to believe before I simple idea. I have to believe before I simple idea. I have to believe before I see it. But if believing is only where see it. But if believing is only where see it. But if believing is only where faith begins, well then the second faith begins, well then the second faith begins, well then the second characteristic that we have to talk characteristic that we have to talk characteristic that we have to talk about about how to really have true about about how to really have true about about how to really have true faith that we see in chapter 11 of faith that we see in chapter 11 of faith that we see in chapter 11 of Hebrews is understand this about faith.

Hebrews is understand this about faith. Hebrews is understand this about faith. Faith is bringing God my very best. Faith is bringing God my very best. Faith is bringing God my very best. Faith is bringing God my very best. The Faith is bringing God my very best. The Faith is bringing God my very best. The first hero listed in the hall of faith first hero listed in the hall of faith first hero listed in the hall of faith is Abel. Here's what it says about Abel. is Abel. Here's what it says about Abel. is Abel. Here's what it says about Abel. By faith, Abel brought God a better By faith, Abel brought God a better By faith, Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith, he was offering than Cain did. By faith, he was offering than Cain did. By faith, he was commended as righteous when God spoke commended as righteous when God spoke commended as righteous when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith, well of his offerings. And by faith, well of his offerings. And by faith, Abel still speaks even though he is Abel still speaks even though he is Abel still speaks even though he is dead. The first recorded act of human dead. The first recorded act of human dead. The first recorded act of human worship was two brothers, Cain and Abel. worship was two brothers, Cain and Abel. worship was two brothers, Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer. He was a r uh he grew Cain was a farmer. He was a r uh he grew Cain was a farmer. He was a r uh he grew crops. Abel was a rancher. He had crops. Abel was a rancher. He had crops. Abel was a rancher. He had livestock. And they both brought some of livestock. And they both brought some of livestock. And they both brought some of what they had to God as a sacrifice to what they had to God as a sacrifice to what they had to God as a sacrifice to honor him. Look what happens in Genesis. honor him. Look what happens in Genesis. honor him. Look what happens in Genesis. This is how it's described. The Lord This is how it's described. The Lord This is how it's described. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his looked with favor on Abel and his looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering, offering, but on Cain and his offering, offering, but on Cain and his offering, he did not look with favor. Why is that? he did not look with favor. Why is that? he did not look with favor. Why is that? Why did God look with favor on Abel's Why did God look with favor on Abel's Why did God look with favor on Abel's offering, but not on Cain's offering? offering, but not on Cain's offering? offering, but not on Cain's offering? Well, Hebrews answers this question Well, Hebrews answers this question Well, Hebrews answers this question plainly. If you look at it again, it was plainly. If you look at it again, it was plainly. If you look at it again, it was by faith that Abel brought a better by faith that Abel brought a better by faith that Abel brought a better offering to God. You see, Cain's offering to God. You see, Cain's offering to God. You see, Cain's offering was something. Sure, he did offering was something. Sure, he did offering was something. Sure, he did bring God an offering. It's clear in bring God an offering. It's clear in bring God an offering. It's clear in scripture. But more than likely, Cain scripture. But more than likely, Cain scripture. But more than likely, Cain was bringing whatever he figured he was bringing whatever he figured he was bringing whatever he figured he could afford. He brought what he had could afford. He brought what he had could afford. He brought what he had left over. Abel continually brought his left over. Abel continually brought his left over. Abel continually brought his first and his best to God, his first and his best to God, his first and his best to God, his firstborn, his best portions. before any firstborn, his best portions. before any firstborn, his best portions. before any of the rest of his livestock were of the rest of his livestock were of the rest of his livestock were accounted for. He made sure that God got

accounted for. He made sure that God got accounted for. He made sure that God got the first. And God can always see the the first. And God can always see the the first. And God can always see the difference between the leftovers in your difference between the leftovers in your difference between the leftovers in your life and the first part of your life. He life and the first part of your life. He life and the first part of your life. He can see the difference even if no one can see the difference even if no one can see the difference even if no one else can. And that's challenging to each else can. And that's challenging to each else can. And that's challenging to each one of us as Christ followers to really one of us as Christ followers to really one of us as Christ followers to really consider, do you give God the first hour consider, do you give God the first hour consider, do you give God the first hour of your day or do you just give him the of your day or do you just give him the of your day or do you just give him the last few tired minutes that you have last few tired minutes that you have last few tired minutes that you have left over? Do you give him truly the left over? Do you give him truly the left over? Do you give him truly the first part of your income or whatever is first part of your income or whatever is first part of your income or whatever is left over at the end of the month? Do left over at the end of the month? Do left over at the end of the month? Do you devote to God the energy and you devote to God the energy and you devote to God the energy and intention that you have at the very intention that you have at the very intention that you have at the very start or do you give God the attention start or do you give God the attention start or do you give God the attention and energy that you can afford when and energy that you can afford when and energy that you can afford when everything else has been exhausted? Abel everything else has been exhausted? Abel everything else has been exhausted? Abel still speaks to us today through the still speaks to us today through the still speaks to us today through the generations because he brought God his generations because he brought God his generations because he brought God his very best. And the early church very best. And the early church very best. And the early church understood what it meant to bring your understood what it meant to bring your understood what it meant to bring your best to God. This is how Paul describes best to God. This is how Paul describes best to God. This is how Paul describes one of the congregations that he led in one of the congregations that he led in one of the congregations that he led in the early church. the early church. the early church. But they gave much because of their But they gave much because of their But they gave much because of their great joy. They gave even more than they great joy. They gave even more than they great joy. They gave even more than they could afford. They gave even more they could afford. They gave even more they could afford. They gave even more they than they could afford. Some people than they could afford. Some people than they could afford. Some people today say, "God, if you will provide today say, "God, if you will provide today say, "God, if you will provide what I need first, then I'll give some what I need first, then I'll give some what I need first, then I'll give some of it back to you." And that's good, but of it back to you." And that's good, but of it back to you." And that's good, but that's gratitude. That's not faith. It that's gratitude. That's not faith. It that's gratitude. That's not faith. It doesn't require a lot of faith to give doesn't require a lot of faith to give doesn't require a lot of faith to give back to God what he's already given you.

back to God what he's already given you. back to God what he's already given you. Faith is giving with a heart of Faith is giving with a heart of Faith is giving with a heart of abundance and a heart of joy. Saying, abundance and a heart of joy. Saying, abundance and a heart of joy. Saying, "I'm going to give before I'm sure that "I'm going to give before I'm sure that "I'm going to give before I'm sure that these other things are going to come these other things are going to come these other things are going to come through. I'm going to give in faith through. I'm going to give in faith through. I'm going to give in faith knowing that Lord, you always provide." knowing that Lord, you always provide." knowing that Lord, you always provide." Now, I want to turn to two more heroes Now, I want to turn to two more heroes Now, I want to turn to two more heroes of the faith, the hall of faith, um, of the faith, the hall of faith, um, of the faith, the hall of faith, um, because they provide a great insight because they provide a great insight because they provide a great insight into what may be the most important part into what may be the most important part into what may be the most important part of faith. of faith. of faith. The first thing I want to remind you of The first thing I want to remind you of The first thing I want to remind you of is that faith is obeying when I don't is that faith is obeying when I don't is that faith is obeying when I don't understand it. Faith is obeying when I understand it. Faith is obeying when I understand it. Faith is obeying when I don't understand it. Noah is our uh don't understand it. Noah is our uh don't understand it. Noah is our uh awesome example of this because Noah did awesome example of this because Noah did awesome example of this because Noah did something that I'm not sure many of us something that I'm not sure many of us something that I'm not sure many of us could do. This is what it says about could do. This is what it says about could do. This is what it says about Noah in the hall of faith. It was by Noah in the hall of faith. It was by Noah in the hall of faith. It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to faith that Noah built a large boat to faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He save his family from the flood. He save his family from the flood. He obeyed God who warned him about things obeyed God who warned him about things obeyed God who warned him about things that had never happened before. Focus on that had never happened before. Focus on that had never happened before. Focus on two words in that in that verse, faith two words in that in that verse, faith two words in that in that verse, faith and obeyed, because they're directly and obeyed, because they're directly and obeyed, because they're directly connected. Faith is obeying when it does connected. Faith is obeying when it does connected. Faith is obeying when it does not make sense. You cannot have faith not make sense. You cannot have faith not make sense. You cannot have faith without obedience. And for Noah, it without obedience. And for Noah, it without obedience. And for Noah, it didn't make sense what he was called to didn't make sense what he was called to didn't make sense what he was called to do. Think about it. Would you have built do. Think about it. Would you have built do. Think about it. Would you have built a boat the size of a cargo ship out in a boat the size of a cargo ship out in a boat the size of a cargo ship out in the middle of the desert when it had the middle of the desert when it had the middle of the desert when it had probably never even rained before?

probably never even rained before? probably never even rained before? I get frustrated after 10 minutes of I get frustrated after 10 minutes of I get frustrated after 10 minutes of trying to put together an IKEA table and trying to put together an IKEA table and trying to put together an IKEA table and you know it's like, "Oh, this is so you know it's like, "Oh, this is so you know it's like, "Oh, this is so frustrating. I give up." But you know frustrating. I give up." But you know frustrating. I give up." But you know what Noah did? He consistently built the what Noah did? He consistently built the what Noah did? He consistently built the plans of the ark to God's specification. plans of the ark to God's specification. plans of the ark to God's specification. A massive boat that took decades to A massive boat that took decades to A massive boat that took decades to build. And there's no record of him build. And there's no record of him build. And there's no record of him complaining about that. He continued to complaining about that. He continued to complaining about that. He continued to be obedient to God. And because of his be obedient to God. And because of his be obedient to God. And because of his obedience, he saved humanity and he obedience, he saved humanity and he obedience, he saved humanity and he saved his family. And we you and I are saved his family. And we you and I are saved his family. And we you and I are here today because of the obedience of here today because of the obedience of here today because of the obedience of that one man. Exhibit B, in obedience to that one man. Exhibit B, in obedience to that one man. Exhibit B, in obedience to God when it doesn't make sense, is God when it doesn't make sense, is God when it doesn't make sense, is Abraham. Abraham. Abraham. By faith, Abraham, when called to go to By faith, Abraham, when called to go to By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his a place he would later receive as his a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even inheritance, obeyed and went, even inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was though he did not know where he was though he did not know where he was going. At at this point in the story, going. At at this point in the story, going. At at this point in the story, when God called Abraham to go to a place when God called Abraham to go to a place when God called Abraham to go to a place he had never been in his entire life, he had never been in his entire life, he had never been in his entire life, Abraham was 75 years old. Abraham was Abraham was 75 years old. Abraham was Abraham was 75 years old. Abraham was ready to file for the ancient equivalent ready to file for the ancient equivalent ready to file for the ancient equivalent of social security. He was ready to hang of social security. He was ready to hang of social security. He was ready to hang it up. I would have been I would have it up. I would have been I would have it up. I would have been I would have said, "God, I'm too old. I'm going to said, "God, I'm too old. I'm going to said, "God, I'm too old. I'm going to relax." But God says, "No, Abraham, you relax." But God says, "No, Abraham, you relax." But God says, "No, Abraham, you don't hang it up. You dust it off don't hang it up. You dust it off don't hang it up. You dust it off because you've got a whole new adventure because you've got a whole new adventure because you've got a whole new adventure to go on right now. You got a whole new to go on right now. You got a whole new to go on right now. You got a whole new path to follow. And you get ready. Put path to follow. And you get ready. Put path to follow. And you get ready. Put your shoes on because we're going out."

your shoes on because we're going out." your shoes on because we're going out." If I had been in Abraham's shoes, I If I had been in Abraham's shoes, I If I had been in Abraham's shoes, I think I would have had some questions, think I would have had some questions, think I would have had some questions, wouldn't you? I couldn't imagine how wouldn't you? I couldn't imagine how wouldn't you? I couldn't imagine how that conversation between God and that conversation between God and that conversation between God and Abraham might have gone. You know, okay, Abraham might have gone. You know, okay, Abraham might have gone. You know, okay, God, where are we going? We You never God, where are we going? We You never God, where are we going? We You never heard of it, Abraham. Uh, okay. Well, heard of it, Abraham. Uh, okay. Well, heard of it, Abraham. Uh, okay. Well, well, how long is it going to take? I well, how long is it going to take? I well, how long is it going to take? I just want to know how much to pack. All just want to know how much to pack. All just want to know how much to pack. All right, don't worry about it. Okay. Well, right, don't worry about it. Okay. Well, right, don't worry about it. Okay. Well, well, how about this? How will I know well, how about this? How will I know well, how about this? How will I know when we've gotten there? Like, I'll let when we've gotten there? Like, I'll let when we've gotten there? Like, I'll let you know. Would you go? Abraham went and you know. Would you go? Abraham went and you know. Would you go? Abraham went and because of his faithfulness and because because of his faithfulness and because because of his faithfulness and because of his obedience, when it didn't make of his obedience, when it didn't make of his obedience, when it didn't make really any sense at all, an entire really any sense at all, an entire really any sense at all, an entire nation was blessed. He became the father nation was blessed. He became the father nation was blessed. He became the father of a great nation. And through him, the of a great nation. And through him, the of a great nation. And through him, the entire world has been blessed. There are entire world has been blessed. There are entire world has been blessed. There are over 10 there are over 10,000 commands over 10 there are over 10,000 commands over 10 there are over 10,000 commands in God's word. 10,000 commands that we in God's word. 10,000 commands that we in God's word. 10,000 commands that we find in the Bible find in the Bible find in the Bible just in the New Testament alone. And just in the New Testament alone. And just in the New Testament alone. And every single one of those commands comes every single one of those commands comes every single one of those commands comes back to really the same fundamental back to really the same fundamental back to really the same fundamental question. And the question the Bible question. And the question the Bible question. And the question the Bible asks you every single day as you read asks you every single day as you read asks you every single day as you read through it is, am I going to trust God through it is, am I going to trust God through it is, am I going to trust God or am I going to trust myself? A lot of or am I going to trust myself? A lot of or am I going to trust myself? A lot of the commands that we find in here seem the commands that we find in here seem the commands that we find in here seem unreasonable. Sometimes they seem unreasonable. Sometimes they seem unreasonable. Sometimes they seem impossible. Many of them are impossible. Many of them are impossible. Many of them are inconvenient. There's no doubt. But inconvenient. There's no doubt. But inconvenient. There's no doubt. But every one of the commands that we find every one of the commands that we find every one of the commands that we find in the New Testament is meant for your in the New Testament is meant for your in the New Testament is meant for your good. When I was a teenager, I was good. When I was a teenager, I was good. When I was a teenager, I was convinced that my parents had rules that convinced that my parents had rules that convinced that my parents had rules that were made to ruin my life. I was were made to ruin my life. I was were made to ruin my life. I was convinced that they were hellbent on convinced that they were hellbent on convinced that they were hellbent on ruining my life with their rules. And ruining my life with their rules. And ruining my life with their rules. And so, I would try to ignore their rules. I so, I would try to ignore their rules. I so, I would try to ignore their rules. I would try to get around them. But would try to get around them. But would try to get around them. But unfortunately for me, I had a

unfortunately for me, I had a unfortunately for me, I had a God-fearing mom who constantly prayed, God-fearing mom who constantly prayed, God-fearing mom who constantly prayed, "Lord, if my kids are getting into "Lord, if my kids are getting into "Lord, if my kids are getting into trouble, let them get caught." And sure trouble, let them get caught." And sure trouble, let them get caught." And sure enough, pretty much every single time we enough, pretty much every single time we enough, pretty much every single time we did, some of you have those that same did, some of you have those that same did, some of you have those that same mom in the audience today. So, thank God mom in the audience today. So, thank God mom in the audience today. So, thank God for those moms because even though I for those moms because even though I for those moms because even though I tried to get around the rules, when I tried to get around the rules, when I tried to get around the rules, when I sometimes did get away with something, I sometimes did get away with something, I sometimes did get away with something, I always ended up miserable. Why? Because always ended up miserable. Why? Because always ended up miserable. Why? Because my parents rules weren't there to hurt my parents rules weren't there to hurt my parents rules weren't there to hurt me. They were there to help me. They me. They were there to help me. They me. They were there to help me. They were there to bless me. And God is wiser were there to bless me. And God is wiser were there to bless me. And God is wiser than the wisest parents. When you ignore than the wisest parents. When you ignore than the wisest parents. When you ignore what God has told you to do, when you what God has told you to do, when you what God has told you to do, when you ignore what he has in his in his divine ignore what he has in his in his divine ignore what he has in his in his divine word, the only person that you hurt is word, the only person that you hurt is word, the only person that you hurt is yourself. Obedience brings blessing. But yourself. Obedience brings blessing. But yourself. Obedience brings blessing. But to obey, I have to have trust. I have to to obey, I have to have trust. I have to to obey, I have to have trust. I have to have trust that the things that God has have trust that the things that God has have trust that the things that God has told me to do in his word are for my told me to do in his word are for my told me to do in his word are for my good. I have to trust like it says in good. I have to trust like it says in good. I have to trust like it says in Jeremiah, I have to trust that it says, Jeremiah, I have to trust that it says, Jeremiah, I have to trust that it says, "For I know the plans I have for you, "For I know the plans I have for you, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. plans to give you a and not to harm you. plans to give you a and not to harm you. plans to give you a hope and a future. I love that verse hope and a future. I love that verse hope and a future. I love that verse because it reminds me that when I even because it reminds me that when I even because it reminds me that when I even when I don't understand that God's plans when I don't understand that God's plans when I don't understand that God's plans are to give me a hope and a future. God are to give me a hope and a future. God are to give me a hope and a future. God has a hope and a future for you. Now, has a hope and a future for you. Now, has a hope and a future for you. Now, it's one thing to obey when it doesn't it's one thing to obey when it doesn't it's one thing to obey when it doesn't make sense, but it's another thing to make sense, but it's another thing to make sense, but it's another thing to persist when you're facing obstacles.

persist when you're facing obstacles. persist when you're facing obstacles. It's hard to continue on when the It's hard to continue on when the It's hard to continue on when the pressure is on. And that's why our next pressure is on. And that's why our next pressure is on. And that's why our next aspect of faith to touch on is faith is aspect of faith to touch on is faith is aspect of faith to touch on is faith is persisting when I don't feel like it. persisting when I don't feel like it. persisting when I don't feel like it. Faith is not about your feelings. Let's Faith is not about your feelings. Let's Faith is not about your feelings. Let's look at Moses because he is the example look at Moses because he is the example look at Moses because he is the example of persistence in the face of obstacles. of persistence in the face of obstacles. of persistence in the face of obstacles. By faith, Moses when he had grown up By faith, Moses when he had grown up By faith, Moses when he had grown up refused to be known as the son of refused to be known as the son of refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God mistreated along with the people of God mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting rather than to enjoy the fleeting rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater for the sake of Christ as of greater for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt value than the treasures of Egypt value than the treasures of Egypt because he was looking ahead to his because he was looking ahead to his because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:26. reward. Hebrews 11:26. reward. Hebrews 11:26. Can you imagine what Moses could have Can you imagine what Moses could have Can you imagine what Moses could have chosen? He grew up in the Pharaoh's chosen? He grew up in the Pharaoh's chosen? He grew up in the Pharaoh's household. He grew up as royalty. Most household. He grew up as royalty. Most household. He grew up as royalty. Most people believe that he very likely could people believe that he very likely could people believe that he very likely could have become the next pharaoh of Egypt. have become the next pharaoh of Egypt. have become the next pharaoh of Egypt. But he chose to choose a life of But he chose to choose a life of But he chose to choose a life of obstacle, of pain, of struggle over a obstacle, of pain, of struggle over a obstacle, of pain, of struggle over a life of ease that was held out before life of ease that was held out before life of ease that was held out before him. Why? Who would do that? He chose it him. Why? Who would do that? He chose it him. Why? Who would do that? He chose it because he knew that he had a prize because he knew that he had a prize because he knew that he had a prize waiting for him. He was looking forward waiting for him. He was looking forward waiting for him. He was looking forward to his reward. And this one cuts to his reward. And this one cuts to his reward. And this one cuts straight against our culture because we straight against our culture because we straight against our culture because we live in a world today that tells us if live in a world today that tells us if live in a world today that tells us if it feels good, do it. If it doesn't feel it feels good, do it. If it doesn't feel it feels good, do it. If it doesn't feel good, don't do it. Always operate by how good, don't do it. Always operate by how good, don't do it. Always operate by how you feel. And what happens is we let our you feel. And what happens is we let our you feel. And what happens is we let our moods define our relationships with one moods define our relationships with one moods define our relationships with one another and our relationship with God.

another and our relationship with God. another and our relationship with God. And our emotions dictate and drive our And our emotions dictate and drive our And our emotions dictate and drive our lives. But mature people don't live by lives. But mature people don't live by lives. But mature people don't live by emotions. They live by commitments. emotions. They live by commitments. emotions. They live by commitments. Emotions will come and go. They change Emotions will come and go. They change Emotions will come and go. They change like the wind. But commitments are the like the wind. But commitments are the like the wind. But commitments are the foundation that carry you. Commitments foundation that carry you. Commitments foundation that carry you. Commitments are the foundation you can build a life are the foundation you can build a life are the foundation you can build a life on. If the only time that you or I pray on. If the only time that you or I pray on. If the only time that you or I pray is when we feel like it, we are not is when we feel like it, we are not is when we feel like it, we are not going to pray very often. If the only going to pray very often. If the only going to pray very often. If the only time that you open your Bible is when time that you open your Bible is when time that you open your Bible is when it's convenient for you, you're not it's convenient for you, you're not it's convenient for you, you're not going to read much of God's word. Ask an going to read much of God's word. Ask an going to read much of God's word. Ask an Olympic athlete if they like training Olympic athlete if they like training Olympic athlete if they like training for hours on end, doing the same for hours on end, doing the same for hours on end, doing the same repetitions over and over again. Ask a repetitions over and over again. Ask a repetitions over and over again. Ask a master musician if they enjoy practicing master musician if they enjoy practicing master musician if they enjoy practicing the same music and doing it for entire the same music and doing it for entire the same music and doing it for entire days and weeks on end. I'm sure at times days and weeks on end. I'm sure at times days and weeks on end. I'm sure at times it gets tiring. I'm sure at times they it gets tiring. I'm sure at times they it gets tiring. I'm sure at times they feel like giving up. But they continue feel like giving up. But they continue feel like giving up. But they continue to persist. Why? Because they understand to persist. Why? Because they understand to persist. Why? Because they understand and godly men and women understand that and godly men and women understand that and godly men and women understand that you don't become that way by accident. you don't become that way by accident. you don't become that way by accident. You don't get godly character or build You don't get godly character or build You don't get godly character or build faith on accident. And no one's born faith on accident. And no one's born faith on accident. And no one's born with the Bible in their hand. No one is with the Bible in their hand. No one is with the Bible in their hand. No one is born just claiming how great they know born just claiming how great they know born just claiming how great they know God's word. No. The most godly men and God's word. No. The most godly men and God's word. No. The most godly men and women among us today will tell you they women among us today will tell you they women among us today will tell you they get on their knees even when they don't get on their knees even when they don't get on their knees even when they don't feel like it. They open their Bible even feel like it. They open their Bible even feel like it. They open their Bible even when it's not convenient. And every time when it's not convenient. And every time when it's not convenient. And every time that you choose to persist, when you that you choose to persist, when you that you choose to persist, when you could have chose a life of ease, just could have chose a life of ease, just could have chose a life of ease, just like Moses, even when you choose the like Moses, even when you choose the like Moses, even when you choose the harder path, every time you make that harder path, every time you make that harder path, every time you make that decision, God honors that decision and decision, God honors that decision and decision, God honors that decision and he builds your faith just a little bit he builds your faith just a little bit he builds your faith just a little bit more. And what's really cool is that if

more. And what's really cool is that if more. And what's really cool is that if you are a Christ follower today, you you are a Christ follower today, you you are a Christ follower today, you have something stronger, more tightly have something stronger, more tightly have something stronger, more tightly bound than a commitment. You have a bound than a commitment. You have a bound than a commitment. You have a covenant, a covenant with Jesus Christ, covenant, a covenant with Jesus Christ, covenant, a covenant with Jesus Christ, your savior. This is a something that no your savior. This is a something that no your savior. This is a something that no one in this hall of faith had yet. They one in this hall of faith had yet. They one in this hall of faith had yet. They looked forward to it. They knew it was looked forward to it. They knew it was looked forward to it. They knew it was coming, but they didn't yet have access coming, but they didn't yet have access coming, but they didn't yet have access to the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus to the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus to the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We'll talk about that more in a Christ. We'll talk about that more in a Christ. We'll talk about that more in a moment. But before we do, I want to talk moment. But before we do, I want to talk moment. But before we do, I want to talk about how do you continue to move on? about how do you continue to move on? about how do you continue to move on? How do you continue to continue to How do you continue to continue to How do you continue to continue to follow Jesus, to follow God, when it follow Jesus, to follow God, when it follow Jesus, to follow God, when it looks like everything is against you and looks like everything is against you and looks like everything is against you and you're exhausted? Well, there's a key to you're exhausted? Well, there's a key to you're exhausted? Well, there's a key to that, and that is choosing where I that, and that is choosing where I that, and that is choosing where I focus. Faith is choosing where I focus. focus. Faith is choosing where I focus. focus. Faith is choosing where I focus. How did Moses persist like he did? Well, How did Moses persist like he did? Well, How did Moses persist like he did? Well, he chose where he focused. Let's see he chose where he focused. Let's see he chose where he focused. Let's see what Moses did in Hebrews. It was by what Moses did in Hebrews. It was by what Moses did in Hebrews. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. He kept not fearing the king's anger. He kept not fearing the king's anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes right on going because he kept his eyes right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. Moses kept on the one who is invisible. Moses kept on the one who is invisible. Moses kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. He his eyes on the one who is invisible. He his eyes on the one who is invisible. He kept his eyes on God. And there's a kept his eyes on God. And there's a kept his eyes on God. And there's a story in Numbers that perfectly story in Numbers that perfectly story in Numbers that perfectly illustrates what it means to keep your illustrates what it means to keep your illustrates what it means to keep your focus on God or to keep your focus on focus on God or to keep your focus on focus on God or to keep your focus on your fear. This book in Numbers, this your fear. This book in Numbers, this your fear. This book in Numbers, this story in Numbers shows us what it means.

story in Numbers shows us what it means. story in Numbers shows us what it means. Here's what happens. After Israel has Here's what happens. After Israel has Here's what happens. After Israel has escaped Egypt and is now crossed the Red escaped Egypt and is now crossed the Red escaped Egypt and is now crossed the Red Sea, they finally arrive at a place Sea, they finally arrive at a place Sea, they finally arrive at a place called Cadesh, right on the border of called Cadesh, right on the border of called Cadesh, right on the border of Canaan. And Canaan is the promised land. Canaan. And Canaan is the promised land. Canaan. And Canaan is the promised land. This is the land that God swore to give This is the land that God swore to give This is the land that God swore to give the Israelites after they escaped from the Israelites after they escaped from the Israelites after they escaped from Egypt. Moses picks out 12 men, 12 spies Egypt. Moses picks out 12 men, 12 spies Egypt. Moses picks out 12 men, 12 spies to go into the promised land before the to go into the promised land before the to go into the promised land before the rest of the Israelites go in to scout it rest of the Israelites go in to scout it rest of the Israelites go in to scout it out, just to see what the land is like out, just to see what the land is like out, just to see what the land is like so they can prepare themselves. All 12 so they can prepare themselves. All 12 so they can prepare themselves. All 12 of these men go into the promised land of these men go into the promised land of these men go into the promised land together. And they all see the same together. And they all see the same together. And they all see the same cities, they see the same buildings, cities, they see the same buildings, cities, they see the same buildings, they see the same landscape. They see they see the same landscape. They see they see the same landscape. They see the same people. They all see the same the same people. They all see the same the same people. They all see the same thing, but they come back with two thing, but they come back with two thing, but they come back with two completely different reports. One group, completely different reports. One group, completely different reports. One group, a group of two men, comes back and says, a group of two men, comes back and says, a group of two men, comes back and says, "Man, this land is incredible. God has "Man, this land is incredible. God has "Man, this land is incredible. God has given it to us already. Let's move in given it to us already. Let's move in given it to us already. Let's move in and take the promised land. Now, the and take the promised land. Now, the and take the promised land. Now, the name of of these two men was Joshua and name of of these two men was Joshua and name of of these two men was Joshua and Caleb. And they said, "This is it." They Caleb. And they said, "This is it." They Caleb. And they said, "This is it." They were the minority report. And we were the minority report. And we were the minority report. And we remember their names because they had remember their names because they had remember their names because they had faith. But the other 10, they say, "Oh, faith. But the other 10, they say, "Oh, faith. But the other 10, they say, "Oh, yeah, it's a great place, but and they yeah, it's a great place, but and they yeah, it's a great place, but and they list off all the different reasons why list off all the different reasons why list off all the different reasons why going into the promised land is a bad going into the promised land is a bad going into the promised land is a bad idea." Here is the majority report that idea." Here is the majority report that idea." Here is the majority report that they carried back to Moses.

they carried back to Moses. they carried back to Moses. It is indeed a beautiful country, a land It is indeed a beautiful country, a land It is indeed a beautiful country, a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the flowing with milk and honey. Here is the flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the kind of fruit it produces. But the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful and people living there are powerful and people living there are powerful and their towns are large and fortified. We their towns are large and fortified. We their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there. Same land, same even saw giants there. Same land, same even saw giants there. Same land, same obstacles, two completely different obstacles, two completely different obstacles, two completely different reports. Two men saw it with eyes of reports. Two men saw it with eyes of reports. Two men saw it with eyes of faith and 10 saw with eyes of fear. And faith and 10 saw with eyes of fear. And faith and 10 saw with eyes of fear. And the people of Israel bought the majority the people of Israel bought the majority the people of Israel bought the majority report, hook, line, and sinker. They report, hook, line, and sinker. They report, hook, line, and sinker. They took the majority report as fact. That took the majority report as fact. That took the majority report as fact. That night they threw a giant pity party. night they threw a giant pity party. night they threw a giant pity party. They cried all night long. And then they They cried all night long. And then they They cried all night long. And then they turned on Moses, said they we're going turned on Moses, said they we're going turned on Moses, said they we're going to go back to to Egypt. It was better to go back to to Egypt. It was better to go back to to Egypt. It was better there. And then they say, "We're going there. And then they say, "We're going there. And then they say, "We're going to kill Joshua and Caleb because we to kill Joshua and Caleb because we to kill Joshua and Caleb because we don't like what they told us. We don't don't like what they told us. We don't don't like what they told us. We don't like their eyes of faith." And that like their eyes of faith." And that like their eyes of faith." And that decision to choose fear over faith decision to choose fear over faith decision to choose fear over faith sealed their fate because that sealed their fate because that sealed their fate because that generation was condemned to wander the generation was condemned to wander the generation was condemned to wander the desert for 40 years. No one in that desert for 40 years. No one in that desert for 40 years. No one in that generation would enter the promised generation would enter the promised generation would enter the promised land. And here's the even bigger irony. land. And here's the even bigger irony. land. And here's the even bigger irony. The irony is that 40 years later, when The irony is that 40 years later, when The irony is that 40 years later, when the Israelites finally enter the the Israelites finally enter the the Israelites finally enter the promised land and the walls of Jericho promised land and the walls of Jericho promised land and the walls of Jericho fall down, a woman, a woman named Rahab, fall down, a woman, a woman named Rahab, fall down, a woman, a woman named Rahab, who is also in God's hall of faith, who is also in God's hall of faith, who is also in God's hall of faith, tells them the truth. She says, "Listen, tells them the truth. She says, "Listen, tells them the truth. She says, "Listen, we heard in our town about how your God we heard in our town about how your God we heard in our town about how your God had dried up the Red Sea. We heard that had dried up the Red Sea. We heard that had dried up the Red Sea. We heard that your God was powerful, and so our hearts your God was powerful, and so our hearts your God was powerful, and so our hearts melted in fear. The people of this land melted in fear. The people of this land melted in fear. The people of this land had been terrified of the Israelites the had been terrified of the Israelites the had been terrified of the Israelites the entire time before they entered it.

entire time before they entered it. entire time before they entered it. Israel spent 40 years in the desert Israel spent 40 years in the desert Israel spent 40 years in the desert afraid of people who were already afraid afraid of people who were already afraid afraid of people who were already afraid of them. And that is what fear cost you. of them. And that is what fear cost you. of them. And that is what fear cost you. So often it can actually cost you the So often it can actually cost you the So often it can actually cost you the promised land that was already yours to promised land that was already yours to promised land that was already yours to take. And some of you right now are take. And some of you right now are take. And some of you right now are right at the edge of Canaan in your right at the edge of Canaan in your right at the edge of Canaan in your lives. You're at a place where it looks lives. You're at a place where it looks lives. You're at a place where it looks impossible. you've received a health impossible. you've received a health impossible. you've received a health report or a relationship report or some report or a relationship report or some report or a relationship report or some kind of report to you that's looks kind of report to you that's looks kind of report to you that's looks completely negative. It is filled with completely negative. It is filled with completely negative. It is filled with fear and negativity. And I think maybe fear and negativity. And I think maybe fear and negativity. And I think maybe the reason you're here today is because the reason you're here today is because the reason you're here today is because God is telling you through me, don't God is telling you through me, don't God is telling you through me, don't listen to the majority report. The listen to the majority report. The listen to the majority report. The majority report is not the final word. I majority report is not the final word. I majority report is not the final word. I have a plan and a future for you. Look have a plan and a future for you. Look have a plan and a future for you. Look with eyes of faith. Look up. I'm still with eyes of faith. Look up. I'm still with eyes of faith. Look up. I'm still here. So don't give up. Yeah. Keep here. So don't give up. Yeah. Keep here. So don't give up. Yeah. Keep believing. Keep believing when you don't believing. Keep believing when you don't believing. Keep believing when you don't see it. see it. see it. Keep bringing God your very best. Keep Keep bringing God your very best. Keep Keep bringing God your very best. Keep being obedient to God and keep trusting being obedient to God and keep trusting being obedient to God and keep trusting him when you don't understand it. And him when you don't understand it. And him when you don't understand it. And then also finally, keep choosing where then also finally, keep choosing where then also finally, keep choosing where you focus your eyes because there will you focus your eyes because there will you focus your eyes because there will always be an excuse to look at the always be an excuse to look at the always be an excuse to look at the negative. And while you keep your eyes negative. And while you keep your eyes negative. And while you keep your eyes focused on God, I want to remind you focused on God, I want to remind you focused on God, I want to remind you that you can't just be passive. Having that you can't just be passive. Having that you can't just be passive. Having faith isn't just sitting there. There's faith isn't just sitting there. There's faith isn't just sitting there. There's an act that we have to take as we wait an act that we have to take as we wait an act that we have to take as we wait on God. And that is the final on God. And that is the final on God. And that is the final characteristic of faith. That faith is characteristic of faith. That faith is characteristic of faith. That faith is thanking God before I receive it. We thanking God before I receive it. We thanking God before I receive it. We thank God before we receive it. It took thank God before we receive it. It took thank God before we receive it. It took Joshua nearly 40 years to make it back Joshua nearly 40 years to make it back Joshua nearly 40 years to make it back into the promised land. But he never into the promised land. But he never into the promised land. But he never lost sight of what God had promised him.

lost sight of what God had promised him. lost sight of what God had promised him. He had faith. And so he continued for 40 He had faith. And so he continued for 40 He had faith. And so he continued for 40 years to wait to reenter the promised years to wait to reenter the promised years to wait to reenter the promised land. And this is what it says about him land. And this is what it says about him land. And this is what it says about him in in in Hebrews 11:30. By faith, the in in in Hebrews 11:30. By faith, the in in in Hebrews 11:30. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the people walls of Jericho fell after the people walls of Jericho fell after the people had marched around them for seven days. had marched around them for seven days. had marched around them for seven days. God told Joshua to march around the God told Joshua to march around the God told Joshua to march around the walls of Jericho. And the slaves, the walls of Jericho. And the slaves, the walls of Jericho. And the slaves, the former slaves of Israel that he was former slaves of Israel that he was former slaves of Israel that he was leading really had no right to try to leading really had no right to try to leading really had no right to try to take over one of the most fortified take over one of the most fortified take over one of the most fortified cities in the entire world. On paper, it cities in the entire world. On paper, it cities in the entire world. On paper, it was a horrible plan and it was was a horrible plan and it was was a horrible plan and it was impossible. But God told him told him to impossible. But God told him told him to impossible. But God told him told him to march. And so Joshua did. He led them march. And so Joshua did. He led them march. And so Joshua did. He led them around for six days in silence around around for six days in silence around around for six days in silence around the walls of Jericho, one of the the walls of Jericho, one of the the walls of Jericho, one of the fortified cities in the promised land. fortified cities in the promised land. fortified cities in the promised land. And then on the seventh day, God told And then on the seventh day, God told And then on the seventh day, God told him, "Be loud. Be proud. Praise me." And him, "Be loud. Be proud. Praise me." And him, "Be loud. Be proud. Praise me." And so Joshua tells his followers, "Shout, so Joshua tells his followers, "Shout, so Joshua tells his followers, "Shout, for the Lord has given you the city." for the Lord has given you the city." for the Lord has given you the city." What was he doing there? He was telling What was he doing there? He was telling What was he doing there? He was telling the people of Israel, "Praise God. Thank the people of Israel, "Praise God. Thank the people of Israel, "Praise God. Thank God for what he's doing even now." For God for what he's doing even now." For God for what he's doing even now." For six days, they walked around in silence six days, they walked around in silence six days, they walked around in silence before a single brick had fallen. And before a single brick had fallen. And before a single brick had fallen. And then finally, on the seventh day, Joshua then finally, on the seventh day, Joshua then finally, on the seventh day, Joshua and the Israelites, they worshiped in and the Israelites, they worshiped in and the Israelites, they worshiped in advance. They praised him in advanced advance. They praised him in advanced advance. They praised him in advanced and on that day is when the walls fell and on that day is when the walls fell and on that day is when the walls fell down. Faith is not believing God can do down. Faith is not believing God can do down. Faith is not believing God can do something because God can do something something because God can do something something because God can do something whether you believe he can or not. His whether you believe he can or not. His whether you believe he can or not. His ability has no correlation to your ability has no correlation to your ability has no correlation to your belief. Faith isn't necessarily always belief. Faith isn't necessarily always belief. Faith isn't necessarily always believing that God will do something.

believing that God will do something. believing that God will do something. That's hoping and that's not bad. But That's hoping and that's not bad. But That's hoping and that's not bad. But faith is believing that God is doing faith is believing that God is doing faith is believing that God is doing something even now. Maybe right now in something even now. Maybe right now in something even now. Maybe right now in this very moment, God is doing something this very moment, God is doing something this very moment, God is doing something in your life that you cannot see. But he in your life that you cannot see. But he in your life that you cannot see. But he is powerfully at work. He's moving the is powerfully at work. He's moving the is powerfully at work. He's moving the pieces into place. And so I encourage pieces into place. And so I encourage pieces into place. And so I encourage you and challenge you. Thank him right you and challenge you. Thank him right you and challenge you. Thank him right now in advance before you receive it. now in advance before you receive it. now in advance before you receive it. Here's how Jesus puts it. These aren't Here's how Jesus puts it. These aren't Here's how Jesus puts it. These aren't my words. These are the words of Jesus my words. These are the words of Jesus my words. These are the words of Jesus Christ. Says, "Therefore, I tell you, Christ. Says, "Therefore, I tell you, Christ. Says, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe whatever you ask for in prayer, believe whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be that you have received it and it will be that you have received it and it will be yours. Believe that you have received it yours. Believe that you have received it yours. Believe that you have received it and it will be yours." God hears every and it will be yours." God hears every and it will be yours." God hears every prayer you've ever prayed and he answers prayer you've ever prayed and he answers prayer you've ever prayed and he answers every prayer you've ever prayed as well. every prayer you've ever prayed as well. every prayer you've ever prayed as well. But he doesn't always answer the way But he doesn't always answer the way But he doesn't always answer the way that you would like. Sometimes he says that you would like. Sometimes he says that you would like. Sometimes he says yes. Sometimes he says no. Sometimes God yes. Sometimes he says no. Sometimes God yes. Sometimes he says no. Sometimes God tells us no, not yet. And other times, tells us no, not yet. And other times, tells us no, not yet. And other times, my favorite answer is I have something my favorite answer is I have something my favorite answer is I have something better in store. Something better than better in store. Something better than better in store. Something better than what you've asked for. And it's going to what you've asked for. And it's going to what you've asked for. And it's going to be for my glory and for your good. be for my glory and for your good. be for my glory and for your good. All four of those are real answers. All All four of those are real answers. All All four of those are real answers. All four of those are real answers. And we four of those are real answers. And we four of those are real answers. And we have to have faith to trust that the have to have faith to trust that the have to have faith to trust that the answer that God gives us is good for us answer that God gives us is good for us answer that God gives us is good for us and for his glory. So if God tells you and for his glory. So if God tells you and for his glory. So if God tells you to march around Jericho, what do you do?

to march around Jericho, what do you do? to march around Jericho, what do you do? You start lacing up your walking shoes. You start lacing up your walking shoes. You start lacing up your walking shoes. You get your water bottle out and you You get your water bottle out and you You get your water bottle out and you start walking because you believe and start walking because you believe and start walking because you believe and you start praising because you know that you start praising because you know that you start praising because you know that the walls are going to fall down even if the walls are going to fall down even if the walls are going to fall down even if you don't see it yet. Today we've you don't see it yet. Today we've you don't see it yet. Today we've examined these six characteristics of examined these six characteristics of examined these six characteristics of faith. Tried to really look at them, but faith. Tried to really look at them, but faith. Tried to really look at them, but I want to give you two practical I want to give you two practical I want to give you two practical applications before we close our time applications before we close our time applications before we close our time together. Two ways that God builds your together. Two ways that God builds your together. Two ways that God builds your faith. One of the ways I'm a fan of and faith. One of the ways I'm a fan of and faith. One of the ways I'm a fan of and I like. The other way I'm not a huge fan I like. The other way I'm not a huge fan I like. The other way I'm not a huge fan of, but God still uses it. The first way of, but God still uses it. The first way of, but God still uses it. The first way that God builds our faith is through his that God builds our faith is through his that God builds our faith is through his word. This is critical. God builds our word. This is critical. God builds our word. This is critical. God builds our faith through his word. Let me let me faith through his word. Let me let me faith through his word. Let me let me show you what it what it says about how show you what it what it says about how show you what it what it says about how God builds our faith. So then faith God builds our faith. So then faith God builds our faith. So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word comes by hearing and hearing by the word comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Faith comes from the word of of God. Faith comes from the word of of God. Faith comes from the word of God. Every time you get into his word, God. Every time you get into his word, God. Every time you get into his word, you build your faith. Now, I'm kind of a you build your faith. Now, I'm kind of a you build your faith. Now, I'm kind of a junk food person, so I try to swap out junk food person, so I try to swap out junk food person, so I try to swap out my junk food with healthy food. And the my junk food with healthy food. And the my junk food with healthy food. And the good thing is now when I walk through good thing is now when I walk through good thing is now when I walk through the grocery aisles, there's all these the grocery aisles, there's all these the grocery aisles, there's all these different foods that say added protein, different foods that say added protein, different foods that say added protein, added protein. You know, this looks like added protein. You know, this looks like added protein. You know, this looks like it's good for you. And I'm a sucker for it's good for you. And I'm a sucker for it's good for you. And I'm a sucker for those kind of, you know, healthy foods.

those kind of, you know, healthy foods. those kind of, you know, healthy foods. The other day, just a couple days ago, I The other day, just a couple days ago, I The other day, just a couple days ago, I went through through the aisles of the went through through the aisles of the went through through the aisles of the grocery store and picked up this protein grocery store and picked up this protein grocery store and picked up this protein candy. I said, "This has got to be good candy. I said, "This has got to be good candy. I said, "This has got to be good for me." And my wife, she just rolls her for me." And my wife, she just rolls her for me." And my wife, she just rolls her eyes and says that, you know, that's not eyes and says that, you know, that's not eyes and says that, you know, that's not real food, ultrarocessed stuff. But I real food, ultrarocessed stuff. But I real food, ultrarocessed stuff. But I say, "No, it's got more protein in it. say, "No, it's got more protein in it. say, "No, it's got more protein in it. It's got to be good for you." But here's It's got to be good for you." But here's It's got to be good for you." But here's the thing. We may have gone a little the thing. We may have gone a little the thing. We may have gone a little overboard with our protein added foods overboard with our protein added foods overboard with our protein added foods today. But if all I eat as my main today. But if all I eat as my main today. But if all I eat as my main source of energy and strength is source of energy and strength is source of energy and strength is ultrarocessed, not real food that looks ultrarocessed, not real food that looks ultrarocessed, not real food that looks like it's good for me, but may or may like it's good for me, but may or may like it's good for me, but may or may not be, then I'm probably not going to not be, then I'm probably not going to not be, then I'm probably not going to get stronger. I'm probably not going to get stronger. I'm probably not going to get stronger. I'm probably not going to be the healthiest person I could be. If be the healthiest person I could be. If be the healthiest person I could be. If I'm avoiding whole foods and I'm I'm avoiding whole foods and I'm I'm avoiding whole foods and I'm avoiding exercise, I can eat all this avoiding exercise, I can eat all this avoiding exercise, I can eat all this stuff that I want, but I'm not going to stuff that I want, but I'm not going to stuff that I want, but I'm not going to get healthier. In much the same way, we get healthier. In much the same way, we get healthier. In much the same way, we live in a in a Christian culture in live in a in a Christian culture in live in a in a Christian culture in Texas that says that if you listen to Texas that says that if you listen to Texas that says that if you listen to Christian music or you watch Christian Christian music or you watch Christian Christian music or you watch Christian podcast, you know, or you watch podcast, you know, or you watch podcast, you know, or you watch different preachers online, you're going different preachers online, you're going different preachers online, you're going to get enough to fulfill you. But that's to get enough to fulfill you. But that's to get enough to fulfill you. But that's not going to be enough to really sustain not going to be enough to really sustain not going to be enough to really sustain the muscle of faith. Scripture faith is the muscle of faith. Scripture faith is the muscle of faith. Scripture faith is built on the scripture of God's word. built on the scripture of God's word. built on the scripture of God's word. It's built on the truth of God's word.

It's built on the truth of God's word. It's built on the truth of God's word. Scripture is the whole food that builds Scripture is the whole food that builds Scripture is the whole food that builds your faith. None of those things is bad, your faith. None of those things is bad, your faith. None of those things is bad, but if that's your main source of faithb but if that's your main source of faithb but if that's your main source of faithb building energy and sustenance, your building energy and sustenance, your building energy and sustenance, your faith will stay weak. And so that's why faith will stay weak. And so that's why faith will stay weak. And so that's why every week at Woodland Church, we every week at Woodland Church, we every week at Woodland Church, we challenge each other and say, "Hey, have challenge each other and say, "Hey, have challenge each other and say, "Hey, have you gotten into God's word today?" you gotten into God's word today?" you gotten into God's word today?" Because we all know it's important and Because we all know it's important and Because we all know it's important and we all need to be challenged. We have we all need to be challenged. We have we all need to be challenged. We have memory verses every week that we've been memory verses every week that we've been memory verses every week that we've been studying and memorizing. Our key verse studying and memorizing. Our key verse studying and memorizing. Our key verse for this week is the one we've been for this week is the one we've been for this week is the one we've been talking about, Hebrews 11 verse one. And talking about, Hebrews 11 verse one. And talking about, Hebrews 11 verse one. And if you want to download the scripture, if you want to download the scripture, if you want to download the scripture, you can scan that QR code and save it to you can scan that QR code and save it to you can scan that QR code and save it to your phone. So you can save the your phone. So you can save the your phone. So you can save the scripture, memorize it. I'm going to go scripture, memorize it. I'm going to go scripture, memorize it. I'm going to go over it one more time because it's so over it one more time because it's so over it one more time because it's so powerful. And without faith, it is powerful. And without faith, it is powerful. And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone impossible to please God because anyone impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he who comes to him must believe that he who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who exists and that he rewards those who exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6. earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6. earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6. There's a second way that God builds our There's a second way that God builds our There's a second way that God builds our faith, and this is the one that I'm not faith, and this is the one that I'm not faith, and this is the one that I'm not the biggest fan of, but I know it's good the biggest fan of, but I know it's good the biggest fan of, but I know it's good for me, and I know it's good for you. for me, and I know it's good for you. for me, and I know it's good for you. God uses trials and testing to build our God uses trials and testing to build our God uses trials and testing to build our faith. He uses trials and testing to faith. He uses trials and testing to faith. He uses trials and testing to build my faith. When I look around at build my faith. When I look around at build my faith. When I look around at the struggles that we have, this is what the struggles that we have, this is what the struggles that we have, this is what it this is the scripture that's next. Uh it this is the scripture that's next. Uh it this is the scripture that's next. Uh is first Peter 1:7. These trials are is first Peter 1:7. These trials are is first Peter 1:7. These trials are only to test your faith. And your faith only to test your faith. And your faith only to test your faith. And your faith is far more precious to God than mere is far more precious to God than mere is far more precious to God than mere gold. It will bring you much praise and gold. It will bring you much praise and gold. It will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his glory and honor on the day of his glory and honor on the day of his return. Your faith is more important to return. Your faith is more important to return. Your faith is more important to God than anything else. And muscle grows God than anything else. And muscle grows God than anything else. And muscle grows under resistance. It requires resistance

under resistance. It requires resistance under resistance. It requires resistance to do strength training to get stronger. to do strength training to get stronger. to do strength training to get stronger. And that's exactly how faith works. Our And that's exactly how faith works. Our And that's exactly how faith works. Our faith grows under resistance, under faith grows under resistance, under faith grows under resistance, under trial, under pressure. God will use trial, under pressure. God will use trial, under pressure. God will use delays in your life to build your faith. delays in your life to build your faith. delays in your life to build your faith. He will use demands on your time to He will use demands on your time to He will use demands on your time to build your faith. He will use financial build your faith. He will use financial build your faith. He will use financial strain to build your faith. And maybe strain to build your faith. And maybe strain to build your faith. And maybe right now, today, the very thing that right now, today, the very thing that right now, today, the very thing that you've been praying and asking God to you've been praying and asking God to you've been praying and asking God to remove is actually the thing that he is remove is actually the thing that he is remove is actually the thing that he is using in your life to build your faith using in your life to build your faith using in your life to build your faith stronger than it ever would have been stronger than it ever would have been stronger than it ever would have been otherwise. James tells us that testing otherwise. James tells us that testing otherwise. James tells us that testing produces this. This is what testing produces this. This is what testing produces this. This is what testing produces. Testing of your faith produces produces. Testing of your faith produces produces. Testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish perseverance. Let perseverance finish perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and its work so that you may be mature and its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. God doesn't complete, lacking nothing. God doesn't complete, lacking nothing. God doesn't want you to lack anything. And want you to lack anything. And want you to lack anything. And unfortunately or fortunately, I hate to unfortunately or fortunately, I hate to unfortunately or fortunately, I hate to tell this to you, but God cares a lot tell this to you, but God cares a lot tell this to you, but God cares a lot more about your character than your more about your character than your more about your character than your comfort. And I'm glad he does because he comfort. And I'm glad he does because he comfort. And I'm glad he does because he knows that he's refining your faith, knows that he's refining your faith, knows that he's refining your faith, refining your character, and making you refining your character, and making you refining your character, and making you more like him. And the word is what more like him. And the word is what more like him. And the word is what feeds your faith and the trials are what feeds your faith and the trials are what feeds your faith and the trials are what tests your faith. And together they tests your faith. And together they tests your faith. And together they create something beautiful. You would create something beautiful. You would create something beautiful. You would think that as you enter through trials think that as you enter through trials think that as you enter through trials and tribulations that your faith might and tribulations that your faith might and tribulations that your faith might be overwhelmed or destroyed, but it's be overwhelmed or destroyed, but it's be overwhelmed or destroyed, but it's not. Your faith is built. It produces not. Your faith is built. It produces not. Your faith is built. It produces something beautiful when you go through something beautiful when you go through something beautiful when you go through testing. And that's perseverance. That's testing. And that's perseverance. That's testing. And that's perseverance. That's maturity. God is not wasting your hard maturity. God is not wasting your hard maturity. God is not wasting your hard season right now. And if you're going season right now. And if you're going season right now. And if you're going through one of the hardest times of your through one of the hardest times of your through one of the hardest times of your life, I want to remind you, he is life, I want to remind you, he is life, I want to remind you, he is building you through the struggle. He is building you through the struggle. He is building you through the struggle. He is refining your faith, making you into refining your faith, making you into refining your faith, making you into something that is much more like him.

something that is much more like him. something that is much more like him. And for his glory, he's going to And for his glory, he's going to And for his glory, he's going to continue to build and strengthen you. continue to build and strengthen you. continue to build and strengthen you. Every single person in Hebrews 11 passed Every single person in Hebrews 11 passed Every single person in Hebrews 11 passed away before a promise could be fulfilled away before a promise could be fulfilled away before a promise could be fulfilled to them. They were all looking forward to them. They were all looking forward to them. They were all looking forward in faith to a promise that had not yet in faith to a promise that had not yet in faith to a promise that had not yet been completed. This is what it says at been completed. This is what it says at been completed. This is what it says at the very close of the Hall of Faith the very close of the Hall of Faith the very close of the Hall of Faith chapter of Hebrews 11. It says, "These chapter of Hebrews 11. It says, "These chapter of Hebrews 11. It says, "These were all commended for their faith. Yet were all commended for their faith. Yet were all commended for their faith. Yet none of them received what had been none of them received what had been none of them received what had been promised since God had planned something promised since God had planned something promised since God had planned something be better for us. So that only together be better for us. So that only together be better for us. So that only together with us would they be made perfect. with us would they be made perfect. with us would they be made perfect. Something better. What is that something Something better. What is that something Something better. What is that something better that they were looking forward better that they were looking forward better that they were looking forward to? That something better was a savior. to? That something better was a savior. to? That something better was a savior. They were trusting in faith that God They were trusting in faith that God They were trusting in faith that God would one day redeem them and redeem the would one day redeem them and redeem the would one day redeem them and redeem the entire human race through sacrifice. entire human race through sacrifice. entire human race through sacrifice. They knew that God was sending a savior. They knew that God was sending a savior. They knew that God was sending a savior. They didn't know his name or what he They didn't know his name or what he They didn't know his name or what he would look like, but they knew he was would look like, but they knew he was would look like, but they knew he was coming. You and I today are living on coming. You and I today are living on coming. You and I today are living on the other side of that promise that they the other side of that promise that they the other side of that promise that they were looking forward to because that were looking forward to because that were looking forward to because that promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ in promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ in promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection his death and resurrection his death and resurrection because God took on your sins and because God took on your sins and because God took on your sins and defeated death. Now you and I are sons defeated death. Now you and I are sons defeated death. Now you and I are sons and daughters of the promise that God and daughters of the promise that God and daughters of the promise that God has given us. We don't have to have has given us. We don't have to have has given us. We don't have to have faith that he will save us. He already faith that he will save us. He already faith that he will save us. He already has. He has saved us and he's going to has. He has saved us and he's going to has. He has saved us and he's going to continue to work to refine our faith to continue to work to refine our faith to continue to work to refine our faith to make us more like him as we follow him.

make us more like him as we follow him. make us more like him as we follow him. So, what did the people in the Hall of So, what did the people in the Hall of So, what did the people in the Hall of Faith have in common? It wasn't ability. Faith have in common? It wasn't ability. Faith have in common? It wasn't ability. It wasn't great talent. It wasn't a It wasn't great talent. It wasn't a It wasn't great talent. It wasn't a similar set of interest or a similar set similar set of interest or a similar set similar set of interest or a similar set of skills. No, faith in God was the only of skills. No, faith in God was the only of skills. No, faith in God was the only thing these men and women really shared. thing these men and women really shared. thing these men and women really shared. It was the true heart of their It was the true heart of their It was the true heart of their camaraderie and their fellowship. It's camaraderie and their fellowship. It's camaraderie and their fellowship. It's all about faith. And and specifically, all about faith. And and specifically, all about faith. And and specifically, it was faith in a savior who they had it was faith in a savior who they had it was faith in a savior who they had not yet met. We know from Hebrews that not yet met. We know from Hebrews that not yet met. We know from Hebrews that without faith, it's impossible to please without faith, it's impossible to please without faith, it's impossible to please God. And that same faith is within reach God. And that same faith is within reach God. And that same faith is within reach of every single one of us in this room. of every single one of us in this room. of every single one of us in this room. God desires for you to be in his hall of God desires for you to be in his hall of God desires for you to be in his hall of faith. God has a plan and a purpose for faith. God has a plan and a purpose for faith. God has a plan and a purpose for your life, but he requires you to build your life, but he requires you to build your life, but he requires you to build your faith. The covenant that Jesus your faith. The covenant that Jesus your faith. The covenant that Jesus Christ has made with us is an Christ has made with us is an Christ has made with us is an opportunity for each one of us to rely opportunity for each one of us to rely opportunity for each one of us to rely on his Holy Spirit to be built up in on his Holy Spirit to be built up in on his Holy Spirit to be built up in faith and know that he's going to carry faith and know that he's going to carry faith and know that he's going to carry us through no matter what the struggle us through no matter what the struggle us through no matter what the struggle is, no matter what the challenge is. He is, no matter what the challenge is. He is, no matter what the challenge is. He will keep refining and keep building you will keep refining and keep building you will keep refining and keep building you and he will put you in a place that is and he will put you in a place that is and he will put you in a place that is prepared for eternity. Will you please prepared for eternity. Will you please prepared for eternity. Will you please bow your head as we pray together in bow your head as we pray together in bow your head as we pray together in closing? Dear Lord, thank you so much closing? Dear Lord, thank you so much closing? Dear Lord, thank you so much that we get to learn from the Hall of that we get to learn from the Hall of that we get to learn from the Hall of Faith. That you've given us us these men Faith. That you've given us us these men Faith. That you've given us us these men and women to look up to as an example.

and women to look up to as an example. and women to look up to as an example. Lord, we thank you that even though they Lord, we thank you that even though they Lord, we thank you that even though they were flawed, you use them to change the were flawed, you use them to change the were flawed, you use them to change the world. Lord, please give each one of us world. Lord, please give each one of us world. Lord, please give each one of us the faith of Noah to be obedient when we the faith of Noah to be obedient when we the faith of Noah to be obedient when we don't understand it. Lord, give us the don't understand it. Lord, give us the don't understand it. Lord, give us the faith of Joshua to have eyes of faith faith of Joshua to have eyes of faith faith of Joshua to have eyes of faith and not eyes of fear. Lord, give us the and not eyes of fear. Lord, give us the and not eyes of fear. Lord, give us the faith of Abraham to go without knowing faith of Abraham to go without knowing faith of Abraham to go without knowing where we're headed. Lord, we trust you. where we're headed. Lord, we trust you. where we're headed. Lord, we trust you. And we step out and we say, Lord, in And we step out and we say, Lord, in And we step out and we say, Lord, in this moment, reveal in our hearts what this moment, reveal in our hearts what this moment, reveal in our hearts what it is you want us to take a step forward it is you want us to take a step forward it is you want us to take a step forward towards. We trust you, Lord. We trust towards. We trust you, Lord. We trust towards. We trust you, Lord. We trust you with everything. Help us to be like you with everything. Help us to be like you with everything. Help us to be like Abel and bring the very best of what we Abel and bring the very best of what we Abel and bring the very best of what we have to you, Lord, before our anything have to you, Lord, before our anything have to you, Lord, before our anything else gets in the way. And right now, as else gets in the way. And right now, as else gets in the way. And right now, as your head is still bowed and your eyes your head is still bowed and your eyes your head is still bowed and your eyes are still closed, I want to give you the are still closed, I want to give you the are still closed, I want to give you the opportunity. If you don't yet have that opportunity. If you don't yet have that opportunity. If you don't yet have that covenant with Jesus, you can enter into covenant with Jesus, you can enter into covenant with Jesus, you can enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ in this a relationship with Jesus Christ in this a relationship with Jesus Christ in this very moment. Just repeat these words very moment. Just repeat these words very moment. Just repeat these words silently after me. Dear Lord, thank you silently after me. Dear Lord, thank you silently after me. Dear Lord, thank you for sending your son and my savior Jesus for sending your son and my savior Jesus for sending your son and my savior Jesus Christ. I believe that he lived a Christ. I believe that he lived a Christ. I believe that he lived a perfect life, died a horrible death, and perfect life, died a horrible death, and perfect life, died a horrible death, and was resurrected three days later. He was resurrected three days later. He was resurrected three days later. He defeated death and sin so that I might defeated death and sin so that I might defeated death and sin so that I might be reunited with you. Thank you for be reunited with you. Thank you for be reunited with you. Thank you for forgiving me. Please be the Lord and forgiving me. Please be the Lord and forgiving me. Please be the Lord and Savior of my life. Build my faith from Savior of my life. Build my faith from Savior of my life. Build my faith from this moment on. In your name I pray.

this moment on. In your name I pray. this moment on. In your name I pray. Amen.