Abraham’s Pilgrimage of Faith

In this message we will begin to consider Abraham, who exemplifies the faith of
which Hebrews 11 is speaking. Our focus will be on Abraham obeying God’s call to live as a
pilgrim in light of the promise of a heavenly homeland.

This text issues a powerful call to each of us to live as sojourners in this
world.

Noah: Faith That Works (Hard!)

This week’s sermon will focus around the faith of Noah. In contrast to Enoch who was able to escape this wicked world, Noah saw the full measure of the sinfulness of humanity and the judgment of God which results. Most people know something about the story of Noah, but few have fully grasped its central meaning.

Enoch And The Faith That Pleases God

Hebrews 11:5-6: By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Overruled for Good

Psalm 94:8-11: Pay heed, you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones? He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge? The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.

Abel’s Faith Speaks

Hebrews 11:4: By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.

Satisfaction for the Thirsty

Spurgeon called Isaiah 55 a chapter of gospel invitation. He preached from this passage at least eighteen times.

Isaiah 55 pleads with the lost to abandon their worthless idols. The Lord offers abundant pardon and rich kingdom blessings to those who turn to Him.

Isaiah 55 also speaks to believers who sometimes waste their time and money seeking to find joy and satisfaction in worldly things instead of finding their fulfillment in Christ.

Isaiah 55 also points to Christ who offers Himself as our spiritual food and drink.

Liberty and Love

Are you strong?

Last week Paul began his discussion of the issues over which Christians differ by encouraging all of us to accept one another without judging in these difficult matters.

In this week’s text Paul focuses upon those who consider themselves strong - because they believe they have liberty to do things in which the weak cannot participate without violating his conscience.
Rather than looking down on the weak, the strong should forego the use of his freedom for the sake of those who don’t enjoy the same sense of freedom.
In so doing he is living out the gospel by imitating Christ who gave up His rights for us.