First Baptist Church
Fairbanks, Alaska
805 Sixth Avenue
(907) 456-4923
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Fairbanks, Alaska 805 Sixth Avenue (907) 456-4923 |
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“Faith Hall of Fame (Part 4)” A Study of the Book of Hebrews (Part 9) Hebrews 11 Mark Howdeshell (June 22, 2008) Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Introduction “Because I said
so……………!” “Just do what you’re told………….” “I’m the dad/ mom, that’s why!” Have you ever heard these statements as a kid or said them as a parent? Were you more willing to do it then than you are today when your boss or someone of authority says them?
Show The Mom Video !!
I’m poking a little fun at parenthood this morning…….but let me get serious with you for a bit. There is a reason for it. That’s the bottom line. Our Faith Hall of Famer today is Abraham. Abraham is inducted into the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11:8-12. The Meat of the Message Hebrews 11:8-12 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age — and Sarah herself was barren — was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
i. Ur ii. Great commercial center iii. Focus was not on God
i. Family including father worshipped man-made Gods that weren’t gods at all ii. Exact opposite of Enoch’s family
i. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight ii. Didn’t think God was acting quick enough (25 years from the promise of God) so he “helped” by reverting to the pagan practice of producing an heir through a substitute woman iii. Feared the Egyptian men when he went to Canaan so he convinced his wife to lie to say that she was his sister 1. May have seemed like a smart thing to do 2. Almost resulted in Sarah having to commit adultery with the Pharaoh 3. God intervened iv. Though he made mistakes, like we do… 1. He responded positively to God’s correction 2. Didn’t mope about it, but picked himself up and got moving in the right direction 3. Never reverted permanently to the old way of life 4. 2 steps forward, 1 step back, but always Heavenward! 5. (v.10) For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” v. We need to follow this example EVERY DAY!!!
i. Family was everything 1. Most cultures in today’s society have a different view of family than we do in the US 2. All living generations on the male side are living in the same immediate area 3. It is “expected” for you to stay with the family
Gen 12:1-5 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." 4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
ii. The Lord told Abram to leave everything that he knew, loved, and understood. 1. Got Abram out of a bad environment 2. Gave Abram an opportunity to demonstrate his faith and to spiritually mature
i. Abraham chose the “fine” flour for bread ii. Chose the “choice, tender calf” for the Lord iii. Abraham knew to give of his best to the Lord
i. Sarah laughed at the notion of having a child at her age ii. Lied to cover it up iii. (v.14) “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
The Bottom Line God took an ordinary man from ordinary circumstances, that had extraordinary faith in Him, and established many nations. The faith of Abraham led him to do what God commanded, though it didn’t make sense. God rewarded his faith by working supernaturally in many different ways. God wants to reward our faith, too.
A missionary was searching for a way to translate the word “obedience” to a native language. He was frustrated, because the language had no corresponding expression. One day he noticed a young boy calling his dog. The dog rant to the boy with all its might, every part of its body totally focused on its goal. Knowing the he had just witnessed a picture of obedience; the missionary excitedly went to an elder among the people and asked him to describe the dog’s response.
The elder responded, “That dog has ‘all ear’ for his master.”
Abraham was a man that had “all ear” for God. He was commended in Hebrews 11 and inducted into the Faith Hall of Fame because of it. We are called to have “all ear” for Jesus, too. Do you run to Him excited and awaiting His next command? How would your life change if you did?
Invitation This morning I invite you to have “all ear” for Jesus. He is calling someone here to take a bold step and come to the front of the church. He wants you to submit to Him…..to quit holding back. It’s time to put your pride behind you and realize that pride is a tool of the devil while humbleness and submission to Christ is a sign of your strength of character. Come to the front this morning. Come in response to HIM!!!!! |
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