Hebrews, chapter 11, really is the foundational ‘Chapter Of Faith’ in the entire Bible. The reason is because the Holy Spirit gives us the definition, description and demonstration of what real faith is. In Hebrews 11:8, we are introduced to one of the most faithful men in the Bible, Abraham. When we look to the life and faith of Abraham we learn four major principles:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." Revelation 3:20
What does a knock mean? Why does the Revelator write that the Resurrected Lord stands and knocks - waiting patiently for the door to be opened? Why doesn't Jesus just go ahead and come on in? Surely He is powerful and forceful enough to do so. After all, He created the sun, moon and stars in the beginning. He created everything that is and has been used to build the house and even the door that gives entry into it.
Yesterday, we continued our series on the “Heroes of Faith.” We looked into the eyes of Noah and witnessed a great man of working faith.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
I believe the primary responsibility that we have as parents is that of passing on our faith, values and positive character qualities to our children. We are responsible to make sure they not only know about Jesus, but know Him personally as Savior and Lord. We are responsible for teaching them what is right, what is wrong and why. We are responsible for teaching them traits and qualities that will equip them be a help, not a hindrance to society.
"For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever..." Philemon 1:15
There are certain thing that only become truly ours when we have lost them for a while. There are joys that will never be internalized and made fully ours until they have first gone through the cloud of grief. So many times we're like Philemon in that it is our losses that ultimately come to enrich us. Far too often we hold a faith only because we were born with it and as a result we fail to realize its true value. But when there comes a cloud for a season which removes it from our sight for a while, suddenly we understand it is precious and therefore come to cherish it. We wake to the knowledge that we have held a diamond in our hand. We've been rich without the realization of our riches and we would given and entire world to hold once again what just the day before we tossed away.
"By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he...