11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
What is faith, and what are some ways we can apply it to our lives in order to please God?
11:1 - "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
11:3 - faith in God as Creator
11:13-16 - faith in a future in heaven when our lives on earth end
- our home, our citizenship is in heaven
- if you feel like you don't belong here, it's probably because you don't
- you belong in heaven, your home
11:24-27 (Moses' story) - follow Moses' example: he chose to be who God created him to be, and despite missing out on temporary enjoyment, he focussed on his eternal reward
- "he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
11:33-40 - all these things were accomplished through faith
- weakness was turned to strength
- dead were brought to life
- kingdoms were conquered
* - many suffered terrible persecution, torture and death, poverty and homelessness; and "the world was not worthy of them"(v.38)
- they all had faith in the Christ (Messiah) before he came, they believed a Saviour would come
- now that He has come, our faith has a historical backing... it's easier for us in a way... at the same time, we still have to make that choice
12:1-11 - throw off sin and hindrances (not necessarily sin, but keep us from God, such as playing video games for 12 hours a day, putting things ahead of God, being so busy you never make time, etc.), and peresevere in the Christian faith
- focus on Jesus
- be encouraged, He was persecuted too
- accept discipline, learn and grow
- receive righteousness and peace
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