Drawing from the "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11, Pastor Lezza compares this chapter to looking through a family photo album, seeing snapshots of how faith has worked throughout history. He focuses on verses 13-16, which initially seemed discouraging because they speak of people who "died in faith" without receiving the promises, but reveals how this teaches us to live as strangers and pilgrims looking for a better, heavenly country.
Scripture Texts
Hebrews 11:13-16; Hebrews 11:1-2, 6-7; John 14:2-3; 2 Peter 1:4
Main Points or Ideas
1. Faith Defined - Faith has two parts according to Hebrews 11:1: substance (like a title deed - the promises of God we possess) and evidence (structuring our lives around what we believe, not just agreeing with facts)
2. Faith Displayed - Examples like Noah building an ark for 120 years based on God's warning about unseen rain, and Abraham leaving his homeland not knowing where he was going, show that true faith moves us to action based on believing God's promises
3. Faith Delayed - These heroes died in faith without receiving the promises, but they were:
Conclusion
We must remember Lot's wife, who had spiritual privilege but looked back longingly at the world she was rescued from, and instead look to Jesus who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. As those privileged to grow up in the gospel, we should live as strangers and pilgrims, satisfied in Christ and looking forward to the better country He has prepared for us.
