The House You're Building

Key Verse: And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God has provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.  Hebrews 11:39-40 In verse 32 the author of Hebrews mentions 6 men by name.  Pick at least two and read about their life.  As you read,  note: What actions did call God call them to do? What faith was required on their part to obey? Gideon - Judges 6:11-8:35 Barak - Judges 4:1-5:31 Samson - Judges 13:1-16:31 Jephthah - Judges 11:1-12:7 *David - 1 Samuel 17  *Samuel - 1 Samuel 3 *many stories of faith are recorded about David and Samuel.  These two passages are suggested for study but feel free to read about them in other parts of the Bible.   The end of verse 32 mentions "the prophets" and the following 6 verses describe the sufferings they went through in their obedience to God through faith.  What things in this lis...

Key Verse: He [Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.   Hebrews 11:26 This week, as you study Moses, the Israelites, and Rahab in Hebrews 11:23-31, meditate on and then discuss these two questions: (1) How did these people of history live out their faith in God and Christ Jesus who was to come? and (2) How can you do the same in today’s world? Moses ·          Read about Moses in Hebrews 11:23-28 and Exodus chapters 2 and 12.  You may also want to glance at Acts 7:20.  How did Moses and his parents’ actions demonstrate their faith? According to the text, what was the basis behind each of their actions?  The Israelites ·          Read about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Hebrews 11:29 and Exodus 14. What led the Israelites to walk through the sea based only on God’s promises?...

Key Verse: But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed   to be called their God, for   he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16 Abraham: Read Genesis 12:1-9 and summarize God's call to Abraham.  Now look carefully at verse 3.  Why did God want to bless Abraham?  Read Galatians 3:7-9.  How did his blessing benefit us?  How is he calling you to bless others by what you've received?  Verse 8 says that when Abraham was called he didn't know where he was going?  Have you ever experienced a calling from God where you didn't know where it would end up?  Hebrews 11:9-10 contrast two types of dwellings.  Where did Abraham live?  Where did he want to live?  Now read 2 Cor 4:16-5:8.  How does Paul express the same desires as Abraham?  What do Paul and Abraham focus on to help them walk by faith?  Does that work for you?  Read verse ...

Hebrews 11:4-7 Key Verse:  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 Open: Who is your favorite person from the Bible? or Which person from the Bible do you most relate to? Start by reading Hebrews 11:6. As you study and talk about the three men of faith below, keep Hebrews 11:6 in mind. How do its three main principles apply to these men? How do they apply to you? Abel  Read Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:1-16, Matthew 23:35 and 1 John 3:12. From these passages, what do you learn about Abel? Why was Abel’s sacrifice of a lamb “more acceptable” to God than Cain’s?  How does Abel’s sacrifice foreshadow that of Christ’s? In what ways did God commend Abel? Why?  Even though Abel died thousands of years ago, because of his faith, the Bible tells us he still speaks. How does Abel’s story of faith speak to you? How do you want your story o...

The topic of spiritual warfare has been something I have learned throughout my years as a Christian and recently in my home the heat has kicked up a notch.  In my ministry, there have been some powerful awakenings to Christ and those drawing near to Him so the backlash has come.   I've recently also experienced an answer to a prayer from a difficult season of growth and am at the beginning stages of seeing how God intents to use His answer in my life.  Budding fruit brings the blight.   After a few days of not taking the time to discern my thoughts, and falling prey to a bad attitude because of it, God in His grace has given me a new awareness of the war around me.  My destiny is sealed; I am no longer in danger of falling away as I am His forever.  Yet while my future is secure, there still remains the opportunity to cause chaos.  Though I am determined to remain out of the fray taking thoughts captive, I noticed a big increase in the battle for ...

Key Verses:   “ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 Journal Prompt :  The notions of “leaps of faith” or “blind faith” are prevalent in culture.  Do you think there is such a thing? ·          Read Hebrews 11:1-3 multiple times.  From these three verses, what do you learn about faith?   If you were describing faith to a child, what would you say? ·          The author of Hebrews concludes chapter 10 with the encouraging thought that “…we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”  How does the opening of chapter 11 describe such saving faith? ·          Break down the description of faith found in Hebrews 1:1.  What does each mean to you? o    Assurance :  Why can we b...