Sermon Central
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Inducted In The Hall Of Faith Part 6 Series
Contributed by Terry Jones on May 10, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: At some point in life, every child has a hero they what to grow up to be. How do we become the model’s of Christian maturity and faith that others will want to immolate. Looking into the character of some biblical examples will help you to become a rea
Inducted in the Hall of Faith
Heroes of Faith - Pt 6
Text: Hebrews 11:30 – 12:2
For the last several weeks we have been looking at some of the lesser known Heroes of the Faith as we have considered the faith journey of people like Enoch, Noah, Proverbs “Virtuous Woman” and Jabez. We’ve considered, through their lives and walk with God, what it is that makes a Hero in the Faith.
Ordinary people trusting explicitly in an Extraordinary God.
We have considered who it is that needs a hero and established that it is our generation that desperately needs some Heroes of Faith; Men and women not afraid to take a stand, not ashamed to acknowledge a total reliance on the Power of God for any victory of their lives.
For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
The Hebrew writer has, in the preceding text laid a compelling apologetic for our faith, in verses just before those we are considering this morning, the writer lists a dozen men and woman who, hoping against hope, found God to be a faithful companion, deliverer, friend and provider.
Then in a rapid recital he reminds his reader of people whose faith brought complete deliverance.
Israel at Jericho Reminds us of God’s faithfulness to our persistence
The Harlot Rahab Reminds us of God’s faithfulness to even the youngest in the faith.
Gideon Reminds us that God doesn’t need our strength to do His work
Samson Reminds us of God’s faithfulness that goes beyond our frailty and failure
Jephthah Reminds us that God is faithful even in the midst of our irrationality.
David Reminds us of God’s faithfulness despite our lack of it.
All of these heroes shout to you and I that despite our shortcomings, God has great victory around the next corner!
Think of it, men and women just like you and I, immortalized in Holy Scripture as champions of faith. They were not remembered as great people according to their own talents and abilities; they just had faith to tap into the power of a Great God!
Ordinary men and women trusting in an Extraordinary God! Look with me again at the middle of Hebrews 11:34
“out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”
That area of weakness you hate in your life is there to make your faith strong, to make you valiant in spiritual warfare able to turn your enemy to flight!
It’s not mighty people, but a might God!!
… By faith, when he had lost that job….
… By faith when her husband had left her…
… By faith when the bank said no….
… By faith when the kids went astray…
… By faith, when the dream looked dead…
… By faith when the doctor’s shook their heads…
… By faith when he put down the bottle for the last time….
… By faith… … By faith… … By FAITH!...
Remember that the test of faith produces perseverance.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 But let perseverance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Heroes of faith aren’t born – they are made. Those tests, those trials, those failures and those victories are making you a hero!
Your Father God sees the hero in you
The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
An ordinary person trusting in an extraordinary God!
Let’s Pray
A note from Pastor Terry,
Thanks so much for looking over this message. I trust that, in some way, you were blessed, encouraged and empowered on your own walk with Christ. Every message I prepare is bathed in prayer that God will draw, inspire, and challenge my listeners (or readers) into a more meaningful and power-filled walk with Him.
Pastors, how we need one another! We need to be encouraged, strengthened and built up in order to encourage, strengthen and build up. It’s my personal prayer that the message you’ve just reviewed has done that for you in a personal way. Use what you can of this message, toss what you can’t and above all, let God’s Spirit inspire it all!
Sometimes I feel like Peter and John at the Temple steps…”Silver and gold; I don’t have but what I do – I give to you”
Grace and peace to you, your family and the Flock you tend.
Pastor Terry
