{"id":1155,"date":"2019-09-01T14:23:25","date_gmt":"2019-09-01T21:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1155"},"modified":"2019-09-01T14:54:53","modified_gmt":"2019-09-01T21:54:53","slug":"what-is-faith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2019\/09\/01\/what-is-faith\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Faith?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"color:black;font: 10pt arial;\"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeAsian>   <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeComplexScript>  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\tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-1155-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Pentecost-12-09-01-19.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Pentecost-12-09-01-19.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Pentecost-12-09-01-19.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">September 1, 2019<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What is Faith?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This is what the ancients were commended for.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God&#8217;s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith Abraham, even though he was past age\u2014and Sarah herself was barren\u2014was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>All these people were still living by faith when they died.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Instead, they were longing for a better country\u2014a heavenly one.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">A long time ago I came to the personal conclusion that everyone has faith\u2014 everyone.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whenever I am talking with someone I never wonder whether or not they have faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My question and my concern is<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"> who <\/b>or <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">what<\/b> are they putting their faith in and<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"> where<\/b> is that faith leading them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For example, there are people today who still put their faith in idols.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Today, however, the idols no longer have names such as Baal or Asherah.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Today the idols have names such as Buddha or Allah.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are people today who put their faith in themselves and in their own works.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are people today who put their faith in some other mortal human being and what that person can do for them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are people who put their faith in the hollow hope that there is no God and there is nothing waiting for them beyond the grave.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are people today who put their faith in the misguided notion that as long as they at least try to live a somewhat decent and respectable life, God has to accept their efforts and allow them into His heavenly Home.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Tragically, there are billions of people who do indeed have \u201cfaith,\u201d but they will experience a rude awakening when they die and instantly find themselves standing before the judgment throne of the Triune God.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Today you and I have the opportunity to study what the Bible teaches about faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This morning then let\u2019s study our text under the theme:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">What is Faith?<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are three things we want to look at this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First we will look at the definition of faith that the Bible itself gives to us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then we will look at two very practical answers to the question which serves as our theme for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let\u2019s see how this portion of God\u2019s holy Word reveals to us that faith is the God-given ability to believe the unbelievable.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s see that faith is the God-given ability to trust the promises of our God.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What is the definition of faith that the Bible itself gives to us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at the very familiar words which open our text for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We are told, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cNow faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since I considered this verse to be one of the key verses in this text, I spent some time researching the Greek words that are translated here as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csure\u201d<\/i> and as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccertain.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let me share with you what I learned.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Greek word which the NIV translates as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csure\u201d<\/i> very literally means, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cconfidence, assurance, conviction.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In the Greek mind this words refers to \u201cwhat stands under\u201d something, or what serves as the \u201cbasis\u201d of something.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When this Greek word is describing a human attitude it includes the picture of someone \u201cholding their ground.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Therefore, when God the Holy Spirit led the writer to the Hebrew Christians to use this particular word here in our text He is reminding us that the gift of faith which He Himself has created in our hearts is what gives us <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cconfidence, assurance and conviction\u201d<\/i> concerning the things we <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201chope for\u201d <\/i>as Christians.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He is reminding us that <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cfaith\u201d<\/i> is what \u201cstands under\u201d and serves as the \u201cbasis\u201d of who we are and what we believe.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He is reminding us that faith is what enables us to \u201chold our ground\u201d when confronted by false teachings or when we are facing persecution for our faith.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Greek word that is translated as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccertain\u201d<\/i> in our text very literally refers to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cproof\u201d<\/i> or <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cevidence.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even if we do not have physical tangible evidence of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cwhat we do not see,\u201d<\/i> our God-given gift of faith enables us to look at what <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">God<\/b> says to us here in <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">His<\/b> Word and say, \u201cThis is all the evidence, this is all the proof I need!\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s the biblical definition of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cfaith.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">With that insight into the Bible\u2019s definition of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cfaith\u201d<\/i> let\u2019s see how this portion of Scripture reminds us that faith is the God-given ability to believe the unbelievable.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at what we are told in verse three, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cBy faith we understand that the universe was formed at God\u2019s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">We believe, teach and confess that the Lord God created the heavens and the earth out of nothing in six consecutive 24 hour days.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why do we believe this?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because that is what our Creator-God tells us here in His Word!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Genesis chapter one God gives us a record of <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">how<\/b> He created the heavens and the earth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He used the power of His creative Word\u2014 <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cLet there be\u2026.and there was.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Genesis chapter two God gives us a record of <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">why<\/b> He created the heavens and the earth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He wanted to bring the \u201ccrown\u201d of His creation, human beings, into existence.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Humanly speaking God\u2019s account of Creation recorded here in the Bible is impossible.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Humanly speaking God\u2019s account of Creation recorded here in the Bible is unbelievable. <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>That is precisely why the Holy Spirit says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201c<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">By faith<\/b> we understand that the universe was formed at God\u2019s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, my friends, faith is the God-given ability to believe the unbelievable!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">I would like to take a moment here to point out to you that this example of how faith enables us to believe the unbelievable was not given to us \u201cby accident.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is not just a random example.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>God the Holy Spirit knew that in our day and age Satan would level a very subtle\u2014 and unfortunately a very successful\u2014 attack against both the foundation of God\u2019s church as well as the foundation of our faith with a weapon known as the theory of Evolution.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Satan learned that an all out frontal attack against Christ\u2019s Church, an all out frontal attack against God\u2019s people doesn\u2019t automatically achieve his goal.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When God\u2019s people are openly attacked what do we do?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We turn to the Lord for protection! (Pointing to the cross) We turn to His Word for guidance and for strength!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">So, my friends, what Satan did was to come up with a plan to whittle away at the foundation of our faith with the goal of eventually causing our faith to falter and hopefully fail.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Satan\u2019s plan was to get God\u2019s people to first doubt and then to deny that Genesis chapters one and two are a trustworthy and true account of how and why the heavens and the earth came into existence.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Satan knew that if he could get God\u2019s people to doubt or deny what the Bible says about the Creation of the world because it seems \u201cunbelievable\u201d\u2014 eventually he could get God\u2019s people to doubt or deny other parts of the Bible that are equally \u201cunbelievable\u201d!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What other parts of the Bible seem \u201cunbelievable\u201d to our limited logical minds?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Think about it.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Humanly speaking Christmas is unbelievable.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know and science has shown that virgins do not give birth to children\u2014 much less the eternal Son of God Himself!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Humanly speaking Easter is \u201cunbelievable.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Science has shown and we have all been to enough funerals to know that dead people do not physically rise from their graves!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why do we believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why do we believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead on the third day?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We believe this for the very same reason we believe that God created the heavens and the earth in six ordinary days!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not only is this what God tells us in His Word, but His gift of faith enables us to believe the unbelievable!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Now let\u2019s turn to the second answer that this text gives us to the question, \u201cWhat is faith?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Faith is the God-given ability to trust the promises of our God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As I was studying verses 8-16 of our text I saw two promises being highlighted here.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The first promise is found in verses eight through ten.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Lord God called father Abraham to leave the land where he was born and raised, to leave his family and friends behind and go to a new land, a land that God <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">promised<\/b> He would one day give to Abraham\u2019s descendants as their <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cinheritance.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So what did Abraham do?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He did exactly as God told him to do!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The gift of faith which God Himself had created in Abraham\u2019s heart enabled him to trust that one day God would indeed fulfill His promise and give Abraham\u2019s descendants the land that became known as the \u201cPromised Land.\u201d<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What I found especially insightful is verse ten of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cFor he <\/i>(Abraham)<i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"> was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Abraham\u2019s faith enabled him to look above and beyond the earthly \u201cPromised Land\u201d that God would one day give to Abraham\u2019s descendants and with the eyes of faith see the \u201cPromised Land\u201d of heaven!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Verses thirteen to sixteen of our text remind us that all the <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">true<\/b> descendants of Abraham, that is, everyone who had the faith of Abraham living in their heart (See Romans 9:6-9) were able to see and believe and trust that God\u2019s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey is ultimately fulfilled when God\u2019s children inherit their heavenly Father\u2019s Kingdom.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">We still hold tightly to this very same promise today, don\u2019t we.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith we are <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csure,\u201d<\/i> by faith we are <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccertain\u201d<\/i> that we are but strangers here and that heaven is our home<i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">.<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith we are <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csure,\u201d<\/i> by faith we are <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccertain\u201d<\/i> that when someone dies believing and trusting in Jesus as their Savior from sin that their soul is immediately welcomed into the glory and the perfection of our heavenly Father\u2019s home.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, my friends, our God-given gift of faith enables us to trust the promises that God has given to us.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The second promise that is highlighted here in our text is found in verses eleven and twelve.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not only did God promise Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would have a biological son of their own, not only did God promise Abraham that his descendants would become <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cas numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore,\u201d<\/i> but God also promised Abraham that one of his direct descendants would be the Messiah, the Christ, this world\u2019s only Savior from sin.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The gift of faith which God Himself had created in Abraham\u2019s heart enabled him to trust that one day God would most certainly fulfill this glorious promise and send the Savior into this world.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(On the fulfillment of this promise see Matthew 1:1-17 and Revelation 7:9)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Because of the gift of faith which God has created in our hearts we trust that God <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">has<\/b> most certainly fulfilled this promise to father Abraham and sent His own Son into this world to be our Savior.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We have never seen Jesus with our physical eyes, but by faith we believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God who came into this world to live a perfect life in our place, innocently suffer and die on the cross to pay for our sins and then physically rise from the dead\u2014 on the third day just as He promised\u2014 to secure our salvation.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith we believe that right now Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is <\/b>fulfilling His promise to prepare a place for us in heaven and that one day He <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">will<\/b> fulfill His promise to come back and take us Home to heaven.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith we believe Jesus\u2019 promise that when you combine ordinary water with the creative power of God\u2019s Word in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, our sins are washed away and we are adopted by the heavenly Father.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By faith we believe Jesus\u2019 promise what when we approach His altar to receive His holy Supper, together with the bread and the wine we receive His true body and His true blood as His personal guarantee to us that all of our sins are completely forgiven.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, my friends, our God-given gift of faith is what enables us to trust <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">all<\/b> the promises God has made to us!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">I honestly do believe that everyone has faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My question and my concern always centers on <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">who <\/b>or <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">what<\/b> are they putting their faith in and <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">where<\/b> that faith is leading them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By the grace and power of God you have been given the gift of the one true saving faith in your heart.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Guard that gift carefully, my friends!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Guard it carefully and you will always be able to believe the unbelievable.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Guard it carefully and you will always be able to trust the promises that your God has made to you.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Pentecost-12-09-01-19.mp3\">Pentecost-12-09-01-19.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost September 1, 2019 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 What is Faith? &nbsp; Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.&nbsp; This is what the ancients were commended for.&nbsp; By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God&#8217;s command, so that what is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1155\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}