All In: Faith UnfurledSample

We have studied just a few of the everyday people listed in the “Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews chapter eleven. I would encourage you to spend some more time studying all the others who are listed. Some are obscure. Some were kings and judges while others were just ordinary people. Some were considered great leaders and yet had dark pasts. What this tells me is that God can use anyone who will follow Him in faith.

What is the heart of faith? Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is the very essence and center of everything that we do as Christians. If we do not exercise faith, we cannot please God.

All the people we read about in Hebrews chapter eleven were saved not by their acts of faith, but by faith in the coming Messiah. Their faith was that God would provide the perfect ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrifice that started in the Garden of Eden when God made the animal skins for Adam and Eve to clothe their nakedness. It continued in Abel’s sacrifice and all the way through the Tabernacle and Temple sacrifices. Then, Jesus died, and now there are no longer any sacrifices needed because He is the perfect sacrifice.

Our faith needs to be more than just believing that God exists. We need to believe that He will save us when we ask for salvation by trusting in Jesus, the Son of God. But we also must have faith that He is “…a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

We do not do good works to be saved. We do not do good works to stay saved. We do good works to show the world the testimony of our faith, and by doing so, we can please God.

Christian, what does your life show? Does it show faith that is all-in? Could it be said of you that your life pleased God? If not, ask Him to help you start living a life of faith today.