Our response to the gospel, or the way we live our lives after hearing the gospel, is an indication on what we understood and heard the gospel to be. In other words, how we live and behave after having made a decision or commitment to the gospel is indicative of the gospel we heard. For example, if we hear the gospel according to 'easy believism', which speaks of Jesus being Savior, but not Lord; the results of that gospel may be a contrite prayer over their initial conviction of sin, but a life which continues to be lived for and to their self.
If one hears the gospel according to 'good works', which teaches one must do good deeds in order to earn heaven and be saved; the results from this gospel is a good moral and decent life lived unto God for entrance into heaven. In many cases and circles this gospel is in addition to the gospel according to Christ's sacrificial death and supernatural resurrection. Therefore, the gospel according to 'good works' diminishes what Christ did and propels 'works' as being salvific. The other result of this gospel is insecurity. There is no security for a person to know whether or not he or she has done enough good works to inherit heaven. Peace and Joy and the hope of heaven are nowhere to be found within this gospel.
Another gospel that is being propagated is the gospel according to 'prosperity and wealth'. This gospel teaches that God is a genie in the bottle and if you worship and serve him the right way you will have economic prosperity and physical vitality. The results of this gospel is people giving away what they have now in order to receive more of a bountiful blessing God will reciprocate and give them back. Therefore, people give in order to get, rather than giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and completely. If economic hardships do arise of physical ailments occur, this gospel teaches much like Job's friends taught; that person who is experiencing such things must have sinned.
Last, a gospel becoming more prominent today is the gospel according to 'social liberation'. This gospel teaches a corporate salvation when everyone works together to transform a city and community through healing and aiding social ills. Social ills include poverty, homeless, jobless, abused and neglected women and children, diseases, and eliminating the greedy rich. This gospel looks much like the 'good works' gospel, but this is more corporate in nature rather than individualistic. The proponents for this gospel are usually your secular progressives who seeks to have a utopia society. Other proponents are liberal theologies and Christian sects who have the same desires these secular progressives have, therefore they want to partner with these in order to rid society's ills. The problem with these liberal Christians, is they see riding society of its ills and working to transform communities and societies is salvation. They disregard what Jesus actually came to do (die for the sins of the world), rather they focus on how Jesus served and cared for the poor, outcast, sick, and prisoner.
But, in the opening of Peter's first letter to the exiles of the dispersion, he writes about the salvation Jesus brought in his life, death, and resurrection. Peter makes many remarks about this gospel. First, he writes about God's great mercy he had on people by causing them to be born again through Jesus Christ. Second, this mercy and grace was accompanied by an inheritance that is 'imperishable, undefiled, and unfading' and waiting to be revealed at a later time. Third, trials which test their faith, are reasons, Peter writes, for them to praise and glory in Christ and the gospel. It is because of these trials their faith is tested and proved to be genuine. Fourth, Peter ends his introduction by explaining how the prophets of old who prophesied about this gospel and salvation searched diligently and inquired meticulously, in order for them to serve future believers who would hear and respond to this gospel.
The results of this gospel, the gospel according to 'Jesus Christ', is what Peter outlines throughout the remaining letter. A few results would suffice for now. One is those who respond to this gospel will prepare their minds for action. They will place their thoughts fully on the gospel of Jesus which brought grace into their lives. Concentrating and thinking upon this gospel constantly will produce a life of gratitude. Second, this gospel results in holy living, rather than in vile and immoral living as before this gospel. Last, I will quote from verse 22 of chapter 1, "Having purified your should by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart..." In other words, one who responds to the gospel according to 'Jesus' will continue to purify their hearts through obeying the truth, the word of God. This obedience to the truth will produce love for people, a love for truth, and a love for obeying the truth.
It is within this gospel, grace and mercy are overflowing. Transformation of an individual becomes a reality, which projects from ones life impacting those around them. Those who respond to this gospel participate in good works and in mercy ministries. Why? To be saved? No. But, because this what one does who has been transformed by the gospel of grace and redemption according to 'Jesus Christ'. Therefore, these people do these things because they are saved, not to be saved or reach some type of utopia that leads to salvation. These people seek the welfare and wellbeing of the city in the name of Jesus, not in the name of injustice.
Hopefully, you can see that people's actions and response to a gospel is indicative of what the gospel is they are responding to. Which gospel have you responded to?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
To do? or Not to do? James tells us to do!
James 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin."
This is a fairly strong verse given the fact that most of us know the right thing and things to do, yet fail to do them all the time. For instance, there are times (I must admit because it is the right thing to do) where I pass over a piece of trash or clothes knowing I should help my wife and put them away, but walk away from them, leaving them for Joannie to pick up and put away. That is sin. There may be times where we see someone in need whether it be material, physical, or emotional, but fail to meet that need. This is sin according to the Bible.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the right thing to do is love, be gracious, and encourage my family. But if Thanksgiving comes and goes and I have fought with my family, yelled at my family, told them how ignorant they are (Not that I tell them they are ignorant), etc..., I will have failed at doing the right thing. As a result I would have sinned.
The list could go on and on and on about knowing what the right things are, but failing to do them. Let us approach today, as well as this week, with this thought in mind, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin." Let us guard our life from sinning and disobeying the only holy, good, and gracious God; rather let us do as James has encouraged earlier in v7-10 in chapter 4,
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be
turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
This is a fairly strong verse given the fact that most of us know the right thing and things to do, yet fail to do them all the time. For instance, there are times (I must admit because it is the right thing to do) where I pass over a piece of trash or clothes knowing I should help my wife and put them away, but walk away from them, leaving them for Joannie to pick up and put away. That is sin. There may be times where we see someone in need whether it be material, physical, or emotional, but fail to meet that need. This is sin according to the Bible.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the right thing to do is love, be gracious, and encourage my family. But if Thanksgiving comes and goes and I have fought with my family, yelled at my family, told them how ignorant they are (Not that I tell them they are ignorant), etc..., I will have failed at doing the right thing. As a result I would have sinned.
The list could go on and on and on about knowing what the right things are, but failing to do them. Let us approach today, as well as this week, with this thought in mind, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin." Let us guard our life from sinning and disobeying the only holy, good, and gracious God; rather let us do as James has encouraged earlier in v7-10 in chapter 4,
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be
turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Monday, November 22, 2010
How to Train Your 'Dragon' Tongue: James 3:1-12
How to Train your 'Dragon' Tongue
James 3:1-12
21st Century uses of tongue:
- mouths (obviously)
- media
- social media; such as Facebook, myspace, twitter, blogging, etc.
- technology- texting, mms-ing, youtube, etc
* The Tongue is a Rudder Guiding the Direction of the Body
* The Tongue is a Fire Able to Destroy a Body
* The Tongue is a Poisonous Evil Able to Kill
* The Tongue is A Double Personality Disorder that is Inconsistent
This is a picture of the tongue and the power of the tongue. The tongue guides a person's life. A persona can receive or not receive based upon the tongue. The tongue has the ability to talk a person into or out of a job.
The tongue is also powerful enough to set a whole forest on fire. It has the power to spread destruction throughout a body. Not just an individual personal body, but a corporate body, such as a church, group, community, or family.
Next the tongue is able to kill. It can be full of deadly poison. When used and injected at someone, it can be lethal. The tongue can kill marriages, hopes, dreams, confidence, and trust. It can also physically kill people. Take teen suicide for instance. Many teens commit suicide based upon what their peers have said or the information they are spreading around.
Last the tongue has a personality disorder according to James. With it we bless our Lord and at the same time we curse people, who have been made in the image of God. With our tongue we say prayers, sing songs, and profess our faith. Within the same mouth we curse and swear at people, yell at our wives, slander our brothers, and gossip about others.
Simply James give us two ways to train our mouth. First, James tell us to be cognizant about the potential misuse and ungodliness that can come out of our mouth. James says, "My brothers, these things ought not be so." Although I am guilty of what James has described about the tongue, I still have to agree with his sentiments. This should not be befitting to a child of God. We should be better, more godly, and more holy when it comes to the uses of our mouth and the vehicles for our mouth. Know that the misuse, the inconsistency, instability, and the flip-flopping use of the mouth should not accompany believers.
Second, James exhorts us to check the source. James shares two simple questions; "Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?" "Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs?" What James is getting at is that sources produce what they are intended to produce. Salt water pours forth salt water, and fresh water produces and pours forth fresh water. On the other hand, olive trees produce olives and grapevines produce grapes. In other words, James is saying if one truly praises God and has a heart change, he will not continue in this unbridled use of the tongue. This person will produce what they are intended by God, their Father, to produce; which is righteous, godly, merciful, and gracious fruit.
In order to train your 'dragon' tongue, be cognizant of the potential your tongue has for ungodliness and guard it as well as check your source. What is in your heart? Have you truly been changed by Christ? Have you made him Lord of your life? Or is he simply a religious ornamental figure you pull out on special occasions? If you struggle with your tongue but you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you know Christ, ask him to, through the Holy Spirit, change you. Also, go to another brother or sister in Christ and ask them to hold you accountable in that area of your life.
James 3:1-12
21st Century uses of tongue:
- mouths (obviously)
- media
- social media; such as Facebook, myspace, twitter, blogging, etc.
- technology- texting, mms-ing, youtube, etc
* The Tongue is a Rudder Guiding the Direction of the Body
* The Tongue is a Fire Able to Destroy a Body
* The Tongue is a Poisonous Evil Able to Kill
* The Tongue is A Double Personality Disorder that is Inconsistent
This is a picture of the tongue and the power of the tongue. The tongue guides a person's life. A persona can receive or not receive based upon the tongue. The tongue has the ability to talk a person into or out of a job.
The tongue is also powerful enough to set a whole forest on fire. It has the power to spread destruction throughout a body. Not just an individual personal body, but a corporate body, such as a church, group, community, or family.
Next the tongue is able to kill. It can be full of deadly poison. When used and injected at someone, it can be lethal. The tongue can kill marriages, hopes, dreams, confidence, and trust. It can also physically kill people. Take teen suicide for instance. Many teens commit suicide based upon what their peers have said or the information they are spreading around.
Last the tongue has a personality disorder according to James. With it we bless our Lord and at the same time we curse people, who have been made in the image of God. With our tongue we say prayers, sing songs, and profess our faith. Within the same mouth we curse and swear at people, yell at our wives, slander our brothers, and gossip about others.
Simply James give us two ways to train our mouth. First, James tell us to be cognizant about the potential misuse and ungodliness that can come out of our mouth. James says, "My brothers, these things ought not be so." Although I am guilty of what James has described about the tongue, I still have to agree with his sentiments. This should not be befitting to a child of God. We should be better, more godly, and more holy when it comes to the uses of our mouth and the vehicles for our mouth. Know that the misuse, the inconsistency, instability, and the flip-flopping use of the mouth should not accompany believers.
Second, James exhorts us to check the source. James shares two simple questions; "Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?" "Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs?" What James is getting at is that sources produce what they are intended to produce. Salt water pours forth salt water, and fresh water produces and pours forth fresh water. On the other hand, olive trees produce olives and grapevines produce grapes. In other words, James is saying if one truly praises God and has a heart change, he will not continue in this unbridled use of the tongue. This person will produce what they are intended by God, their Father, to produce; which is righteous, godly, merciful, and gracious fruit.
In order to train your 'dragon' tongue, be cognizant of the potential your tongue has for ungodliness and guard it as well as check your source. What is in your heart? Have you truly been changed by Christ? Have you made him Lord of your life? Or is he simply a religious ornamental figure you pull out on special occasions? If you struggle with your tongue but you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you know Christ, ask him to, through the Holy Spirit, change you. Also, go to another brother or sister in Christ and ask them to hold you accountable in that area of your life.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Faith Under Fire
James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
According to James, the author, trials can come in many different ways and formats. Which ever way they come, James declares there should be one reaction and response to them, and that is joy. We are to count it joy when we face trials. James also explains what these various trials do. They test our faith. So, why should we count it joy when our faith is tested? I believe three answers would suffice.
First, the very fact that one has faith is a treasured gift. The bible teaches that grace comes through faith, and grace is a gift from God. Some even believe God grants the faith to an individual in order to accept the grace he offers through Christ. No matter which side of the coin you fall on, one's faith is a treasured gift, because through your faith who have and experience the grace of God. The sheer fact of one's salvation being tested should bring joy to their life.
Second, by facing these trials God is able to display his grace and power in your life. As long as we live in this world, we will face trials, and those trials as James points out are many. The first trial in found in Genesis 3, where Satan tempted or tested Eve. Where Satan is loosed in the world trials and testings will be present. By succumbing to the temptation and testing Adam and Eve unleashed a wide variety of trials through sin. No longer is Satan the only one causing rifts and friction within the world. The very nature of man does. Man does evil and wicked deeds towards other men. It can be in a business deal, a relationship, a marriage, a family, a ball team, a community, or a government. In each case when something ungodly takes place towards us, believers, our faith is tested. Also the natural world has been damaged where we face natural disasters. These natural disasters test our faith. Living in a fallen world produces trials, and these trials come quite often. Until we reach heaven and the new restored creation, we will face trials. By facing these trials, God is able to work in and through us to strengthen our faith in him. He is able to put on his display his Spirit, his sovereignty, his love, his grace, his mercy, and his power. As we see God at work in us and around us, our faith is strengthened and we become more steadfast in our faith in God.
Third, not only is the testing of our faith beneficial for us in that we are able to see God work within us, which strengthens our faith in him, but it is also beneficial in that God works within us to grow us to maturity. I just explained how facing trials allows God to work, which leads to a strengthening and steadfastness in our faith in him. Now, as our faith grows in God, our lives grow closer to God. James explains as our steadfastness of faith grows, and we let it have its full effect, then we will grow up in our faith perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Does James really mean if we grow in our faith and grow closer to God, we will be perfect? No. We will never be perfect this side of heaven. However, we will grow closer and closer to God. As we grow God will continue to conform us into the image of his Son, Jesus. In other words, as we live this life which is filled with trials, testings, persecutions, disappointments, disasters, and heartache, God is working through our faith to continue to add virtue upon virtue.
Today, when we face a trial or trails, let us remember the wise counsel of James, and allow God to work in and around us in strengthening our precious faith as well as growing our lives to be more like him. This is why we can consider it 'pure joy' as we face these trials.
According to James, the author, trials can come in many different ways and formats. Which ever way they come, James declares there should be one reaction and response to them, and that is joy. We are to count it joy when we face trials. James also explains what these various trials do. They test our faith. So, why should we count it joy when our faith is tested? I believe three answers would suffice.
First, the very fact that one has faith is a treasured gift. The bible teaches that grace comes through faith, and grace is a gift from God. Some even believe God grants the faith to an individual in order to accept the grace he offers through Christ. No matter which side of the coin you fall on, one's faith is a treasured gift, because through your faith who have and experience the grace of God. The sheer fact of one's salvation being tested should bring joy to their life.
Second, by facing these trials God is able to display his grace and power in your life. As long as we live in this world, we will face trials, and those trials as James points out are many. The first trial in found in Genesis 3, where Satan tempted or tested Eve. Where Satan is loosed in the world trials and testings will be present. By succumbing to the temptation and testing Adam and Eve unleashed a wide variety of trials through sin. No longer is Satan the only one causing rifts and friction within the world. The very nature of man does. Man does evil and wicked deeds towards other men. It can be in a business deal, a relationship, a marriage, a family, a ball team, a community, or a government. In each case when something ungodly takes place towards us, believers, our faith is tested. Also the natural world has been damaged where we face natural disasters. These natural disasters test our faith. Living in a fallen world produces trials, and these trials come quite often. Until we reach heaven and the new restored creation, we will face trials. By facing these trials, God is able to work in and through us to strengthen our faith in him. He is able to put on his display his Spirit, his sovereignty, his love, his grace, his mercy, and his power. As we see God at work in us and around us, our faith is strengthened and we become more steadfast in our faith in God.
Third, not only is the testing of our faith beneficial for us in that we are able to see God work within us, which strengthens our faith in him, but it is also beneficial in that God works within us to grow us to maturity. I just explained how facing trials allows God to work, which leads to a strengthening and steadfastness in our faith in him. Now, as our faith grows in God, our lives grow closer to God. James explains as our steadfastness of faith grows, and we let it have its full effect, then we will grow up in our faith perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Does James really mean if we grow in our faith and grow closer to God, we will be perfect? No. We will never be perfect this side of heaven. However, we will grow closer and closer to God. As we grow God will continue to conform us into the image of his Son, Jesus. In other words, as we live this life which is filled with trials, testings, persecutions, disappointments, disasters, and heartache, God is working through our faith to continue to add virtue upon virtue.
Today, when we face a trial or trails, let us remember the wise counsel of James, and allow God to work in and around us in strengthening our precious faith as well as growing our lives to be more like him. This is why we can consider it 'pure joy' as we face these trials.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sacrifices that are Pleasing to God
Hebrews 13:15-16
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
- fruit of our lips
- doing good
- sharing what we have
These are three sacrifices the author of Hebrews outlines for believers. These are not a comprehensive list of ways we are to sacrifice to God through Christ, but nevertheless are three simple sacrifices one can do in order to please God. We can sacrifice our words in order to bring God praise. Rather than saying things that will elevate us, cover up God, or degrade others let us be people who produce luscious fruit from our lips. The luscious fruit coming from lips are to be words that acknowledge his name. What are words that can acknowledge his name? Words like 'please' and 'thank-you'. Other words like 'God is so good' or 'Better than I deserve'. Other ways we can acknowledge his name from our lips is saying 'I love you', 'I believe in you', 'God loves you', 'God has a plan and purpose for you', or 'God will be with you'. So today in a conversation look for ways either to subtly or boldly acknowledge the name of our great God, Jesus Christ.
Not only does the author say we can sacrifice our words in order to acknowledge his name, but we can sacrifice in doing good and sharing what we have. Doing good is more exertion and sharing is more giving what we possess. The beauty is, these two go together. They are inseparable. We cannot do good to someone with sharing with them at least our time. Doing good to someone leads inevitably in sharing with that person our time, talents, or treasures. We can do good to someone by simply spending time with that person encouraging them and listening to them. Good actions can be taking someone to the store who has no car or picking up their children. Giving a gift card to someone and writing 'Just thinking and praying for you' is considered doing something good while at the same time sharing with them.
Notice what the author says at the end of verse 16, "for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." When we sacrifice our words to lift up the name of Christ, and when we sacrifice our time, talents, and treasures and share them with others by doing good to them, we please God. This is our aim in life, as a believer. We live for his glory and fame. Our lives are tools which work to bring recognition and praise to him. How are we doing in these three very simply, yet extremely important areas? What can we say today to bring him glory? What can we do and share with others that will please him?
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
- fruit of our lips
- doing good
- sharing what we have
These are three sacrifices the author of Hebrews outlines for believers. These are not a comprehensive list of ways we are to sacrifice to God through Christ, but nevertheless are three simple sacrifices one can do in order to please God. We can sacrifice our words in order to bring God praise. Rather than saying things that will elevate us, cover up God, or degrade others let us be people who produce luscious fruit from our lips. The luscious fruit coming from lips are to be words that acknowledge his name. What are words that can acknowledge his name? Words like 'please' and 'thank-you'. Other words like 'God is so good' or 'Better than I deserve'. Other ways we can acknowledge his name from our lips is saying 'I love you', 'I believe in you', 'God loves you', 'God has a plan and purpose for you', or 'God will be with you'. So today in a conversation look for ways either to subtly or boldly acknowledge the name of our great God, Jesus Christ.
Not only does the author say we can sacrifice our words in order to acknowledge his name, but we can sacrifice in doing good and sharing what we have. Doing good is more exertion and sharing is more giving what we possess. The beauty is, these two go together. They are inseparable. We cannot do good to someone with sharing with them at least our time. Doing good to someone leads inevitably in sharing with that person our time, talents, or treasures. We can do good to someone by simply spending time with that person encouraging them and listening to them. Good actions can be taking someone to the store who has no car or picking up their children. Giving a gift card to someone and writing 'Just thinking and praying for you' is considered doing something good while at the same time sharing with them.
Notice what the author says at the end of verse 16, "for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." When we sacrifice our words to lift up the name of Christ, and when we sacrifice our time, talents, and treasures and share them with others by doing good to them, we please God. This is our aim in life, as a believer. We live for his glory and fame. Our lives are tools which work to bring recognition and praise to him. How are we doing in these three very simply, yet extremely important areas? What can we say today to bring him glory? What can we do and share with others that will please him?
Monday, November 15, 2010
How's Your Faith?
Hebrews 11
v4-38 describe the Old Testament people who embodied faith. Out of these verses, twenty-five of them appertain to the era from Able to Moses. Only nine verses cover the span from Israel in Jericho until the end of the Old Testament. I point this out simply to show the weight of the beginning of Scripture. All Scripture is inspired and inerrant. But it seems the beginning books of Scripture is vitally important to understand the whole of Scripture as well as to understand who this God is and what he is seeking to accomplish. Within this history of faith, with the bulk of the people of faith preceding Moses, Abraham stands out as the most notable. He is explained in three different ways he expressed faith in God. First, he expressed faith by leaving and going when God told him, although he did not know where he was going. Second, by faith Abraham lived in the land of promise as a foreigner. And third, Abraham, by faith, went to offer up his son Isaac.
At any point a writer in the New Testament begins to write about faith Abraham is always used as an example of faith. Paul in both Romans and Galatians utilizes the life of Abraham to illustrate saving faith. James in his section of 'faith without works is dead', uses Abraham as the poster child of faith leading to action. If we want to know what saving faith is, faith that is pleasing to God, and faith that leads to action, look no further than Abraham. Abraham is par excellence when it pertains to matter of faith. The most comforting aspect of this truth is Abraham's faults. Although Abraham is the par excellence of faith, he still fell short of perfection. Nevertheless writers of the New Testament look to him and have many positive things to say regarding his life of faith.
The most sobering aspect of this passage in Hebrews 11 is when the authors concludes his running commentary on the faith of Old Testament saints by expressing, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." In other words, these men lived for what we have and have experienced. We have Jesus. We have experienced his saving and cleansing power. These Old Testament men of faith looked forward in anticipation for their Messiah King. Especially given the context of the letter of Hebrews, the author is basically exhorting the believers who are reading this letter to endure their suffering and the persecution they are facing. The author is expressing the idea that believers today, who have experienced God and his saving power through Christ, can live better, more fruitful, more faith-filled lives given the spiritual landscape of what God has made available through Jesus. So if these Old Testament saints lived in this way, what way should we today be able to live? Just like them if not more!
v4-38 describe the Old Testament people who embodied faith. Out of these verses, twenty-five of them appertain to the era from Able to Moses. Only nine verses cover the span from Israel in Jericho until the end of the Old Testament. I point this out simply to show the weight of the beginning of Scripture. All Scripture is inspired and inerrant. But it seems the beginning books of Scripture is vitally important to understand the whole of Scripture as well as to understand who this God is and what he is seeking to accomplish. Within this history of faith, with the bulk of the people of faith preceding Moses, Abraham stands out as the most notable. He is explained in three different ways he expressed faith in God. First, he expressed faith by leaving and going when God told him, although he did not know where he was going. Second, by faith Abraham lived in the land of promise as a foreigner. And third, Abraham, by faith, went to offer up his son Isaac.
At any point a writer in the New Testament begins to write about faith Abraham is always used as an example of faith. Paul in both Romans and Galatians utilizes the life of Abraham to illustrate saving faith. James in his section of 'faith without works is dead', uses Abraham as the poster child of faith leading to action. If we want to know what saving faith is, faith that is pleasing to God, and faith that leads to action, look no further than Abraham. Abraham is par excellence when it pertains to matter of faith. The most comforting aspect of this truth is Abraham's faults. Although Abraham is the par excellence of faith, he still fell short of perfection. Nevertheless writers of the New Testament look to him and have many positive things to say regarding his life of faith.
The most sobering aspect of this passage in Hebrews 11 is when the authors concludes his running commentary on the faith of Old Testament saints by expressing, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." In other words, these men lived for what we have and have experienced. We have Jesus. We have experienced his saving and cleansing power. These Old Testament men of faith looked forward in anticipation for their Messiah King. Especially given the context of the letter of Hebrews, the author is basically exhorting the believers who are reading this letter to endure their suffering and the persecution they are facing. The author is expressing the idea that believers today, who have experienced God and his saving power through Christ, can live better, more fruitful, more faith-filled lives given the spiritual landscape of what God has made available through Jesus. So if these Old Testament saints lived in this way, what way should we today be able to live? Just like them if not more!
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