7/24/22
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
God gives us the spiritual lens by which to be faithful. He gives us the measure of faith to believe Him for all things.
Faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. This is believing faith.
Believing faith is how the righteous ones of the past received their testimony. Their life story is a true faith in God and of God’s terrific faithfulness.
The righteous have believing faith whereby we trust, with enduring confidence, in the power, wisdom, and goodness of God. We believe He is our Creator.
Abraham and Sarah are examples for all generations of ones who, although not perfect, exercised believing faith.
Abraham obeyed God when he was called by God to a place he would receive as an inheritance. He went not knowing where he was going. Genesis 15:1-6
By faith, Sarah received the ability to conceive a child, even when she was long past the normal age for it. She believed God, Who had given her the promise, to be reliable and true to His word. Genesis 18:9-12
The faithful righteous who have gone before us knew they were strangers and pilgrims on this earth. They were looking for a homeland.
The faithful righteous had/have a spiritual desire for their heavenly home.
God is not ashamed to be called God by the faithful righteous. He has prepared a city for them (Heaven).