Hebrews 11:8: Abraham

TVCC Students,

It was great to see you all last night and to worship with you. Last night Sonny taught on Hebrews 11:8, about Abraham's faith. Here is a recap...

***Hebrews 11:8

~Abraham went out, not knowing where he was going. He walked by faith, not sight... there are only 2 ways to live- by sight or by faith (not by sight)...

Q: How do you live? Are you someone that always has to "see" everything before you will trust in it, or do you have faith that though you sometimes do not know all of the answers- God is bigger than you and He is worthy of your complete trust?

~We are called to live as though the things of this world are temporal and fading but that heavenly things are eternal and lasting...

~The things of this world will disappoint but putting our hope in the Lord will NEVER be disappointing. After obeying God and leaving the land/home he once knew, Abraham got to see the great things God had in store for Him. He did not look back with longing for the old life and land. When you obey God, the things that you give up will seem so small compared to the wonderful things you will gain from your obedience.

~Faith in the Lord calls us not to be self-seeking as we have had the Lord "dry up" in us the source of self exaltation through the selfless sacrifice of Jesus

***Hebrews 11:6 says that faith pleases God and that we must believe that "HE IS." We must believe that Jesus is the I AM, the powerful one...

***John 18:4-6 shows that when Jesus spoke, acknowledging that He is the I AM, power went out from Him and knocked everyone down. This is OUR GOD!! The One we are called to have faith in and surrender our lives to.

Q: Are you living in a way that shows that Jesus governs your life or in a way that shows that you govern your life?

***Romans 4:3 says that Abraham believed God and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. Faith alone saves us. The evidence of that faith was his obedience. He obeyed the Lord and WENT where the Lord told him to go.

Q: Are you someone who has obedience with your faith? If Abraham would have stayed and not obeyed God, would that have really been faith? Faith in the Lord calls us to live differently. Are you living a life of faith? What has the Lord called you to that you have had to leave or give up?

*** 2 Corinthians 6:14 says that we are called to come out from the world and be separate... to be known as His sons and daughters... children of light!

We love you all so much and know that highschool can have so many challenges. We pray this week that you will pray about your life and see areas that you are lacking faith. We pray that you will sever yourself from anything that is darkness and is damaging to your pursuit of God. Remember that Abraham never regretted following God and obeying Him. In obedience is where we find intimacy with Him. Obey the Lord this week. Spend time meditating on His Word and getting to know Him. We are praying for you. Fight the fight of faith this week. Be in fellowship with others who are encouraging to your walk with God. Again, we love you!

Love,

Sonny and Casi

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..."

Last night's worship list:

1. One Thing Remains (Antioch Norman and Julie Bennett)

2. Break Every Chain (Will Reagan & The United Pursuit)

3. Vision of You (Shane Bernard and Shane Everett)

4. Story of Grace (United Pursuit with Will Reagan)

5. Praise is Befitting (Will Reagan & The United Pursuit)

6. You're Beautiful (Phil Wickham)

7. This Blood (Rita Springer)

8. Arms Wide Open (Misty Edwards)