Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
As I sat down to write this preparing for the Lord’s Day, I accidentally banged my knee against the corner of my desk. As the sharp pain filled my senses it was difficult for me to think of anything else. All my experience in that moment was pain. When you are a child, it is difficult to transcend such moments. Therefore, most children will cry when they receive the most minor of injuries. They are unable to see beyond the immediate. Yet as you grow older you realize that the pain of the moment will soon pass. You have the experience to know that despite the current hurt there is a future in which you will no longer feel as though your knee is about to explode. And I believe that this constitutes the true nature of faith. It is the grace to see beyond our present experiences to experience the blessings of God’s life-giving Word.
Hebrews 11 is often described as the Hall of Faith. Here the author begins a discussion on the nature of faith followed by a list of examples of faith from the Old Testament. In our passage for this Sunday, we see that the true nature of faith consists in taking hold of unseen realities. By faith we take hold of what is coming, we receive what is promised, and we see what currently remains unseen. What we will learn is that every Christian must take hold of the promises of God in Jesus Christ through faith. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 11:1-3, Psalm 30:5, Habakkuk 2:4, John 20:29, Romans 8:24, 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, and Westminster Confession of Faith 14.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “O God beyond All Praising”, the Acclamation of Praise “To God Be the Glory”, and the Hymn of Response “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 11:1-3
Title: The Nature of Faith
Outline:
- By Faith You Hold What is Coming (v. 1)
- By Faith You Receive What is Promised (v. 2)
- By Faith You See What is Invisible (v. 3)