People of Faith
Elaine Poproski Download: Audio
Sermon Note:
This recording begins about a minute into the sermon.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. Read more…
Looking to Sunday
by Elaine Poproski
Who do you look up to as a person of faith? Who serves as an example of faith that you want to live up to? When your faith has just about run out, who do you turn to?
In Hebrews 11, faith is defined as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” And then, in case that definition isn’t quite clear enough, the author goes on to site example after example after example of people of faith, beginning all the way back with Adam and Eve’s son Abel. This Sunday we’re going to be reading some of those examples beginning at Hebrews 11:29.
The thing is, we don’t have to look back through time to find and be inspired by examples of faith. We don’t have to look back to the beginning to find people who exemplify what it means to keep going – to keep fighting – even when everything seems to be against us. We don’t have to look far at all for stories of such conviction in things hoped for, but not yet seen, that God’s kingdom can be glimpsed in those stories.
If you’re at Walmer this Sunday (or any Sunday), have a look at the collection of biographies in our church library. Even if you aren’t at church, scroll through the books by connecting to Walmer’s online library catalogue and clicking on the biographies link. You’ll find people like Rosa Parks, Corrie Ten Boom, Martin Luther, Jimmy Carter, Henri Nouwen, and countless others. You’ll find stories of extraordinary faith in the midst of extraordinary struggle. You’ll find tales of triumph and defeat. You’ll encounter names you know, and many you don’t. In all of them, you’ll discover faith – the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. In all of them, you’ll catch a glimpse of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
As you prepare for Sunday, perhaps spend some time considering the questions at the beginning of this article. What does faith mean to you? How would you define it? How does faith connect to being a disciple – a follower – of Jesus?