1. Text: Hebrews 11:1-6 Nkjv
Theme: Faith brings the things into reality
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2
For
by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3
By faith we understand that the worlds were
framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things
which are visible. 4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,
through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and
through it he being dead still speaks. 5
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see
death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; [a]
for before he was taken he had
this testimony, that he pleased God. 6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for
he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who
diligently seek Him.
I. Intro
A. Do you believe that your presence today in this church is a product of faith?
B. Will you agree that God works and give you His grace that your faith will come into
reality?
1) God bless your alarm clock to work this morning in order that you will
rose up from sleeping.
2) God bless your clothes would fit for you and make you convinced to
wear them this morning.
3) God bless your car to start without any defect in order that you will
use them going to church.
4) God bless your car to stay on their side of the road while running.
5) God bless the road not to fall apart while your car passes by.
6) God bless your physical bodies that you will stay away from sickness!
7) God bless your spouse not to quarrel or argue you about your past un
resolve issues this morning!
C. We live in different kinds of living but we are united in faith.
1. To please God
2. To honor God
II. What is faith?
A. Definition
1. Faith makes the things hoped for as real as if we already have them.
2. Faith provides evidence that what is unseen is absolutely real.
2. 3: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen.
Illustration
Year 2008, List of Projects that I prayed in faith to God to happened in this church (IBCGI).
1. Build a parsonages
2. Build the church fence
3. Purchase a Brand new LCD Projector
4. Church Kisame
5. Extensions of our building
6. Centralize air con
7. Tiles
What happen, did God Bless my faith that this unseen things comes into reality after 6
years?
Absolutely yes and He adds more un-expected blessings…!
I. Pulpit- project of the laymens department
II. Tables- project by the Dorcas
III. Re painted the whole church building
IV. Church Molding
V. Two brand new LD Speakers
VI. Three Wireless microphone
VII. Re painted the music instrument
VIII. Sliding glass door
IX. Concreting of covered court
X. Etc..
Year 2014, List of future Projects for this church in faith asking Him to poured out more
blessings towards His people for the following 6 years.
1) Covert court intended for sports
2) Baptistery
3) Expansion of our church building
4) Renovation of our old Church building
5) Church Kitchen
3. 6) Church service/ Car
7) Sec Registration
8) Daughter church
9) Glass slide window
B. The Object of Faith
1. Inadequate objects of faith
a. Science, Technology.
b. False Gods: money, security, wealth, other people.
c. Ourselves.
2. Adequate object of faith
a. God.
C. Proper faith in God.
1. Believe that He exists.
III. Examples of Faith
A. Abel and Cain
Genesis 4:
3
And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit
of the ground to the LORD. 4
Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their
fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, 5
but He did not respect Cain and his
offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
Hebrews 11: 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than
Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God
testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
1. God bless them both to give their offering.
2. God rejected Cain's offering but accepted Abel's offering.
4. 3. Why?
I. Abel Give his offering by faith, Cain gives his offering without faith.
II. Abel Give the first born of his livestock, Cain give the products of the
land not the first fruit. He kept the first for himself not for God.
III. Abel trust God by giving him back the first and keeps what remains.
What lessons we can learn from Abel and Cain?
a. Right objective of our faith (Not on Self, Money, Resources,
Time but to God)
b. Proper applications of our faith (Give the first to God not in
between or last).
c. Proper understandings of the meaning of faith (from invisible to
visible, from nothing to something)
Illustration
There was a man who asked the pastor to pray for his prayer request. The pastor
immediately cast his blessings to that man. The following three consecutive Sunday this
man was unseen on Sunday worship services. The last week of that month the pastor visited
this member. He welcomes the pastor with joy and reported him about his prayer request
that he receives the answers.
He immediately showed to him his farm full of Chickens, Pigs and Cows. The pastor
said “well, I saw that God granted to you your prayer request, it’s time for you to give him
praises, come on Sunday to our church. Our co brother in faith misses you”, the Minister
added. This member replied, “I have many young cows and pigs, I am busy to watch them,
maybe next time”. The minister said, “Ok, I’ll come next month to visit you”.
After 3 months the minister visited this member. Again he showed his farm to the
minister and said “I am very happy because God never stop pouring his blessings to me”. I
am happy as well seeing you full of blessings”, the minister replied, and thinks within his
heart that this member will give him a small token from the products of his farm. After 2
hours the minister saw many kittens going on the farms of that member.
After several hours, the minister said “well I saw that your condition is getting better,
it’s time for me to leave now. The members in a hurry pick up one kitten and said “do you
want to bring this at home”.
What lessons we can learn from this story?
I. Do not allow the blessings to stop you to worship God. Our faith is not on
the blessings but to the source which is God.
II. God will watch on our livestock and taking care of them for us.
III. Choose the best gifts and offered it to God.
IV. Set aside time to give God praises for his blessings that He poured out into
your barn.
5. B. Enoch (Read Genesis 5:21-24)
1. He walked with God
2. He was a righteous man
3. He earnestly seek after God
4. He is full of faith
C. What can we learn from Enoch?
1. Faith affects our walk.
a. Enoch walked with God.
Illustration
The manager awarded his loyal and honest employee one day as a token of his
appreciation. Before he give the award he examined and searched the life of that employee
and found out that he was a member and active in one evangelical church.
a) Do you think this employee walked and live out his faith?
b) Will you agree that his award was a product of his walked with God?
c) Do you think this employee is worthy to receive that award?
2. Faith pleases God.
Product when God is pleased
A. Acceptance of our offerings (Abel and Cain)
B. Declaration of the blessings granted (God bless the remaining blessing) I Kings 17:
8-16
C. Dream place is awarded (Enoch went to Heaven)
D. Next generation participate of the blessings (Methuselah fruitful years!
IV. Sometimes our faith is tested.
A: To Abel
I: Cain his brother
II: Death
Conclusion
Start today, live a life full of faith. Remember your faith will bring the unseen and
impossible things into reality. Listen to what the writer of Hebrews says ”
But without
faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.