HOPE IN THE WORD CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES International

2nd WORSHIP SERVICE

PTR. BRIAN TRACY L. DOMINGUEZ, Elder – Youth Pastor

August 22, 2010

Hebrews 11:6, King James Version

Hebreo 11:6, Ang Biblia

Perhaps no other doctrine caused as much turmoil during the Reformation as Sola Fide.

It was the very doctrine that prompted Martin Luther in his 95 theses (Oct. 31, 1517) to challenge the Roman Catholic position of indulgences.

The starting point of the REFORMATION.

- Excerpt from the Sermon on the 5 Solas last January 31, 2010 by Ptr. Brian L. Dominguez

πιστις, pistis (Greek) means “reliance,” “trust.”

The history of the English word is rather interesting than important; use and contexts, alike for it and its Hebrew and Greek parallels, are the surest guides to meaning.

But we may note that it occurs in the form “feyth,” in Havelok the Dane (13th century); that it is similar to fides (Latin) and this again to the Sanskrit root bhidh, “to unite,” “to bind.”

It is worth while to recall this primeval suggestion of the spiritual work of faith, as that which, on man's side, unites him to God for salvation.

- Based from the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

It is important to notice that Hebrews 11:1 is no exception to the rule that “faith” normally means “reliance,” “trust.”

There “Faith is the substance (or possibly, in the light of recent inquiries into the type of Greek used by New Testament writers, “the guaranty”) of things hoped for, the evidence (or “convincing proof”) of things not seen.”

This is sometimes interpreted as if faith is a faculty of second sight, a mysterious intuition into the spiritual world.

This view of faith is explained by many examples of persons in former times, who obtained a good report, or an honourable character in the word of God.

Faith was the principle of their holy obedience, remarkable services, and patient sufferings.

The Bible gives the most true and exact accounts of the MEN AND WOMEN OF FAITH.

Our Scripture Text today enumerates the men and women of faith… and their rewards for their faith.

HEBREWS 11: 1 – 33

While these verses mention great victory—there is a victory that may not seem so...

(At least in the world’s standards...)

35b. But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life.

36 Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons.

37 Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated.

38 They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

Other believers were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn away from God.

These faithful people experienced the blessings and endured persecution because they placed their hope in the resurrection.

These people lived by faith because they knew that gaining the world and achieving this world’s success was not their objective.

They waited for a better life that would begin after death. This promise of a better life encouraged them during persecution and other difficulties.

From 33 AD to 313 AD (until Edict of Milan) Nearly 300 years of severe persecution of

FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS (under the cruelty of the Roman Empire and its emperors).

Floggings, Stonings, Gladiator Combats, Imprisonments, Stake Burnings, Injustice, etc.

13. It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth.

14. Those who say such things make it clear that they are

looking for a country of their own.

15. They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return.

16. Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them.

GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS by…

YES – if its GOOD FOR US.NO – if its NOT BENEFICIAL

FOR US.WAIT – if God has a better idea

for our future.

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 

17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 

18 But even if he doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Teach me to TRUST in YOU with all of my heart

To LEAN not on my own understanding…‘Cause I just forget… you won’t give me

what I can bear…TAKE ME OUT OF THE DARK MY LORD,

I don’t wanna be there…