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In today's Spiritual Foundation Episode, I talk about Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16. I share how it's not about fear or frustration or escapism but about the vision of something better that we are called to. I also share how faith is assurance and conviction in the vision before it is realized. Show Notes and Resources.
This particular Sunday's reading from Hebrews presented us with the classic definition of faith. Can you call it to mind? Faith is far more than a feeling. Scripture labels as faith a thing or ability that “sees” a long, long way beyond what human senses can confirm in the moment. In other words, it's Holy Spirit-inspired perceiving/believing. Language fails, but somehow faith is a thing you can stand on and trust that you won't fall, but at the same time it's a super sense can gaze far into the unknown. That's what the ancients were commended for. They never received the promised made to them while living, but they still saw them way off in the distance and waved at them. Waiving at the future. What faith! Do you have the faith to wave at the future God has prepared for you? Join us!
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”~CS Lewis 20th century British writer and theologian. “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you...' So Abram went, as the Lord had told him.”~Genesis 12:1 & 4 (ESV) “In exile here we wander: In heaven is our abode. The city of the angels, the city of our God. And here we toil, and strive, and fight. With sin and woe oprest, there God will give the sons of light eternal joy and rest.”~“In Exile Here We Wander” (1872), William Cook 19th Century British pastor and hymnwriter SERMON PASSAGEHebrews 11:8-16 (ESV) 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Pastor Seth Troutt delivers a sermon on Hebrews 11, exploring the impact of faith in the lives of biblical figures such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah.Through these faith-filled case studies, Pastor Seth challenges the common misconception that being focused on God's promises for eternity diminishes our effectiveness on earth. Drawing from the examples in the "Faith Hall of Fame," he illustrates how their preoccupation with God's promises led to actions that left a lasting legacy.This sermon is part of our ongoing series in Hebrews, aiming to inspire and equip you to live a life of active faith that contributes positively to your community and the world. Join us as we deepen our understanding of how true faith marries heavenly aspirations with earthly impact.00:00 - Introduction06:55 - Abel offered13:06 - Enoch walked22:11 - Noah constructed26:13 - Abraham obeyed34:36 - Sarah received**HOW TO FIND US*** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@IronwoodChurchAZFACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodchurchaz/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwood.church/WEBSITE https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/
Sermon: "A Better Country" by Pastor Rik Bailey
Hebrews 11:8-22 – Faith and a Better Country
[sermon_banner] This morning, we conclude our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, in Hebrews 12:1-3, we look to Jesus the final - and ultimate - example of faith and faithful endurance, and we see how we can endure in faith, by keeping our eyes fixed on him. [sermon_media_line]
Today we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, as we conclude this chapter, we consider the faith of those who were ridiculed, attacked, driven out, and put to death for their faith in God. Their testimony points to the necessity of enduring by faith for a better present, while looking to a better future.
What does it truly mean to be wealthy? Is it just about money, or something deeper? In this powerful episode of The Story Engine Podcast, we sit down with Jerremy Newsome to explore his incredible journey—building and losing millions, discovering spiritual healing, and finding a deeper purpose. Jerremy shares how a life-changing moment in a self-development course shattered his old beliefs and led him to a new definition of prosperity. He also reveals a bold vision for the future—his new podcast, Solving America's Problems, and his ultimate goal: running for President in 2032. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:03:31] – The moment that changed everything: A question that left Jerremy speechless and redefined his approach to life. ⏳ [00:08:56] – The five levels of spirituality and how they impact wealth, success, and fulfillment. ⏳ [00:16:46] – Jerremy's latest project: A podcast tackling America's biggest challenges—education, politics, and unity. ⏳ [00:37:42] – The childhood vision Jerremy kept secret for decades (and why he's finally stepping into it). ⏳ [00:44:55] – Kyle reflects Jerremy's story back to him in an unforgettable moment of storytelling mastery. This is an episode filled with wisdom, transformation, and an inspiring call to action. Listen now on The Story Engine Podcast.
This morning, we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through portraits of ancient believers. Today, we consider the faith of Samuel and the prophets. Samuel is an exemplar of the persevering faith of all the prophets. And together, they teach us of a faith that sees God as our King, worthy of our trust- despite appearances to the contrary.
In this podcast episode I bring on a guest to discuss christiniy in government. How religion can reshape the values of morals of modern society. Feel free to learn more about my guest through his book in the discription. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300273540/cross-purposes/
In this podcast episode I bring on a guest to discuss christiniy in government. How religion can reshape the values of morals of modern society. Feel free to learn more about my guest through his book in the discription. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300273540/cross-purposes/
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16) They did not receive the things promised. But they believed anyway. There are some moments in our lives when we feel like everything is going right. Life is good, our family is good, work is good, and the sun is shining. It is good to feel like we're living our best life. And sometimes we do feel that way. But there are plenty of other times when the ground feels to have slipped out from beneath our feet. Something or someone in our home, work, or school context feels threatening. Our health is compromised. Someone we have a relationship with leaves or abandons us. In those moments, we are reminded of how few and fleeting are the threads that hold up our security and sense of well being. What we often fail to recognize however, is that this is also the proper context in which to really understand the meaning of our faith—because it is the truest sense we ever get of our real situation. We've always lived precariously. Nothing has ever been guaranteed. Death, suffering, and hardship are far more often the norm in human history than peace, order, and good government or life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No one fully receives all the things promised until we arrive at life's end or Christ's return. Citizenship in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous country (which both Canada and the United States are, despite what any politician might say to the contrary) can lull us away from the admission of Hebrews that in fact, we are all foreigners and strangers on earth. If our country on earth is pretty good—why would we look for a better country—a heavenly one? So in those moments of feeling unsettled—say, when a pastor leaves, or a death occurs, or some other unsettling anxiety sweeps through your life—take it as an opportunity to live by faith and not by sight. Remember and believe that it is God who has promised us life and a future: not our RRSP, our children, our legacy, our government, or our or next vacation. Remember that our lives are lived in trust in God, and that our eyes ought always to be straining just beyond what we are given, to see Jesus who beckons us onward until we arrive finally and fully at our home with him. Then what we see now only as a poor reflection will be replaced with seeing our God, face to face. Then we shall know fully, even as we are fully known. Then only the good things like faith, hope, and love will remain. The greatest of which, is God's own love. This is what our lives finally rest upon. Because God loves us, he “is not ashamed to be called [our] God, for he has prepared a city for [us].” A home, with him. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
I. Embrace your true identity, v13 II. Embrace your only home, vv14-16a. III. Embrace your high privilege, v16b.
This morning, we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at a young David who is set apart by faith, rather than the fear of his countrymen, when beholding a fearful enemy. From our text we will learn how to conquer faith-faltering fear through entrusting ourselves to David's Deliverer.
Message from John Maynez on January 5, 2025
Today we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at Jephthah, the last of the judges in Hebrews 11:32, to learn from his faith in God's sovereign deliverance, considering how our faith in Christ's deliverance from sin leads us to persevere amidst our trials.
This morning, we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at the life of Samson, who starts as a strong man but is revealed to be weak and ends as a weak man who is stronger than ever. How? Through Faith. May we be encouraged to do likewise.
President-Elect Donald J. Trump is set to change our great nation in PROFOUND ways. Are other Americans ready to do the hard work to improve this country after he clears the path? BND host Mike Slater has some thoughts on this important subject matter and he'd like to share them with you!Following the opener, Slater speaks to U.S. Senator Ron Johsnon (R-WI) who opines on what's about to happen with Trump's cabinet picks (will they be confirmed or not?) and what he and his colleagues need to do to hit the ground running from a legislative sense once 2025 rolls around!
We continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we dig into the faith of Barak, a military captain in the time of the judges. Like Barak, by faith, we are to follow God who has marched ahead to free us from sin and evil.
When a relationship or friendship gets tested, usually the people in the relationship at some point have to get back on the same page. Doubts and misconceptions have to be overcome. This even had to happen between Abram and the Lord, and the way the Lord did this was to make a covenant of grace. In this message, we learn especially about the promise of a homeland. Through the death of Christ, this promise is made certain.
This morning we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we get to the surprising inclusion of Gideon, one of the Judges of Israel. We'll see through Gideon's example, that our faith can overcome our fears as we look to Christ's work on our behalf and presence with us by his Spirit.
Today we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we consider the faith of Joshua as he leads God's people at the conquest of Jericho, and of Rahab the prostitute, who was from Jericho. Together, they ultimately point us to a faith that perseveres and receives its inheritance, in Christ.
Faith: Desiring a Better Country | Hebrews 11:1-16 | 072124 by Corey
This morning we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today we consider the faith of Joseph, at the end of his life. He is an example for us to have faith that God will do all that he promises, in his perfect timing. As a result, we can live a life that glorifies him, despite our circumstances.
Today we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we consider how Jacob's final hours, spent in blessing and worship, point us to the faith that transforms us to a life of increasing worship.
This morning we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at an episode of Isaac's life that seems more like a soap opera than a model of faithfulness. But through our text we will see how faith entrusts future blessing to God by submitting to His sovereign will.
Today we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at the monumental figure of Moses as an example of a faith that overcomes unimaginable obstacles; a faith that instills courage in the face of death.
These are chaotic and weird times and a lot is being asked of us - we must believe what we are seeing and know that God is in control. Neither Trump nor Biden seem to have our best interests- they are both self-serving. Truths are being revealed it is your job to believe it and know we can build a better box! Faith is required ☑️ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/madlove/message
I just made it through Shelob's lair in Cirith Ungol. It seemed like the quest to destroy the ring had died with a stab in the neck to Frodo by Shelob, the huge spider that haunts this dark passage and has lived there time out of mind in malice and death. It was a near thing but that is just the beginning of the trouble of Frodo and Sam. I am almost through my annual trek through Middle Earth and perhaps the hardest part of the whole quest is the thirteen days Frodo and Sam face in Mordor after Sam finds Frodo. It is a test of endurance. Small folk in a hostile environment, with the weight of the ring so heavy Sam must carry Frodo. Nothing is easy, nothing is safe, terror is around them and also in them. They are physically beat, emotionally exhausted, harassed by Gollum and plagued with doubt—doubt that almost undoes the whole quest in the end—and yet they endured. To put yourself inside the story is almost too much to bear. Our text in Hebrews reminded me a lot of that this morning. We start a new sermon series this week called A Better Country and will be looking at faith that endures. Basically, we have Israel's story told through individuals that—by faith in the promise of a better country, a better home—endured, no matter the cost or circumstance. This week, however, we will be content to merely define what enduring faith is and then look at the tapestry of the lives of God's people, a great cloud of witnesses to the faithfulness of God to his promises. Teri and I are just back from the Bahamas and, let me tell you, it is something! And yet, as glorious as it was, I started to long for home, and I can't wait to be with you on Sunday.
I just made it through Shelob's lair in Cirith Ungol. It seemed like the quest to destroy the ring had died with a stab in the neck to Frodo by Shelob, the huge spider that haunts this dark passage and has lived there time out of mind in malice and death. It was a near thing but that is just the beginning of the trouble of Frodo and Sam. I am almost through my annual trek through Middle Earth and perhaps the hardest part of the whole quest is the thirteen days Frodo and Sam face in Mordor after Sam finds Frodo. It is a test of endurance. Small folk in a hostile environment, with the weight of the ring so heavy Sam must carry Frodo. Nothing is easy, nothing is safe, terror is around them and also in them. They are physically beat, emotionally exhausted, harassed by Gollum and plagued with doubt—doubt that almost undoes the whole quest in the end—and yet they endured. To put yourself inside the story is almost too much to bear. Our text in Hebrews reminded me a lot of that this morning. We start a new sermon series this week called A Better Country and will be looking at faith that endures. Basically, we have Israel's story told through individuals that—by faith in the promise of a better country, a better home—endured, no matter the cost or circumstance. This week, however, we will be content to merely define what enduring faith is and then look at the tapestry of the lives of God's people, a great cloud of witnesses to the faithfulness of God to his promises. Teri and I are just back from the Bahamas and, let me tell you, it is something! And yet, as glorious as it was, I started to long for home, and I can't wait to be with you on Sunday.
Today we continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at the maturing faith of Abraham in response to God's command to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise.
We continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we look at the obedient faith of Abraham and Sarah that led them from all they knew to a pilgrimage seeking an inheritance formed by God himself.
We continue our series in Hebrews 11, Living Forward to a Better Country, where the author of Hebrews calls us to faithful endurance through the portraits of ancient believers. Today, we consider the example of Noah, whose reverent and active faith serves as an example of how we, as heirs of righteousness by faith, are to live today in light of Christ's future return.
Elena Romanenko moved to Australia from Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion began and found work in Brisbane with a company helping people with disabilities. - Елена Романенко переехала в Австралию из Украины после начала полномасштабного вторжения России в Украину. Недавно она нашла работу в Брисбене в компании, помогающей людям с ограниченными возможностями здоровья.
What does it mean to live together well? To be thriving communities of unique people where trust runs deep, differences does not threaten, and power is not abused? What would make people safe to be vulnerable enough to have deep and meaningful relationships? Marsh Moyle's book Rumours of a Better Country addresses our hunger for justice and a better way of living by awakening our moral imagination to the potential of trust. Drawing on ancient wisdom and looking through the lens of daily reality, it shows trust and trustworthiness are the foundation for any meaningful freedom. The Copyright for all material on the podcast is held by L'Abri Fellowship. We ask that you respect this by not publishing the material in full or in part in any format or post it on a website without seeking prior permission from L'Abri Fellowship. Also, note that not all views expressed in the lectures or in the discussion time necessarily represent the views of L'Abri Fellowship. © Canadian L'Abri 2020
Disclaimer: We are not professionals. This podcast is opinioned based and from life experience. This is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions helped by our guests may not reflect our own. But we love a good conversation.
Hyper-individualism and consumerism are failing to satisfy our hunger for meaning. We face an identity crisis in which real community is increasingly hard to find. The culture wars have been painful and polarising and have proved a poor way to agree any kind of moral standards. Is it even possible to find a vision for goodness that can bring us together?Rumours of a Better Country addresses our hunger for justice and a better way of living by awakening our moral imagination to the potential of a trusting community. Drawing on ancient wisdom and looking through the lens of daily reality, it shows how trust and trustworthiness must be the foundation for any kind of meaningful freedom.Join us in celebrating the launch of Marsh Moyle's book: “Rumours of a Better Country: Searching for trust and community in a time of moral outrage". To view a transcript of this lecture, listen here. For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over one thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com
Heaven is known as the Better Country...
Session 1 on Cultivating "Better Country" Affections at the Compass Men's Retreat on 10/26/23 by Charlie Matz.Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley is located in Meridian, Idaho.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/
Session 2 on Living Like Strangers & Exiles at the Compass Men's Retreat on 10/27/23 by Ben Blakey.Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley is located in Meridian, Idaho.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/
Session 3 on Mastering Delayed Gratification at the Compass Men's Retreat on 10/27/23 by Josiah Smith.Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley is located in Meridian, Idaho.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/
Session 4 on Anticipating the Perfect King at the Compass Men's Retreat on 10/28/23 by Charlie Matz.Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley is located in Meridian, Idaho.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/
Session 4 on Anticipating the Perfect King at the Compass Men's Retreat on 10/28/23 by Charlie Matz.Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley is located in Meridian, Idaho.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/
Compared to eternity, our grief is only a moment in time. The saddest heart can be assured that “the things that are seen are transient, but things that are unseen are eternal.” Keep scanning your eyes for heaven's horizon because you'll be reunited with loved ones someday soon.