2 months ago

Pastor Martin continues teaching through Hebrews 11,
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Happy Saint Patrick's Day! As we celebrate this festive occasion, let's delve into the profound lessons of faith, drawing insights from the stories of Abraham and the Exodus. Join us on this spiritual journey as we explore the scriptures and reflect on the significance of faith in our lives.

To kick off our Easter Celebration Week schedule, here's what's in store:
- **Palm Sunday**: Join us at our regular time for a special service.
- **Good Friday - March 29th, 6:30 PM**: Come together for a solemn observance.
- **Sonrise Service - March 31st, 5:30 AM**: Witness the dawn of Easter with a beautiful sunrise service.
- **Sonrise Breakfast - March 31st, 7:00-9:00 AM**: Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fellow believers.
- **Easter Service - March 31st, 9:30 AM**: Celebrate the resurrection of Christ with a joyous service.

\Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims (alien alongside - resident foreigners) on the earth.

Our reflection begins with Hebrews 11:13, highlighting the faith of those who lived in anticipation of God's promises, acknowledging their status as strangers and pilgrims on earth. Through Ephesians 2:18-22, we understand that through Christ, we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints, united in the household of God.

Exploring the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as outlined in Hebrews 11:14-16, we see a common desire for a heavenly homeland. Abraham's faith, particularly, is exemplified in his willingness to dwell as a foreigner in the land of promise, awaiting the city built by God.
Heb 11:14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham (including Isaac and Jacob- SEE vs 9 below), and Sarah
Heb 11:9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
Heb 11:10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Heb 11:15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.

Continuing with Hebrews 11:15, we see the consequences of longing for past comforts, as seen in the Israelites' murmuring during their wilderness journey. Despite God's miraculous provision, they longed to return to Egypt, emphasizing the danger of looking back.

Jesus' admonition in Luke 9:62 reminds us of the importance of pressing forward in faith, without looking back, as we journey towards the heavenly country prepared for us by God.

Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Joh 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' "

Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Heb 11:18 of whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED,"
Heb 11:19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

The passage concludes with the ultimate test of faith endured by Abraham, as recounted in Genesis 22. Abraham's willingness to offer his only son, Isaac, demonstrates unwavering trust in God's promises, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Through these reflections on faith, we are challenged to emulate the steadfastness of Abraham, resisting the temptation to dwell on past comforts and pressing forward with unwavering trust in God's promises. As we journey through life, may we fix our eyes on the heavenly homeland prepared for us, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises to those who believe.

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