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What does it look like to live by faith? The answer to that question will help us understand what the writer of Hebrews meant when he wrote, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Understanding this question begins just before and just after Hebrews 11. When we consider the context of this chapter (often referred to as the Hall of Faith), we gain a better understanding of what it means for the just to walk by faith.

What we find just before Hebrews 11 is an encouragement to not “cast away your confidence…” (Hebrews 10:35) followed by an exhortation to endure and believe (10:36-39). Likewise, just after Hebrews 11, we are encouraged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1)

And in Hebrews 11, we read of men and women who clung to their confidence in the Lord and ran the race in the faith they received as a gift. Running as we should run—looking to Jesus and living in faith and by faith. Their examples of endurance give us encouragement as we “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Watch a replay of our live stream or listen to the audio of our study as we explore what living by faith looks like.

Christmas Eve Worship Service

Christmas Eve, 4pm

Join us for a special Christmas Eve worship service as we gather to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus—Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Service starts at 4pm in the Regency Venue. Invite your friends and family!

Parking

If you are new to Refuge (or if you're just looking for a closer parking spot) we want you to know that there are 4 options for parking around the Regency Venue.

Back parking lot (on the south side of the building—entry on 1st Street S)
St. Mary’s lot (entry on 1st Street S)
St. Germain street level (metered parking is not enforced on Sundays)
Paramount Parking Ramp (entry on 1st Street N; free on Sundays)

Be Encouraged

Abel, Enoch, and Noah.

Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac.

Jacob, Joseph, and Moses.

And even a harlot named Rahab.

By faith, the writer of Hebrews tells us that each one of these witnesses offered, obeyed, built, received, blessed…and in doing so, gave us an example of what it looks like to live by faith.

In fact, we find that phrase—“by faith”—18 times in this chapter. They demonstrated the determination that faith provides in looking past what seems impossible to the God who makes all things possible. They showed us that living by faith means trusting in God’s word—and His word alone. They modeled what it looks like to move forward in faith, even if the fulfillment of His word would not be seen in their lifetime.

In the very next chapter, the writer of Hebrews will remind us of this great cloud of witnesses, these men and women who lived by faith, as he encourages us to run the race that is set before us. So run the race that’s set before you—by faith, with your eyes on Jesus.