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One of the key words that any diligent student of Scripture knows to key on is the word “therefore.”  Often in the New Testament, the word “therefore” serves as a transition between instruction about “how things are,” and “what we should then do.”  By “how things are,” we mean things like:  who God is, and what He has done for us in Christ, and what the believer’s identity is in Christ.  Faithful living is always rooted in an understanding of truths such as these.  Faithful living is also active living.  We are called to do certain things in light of the truths we know.  We have learned much about faith during our study of Hebrews 11.  Now that we are established in this truth, we are prepared for a call to active obedience.  We are ready to hear the “therefore.”  Our text for Sunday is Hebrews 12:1-3.      Download MP3 Audio

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The writer of Hebrews has led us through Faith’s ‘Hall of Fame’. We have been in awe of the faith of the ancients as we have seen their unwavering trust and obedience. As this chapter is brought to a close perhaps we expect a final exhortation to learn from their example. What the author, however, gives us is something much more. We learn that we—through our faith—are part of the story. God ultimately has one program, and everyone who experiences redemption is part of that agenda. It is only by Christ Jesus, the Superior Sacrifice, and the Superior High Priest who established a Superior Covenant that any of us reach the goal of our faith. Because of Him, we all arrive at the goal together. We complete Hebrews chapter 11 on Sunday morning. Download MP3 Audio

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This week’s presidential visit to Kalamazoo will long be remembered by most of the students of Kalamazoo Central High School. One embarrassed student, however, won’t have clear memories of the president’s speech, as he was unable to stay awake while the President gave his remarks. Fortunately for him, he will be able to watch the speech—and himself--on YouTube for the rest of his life. The writer of Hebrews has been delivering a great sermon on faith in chapter Hebrews 11. Still, even he realizes that an audience cannot listen or read endlessly. There will always be more that could be said then needs to be said. He confesses in verse 32, that he doesn’t have time to continue to develop all the Old Testament heroes of faith and the record of their deeds. While that may be true, the author isn’t finished drawing lessons for us from the record of faithful people. We will spend this week and next finishing this chapter, and considering God’s message for us in these verses. Download MP3 Audio