In a season where our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is a good time to look to the Lord. He is the starter, the sovereign, and savior of all nations. However, the nation that puts their trust in Him is blessed. Our nation is not a Christian nation but has been graced by individuals who were followers of Christ and were impactful in their time. One man, Roger Sherman, was a man who was unashamed of his faith. He was solid in his beliefs. He also impacted our Declaration and our Constitution.

The whole of the Christian life can be described as knowing and being like Christ. Ultimately, in the end that knowledge and practice will be complete reality in glory. However, in this life that process requires an athletic type of endurance to do well in this life.

This lesson is a continuation of last week. A new believer needs to understand that they are secure in their salvation. It is not based on their effort, but the finished work of Christ. The Father and Son play a major role in securing the believer right on through eternity.

After seeing all sorts of "witnesses" to living by faith, now Hebrews highlights the better example for us. Jesus lived life and He did so with faith in His Father's will. He suffered even till death without wavering. The believer needs to look to Christ while laying aside weights and sin. The believer will finish the race with endurance.

In warning the Philippians about false teachers, Paul gives himself as an example of salvation. He realized that all of his achievements and righteousness was nothing greater than garbage. However, in Christ he had gain. He had a righteousness in Christ that pleased God. He had the opportunity to grow in his fellowship and knowledge of God. He looked forward to final salvation when his body would experience resurrection from the dead.

The first issue a new believer faces is the question of whether or not they can lose their salvation. The Bible gives many assurances and pictures of the safety that a believer has in Christ.

Though in the previous verses, faith delivers in the face of great opposition. However, in this section, faith does not deliver individuals from difficult situations; it takes them through difficulties. From a human perspective, these people failed. However, from God's perspective, these people are worthy of honor. They continued to look ahead to the greater promises that God offers after this life.

Paul starts to close his letter, but then goes on to warn the believers of false teachers who promote works and achievements for salvation. If anyone could make a claim on achievements, it was Paul. He cast these things aside, when he saw Christ.

This lesson on salvation deals with what Christ has done for salvation. It also addresses the need for repentance and faith.

The writer of Hebrews in this section has us running through the exhibits of individuals in the Hall of Faith. He lists all sorts of people who lived by faith. The list is somewhat shocking because many of the individuals have obvious flaws. Yet the writer of Hebrews reminds us that God is able to do great things through flawed individuals. Believers are not perfect, yet if they live in faith towards God, He can do some incredible things through them.