Continuing through the 12th chapter of this amazing letter, we see the author stressing the importance of the Christian community. He also offers a warning to not be another Esau...someone in the presence of the glories of God's covenant, who only realized what they had despised when it was too late.

Returning to Hebrews 11, we continue to see the great examples of faith recording for us there. Today, we will look at the amazing events wherein God delivered the city of Jericho into the hands of His people. The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that it was by faith that the walls came tumbling down-

Having noted the pattern in which difficulties lead to growth, we are reminded that, although God could remove all difficulties from our path, He allows us to go through them. This is not for a wrathful purpose, but rather His means of our sanctification for His glory and our good!

Today, we continue through the 11th chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews, looking at Moses in the Exodus. Moses is called by God to lead the people out of Egypt. At every point, Moses must walk by faith, trusting God's deliverance.

Continuing in Hebrews 12, we are called to consider the example of Jesus, who endured the cross for sinners. We consider this text as we gather to partake of the Lord's Supper.

Entering the 12th chapter, we are encouraged to see our Christian life as a race for God's glory! So we are to look unto Jesus and lay aside everything that would slow us down. Let us run the heavenly race!

As we continue through Hebrews 11, we see a moment of decision for Moses. Though he has grown up in Pharaoh's palace with every advantage, he is truly an Israelite. Will he continue in luxury or identify with the suffering people of God. Hebrews tells us that Moses would -rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.-

Continuing through the examples of faith offered in Hebrews 11, we come to Moses' parents who defied Pharaoh's command. In these events we see not only the great danger the parents faced, but the mighty providence of God in delivering Moses -and ultimately His people-.

As we bring the 11th chapter of Hebrews to a close, we consider the author's reminder that he could have provided many additional examples of faith in the history of the Old Testament, but it should not be necessary. The history of God's dealings with man is the call to faithfulness despite the often difficult circumstances of the lives of God's servants. Yet they all have one thing in common: faith. Even so, while they foresaw the promise of better things, and were saved by faith in that promise, the promise would come to us in the fullness of time.

Continuing through Hebrews 11, our inspired author turns his focus to the Patriarchs, specifically looking to the examples of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. In all of these cases, as they reached the end of their earthly journeys, they demonstrated faith in the promises of God.