Faith Receives From God

Hebrews 11
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Pastor Colin emphasises that faith enables believers to receive from God that which they previously lacked. Using Sarah’s narrative as a foundation, the sermon explores how we, too, can receive from God. Colin underscores the importance of believing in God’s promises, as illustrated by Sarah’s eventual trusting in the promise made to her and Abraham—despite initial disbelief.

The sermon weaves through the tale of Abraham and Sarah’s prolonged wait for a child, culminating in the miraculous birth of Isaac when both were advanced in years. The key message is that faith is not just belief but a means to receive God’s promises, as faith in God carries the power to transform impossibility into reality. Colin exhorts listeners to also consider what they need to receive from God and to do so by faith.

In conclusion, Pastor Colin reminds us that faith not only receives power from God and rests on His promises but also advances His purpose. Through Sarah’s faith, a lineage leading to Christ was established, ultimately encompassing a countless multitude embodying God’s redemptive work. The sermon closes with a prayer, seeking greater faith and the willingness to ask and receive from God according to His promises in Christ Jesus.

1 00:00:00,920 –> 00:00:04,540 Well, please open your Bible at Hebrews and chapter 11 2 00:00:04,540 –> 00:00:09,240 as we continue our series entitled, Living by Faith. 3 00:00:09,240 –> 00:00:12,640 We’ve been learning that faith is like a living tree 4 00:00:12,640 –> 00:00:16,240 that’s bursting with all kinds of good fruit. 5 00:00:16,240 –> 00:00:18,000 And we’ve been looking at the fruit 6 00:00:18,000 –> 00:00:21,799 that faith brings in the life of a Christian believer. 7 00:00:21,799 –> 00:00:24,000 We’ve seen that faith listens to God. 8 00:00:24,000 –> 00:00:26,420 We saw that from the life of Abel. 9 00:00:26,420 –> 00:00:28,920 We’ve seen that faith walks with God. 10 00:00:28,959 –> 00:00:31,780 We saw that from the story of Enoch. 11 00:00:31,780 –> 00:00:34,220 We’ve seen that faith fears God 12 00:00:34,220 –> 00:00:36,320 and we see that in the story of Noah 13 00:00:36,320 –> 00:00:38,540 and that faith obeys God. 14 00:00:38,540 –> 00:00:41,980 And we saw that in the story of Abraham. 15 00:00:41,980 –> 00:00:46,980 Now, today we are coming to something very wonderful indeed. 16 00:00:47,619 –> 00:00:52,619 We’re going to see that faith receives from God 17 00:00:53,340 –> 00:00:58,040 and we see that in the life of Sarah. 18 00:00:58,040 –> 00:01:01,040 Verse 11 of Hebrews and chapter 11, 19 00:01:01,040 –> 00:01:06,040 “‘By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive 20 00:01:09,160 –> 00:01:12,680 “‘even when she was past the age 21 00:01:12,680 –> 00:01:17,180 “‘since she considered him faithful who had promised.’” 22 00:01:17,180 –> 00:01:20,919 Now, notice the word received in this verse. 23 00:01:20,919 –> 00:01:23,120 That really is the key word, 24 00:01:23,120 –> 00:01:28,099 by faith Sarah herself received, 25 00:01:28,099 –> 00:01:31,500 faith receives from God. 26 00:01:31,500 –> 00:01:33,500 Faith in other words brings you 27 00:01:33,500 –> 00:01:35,860 into the possession of that 28 00:01:35,860 –> 00:01:38,959 which you did not have before. 29 00:01:38,959 –> 00:01:40,559 Now, today we’re going to look 30 00:01:40,559 –> 00:01:43,839 at Sarah’s remarkable story. 31 00:01:43,839 –> 00:01:47,080 We’re going to see how she received 32 00:01:47,080 –> 00:01:48,680 by faith from God, 33 00:01:48,680 –> 00:01:50,540 and then we’re going to look at 34 00:01:50,580 –> 00:01:53,419 how by faith we can receive 35 00:01:53,419 –> 00:01:55,019 from God today. 36 00:01:55,019 –> 00:01:57,260 And at the end of the message, 37 00:01:57,260 –> 00:01:59,260 we’re going to ask this question 38 00:01:59,260 –> 00:02:02,400 and it’s a really important question. 39 00:02:02,400 –> 00:02:06,980 Do you need to receive from the hand of God today? 40 00:02:06,980 –> 00:02:09,179 What do you need to receive? 41 00:02:09,179 –> 00:02:11,479 And may it be that by God’s grace 42 00:02:11,479 –> 00:02:13,179 and through faith, 43 00:02:13,179 –> 00:02:16,360 we will receive what we need 44 00:02:16,360 –> 00:02:18,660 according to his promise 45 00:02:18,660 –> 00:02:21,679 and by means of faith. 46 00:02:22,740 –> 00:02:25,279 Now, the story begins 47 00:02:25,279 –> 00:02:27,720 with a remarkable promise 48 00:02:27,720 –> 00:02:30,440 that God gave to Abraham. 49 00:02:30,440 –> 00:02:33,520 I will bless you, God said 50 00:02:33,520 –> 00:02:38,179 and through you all of the families of the earth 51 00:02:38,179 –> 00:02:39,979 will be blessed. 52 00:02:39,979 –> 00:02:41,860 And then God said to Abraham, 53 00:02:41,860 –> 00:02:45,300 your very own son 54 00:02:45,300 –> 00:02:47,539 will be your heir. 55 00:02:47,740 –> 00:02:50,660 And then God brought Abraham outside 56 00:02:50,660 –> 00:02:52,300 to look at the night sky 57 00:02:52,300 –> 00:02:54,679 and he said, look toward heaven 58 00:02:54,679 –> 00:02:57,539 and number the stars. 59 00:02:57,539 –> 00:02:59,779 If you are able to number them. 60 00:02:59,779 –> 00:03:01,860 And then he said to Abraham, 61 00:03:01,860 –> 00:03:05,960 so shall your offspring be. 62 00:03:05,960 –> 00:03:09,259 Now this was an extraordinary promise 63 00:03:09,259 –> 00:03:11,059 for two very obvious reasons. 64 00:03:11,059 –> 00:03:15,500 The first was that Abraham and Sarah had no children. 65 00:03:15,500 –> 00:03:17,259 The second was that Abraham 66 00:03:17,360 –> 00:03:20,160 was 75 years old 67 00:03:20,160 –> 00:03:22,740 and Sarah was just a few years behind him. 68 00:03:23,699 –> 00:03:26,100 Well, after God gave the promise, 69 00:03:26,100 –> 00:03:28,720 years passed 70 00:03:28,720 –> 00:03:31,539 and every month 71 00:03:31,539 –> 00:03:33,619 brought disappointment. 72 00:03:33,619 –> 00:03:36,740 God had given a promise 73 00:03:36,740 –> 00:03:40,500 and the fulfillment was nowhere in view. 74 00:03:41,580 –> 00:03:44,559 24 years passed. 75 00:03:45,500 –> 00:03:49,520 Then God appeared to Abraham again, 76 00:03:49,520 –> 00:03:54,160 now when he was 99 years old. 77 00:03:54,160 –> 00:03:55,520 God said to Abraham, 78 00:03:55,520 –> 00:03:57,600 the Lord appeared to Abraham 79 00:03:57,600 –> 00:04:00,160 by the oaks of Mamre, we read, 80 00:04:00,160 –> 00:04:03,220 and he sat at the door of his tent 81 00:04:03,220 –> 00:04:05,679 in the heat of the day. 82 00:04:05,679 –> 00:04:08,240 What Abraham saw 83 00:04:08,240 –> 00:04:10,300 was three men 84 00:04:10,300 –> 00:04:13,080 standing in front of him 85 00:04:13,119 –> 00:04:14,960 and one of them 86 00:04:14,960 –> 00:04:17,079 was the Lord 87 00:04:17,079 –> 00:04:20,339 appearing in a visible form. 88 00:04:20,339 –> 00:04:21,760 Now, Sarah 89 00:04:21,760 –> 00:04:23,600 had gone into the tent 90 00:04:23,600 –> 00:04:24,920 to prepare a meal 91 00:04:24,920 –> 00:04:27,779 for these unexpected visitors. 92 00:04:27,779 –> 00:04:30,260 And while she was in the tent, we read, 93 00:04:30,320 –> 00:04:32,399 The Lord said, 94 00:04:32,399 –> 00:04:34,980 I will surely return to you 95 00:04:34,980 –> 00:04:37,200 at this time next year, 96 00:04:37,200 –> 00:04:39,579 and Sarah, your wife, 97 00:04:39,579 –> 00:04:42,339 shall have a son. 98 00:04:42,339 –> 00:04:44,880 Now, the scripture records 99 00:04:44,880 –> 00:04:47,739 that Sarah, inside the tent, 100 00:04:47,739 –> 00:04:50,559 heard what the Lord had said. 101 00:04:50,559 –> 00:04:53,380 And Sarah laughed to herself, 102 00:04:53,380 –> 00:04:54,799 the scripture says, saying, 103 00:04:54,799 –> 00:04:57,019 After I am worn out 104 00:04:57,019 –> 00:04:58,820 and my Lord is old, 105 00:04:59,260 –> 00:05:02,519 shall I have pleasure? 106 00:05:02,519 –> 00:05:04,339 And then we read 107 00:05:04,339 –> 00:05:05,859 that the Lord said to Abraham, 108 00:05:05,859 –> 00:05:09,119 Now, why did Sarah laugh? 109 00:05:09,119 –> 00:05:12,899 Is anything too hard for the Lord? 110 00:05:14,459 –> 00:05:15,920 Well, one year later, 111 00:05:15,920 –> 00:05:18,640 Sarah was laughing again, 112 00:05:18,640 –> 00:05:21,279 but this time in a very, very different way. 113 00:05:21,279 –> 00:05:25,220 Tears of joy were streaming down her face 114 00:05:25,220 –> 00:05:27,279 because Isaac was born 115 00:05:28,100 –> 00:05:32,779 and God’s wonderful promise was fulfilled. 116 00:05:32,779 –> 00:05:36,500 Now, that’s the story in the book of Genesis. 117 00:05:36,500 –> 00:05:40,480 And our verse in Hebrews 11 and verse 11 118 00:05:40,480 –> 00:05:44,940 gives us this God breathed commentary on the story. 119 00:05:44,940 –> 00:05:49,940 By faith, Sarah herself received power to conceive 120 00:05:51,399 –> 00:05:54,019 even when she was past age 121 00:05:54,079 –> 00:05:59,079 since she had considered Him faithful who had promised. 122 00:06:00,019 –> 00:06:01,540 Now, I want you to notice first 123 00:06:01,540 –> 00:06:04,579 the very obvious fact from this verse 124 00:06:04,579 –> 00:06:09,380 that faith receives power from God. 125 00:06:09,380 –> 00:06:11,619 Faith receives power from God. 126 00:06:11,619 –> 00:06:16,619 By faith, Sarah herself received power to conceive 127 00:06:17,459 –> 00:06:21,440 even when she was past age. 128 00:06:21,459 –> 00:06:26,459 God gave Sarah the power to conceive in her old age. 129 00:06:27,040 –> 00:06:31,920 And I want you to notice that the special emphasis here 130 00:06:31,920 –> 00:06:36,920 is on the fact that the miracle took place in Sarah. 131 00:06:37,679 –> 00:06:42,679 It was Sarah herself who received this power. 132 00:06:43,059 –> 00:06:45,859 Now, later in the book of Genesis, 133 00:06:45,859 –> 00:06:49,619 we’re told that after Sarah died, 134 00:06:49,660 –> 00:06:51,540 Abraham married again. 135 00:06:52,519 –> 00:06:57,519 And in his even older age, he had six other children 136 00:06:58,119 –> 00:07:01,279 with his second wife, Keturah. 137 00:07:01,279 –> 00:07:03,399 So it’s very clear from that fact 138 00:07:03,399 –> 00:07:05,839 that although Abraham was old, 139 00:07:05,839 –> 00:07:09,640 he was not beyond becoming a father. 140 00:07:09,640 –> 00:07:13,619 The miracle of Isaac’s conception 141 00:07:13,619 –> 00:07:18,420 took place in the power that came to Sarah. 142 00:07:18,420 –> 00:07:23,420 And that is why the spotlight here is on Sarah’s faith. 143 00:07:23,440 –> 00:07:27,200 Sarah herself believed 144 00:07:27,200 –> 00:07:32,200 and by faith, she received power from God. 145 00:07:34,420 –> 00:07:37,440 Now notice this, that Sarah received something 146 00:07:37,440 –> 00:07:39,200 that she did not have before. 147 00:07:39,200 –> 00:07:41,820 Power came to her. 148 00:07:41,820 –> 00:07:44,500 And because power came to her, 149 00:07:44,500 –> 00:07:46,279 she was able to do something 150 00:07:46,320 –> 00:07:50,279 that she could not otherwise possibly have done. 151 00:07:50,279 –> 00:07:52,279 So here’s the principle that we’re learning 152 00:07:52,279 –> 00:07:54,839 and that we must apply to ourselves today. 153 00:07:54,839 –> 00:07:59,239 God is able to give you the strength you need 154 00:07:59,239 –> 00:08:02,440 to meet the challenge that you face. 155 00:08:02,440 –> 00:08:06,040 And this theme of receiving power 156 00:08:06,040 –> 00:08:10,140 runs all the way throughout the New Testament scriptures. 157 00:08:10,140 –> 00:08:12,700 You remember that the Lord Jesus commissioned 158 00:08:12,700 –> 00:08:17,459 the eleven men to make disciples of all nations. 159 00:08:17,459 –> 00:08:19,760 Well, that was something that was clearly 160 00:08:19,760 –> 00:08:22,459 beyond their ability and their capacity, 161 00:08:22,459 –> 00:08:23,839 but Jesus said to them, 162 00:08:23,839 –> 00:08:28,799 you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. 163 00:08:30,859 –> 00:08:33,460 Now, what did that look like in practice? 164 00:08:34,640 –> 00:08:37,179 Let me give you three illustrations 165 00:08:37,179 –> 00:08:41,619 from the life of the Apostle Paul. 166 00:08:41,619 –> 00:08:46,619 You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. 167 00:08:49,299 –> 00:08:54,020 Paul experienced power being given to him 168 00:08:54,020 –> 00:08:57,299 when his own energy was depleted. 169 00:08:59,020 –> 00:09:03,299 Colossians 1.28-29 170 00:09:03,299 –> 00:09:05,940 Paul says, him we proclaim 171 00:09:05,940 –> 00:09:10,419 that we may present everyone mature in Christ 172 00:09:10,419 –> 00:09:13,500 and for this I toil, how did he toil? 173 00:09:13,500 –> 00:09:15,419 How did he sustain his ministry? 174 00:09:15,419 –> 00:09:19,460 He tells us, struggling with all his energy 175 00:09:19,460 –> 00:09:24,299 which he so powerfully works within me. 176 00:09:25,780 –> 00:09:28,580 Now, when you take on responsibility 177 00:09:28,580 –> 00:09:32,140 there are going to be times when you ask the question, 178 00:09:32,140 –> 00:09:33,739 how do I keep going? 179 00:09:34,739 –> 00:09:37,140 How am I going to sustain this work 180 00:09:37,140 –> 00:09:38,760 that I’ve been given to do? 181 00:09:38,799 –> 00:09:41,119 And here’s your answer. 182 00:09:41,119 –> 00:09:46,119 The energy of the Holy Spirit working powerfully in you 183 00:09:48,280 –> 00:09:49,679 will sustain you. 184 00:09:51,299 –> 00:09:54,179 Then Paul knew the power of Christ upon him 185 00:09:54,179 –> 00:09:56,760 in situations of great pain. 186 00:09:57,599 –> 00:10:00,080 He tells us about a particular affliction, 187 00:10:00,080 –> 00:10:02,039 a painful affliction, 188 00:10:02,039 –> 00:10:04,979 that he endured for a long time in his life. 189 00:10:05,840 –> 00:10:07,200 And here’s what he found. 190 00:10:08,039 –> 00:10:12,020 He tells us that Christ worked powerfully 191 00:10:12,020 –> 00:10:14,679 in him, most powerfully, 192 00:10:14,679 –> 00:10:19,679 when the thorn in his flesh was at its very worst. 193 00:10:19,880 –> 00:10:22,239 He says, I will boast all the more gladly 194 00:10:22,239 –> 00:10:24,400 about my weaknesses, 195 00:10:24,400 –> 00:10:27,340 so that the power of Christ, 196 00:10:27,340 –> 00:10:29,559 the power of Christ, 197 00:10:29,559 –> 00:10:30,760 may rest on me. 198 00:10:32,640 –> 00:10:34,159 When you face pain, 199 00:10:35,039 –> 00:10:38,099 when you have a trial 200 00:10:38,099 –> 00:10:41,059 that life plunges you into, 201 00:10:41,059 –> 00:10:43,659 you may find yourself wondering, 202 00:10:43,659 –> 00:10:46,859 how can Christ possibly use me 203 00:10:46,859 –> 00:10:51,859 when I’m in the middle of facing all of this. 204 00:10:51,900 –> 00:10:53,239 And here’s your answer. 205 00:10:54,099 –> 00:10:56,419 It’s in your weakness 206 00:10:56,419 –> 00:10:59,599 that Christ’s power will rest on you. 207 00:10:59,780 –> 00:11:04,940 And Paul experienced the power of the Holy Spirit 208 00:11:04,940 –> 00:11:09,280 at a time when he faced intense loneliness. 209 00:11:10,799 –> 00:11:13,440 He tells us about an occasion 210 00:11:13,440 –> 00:11:16,739 when he was put on trial in a court of law 211 00:11:16,739 –> 00:11:20,119 because of his preaching of the gospel. 212 00:11:20,119 –> 00:11:21,559 And when he got to the court, 213 00:11:21,559 –> 00:11:24,200 he was entirely on his own. 214 00:11:24,200 –> 00:11:26,400 There wasn’t another single believer 215 00:11:26,400 –> 00:11:28,320 another friend, another person 216 00:11:28,340 –> 00:11:31,119 who was there to stand with him and give him support. 217 00:11:31,119 –> 00:11:32,820 He was all on his own. 218 00:11:33,679 –> 00:11:36,260 But he gives us this testimony. 219 00:11:36,260 –> 00:11:39,619 The Lord stood by me 220 00:11:39,619 –> 00:11:41,479 and strengthened me. 221 00:11:42,799 –> 00:11:46,559 And when you find yourself alone, 222 00:11:46,559 –> 00:11:48,440 when you find yourself asking 223 00:11:48,440 –> 00:11:51,559 how am I going to get through this? 224 00:11:51,559 –> 00:11:54,780 There are not the folks that I normally am able 225 00:11:54,780 –> 00:11:57,340 to lean on around me to help me. 226 00:11:57,419 –> 00:12:01,520 Here’s your answer as to how you’ll get through this. 227 00:12:01,520 –> 00:12:04,219 The Lord will stand with you 228 00:12:05,440 –> 00:12:09,059 and He will give you strength. 229 00:12:10,140 –> 00:12:13,479 Sarah received power. 230 00:12:15,020 –> 00:12:16,599 But I want you to notice now 231 00:12:16,599 –> 00:12:18,719 how this power came to her. 232 00:12:18,719 –> 00:12:23,440 How did she receive what God was able to give? 233 00:12:23,659 –> 00:12:28,059 The answer is that she received this power by faith, 234 00:12:28,059 –> 00:12:31,840 by faith, Sarah received power. 235 00:12:31,840 –> 00:12:35,979 God is able to give you all the strength that you need 236 00:12:35,979 –> 00:12:39,200 to meet all the challenges that you face, 237 00:12:39,200 –> 00:12:43,159 but you must receive this power by faith. 238 00:12:44,179 –> 00:12:47,440 Now, the Bible is very clear that faith 239 00:12:47,440 –> 00:12:50,340 is the means by which we receive 240 00:12:50,340 –> 00:12:52,679 from the very hand of God. 241 00:12:52,679 –> 00:12:54,880 James makes this especially clear, 242 00:12:54,880 –> 00:12:56,960 James chapter one and verse five. 243 00:12:56,960 –> 00:13:00,840 If any of you lacks wisdom, what have you to do? 244 00:13:00,840 –> 00:13:02,840 Let him ask of God. 245 00:13:03,760 –> 00:13:05,820 But then immediately after saying that, 246 00:13:05,820 –> 00:13:09,099 James says, but let him ask in faith 247 00:13:10,080 –> 00:13:12,340 with no doubting, 248 00:13:12,340 –> 00:13:14,820 for the one who doubts is like a wave 249 00:13:14,820 –> 00:13:18,520 tossed by the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 250 00:13:19,479 –> 00:13:22,400 That person must not suppose 251 00:13:22,400 –> 00:13:24,960 that he or she will receive anything 252 00:13:25,900 –> 00:13:27,739 from the hand of God. 253 00:13:28,919 –> 00:13:33,520 Now, do you see in order to receive, you must ask. 254 00:13:34,440 –> 00:13:38,640 And when you ask, you must ask with faith. 255 00:13:38,640 –> 00:13:40,460 That’s what James is saying to us, 256 00:13:40,460 –> 00:13:44,559 because without faith, you just won’t receive. 257 00:13:45,419 –> 00:13:49,719 Listen to these remarkable words of our Lord Jesus Christ 258 00:13:49,719 –> 00:13:53,119 from Mark 11 verse 24. 259 00:13:53,119 –> 00:13:54,159 Jesus said, 260 00:13:54,159 –> 00:13:57,580 therefore, I tell you, 261 00:13:57,580 –> 00:14:00,440 whatever you ask in prayer, 262 00:14:01,700 –> 00:14:05,280 believe that you have received it 263 00:14:05,280 –> 00:14:08,880 and it will be yours. 264 00:14:10,859 –> 00:14:13,940 Now, let me make a really honest confession here. 265 00:14:14,919 –> 00:14:18,479 When I read a verse like this, 266 00:14:19,479 –> 00:14:24,479 my very first instinct is to want to qualify it. 267 00:14:26,359 –> 00:14:27,460 And here’s why. 268 00:14:29,039 –> 00:14:34,039 These words of Jesus have been horribly abused 269 00:14:34,380 –> 00:14:39,520 by preachers who promise universal health and prosperity 270 00:14:40,599 –> 00:14:42,760 and encourage their hearers, 271 00:14:42,760 –> 00:14:45,239 therefore, simply to name what they want 272 00:14:45,239 –> 00:14:47,840 and to go ahead and to claim it by right. 273 00:14:49,520 –> 00:14:51,599 And it is really important 274 00:14:52,500 –> 00:14:55,359 to interpret scripture in the light of scripture. 275 00:14:55,359 –> 00:14:57,000 God doesn’t contradict himself. 276 00:14:57,000 –> 00:14:58,859 He’s not in confusion. 277 00:14:58,859 –> 00:15:01,440 So we need to ask, 278 00:15:01,440 –> 00:15:06,200 what else does scripture say in regards to our asking 279 00:15:06,200 –> 00:15:08,239 and in regards to our receiving? 280 00:15:08,239 –> 00:15:10,380 And we’ll come to that in just a moment. 281 00:15:10,380 –> 00:15:12,000 But here’s the problem. 282 00:15:13,619 –> 00:15:17,219 If our first response to any verse of scripture 283 00:15:17,219 –> 00:15:19,320 is to want to qualify it, 284 00:15:20,419 –> 00:15:25,419 then we may miss what we most need to hear. 285 00:15:27,020 –> 00:15:32,020 For example, when the Bible says God so loved the world, 286 00:15:34,500 –> 00:15:37,159 there are people who want immediately to say, 287 00:15:37,159 –> 00:15:40,080 Oh yes, but, we have to remember 288 00:15:40,320 –> 00:15:43,039 that the world is under the judgment of God, 289 00:15:44,179 –> 00:15:45,140 and that’s true, 290 00:15:46,520 –> 00:15:50,320 but you see, if you jump immediately to the truth 291 00:15:50,320 –> 00:15:52,739 that the world is under the judgment of God, 292 00:15:52,739 –> 00:15:57,739 what you miss is this marvelous truth 293 00:15:57,799 –> 00:16:01,619 that God really does love the whole world. 294 00:16:04,000 –> 00:16:07,880 The first thing to do with any verse of scripture 295 00:16:08,840 –> 00:16:12,940 is not to qualify it but to hear it. 296 00:16:14,359 –> 00:16:16,799 So when you read a verse of scripture 297 00:16:16,799 –> 00:16:20,400 if you find yourself saying yes but, 298 00:16:21,299 –> 00:16:23,000 well then stop yourself right there 299 00:16:23,000 –> 00:16:25,919 and ask what you might be missing. 300 00:16:25,919 –> 00:16:29,179 Jesus said, therefore, I tell you, 301 00:16:30,099 –> 00:16:32,979 whatever you ask in prayer, 302 00:16:32,979 –> 00:16:35,179 believe that you have received it 303 00:16:36,159 –> 00:16:38,219 and it will be yours. 304 00:16:39,559 –> 00:16:41,719 Now here’s how I’m trying to apply 305 00:16:41,719 –> 00:16:44,460 this to my life as I’ve been pondering 306 00:16:44,460 –> 00:16:46,200 it over these last days. 307 00:16:47,780 –> 00:16:52,140 How much more might we receive 308 00:16:53,559 –> 00:16:57,580 if we ask more and believe more? 309 00:16:59,359 –> 00:17:02,659 Scripture tells us that we do not have 310 00:17:02,659 –> 00:17:04,719 because we do not ask 311 00:17:05,900 –> 00:17:09,619 Scripture tells us that if we want to receive 312 00:17:09,619 –> 00:17:12,560 from the Lord, we must ask with faith 313 00:17:13,660 –> 00:17:16,819 and that if we ask with faith, 314 00:17:16,819 –> 00:17:18,020 we will receive. 315 00:17:18,979 –> 00:17:21,900 Ask and it shall be given to you. 316 00:17:22,719 –> 00:17:26,020 Seek and you will find. 317 00:17:26,020 –> 00:17:30,079 Knock and it will be opened to you. 318 00:17:31,040 –> 00:17:36,040 It was by faith that Sarah received power 319 00:17:36,239 –> 00:17:38,619 and by faith, we, too, 320 00:17:38,619 –> 00:17:42,219 can receive from the gracious hand of God. 321 00:17:43,300 –> 00:17:46,400 Brother, Sister in Christ, think about this. 322 00:17:46,400 –> 00:17:50,560 There is peace from God that you could enjoy. 323 00:17:51,599 –> 00:17:54,579 There is strength from God that you could receive. 324 00:17:55,520 –> 00:17:58,400 There is comfort from God that you could feel. 325 00:17:59,260 –> 00:18:01,959 There is grace from God that you could savor. 326 00:18:03,040 –> 00:18:07,640 There are victories from God that you could enjoy. 327 00:18:09,300 –> 00:18:11,400 Imagine arriving in heaven 328 00:18:12,680 –> 00:18:15,119 and being shown by an angel, 329 00:18:15,880 –> 00:18:18,979 a door with a sign on it that says, 330 00:18:19,319 –> 00:18:21,819 Unclaimed Treasures. 331 00:18:23,219 –> 00:18:25,260 You ask the angel, what’s behind that door? 332 00:18:26,199 –> 00:18:30,800 And the angel leads you through the door into a vast room 333 00:18:32,140 –> 00:18:35,500 where there are rows and rows of shelves 334 00:18:35,500 –> 00:18:38,260 stacked with boxes all piled high 335 00:18:38,260 –> 00:18:39,939 from the floor to the ceiling 336 00:18:39,939 –> 00:18:42,579 and all of them have a person’s name on them. 337 00:18:42,579 –> 00:18:46,040 You walk up and down the aisles between these boxes 338 00:18:46,040 –> 00:18:48,500 and eventually you come to a big box 339 00:18:49,660 –> 00:18:51,020 and it has your name on it. 340 00:18:51,140 –> 00:18:52,300 You open the box 341 00:18:56,219 –> 00:18:57,880 and you say, what is this? 342 00:19:00,500 –> 00:19:02,099 And the angel says to you, 343 00:19:03,520 –> 00:19:08,520 these are the gifts that could have been yours on earth 344 00:19:12,099 –> 00:19:17,099 but because you did not ask they remained up here. 345 00:19:17,760 –> 00:19:20,540 They remained up here. 346 00:19:23,219 –> 00:19:27,219 Oh, what peace we often forfeit. 347 00:19:29,180 –> 00:19:32,699 Oh, what needless pain we bear. 348 00:19:35,359 –> 00:19:40,359 All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. 349 00:19:48,099 –> 00:19:53,099 Faith receives power from God. 350 00:19:55,680 –> 00:19:56,859 That’s the first thing. 351 00:19:56,859 –> 00:20:01,140 Here’s the second and it’s also of great importance. 352 00:20:01,140 –> 00:20:06,140 Faith rests on the promise of God. 353 00:20:07,739 –> 00:20:11,640 Now, there are two things here as we look at these words, 354 00:20:11,640 –> 00:20:14,619 By faith Sarah received power. 355 00:20:14,619 –> 00:20:15,439 How? 356 00:20:16,260 –> 00:20:21,260 Since she considered him faithful who had promised. 357 00:20:23,619 –> 00:20:27,920 So, how did she come to receive this power? 358 00:20:27,920 –> 00:20:31,699 Well, it was to do with her knowledge of God 359 00:20:31,699 –> 00:20:34,959 and it was to do with her trust in the promise. 360 00:20:35,900 –> 00:20:39,239 Now let’s think first about the promise. 361 00:20:39,239 –> 00:20:42,800 Faith rests on God’s promise. 362 00:20:43,780 –> 00:20:48,079 Now you will have met people who say, 363 00:20:48,079 –> 00:20:51,359 well, you know, all things are possible with God, 364 00:20:51,359 –> 00:20:55,439 Jesus says, ask anything in my name and I will do it. 365 00:20:55,439 –> 00:20:58,060 So what do you want, name it, claim it. 366 00:20:58,060 –> 00:20:59,640 Nothing is impossible with God, 367 00:20:59,640 –> 00:21:02,880 the only limitation is your faith. 368 00:21:02,880 –> 00:21:04,920 But what I want you to notice here 369 00:21:04,920 –> 00:21:09,920 is that Sarah’s faith rested on God’s promise. 370 00:21:10,920 –> 00:21:15,920 Biblical faith rests on God’s promise. 371 00:21:16,160 –> 00:21:19,959 God had made a particular promise to Sarah. 372 00:21:21,400 –> 00:21:25,520 That promise was that Sarah, in her old age, 373 00:21:25,520 –> 00:21:28,479 would have a child, that promise was given to Sarah. 374 00:21:28,479 –> 00:21:31,380 That promise is not given to every person. 375 00:21:32,800 –> 00:21:37,719 God has not promised that every woman will have a child. 376 00:21:38,719 –> 00:21:43,719 God has not promised that every sickness will be healed. 377 00:21:45,800 –> 00:21:50,800 So it would be cruel to say to a couple who long 378 00:21:51,439 –> 00:21:54,520 for a child, oh, well, Sarah believed, 379 00:21:54,520 –> 00:21:58,520 and so if you have faith, you can have children, too. 380 00:21:58,520 –> 00:22:01,619 No, faith in the Bible, and this is really important, 381 00:22:01,619 –> 00:22:05,380 faith in the Bible is not wish fulfillment. 382 00:22:06,339 –> 00:22:10,020 Faith in the Bible is not some kind of creative act 383 00:22:10,020 –> 00:22:12,619 by which, from some power inside of us, 384 00:22:12,619 –> 00:22:16,560 we bring in to being what we wished was. 385 00:22:16,560 –> 00:22:21,560 Faith in the Bible is the means by which we receive 386 00:22:21,959 –> 00:22:25,380 what God has promised to give. 387 00:22:26,619 –> 00:22:30,300 The Puritan writer Thomas Manton puts it this way. 388 00:22:30,300 –> 00:22:34,619 Wherever we put forth faith, 389 00:22:34,619 –> 00:22:37,339 we must have a promise, 390 00:22:37,339 –> 00:22:42,339 otherwise it is but fancy, not faith. 391 00:22:44,859 –> 00:22:47,739 In other words, what is given to us 392 00:22:47,739 –> 00:22:50,479 and what faith rests on 393 00:22:51,660 –> 00:22:56,099 is not an opportunity 394 00:22:56,099 –> 00:22:59,579 for us to assume that we can dictate to God 395 00:22:59,579 –> 00:23:01,239 anything that we want. 396 00:23:02,040 –> 00:23:07,040 It is that God has given to us certain precious promises 397 00:23:08,280 –> 00:23:13,280 and like Sarah, we are able to receive 398 00:23:13,280 –> 00:23:15,280 what He has promised to us. 399 00:23:15,280 –> 00:23:18,000 She received what was promised to her 400 00:23:18,859 –> 00:23:21,180 and by faith in the same way, 401 00:23:21,180 –> 00:23:25,760 we will receive what God has promised to us. 402 00:23:25,760 –> 00:23:30,760 So faith is not trusting God to fulfill your dreams. 403 00:23:31,760 –> 00:23:36,560 Faith is trusting God to fulfill his promises. 404 00:23:36,560 –> 00:23:39,599 Faith is tied to the promise. 405 00:23:40,520 –> 00:23:43,280 Now, here’s the question that comes up next, 406 00:23:43,280 –> 00:23:46,560 how then did Sarah come to believe the promise? 407 00:23:46,560 –> 00:23:49,040 Because remember from the story in Genesis, 408 00:23:49,040 –> 00:23:50,640 she didn’t believe it straight away. 409 00:23:50,640 –> 00:23:52,599 In fact, the first time she heard the promise, 410 00:23:52,599 –> 00:23:53,439 what did she do? 411 00:23:53,439 –> 00:23:54,560 She laughed. 412 00:23:55,540 –> 00:23:58,160 So how did she come to believe the promise 413 00:23:58,160 –> 00:23:59,819 and thereby receive the power 414 00:23:59,819 –> 00:24:02,219 by which this wonderful miracle took place? 415 00:24:02,219 –> 00:24:04,920 And the answer is that faith rests 416 00:24:04,920 –> 00:24:06,739 on the promise of God. 417 00:24:06,739 –> 00:24:08,180 She came to know God 418 00:24:08,180 –> 00:24:11,880 and that’s why she came to believe the promise. 419 00:24:11,880 –> 00:24:13,979 By faith, Sarah received power. 420 00:24:13,979 –> 00:24:14,800 How? 421 00:24:14,800 –> 00:24:18,239 Since she considered him faithful 422 00:24:19,180 –> 00:24:21,660 who had promised. 423 00:24:22,819 –> 00:24:26,520 Very obviously, the strength of any promise 424 00:24:26,520 –> 00:24:29,319 depends entirely on the person who makes it. 425 00:24:30,479 –> 00:24:34,540 Someone says, I give you my word. 426 00:24:34,540 –> 00:24:35,880 Well, how valuable is that? 427 00:24:35,880 –> 00:24:38,979 Well, it all depends on the person, doesn’t it? 428 00:24:38,979 –> 00:24:40,959 If the person is known to be a liar 429 00:24:42,359 –> 00:24:45,119 then his or her word is not worth very much at all. 430 00:24:46,040 –> 00:24:48,439 But if a person is known to be true 431 00:24:49,339 –> 00:24:51,619 then their word is worth a very great deal. 432 00:24:51,619 –> 00:24:56,619 Now, God is always true to his word 433 00:24:57,040 –> 00:25:01,160 and Sarah believed God’s promise 434 00:25:02,160 –> 00:25:05,540 because of what she came to know about God himself. 435 00:25:06,739 –> 00:25:08,979 And Genesis tells us very wonderfully 436 00:25:08,979 –> 00:25:11,459 about how this happened. 437 00:25:11,459 –> 00:25:14,339 You see, when God appeared to Abraham 438 00:25:14,339 –> 00:25:16,819 and gave him this marvelous promise 439 00:25:16,819 –> 00:25:19,020 that Sarah would bear a son, 440 00:25:19,020 –> 00:25:22,400 Sarah was inside the tent, hidden from view. 441 00:25:23,619 –> 00:25:28,000 And Genesis tells us that when God gave this promise, 442 00:25:28,000 –> 00:25:30,859 speaking outside the tent to Abraham, 443 00:25:30,859 –> 00:25:35,680 Sarah inside the tent laughed to herself. 444 00:25:36,819 –> 00:25:39,500 In other words, no sound was heard 445 00:25:40,459 –> 00:25:43,739 and because she was in the tent, no smirk was seen. 446 00:25:44,859 –> 00:25:47,219 She laughed within herself, but God knew. 447 00:25:48,180 –> 00:25:51,140 And the Lord said to Abraham outside the tent, 448 00:25:51,140 –> 00:25:54,819 so of course Sarah heard this, why did Sarah laugh? 449 00:25:56,219 –> 00:26:00,819 And Sarah realized the person who made 450 00:26:00,819 –> 00:26:04,319 this promise knows everything about me, 451 00:26:05,660 –> 00:26:10,640 even my secret, private, unbelieving thoughts. 452 00:26:12,699 –> 00:26:14,699 And he’s making a promise to me. 453 00:26:15,660 –> 00:26:17,880 Robert Bruce says, 454 00:26:19,040 –> 00:26:23,979 it was not a mere man who was dealing with her. 455 00:26:25,500 –> 00:26:29,880 Neither was it an angel for angels cannot see 456 00:26:29,880 –> 00:26:31,780 our innermost thoughts. 457 00:26:32,780 –> 00:26:36,280 Therefore at once it dawned on her that this man, 458 00:26:36,280 –> 00:26:39,760 remember God was appearing in a visible form, 459 00:26:39,760 –> 00:26:43,579 that this man speaking to her was the living God. 460 00:26:45,680 –> 00:26:49,199 And it was at this point that she knew 461 00:26:50,119 –> 00:26:53,939 that nothing was impossible for such a God. 462 00:26:55,319 –> 00:26:58,640 Now there’s something very, very beautiful here. 463 00:26:58,640 –> 00:27:00,060 Do you see what’s happening? 464 00:27:00,060 –> 00:27:05,060 God knew that Sarah was finding it really hard 465 00:27:05,140 –> 00:27:07,060 to believe this promise that had been given 466 00:27:07,060 –> 00:27:09,219 several times years before. 467 00:27:10,459 –> 00:27:14,260 And so knowing that she found it so hard 468 00:27:14,380 –> 00:27:17,020 to believe the promise, what did God do? 469 00:27:17,020 –> 00:27:18,040 He appeared. 470 00:27:19,000 –> 00:27:24,000 He took a visible form and came to her 471 00:27:24,380 –> 00:27:27,939 knowing that after years of disappointment 472 00:27:27,939 –> 00:27:32,939 this woman was afraid of being disappointed again, 473 00:27:32,939 –> 00:27:36,280 God appears to her in a visible form 474 00:27:36,280 –> 00:27:40,060 in order to lead Sarah to faith in the promise. 475 00:27:41,680 –> 00:27:43,979 And that of course is a perfect picture. 476 00:27:44,979 –> 00:27:48,540 Of what God has done for us in the Lord Jesus Christ. 477 00:27:48,540 –> 00:27:49,359 Think about it. 478 00:27:50,339 –> 00:27:54,699 The God who appeared for a few moments 479 00:27:54,699 –> 00:27:59,699 in a visible form actually took flesh 480 00:28:01,579 –> 00:28:04,180 and came to us in Jesus Christ. 481 00:28:04,180 –> 00:28:05,959 And why did he come into us? 482 00:28:06,819 –> 00:28:11,420 Well he came to reveal the father to us 483 00:28:12,420 –> 00:28:15,979 so that in coming to know God through Jesus Christ 484 00:28:15,979 –> 00:28:18,739 we may be able to believe the promise 485 00:28:18,739 –> 00:28:20,780 and therefore that we may receive 486 00:28:20,780 –> 00:28:23,579 all that he has promised to us. 487 00:28:25,439 –> 00:28:30,439 Faith is born in coming to know the son of God 488 00:28:31,540 –> 00:28:34,300 who already knows us completely 489 00:28:34,300 –> 00:28:38,420 and in whom we come to know the Father 490 00:28:38,420 –> 00:28:40,979 who is revealed to us fully in him. 491 00:28:41,959 –> 00:28:45,500 So, here’s what we’re learning in this remarkable story 492 00:28:45,500 –> 00:28:49,719 and this amazing verse from Hebrews in Chapter 11. 493 00:28:49,719 –> 00:28:54,719 Faith receives power from God. 494 00:28:54,819 –> 00:28:59,819 Faith rests on the promise of God. 495 00:28:59,939 –> 00:29:01,040 And here’s the third thing. 496 00:29:01,040 –> 00:29:05,859 Faith advances the purpose of God. 497 00:29:06,719 –> 00:29:08,000 Notice verse 12. 498 00:29:09,040 –> 00:29:10,160 Therefore. 499 00:29:11,079 –> 00:29:14,640 No, the therefore means because of Sarah’s faith. 500 00:29:15,560 –> 00:29:18,780 Because Sarah received power to conceive 501 00:29:18,780 –> 00:29:21,699 even when she was past age. 502 00:29:21,699 –> 00:29:24,979 Therefore, because of Sarah’s faith, 503 00:29:24,979 –> 00:29:27,560 from one man, and him as good as dead 504 00:29:27,560 –> 00:29:30,780 were born descendents as many as the stars of heaven 505 00:29:30,780 –> 00:29:34,739 and as many as the innumerable grains of sand 506 00:29:34,739 –> 00:29:35,819 on the seashore. 507 00:29:36,380 –> 00:29:40,479 Think about what came from Sarah’s faith. 508 00:29:41,579 –> 00:29:44,680 By faith, Sarah received power to conceive. 509 00:29:45,619 –> 00:29:50,420 So Sarah’s faith led to the birth of Isaac. 510 00:29:51,780 –> 00:29:55,719 And from Isaac came Jacob 511 00:29:55,719 –> 00:29:59,219 and from Jacob came Joseph and his brothers. 512 00:30:00,260 –> 00:30:03,560 From Sarah, came this line of descent 513 00:30:03,560 –> 00:30:07,079 into which the Lord Jesus Christ was born. 514 00:30:08,199 –> 00:30:13,199 And Jesus Christ will gather a great company of people 515 00:30:14,000 –> 00:30:17,699 from every tribe and every nation. 516 00:30:17,699 –> 00:30:22,000 They will glorify God and they will enjoy him forever 517 00:30:22,000 –> 00:30:26,079 in the new creation that will be the home of righteousness 518 00:30:26,079 –> 00:30:30,479 and there will be as many as the stars of heaven 519 00:30:30,479 –> 00:30:35,479 and they will be as many as the innumerable grains of sand 520 00:30:37,000 –> 00:30:38,020 on the seashore. 521 00:30:40,180 –> 00:30:45,180 God advances his purpose by means of people 522 00:30:46,199 –> 00:30:48,959 who receive from his hand 523 00:30:50,520 –> 00:30:54,060 because they believe his promise. 524 00:30:56,560 –> 00:30:59,599 Now here’s then what I’m taking from God’s words today 525 00:30:59,640 –> 00:31:01,319 and I hope that you will join me 526 00:31:01,319 –> 00:31:04,319 in seeking to take it to heart yourself as well. 527 00:31:05,479 –> 00:31:09,359 I need to ask more from God. 528 00:31:10,719 –> 00:31:15,719 I need to give greater weight to what God has promised. 529 00:31:17,239 –> 00:31:22,239 I need to receive what I do not have from his hand 530 00:31:24,199 –> 00:31:28,959 and so let me ask you then in these last moments, 531 00:31:29,000 –> 00:31:34,000 what do you need to receive from the hand of God today? 532 00:31:34,119 –> 00:31:37,479 Really, what do you need to receive? 533 00:31:38,839 –> 00:31:41,560 What is it that you don’t have 534 00:31:42,920 –> 00:31:46,280 that is in the hand of God and could be yours 535 00:31:47,599 –> 00:31:51,319 if you would ask and if you would look to him 536 00:31:52,319 –> 00:31:54,579 and if you would trust his promise 537 00:31:55,540 –> 00:31:59,000 and receive what he has promised by faith? 538 00:32:00,339 –> 00:32:04,579 Are you facing an overwhelming challenge? 539 00:32:06,020 –> 00:32:08,140 Here’s a promise of God for you. 540 00:32:08,140 –> 00:32:13,060 Nothing shall be impossible with God. 541 00:32:13,979 –> 00:32:16,359 Here’s what God has called you to do 542 00:32:17,260 –> 00:32:21,619 and he’s given to you a great and a very precious promise. 543 00:32:21,739 –> 00:32:25,099 Now, by faith, ask and receive 544 00:32:26,319 –> 00:32:30,140 and go in the strength that he will give to you. 545 00:32:31,739 –> 00:32:33,859 Do you need to receive forgiveness? 546 00:32:35,420 –> 00:32:37,979 Listen to this wonderful promise from God. 547 00:32:37,979 –> 00:32:39,660 He says to you in Christ, 548 00:32:39,660 –> 00:32:44,660 your sins and your iniquities I will remember no more. 549 00:32:46,900 –> 00:32:48,380 Now, that’s a promise. 550 00:32:49,339 –> 00:32:54,339 And by faith, you can ask and you can receive 551 00:32:56,140 –> 00:32:59,000 and know yourself by faith to be forgiven. 552 00:33:01,380 –> 00:33:03,119 Do you need to receive strength? 553 00:33:04,459 –> 00:33:07,040 Are you finding yourself in some situation of life 554 00:33:07,040 –> 00:33:08,280 simply wearied? 555 00:33:09,560 –> 00:33:11,859 Let me give you this promise of God today. 556 00:33:12,819 –> 00:33:17,660 Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, 557 00:33:17,660 –> 00:33:21,160 they shall mount up on wings like eagles. 558 00:33:21,160 –> 00:33:22,359 It’s a promise. 559 00:33:23,560 –> 00:33:27,400 By faith, you can ask and you can receive. 560 00:33:28,640 –> 00:33:30,819 The Lord is able to strengthen you 561 00:33:30,819 –> 00:33:33,180 for what you face this week 562 00:33:33,180 –> 00:33:36,979 and he will stand with you as he stood with the apostle Paul 563 00:33:36,979 –> 00:33:38,839 Do you need to receive provision? 564 00:33:40,140 –> 00:33:42,280 Let me give to you this promise from Philippians 565 00:33:42,280 –> 00:33:44,640 in chapter four and verse 19, 566 00:33:44,699 –> 00:33:48,819 my God shall supply all that you need 567 00:33:49,880 –> 00:33:53,000 according to his riches in glory. 568 00:33:53,000 –> 00:33:57,180 That’s a promise and by faith, 569 00:33:57,180 –> 00:34:01,099 you can ask and you can receive. 570 00:34:02,520 –> 00:34:04,359 Do you need to receive peace? 571 00:34:05,540 –> 00:34:09,199 Listen to this promise, Isaiah 26 and verse three. 572 00:34:10,639 –> 00:34:14,459 You keep him in perfect peace 573 00:34:15,300 –> 00:34:19,959 whose mind is stayed on you. 574 00:34:19,959 –> 00:34:21,760 That’s a great promise. 575 00:34:22,879 –> 00:34:26,919 And you can stay fixed your mind on God 576 00:34:26,919 –> 00:34:29,260 in his sovereign power 577 00:34:29,260 –> 00:34:33,820 who has become your Savior in the Lord Jesus Christ. 578 00:34:33,820 –> 00:34:36,479 And as you rest and trust in the assurance 579 00:34:36,479 –> 00:34:37,520 that he is your life 580 00:34:37,520 –> 00:34:38,699 and all that concerns you, 581 00:34:38,699 –> 00:34:40,959 holy in his hands, 582 00:34:40,959 –> 00:34:43,699 there will be a peace that you can ask for 583 00:34:43,860 –> 00:34:44,800 and receive. 584 00:34:44,800 –> 00:34:47,840 It’s a promise and by faith it can be yours. 585 00:34:49,739 –> 00:34:51,699 Do you need to be made right with God? 586 00:34:53,419 –> 00:34:56,260 Well here’s a wonderful promise of God for you. 587 00:34:57,280 –> 00:35:00,860 God has revealed righteousness 588 00:35:00,860 –> 00:35:03,439 that he is ready to give you 589 00:35:04,580 –> 00:35:08,040 and he says in Romans chapter three and verse 22 590 00:35:08,040 –> 00:35:11,580 that this righteousness is yours through faith 591 00:35:12,580 –> 00:35:14,239 in the Lord Jesus Christ. 592 00:35:14,239 –> 00:35:15,699 That’s his promise. 593 00:35:16,699 –> 00:35:20,159 By faith you can ask, you can receive 594 00:35:20,159 –> 00:35:23,820 and you can come into a right relationship with God today. 595 00:35:23,820 –> 00:35:27,939 The very righteousness of Jesus Christ can become yours. 596 00:35:29,360 –> 00:35:30,959 Why would you go away today 597 00:35:30,959 –> 00:35:32,020 and it be said of you, 598 00:35:32,020 –> 00:35:33,100 “‘Well, you do not have 599 00:35:33,100 –> 00:35:34,899 because you do not ask.’” 600 00:35:36,100 –> 00:35:37,260 Ask and receive. 601 00:35:38,219 –> 00:35:40,540 Ask in faith. 602 00:35:40,540 –> 00:35:44,000 That is how you receive from the hand of God 603 00:35:44,879 –> 00:35:47,780 his marvelous promise 604 00:35:47,780 –> 00:35:50,560 and all his promises are yours 605 00:35:51,620 –> 00:35:55,659 in and through Christ Jesus, our Lord. 606 00:35:55,659 –> 00:35:56,699 Let’s pray together. 607 00:35:57,639 –> 00:36:00,040 Our Father in heaven, 608 00:36:00,040 –> 00:36:04,939 how marvelous that you have made such promises to us 609 00:36:05,939 –> 00:36:09,479 and how marvelous that you would have come to us 610 00:36:09,479 –> 00:36:11,639 in your Son Jesus Christ 611 00:36:11,639 –> 00:36:14,600 because we find promises hard to believe 612 00:36:14,600 –> 00:36:18,199 but you came in order to bring us to faith 613 00:36:18,199 –> 00:36:24,439 by revealing you our Father to us. 614 00:36:26,379 –> 00:36:30,060 Thank you for your grace and for your mercy. 615 00:36:31,080 –> 00:36:34,199 Strengthen us in faith, we pray. 616 00:36:35,260 –> 00:36:38,060 Grant that we may ask more of you, 617 00:36:40,060 –> 00:36:41,659 receive more from you 618 00:36:43,580 –> 00:36:47,500 because we trust more in you 619 00:36:48,540 –> 00:36:51,340 through Jesus Christ our Lord 620 00:36:51,340 –> 00:36:53,540 in whose wonderful name we pray. 621 00:36:53,540 –> 00:36:56,540 Amen.

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Colin Smith

Trustee / Founder and Teaching Pastor

Colin Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He has authored a number of books, including Heaven, How I Got Here and Heaven, So Near – So Far. Colin is the Founder and Teaching Pastor for Open the Bible. Follow him on X formerly Twitter.

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Hebrews 11 is an exposition of faith. It begins with a definition, and then gives us models of men and women who exercised faith. The series ‘Living By Faith’ looks at 10 of them to learn what it means for us to live by faith today.

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