Tim Keller | March 27, 2005
Hebrews gives advice for folks dealing with tough times. It highlights the faith of people who beat huge challenges, and even faced death. Even though they didn’t see God’s promises come true in their lifetime, they were honored for their faith. The text also presents the idea that God has a better plan for us, which is crucial for handling life’s problems.
1. What is it?
Faith, seen through examples from the past, includes wonderful miracles and escapes from pain. But it doesn’t just rely on our personal efforts and beliefs. God’s miracles can sometimes be unpredictable, as shown by the different outcomes people of faith have gone through. The hope that we will be resurrected in the future fuels our faith. This differs from temporary comebacks to life and emphasizes the need for a deep relationship with God.
2. How do we get this?
Having faith in the resurrection and in God gives us the strength to face any problem. The praise given to people of the past for their faith, even without seeing the full reward, shows the power of belief. What makes Christianity unique is its basis on the actual resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gives us real hope, helps us overcome the fear of death, and assures us that even our sadness and mistakes will eventually lead to greater happiness and glory.
April Book Offer
Tim Keller’s How to Find God set of three short books on birth, death, and marriage addresses these key milestones in your life and shows you how the Scripture teaches us to face each one with God’s help. They are books of pastoral care, designed for specific life situations you or someone you know will go through.