Noah and the Nature of Faith: Claiming the Rainbow

Understanding Faith: Hebrews 11:1–7

This autumn, we’ll dive into the multifaceted nature of faith based on Hebrews 11:1-7. A difficult family story is used in the narrative to highlight faith’s importance. We’ll discuss how faith consists of three interlinked parts: understanding, conviction, and dedication. We’ll look at how complex faith is, how it grows, and how crucial it is what and where we put our faith in—since it shapes our sense of security and joy in life.

1. Understanding

Christian faith isn’t about believing without reason. It’s about making a logical decision based on what we can see in the world around us, which points to a divine Creator. It’s like how scientists use theories to make sense of things. Christians believe in a God who created everything because it seems the most logical reason for why we’re here. This kind of faith pushes us to think deeply and make wise choices based on what these beliefs mean.

2. Conviction

Having faith isn’t just about believing in your head; it’s about having a personal conviction that changes how we live. It’s influenced by the life-changing events of the gospel—like Jesus being born as a man, dying for our sins, and rising again. It means letting what Jesus did guide our thoughts, feelings, and actions. So, being a Christian isn’t just about following a set of rules—it’s about living a life that aligns with the gospel.

3. Commitment

Commitment and certainty go hand-in-hand—whether or not you believe in God, judgement day, or Jesus. The more you commit to living according to Jesus’ teachings, the more certain you become in your faith. So, if you’re unsure about your faith, keep exploring until you find certainty in what you can’t see. This will help you grow in your faith and understanding of Jesus.