Study Desk

It was by faith that Abraham, when God tested him, offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God made the promises to Abraham, but Abraham was ready to offer his own son as a sacrifice.

It was by faith that Isaac blessed the future of Jacob and Esau.

It was by faith that Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each one of Joseph's sons. Then he worshiped as he leaned on the top of his walking stick.

It was by faith that Joseph, while he was dying, spoke about the Israelites leaving Egypt and gave instructions about what to do with his body.

It was by faith that Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born. They saw that Moses was a beautiful baby, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order.

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of the king of Egypt's daughter.

It was by faith that Moses left Egypt and was not afraid of the king's anger. Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see.

It was by faith that Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the doors so the one who brings death would not kill the firstborn sons of Israel.

It was by faith that the people crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land. But when the Egyptians tried it, they were drowned.

It was by faith that the walls of Jericho fell after the people had marched around them for seven days.

It was by faith that Rahab, the prostitute, welcomed the spies and was not killed with those who refused to obey God.

Through their faith they defeated kingdoms. They did what was right, received God's promises, and shut the mouths of lions.

All these people are known for their faith, but none of them received what God had promised.

We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back.

Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God's throne.

Remember your leaders who taught God's message to you. Remember how they lived and died, and copy their faith.