1 The Necessity of Faith The Hebrew writer makes some comments about faith which we will notice first. Paul makes reference in chapter 12 to a cloud of witnesses that are in chapter 11. Circumspectly watchful and discreet, cautious, prudent, well considered, that takes patience. God has made promises and given us his word on them. Faith is not unsubstantiated hope and belief. There is only one event in his entire life God felt important enough to allow him to testify to all future generations. They understand that their origins can therefore be traced back to the word ofGod. Each of those recorded had something important to witness. Accept Christ as Savior and let Him . Our attention is called, not merely to a cloud, but to so great a cloud. What we do know is that he walked closely and faithfully with God. The other just believes in luck and saves no money, but gambles it away. He is also the author of the notes and appendixes of The Companion Bible and the author of numerous works including Commentary on Revelation, Great Cloud of Witnesses, How to Enjoy the Bible, and Number in Scripture. Are these burdens necessary? The Old Testament is valuable to Christians because of the true stories ofGodly men and women who are encouraging examples of faith. We must realize that until we have reached our destination, death or the last trumpet, there is a road ahead, and it is narrow, straight, and satan will not stop tempting us to swerve. The first witnesses that the Hebrew writer mentions are from the dawn of history stretching back almost to creation. A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Hebrews 11, part of which was read for us earlier, lists a bunch of biblical examples of faithful saints, obedient people who serve as examples and witnesses of how to faithfully move toward what God has promised. Each day, as most of us live our lives, we are only spectators. Nothing can stop you; neither Satan . Antiquarian & Collectible Books Jehovah Witness Watchtower, The Bible Audiobooks, Bible Books 1850-1899, Bible Antiquarian & Collectible Books, Nonfiction Books Fiction . Our topical studies in Hebrews now consider the famous eleventh chapter which teaches about faith by reminding us of many courageous Old Testament believers. "cloud" is common in the classic writers for indicating large numbers of people, e.g. Throughout Scripture, we find countless stories of God's faithfulness. IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul put together for us a . #2 let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. If one is going to run a race, they had better not be shackled to any hindrances. In 1862 he was ordained in the Church of England. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. www.simplybible.com Copyright Ron Graham 2001, "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him". The Cloud of Witnesses D. Young Hebrews 12:1 Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight I. From a Cloud of Witnesses: Three Hundred and Nine Tributes to the Bible by Clark, D. W. 1, ISBN 1017678081, ISBN-13 9781017678086, Like New Used, Free shipping in the US . Return to: 11:24-26). #3 And let us run with perseverance To persevere we must see the long game of our faith and sanctification. The cloud of witnesses mentioned in Heb. The entire heaven is focusing on you. Abel Abel pleased God with a sacrifice that he made. 3:12). Cloud of Witnesses bible verse. Ask questions, share your PW stories and stay up to date with all things PW! By faith they understand that visible things were made out of things that are not visible, and the word ofGod brought "the worlds", the universe of visible things, into being. If nothing unusual occurs, there is nothing to talk about and no need to testify. Learn to imitate his faith while studying the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. The way to throw it off is to face it honestly, confess it, repent of it and run forward, leaving it behind. So how does one believe in a universe of visible things most of which one has never observed? The community for which the letter was written interacts, in a sense, with all the communities of which you are a part, because you bring those groups with you wherever you gothey have helped to form you into the person you are. 39 and all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since god had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. If you've read my book Letters from Ruby you know the impact she had on my life, but here's the snapshot. The "cloud of witnesses" are those spoken of in the preceeding chapter and verses, men of the past, the Pratriarchs and others, who believed God and waited patiently themselves, relying on the promises of God. The lesson is that we also should exemplify such faith, and be "commended" for it in the same way. This is the "great cloud of witnesses" spoken of here. KJV Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too. God validated their testimony by placing them in Scripture. Nobody can have a valid assurance that God is pleased with them, unless they can show that their belief is substantiated by Gods word. The Letter to the Hebrews is a significant book of the Bible, and is also significantly different from every other book in the Bible. The saints, as the cloud of witnesses in heaven, are present in the divine services, worshiping the Holy Trinity with us. Faith is said to include the belief that God "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. First, God revealed exactly what we should understand about why God punished them: . "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.". Stand strong, confidently, be bold and match forward; accomplish your course. 2:5-9), the wicked kings, the casting off of Israel, or Jeremiahs inability to find one righteous man to save Jerusalem, Scriptures are full of the terrible consequences of rebellion. Faith is not belief without evidence to support it. Presbyterian Women is the womens organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, Jesus Heals the Blind Man Coloring Pages (Free Printables), 40 Important Bible Scriptures on Rebellion, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. Rom. What is surrounding you and harasses you? So we also have a race to run by faith. He was real. | The Hub That cloud is also a witness to each of us every day to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. The application should be obvious, but God made it much clearer. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." The community in which you study and worship, your family and friends, social and therapy groups . 10:1-3), king Saul (1Sam. Yet up to this very day, , . His testimony centered on the day he and Cain brought sacrifices to God. Noah was not a crazy prophet. They, as our friends, intercede before the Throne of God on our behalf, having won the good fight, and we are encouraged by the memory and example of their lives, as we struggle on our own path to God. | List But clearly that is not its meaning as God used it above. Great Stimulus The witness of men and women of faith can be a great stimulus to our own trust, and these women and men who trusted God demonstrate what faith is all about. This plan will use the life of Enoch as our example of living a quiet life by faith. Each feels sure of owning a home in future, but their hope and belief differs insubstance. [Num.32:23] Be sure your sin will find you out, [Gal.6:7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: (mock to attack or treat with ridicule, contempt, or derision) You mock God with your sin! Cloud of Witnesses - Presbyterian Women Who We Are Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) What We Do Mission Tours Work For Justice and Peace Racism Human Trafficking Violence Advocacy Education Poverty Build Community PW Churchwide Gathering Develop Leaders Position Training Cultural Humility and Leadership Our Impact Giving & Funding Donate Magazine You have a race set before you, and all you see now is the exact spot you occupy right now. We will explore nine major themes, relate those themes to other parts of our faith tradition, and tie them together with the overarching motif of community. Indeed, the important thing about that faith is that "this is what the ancients were commended for" (Hebrews 11:2). And the trials that . Taken together, they expound on how faith is, . They also expand our understanding that . The phrase "Cloud of Witnesses" itself comes from Hebrews 12:1, which we will look at in just a moment. We are simply taken through several inspiring examples ofGodly men and women in Old Testament times who believed in Christ and sought eternal life. Only if something important happens are we called upon to give our witness about what occurred. 2. We will explore nine major themes, relate those themes to other parts of our faith tradition, and tie them together with the overarching motif of community. The community in which you study and worship, your family and friends, social and therapy groups . 4:2-3). Workshop for Leaders,HZN17101 FREE or PRINTABLE PDF FREE, Main Points and Lesson Summaries by Susan Jackson Dowd, PRINTABLE PDF FREE, Cloud of Witnesses coloring pages, PRINTABLE PDF FREE. NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Fear nothing fear no one. Worse still of course is the problem that no person can see all visible things. Faith understands where we came from. This is the great cloud of witnesses spoken of here. . And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,. In this chapter alone we have a list of men and women that held to the faith. The Christian is one who knows her need for God to save her, and then, accepting that free gift seeks to live unto God with perseverance. 5:5-7). As the senior apologist at Catholic Answers, he has more than twenty years . Now, in this present lesson (and continued in the next), the Hebrew writer helps us to focus on the quality of the faith authored and perfected by Christ. The Hebrew writer allows no way that a person can please God except by faith (Hebrews 11:6). In Hebrews 12:1, the Holy Spirit is emphasizing: The Old Testament provides us with inspiring examples of faith even unto death. Hebrews 11:6 Examples of Faith But this cloud of witnesses covers more than forty centuries. Home The lives of the wicked graphically illustrate Gods wrath. How do the examples of faithful women in the Bible help you? Studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses convinced her that there is a creator with a meaningful purpose for the earth. It is a strong warning to wealthy people that it can lead to greed, ambition, and pride, which can, in turn, become stumbling blocks preventing them from receiving God's grace. Your Job? He had evidence, namely Gods word, that his sacrifice would be acceptable. FALSE Witnesses Examples of Christian ministers Witnesses Acts 1:8 Verse Concepts but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 5:32 Verse Concepts Hebrews 12:1. NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Since it includes all visible things, there is no visible thing outside it from which it could originate. "Why is this so vital? Therefore Abel could be confident that he was doing what was right and pleasing to God, and his offering would be respected and rewarded. The Hebrew writer makes some comments about faith which we will notice first. Hebrews 12:1 Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses: the author may be thinking of an athletic contest in a large amphitheater wherein the heroes just mentioned are inspiring examples for us, urging us on to stand firm in the faith and even to martyrdom if need be. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson. Imagine someone says, "Seeing is believing" and refuses to believe in anything that is not visible (or otherwise physically perceptible). 4:274, 23:133; Statius 1:340, and other instances adduced in Wetstein, in loc. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 1 therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run The cloud of witnesses in chapter 12 includes people just like chapter 11 describes - people who pleased God by choosing faith, and relying on God's help to live out that faith well. These witnesses all testify to the faith that rests upon the promises and commandments ofGod. He was raw. Now using the Hebrew writers own description of faith, this must mean that Abel acted on what God spoke. Clearly these witnesses refer to the great heroes of the faith just mentioned in . You must believe God and obey Him, to complete your race. Genesis 9:14 chapter context similar meaning copy save And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: by Janice MacLean. Paul makes reference in chapter 12 to a cloud of witnesses that are in chapter 11. One has an inheritance coming her way soon, and is saving money in the bank. An early Contemporary Christian musician, his songs fed my angsty teenage soul. Enoch - Hebrews 11:5 (HCSB) By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience . Have you ever just stopped long enough to really look deep into your life and identify the things that are a burden? Cain's sacrifice was an example of evil works because while being "wise in his own eyes," he "leaned on his own understanding." (2Cor. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.". Since . The cloud of witnesses is preaching the truth of Gods word and the advantage of obedience to it. Cain must have acted without this, and simply done what was right in his own eyes. If we listen and seek to trust and follow each lesson their life and testimony was recorded to give us, it becomes easier to , . If I may interject a prayerfully studied thought about the "so great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 12:1, for your (and others) consideration, in the light of its immediate context? Abels example was recorded for us to follow, but what about Cain? Those witnesses are the heroes of the faith. In the midst of massive success, he chose to limit his income to minimum wage. It is evidence on which our conviction is based. An event occurred in their life, that God gave them the opportunity to become a witness to all future generations to help and bless with wisdom all who desire to serve and glorify God. 11:4). Providing straight-forward Scripture-based answers to your questions on the Bible since 1998 Generally when we think of witnesses, we think of a trial with those called to testify, either for the defense or prosecution to verify or refute a charge against a criminal. 10:17; Pr. It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. That the cloud is referred to as "great" indicates that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life of faith we now live. Sign up for emails so youll be in the know about PWs programs, resources and impact on the world! Although Noah had yet to see the great rain, the flood, and the new world afterward, he certainly believed in it because God had told him. Cains life was recorded as a testimony to avoid , . While Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice because he , , Cains works were evil because his sacrifice and worship was not by faith. Those who have faith do not have such problems. Your debt? Rom. We are to be inspired by the godly examples these saints set during their lives. This is exactly what God expects from all His servants when they , , it becomes evident that every account in the Bible that brought commendation and reward is another voice making up the , Yet the most important element is saved for the last verse: . 11). . If you were to ask any of them they would all agree to the truth in Hebrews 12:1. Thus, every person whose life is recorded in the Bible, no matter how long or short the account, has been placed there because they have something important to testify about. And the title of the sermon is The Cloud of Witnesses, and the text is the first verse of the twelfth chapter of the Book . Horizons magazine subscriptions Call toll-free 866/802-3635 orsubscribe online. 4:23-24). Gods promise is his testimony. THE NUMBER OF THE WITNESSES. I find the examples of faithful women such as Sarah, Rahab, Hannah, and Mary to be very beneficial. Blogging through the bible, one verse from every book. The community for which the letter was written interacts, in a sense, with all the communities of which you are a part, because you bring those groups with you wherever you gothey have helped to form you into the person you are. . So he could believe that he was pleasing God and would be rewarded, even though he had not yet seen heaven. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. We could add Nadab and Abihu (Lev. Their lives were recorded for a very specific purpose: , He brings forward three witnesses whose testimony will help us identify false teachers today: . In fact, one of the ten commandments instructs against being a false witness (Exodus 20:16). Their witness to the reader is the example of their faith lived out in their obedience, and this is to give us an example to follow and encouragement to obey God in our own lives as proof of our own belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ. He's in my cloud. Published annually in a variety of formats, the. Your relationships? . . In (Hebrews 12:1) we read the following: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. The Hebrew writer tells us that before he was taken up, he had a testimony that he pleased God. Sin acts as weight or drag. Baptized in 1995. What made the difference? Additional helps in Horizons magazine beginning with the July/August 2017issue. These statements are found in Hebrews 11:1-3 and 6. . Their obedience to God was counted as righteousness in Christ, along with Abraham (Ro 4:3). But they call us to run the race ourselves. , . (1Jn. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. . Here is a list of them: Abel - Hebrews 11:4 (HCSB) By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. The good of all the ages are perhaps surveying us as we follow on; at least we may survey their glorious example and follow in their footsteps. Abels accepted sacrifice, Enochs accepted walk in fellowship with God, Noahs successful completion of building the ark to Gods exact specifications, and Abrahams obedience to Gods call all testify to the same thing. Hebrews 12:1. At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. Every Hero in chapter 11 had a very different race set before them. 5:7; Rom. That "Cloud of Witnesses" is for us to use, to learn from, and to grow spiritually. Without faith (or belief), there is no explanation of our origins. . "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of . You dont know what lies ahead, you dont know pitfalls that lie in wait. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. He knows each of us uniquely. Rich Mullins is also in my cloud. #4 the race marked out for us. In general, the race is the same for everyone who would finish in the arms of God. From the ancient world to Sodom and Gomorrah (2Pet. Tap a Lookup below to generate a list oflessons. Suggestions for Leaders bySung Hee Chang. Bullinger was a lifelong scholar and writer studying at King's College, London. If we do not throw it off, how are we to run the race marked out for us with perseverance?. "witnesses" for Christ, receiving "power" as the Holy Spirit came "upon" them, indwelt them and enabled them. The writer of Hebrews has just listed quite a few who lived before Christ and couldn't see the details of God's plan, but were still faithful. Second, my friend and mentor Ruby Browning, who died back in 2012. Since , God had told each of them exactly what He wanted them to do. It entangles and halts progress. Lay them aside!!! This verse says that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. #1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, In this instance, the therefore is defined by what follows, since. Each of these men and women of God are listed in Hebrews 11 as an example of the truth of Gods promises, and each teaches that belief is shown by action, and that action is reckoned as righteousness. Desiring a state of perfection, a world where all is good, pure, and perfect. Anyone so minded must believe that every visible thing originated from other visiblethings. Enoch Enoch was so righteous that God took him up and he did not see death (Genesis 5:23-24). 1701 Rand Morgan Rd.Corpus Christi, TX 78410(361) 241-6100, Sunday School 10AMSunday Preaching 11AMSunday Evening 6PMWednesday Evening 7PMWednesday Bible Club 7PM, 2011-2021 Bible Believers Baptist Church, All Rights Reserved. What he believed and preached was founded on solid evidence, no less than the testimony and promise ofGod himself. Hebrews 12:1 - 2. The Letter to the Hebrews is a significant book of the Bible, and is also significantly different from every other book in the Bible. Enoch is a mystery. . (Eccl. In using the recorded lives of Cain, Balaam and Korah another cloud of witnesses begins to form. The Bible speaks often of the dangers of accumulating wealth and its ability to cloud judgment. Alan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. As well as where we came from, we need to know where are we going. If this person begins to share what they've seen, we call this "bearing witness." It's a simple word, but being a witness carries a lot of responsibility! It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. 15), and even Solomon at the end of his life (1Kings 1-11). We live by faith and not by sight. A Cloud of Witnesses The Hebrew writer now goes on to mention many more examples which he calls "a great cloud ofwitnesses". Hebrews 12:5 God treats us as his sons and daughters. 11. Each record of their testimony gives us one more witness that in some way or another testifies that doing things exactly Gods way always brings success and reward. Our next lesson continues in Hebrews chapter 11, which reminds us of the faith of Abraham and other courageous Old Testament believers. Imagine two people who each hope one day to own a home. Enjoys hiking and drawing . | Bible Topics The cloud of witnesses are examples to us of those who have run the race and won. Faith is not unsubstantiated hope andbelief. We will be wise to heed them. By God's sovereign hand, He moved in the lives of these men to take His message of salvation to "Jerusalem," to "all Judea and Samaria," and "to the end of the earth.". It reads: Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the . Now if we believe only in visible things, then we cannot understand how the visible universe originated, because we believe only in what is contained within it, and we leave nothing existing outside of it to explain its origin. In those chapters we saw Jesus as "the author and perfecter of our faith". | Next This is illustrated by the first three witnesses. The remainder of the chapter continues to bring forward and explain exactly why God found their faith to be accepted. These statements are found in Hebrews 11:1-3 and 6. He then revealed that the similarities between us and them must also be taken to heart: (Heb. This verse says that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross . Only hers mattered. Every time we read Exodus through Deuteronomy, their lives testify to the danger we all face. Hebrews 12:1-2. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. (Jn. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.". Birds gather together in clouds. In the Bible, a witness is someone who sees something amazing or important. Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. Abel acted on faith, whilst Cain apparently acted without faith. In our two previous lesssons we studied the chapters either side of chapter 11. The Bible also warns . . Each was brought forth out of obscurity to testify about these things. From many ages, of both sexes, and in all positions of life. The Witnesses Chapter 11 lists a procession of Biblical saints from bygone days, who exemplified "faith", as defined in Hebrews 11:1. We are left to believe that the visible universe must originate from parts of itself, which have no origin. Many of the stories we can relate to and use and learn the lessons without making similar mistakes. We also find stories of people who remained faithful to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - for without faith it is impossible to please Him. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career. A careful examination of their worship when compared to Jesus words about worship today reveals the value of Abels testimony and the importance of our heeding it. We not only have the examples found in the Bible but we have men and women in our lives today that believe God and obey Him. While Moses' life testified to the value of sacrificial faith, those he led out of Egypt testified to the terrible consequences of unbelief. In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible encourages us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For. Very foolish. Astoundingly, the author of Hebrews has made the strong case that all the heroes of Old Testament faith were saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, though they had not directly heard of him or understood this (Heb 11). Noah had commandments from God, and he faithfully kept them all (Genesis 6:22). And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. But God has a unique plan for each of us, and we can trust him that it will include everything that is needed for us to make it well, becoming what we are to become in Christ. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson. NKJV Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 2022 Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Inc. Birthday or Thank Offering Grant Criteria, Nube de testigos (Cloud of Witnesses - Spanish edition) Downloadable PDF. We see the glories of their triumphs, the factors that brought them victory, and the obstacles that they overcame to win (Hebrews 11). Homer II. Everyone must lay aside the things that so easily beset us (beset attack on all sides, assail, harass, to surround, hem in). [Prov.14:9] while some of us try to mock sin! These are those who are examples of men and women of God who kept going. Salvation is not unique, but our individual path to the Day of Judgement, where we stand alone in Christ, is. While each was living their life, something important occurred that God wanted us to hear about. We can be to. The so great a cloud of witnesses is here with us, surrounding us, looking upon us and interceding for us. Those witnesses are the heroes of the faith. They had their faults as all of us do but are numbered as faithful to God. 3:10-12). Enoch did not have to wait till he was taken up to know that he pleased God. Now that she is part of the great cloud of witnesses, I thank God for the example of her endurance in the faith. The race marked out for us is the unique call on our lives to walk the path that God has planned for us. . Noah Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and he and his family escaped the flood that destroyed theworld. . Grace is not opposed to effort, only to earning. Thus, the account of Abel revealed the witness of Abels faith, but also recorded the testimony of Cains failure. For the gospel, there is nothing you cannot do on this earth. 16:26 calls that, The obedience of faith. He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa. You will recall too, that God made his testimony under oath (Hebrews 6:16-19). 12:1 is referring to the many faithful people mentioned in Heb. Multitudes of those whose lives are recorded in Scripture testify to a life ending in Gods wrath and their destruction. We must keep our eyes and on the prize, and keep stepping. Time might not permit all their stories to be considered, but to be reminded again of some of these men and women ofGod, helps us to share in their faith. In addition to all this, there is "a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) to encourage our faith. 1:9), their lives are just as timely and applicable today as they were when they were recorded. There are those whose lives testify that refusing to give God full faith and submission always brings failure. all are part of you. Their witness to the reader is the example of their faith lived out in their obedience, and this is to give us an example to follow and encouragement to obey God in our own lives as proof of our own belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ. The lives of Gods saints adorn the doctrines of Scripture, helping us to make the right applications and showing us the right way. There is. These are those who have gone on before us. 16:26 calls that, "The obedience of faith". Published annually in a variety of formats, the Horizons Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. Part of the way to do that is to throw off the hindrances of sin when we have been entangled by it. If we believe in visible things at all, then we must believe that there is a universe of visible things: "the worlds" (Hebrews 11:3). You must crawl, then walk, then you may be able to run. and they are to make this declaration: "Our hands didn't shed this blood, nor were we witnesses to the crime. What is weighing you down? He moved out to the Southwest, lived in a trailer, and taught music to kids on a Native American reservation. Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. Abels sacrifice was more excellent because he , Cains sacrifice was an example of evil works because while being , . (1Cor 10:1-11). Their lives ended in rebellion, rejection and failure, but their tribe has not yet left the earth and we must beware of those who follow their example. http://www.catholic.comJimmy Akin is an internationally known author and speaker. is everyone God recorded in the Bible in a favorable way. Imagine two people who each hope one day to own a home. Focusing on how faith and life connect, the magazine for Presbyterian Women gives you insights from women around the world and inspiration to live boldly. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. The apostles, Peter, John, Andrew . Abels sacrifice so far excelled Cains that God Himself also testified to its value by accepting his sacrifice and rejecting Cains: . His brother Cain also made a sacrifice but did not please God (Genesis 4:1-7). Who are these witnesses? . (Jd. These are those who have endured and "kept the faith". This is not a mere play that we are looking at for our entertainment. Hebrews 12: 1-2 Therefore, we too, having around our great cloud of witnesses, let us shed all weight and the sin that beset us, and patiently run the race that lies ahead, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, which for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the reproach, and sat down at the right hand of the throne . Our faith and assurance ofHeaven has great substance in the solid promises ofGod. Abel was a true worshiper and God sought his worship while Cain was not. . (Heb. Your health? Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Full trust and confidence in God, a complete rejection of their own wisdom, and exact compliance with Gods commands led them to success. One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Speaker: Fred Crow 7/4/20 The bible is filled with stories of those who went before us on this wonderous journey to God's Kingdom. Faith, based on testimony, looks forward to that reward in the future, unconcerned that it is presentlyinvisible. (Barnes Notes) Compare 1Thess 4:17 where "in the clouds" actually lacks a Greek word for "the" so that it can be read "in clouds" meaning great numbers, like a swarm They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. We have examples of real people of faith in the Bible. Your ambition? (Heb. Presbyterian Women (PW) is an inclusive and caring community of women, committed to working toward Gods promise of wholeness for all people. A Cloud of Witnesses. [1 Thes.5:22] Every sin, even the ones that appear that way to others. . Enoch had Gods word on how he should live, and he followed it. The Example of Jesus. He mentions three persons, Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Examples of how to apply God's Word in our lives. all are part of you. Since God chose each of them to give witness to some element of what He wants or expects of His people, taken together they have become our , God wanted us to see how much they can help us. Thus, this verse carries the following idea: "Wherefore seeing we have lying all around us on every side." or "Wherefore seeing these biblical examples who are piled up and lying all around us." But to make this point even stronger, the Holy Spirit uses the word "clouds. You only dream of what the finish line looks like. Their life encourages us and cheers us on. God even directly tied his decision with ours by calling the afflictions he endured as a result of it , . 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