Winter 2021 - By Faith

January 3, 2021:    Faith is . . .

FINALLY – 2020 has come to a close! A fresh new year lies ahead of us. Our theme for the year is FAITH. We begin with a study of the heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11. Here we go!

Sermon Text:      Hebrews 11:1-2

Daily Bible Readings

January 4:           Hebrews 11:1-12

January 5:           Hebrews 11:13-31

January 6:           Hebrews 11:32-40

January 7:           Hebrews 12:1-13

January 8:           Hebrews 12:14-29

January 9:           Reflection 

January 10, 2021:  By Faith, Abel 

The Bible pulls no punches. The very first human family was home to the very first murder. What a sad commentary! Cain and Abel were children of the original couple. These two brothers both offered a gift to God as recorded in Genesis 4. Abel offered a gift that reflected the very best he had; sadly, Cain did not. Consequently, the author of Hebrews declares that Abel still “speaks” through this sacrificial gesture.

Sermon Text:      Hebrews 11:4

Daily Bible Readings

January 11:         Genesis 1:1-2:3

January 12:         Genesis 2:4-25

January 13:         Genesis 3

January 14:        Genesis 4

January 15:         1 John 3:11-24

January 16:         Reflection

January 17, 2021: By Faith, Enoch

The story of Enoch is an amazing one to say the least. God simply transferred Enoch from earth to heaven without the pain of death. Only Elijah and Enoch have experienced this incredible miracle. Enoch was especially close to God and God decided to just take him home. What a beautiful tribute to the intimacy of their relationship.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:5-6

Daily Bible Readings

January 18: Genesis 5

January 19: Jude

January 20: Psalm 1 

January 21: Hebrews 10:1-18

January 22: Hebrews 10:19-39

January 23: Reflection

January 24, 2021: By Faith, Noah

God spoke and Noah obeyed. This is the first example in the Biblical story of a human being responding in faith to a command from God. As the author of Hebrews declares, Noah obeyed in faith in spite of things not “being seen” – demonstrating the power of faith in his everyday life.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:7

Daily Bible Readings

January 25: Genesis 6

January 26: Genesis 7

January 27: Genesis 8

January 28: Genesis 9:1-17

January 29: 1 Peter 3:8-22

January 30: Reflection

January 31, 2021: By Faith, Abraham and Sarah

To say that Abraham was one of the most significant and influential men who has ever lived is an incredible understatement. He is revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians. His influence has stretched across time and these three major religions! His journey was a shared one—namely with his wife! The journey of Abraham and Sarah merits our consideration in our exploration of faith.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:8-12; 17-19

Daily Bible Readings

February 1: Genesis 12

February 2: Genesis 15

February 3: Genesis 16

February 4: Genesis 18:1-15

February 5: Genesis 21-22

February 6: Reflection

February 7, 2021: By Faith, Isaac-Jacob-Joseph

God promised Abraham he would be the father of a great nation through whom all the world would be blessed. This promise was to be stewarded by his descendants. Isaac was the son of promise. Jacob became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Joseph was used by God to rescue His people and grant them safe haven in a famine. All three of these men contributed to the stewarding of the promise given to Father Abraham.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:20-22

Daily Bible Readings

February 8: Genesis 24

February 9: Genesis 25

February 10: Genesis 32

February 11: Genesis 37

February 12: Genesis 49:29-50:26

February 13: Reflection

February 14, 2021: By Faith, Moses

Next to Abraham, Moses stands as a giant in the story of faith. Moses played a strategic role in the redemptive history of the People of God. He was used by God as the messenger for both their redemption from Egypt as well as the mouthpiece of God’s Law. His unparalleled role in the Biblical narrative is filled with many examples of faith.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:23-29

Daily Bible Readings

February 15: Exodus 2

February 16: Exodus 3

Ash Wednesday: Exodus 4

February 18: Exodus 11-12

February 19: Exodus 13:17-14:31

February 20: Reflection

February 21, 2021: By Faith, Rahab

The Bible is filled with stories of unlikely heroes and heroines. Certainly, Rahab belongs in that camp. Who would have chosen a prostitute in Jericho to factor into the story of redemption? And yet, Rahab’s name is etched in ink in the sweeping Biblical narrative of redemption! In fact, she is even included in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. Her faith led to her own redemption!

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:31

Daily Bible Readings

February 22: Joshua 2

February 23: Joshua 3

February 24: Joshua 4

February 25: Joshua 5

February 26: Joshua 6

February 27: Reflection

February 28, 2021: By Faith, God’s People!

The stories of faith in Hebrews 11 are both informational and inspirational! God has always been pleased with His people acting in faith. That has not changed. Ordinary people can be a part of God’s extraordinary plan if they are willing to be people of faith. May it be said of all us ----- still living by faith when we died!

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:13-16

Daily Bible Readings

March 1: Hebrews 10:1-18

March 2: Hebrews 10:19-39

March 3: Hebrews 11:1-12

March 4: Hebrews 11:13-31

March 5: Hebrews 11:32-40

March 6:  Reflection