Faith: It requires hearing which means it needs to be shared

When I think of the word faith, Hebrews 11:1 (‘Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. ‘) comes to mind and as I was going to share it, the entire chapter felt necessary to copy.

Faith explained in Hebrews 11

‘Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.

By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which it was testified of him that he was righteous (upright, in right standing with God), and God testified by accepting his gifts. And though he died, yet through [this act of] faith he still speaks.

By faith [that pleased God] Enoch was caught up and taken to heaven so that he would not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found because God had taken him ; for even before he was taken [to heaven], he received the testimony [still on record] that he had walked with God and pleased Him. But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

By faith [with confidence in God and His word] Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this [act of obedience] he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called [by God], obeyed by going to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has foundations, [an eternal, heavenly city] whose architect and builder is God.

By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive [a child], even [when she was long] past the normal age for it, because she considered Him who had given her the promise to be reliable and true [to His word]. So from one man, though he was [physically] as good as dead, were born as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand on the seashore . All these died in faith [guided and sustained by it], without receiving the [tangible fulfillment of God’s] promises, only having seen (anticipated) them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return. But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises [of God] was ready to sacrifice his only son [of promise]; to whom it was said, “T hrough I saac your descendants shall be called .” For he considered [it reasonable to believe] that God was able to raise Isaac even from among the dead. [Indeed, in the sense that he was prepared to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God] Abraham did receive him back [from the dead] figuratively speaking.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau [believing what God revealed to him], even regarding things to come.

By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and bowed in worship, leaning on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, referred to [the promise of God for] the exodus of the sons of Israel [from Egypt], and gave instructions concerning [the burial of] his bones [in the land of the promise].

By faith Moses, after his birth, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful and divinely favored child; and they were not afraid of the king’s (Pharaoh’s) decree.

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, because he preferred to endure the hardship of the people of God rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of the Christ [that is, the rebuke he would suffer for his faithful obedience to God] to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt; for he looked ahead to the reward [promised by God].

By faith he left Egypt, being unafraid of the wrath of the king; for he endured [steadfastly], as seeing Him who is unseen.

By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them (the firstborn of Israel).

By faith the people [of Israel] crossed the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; but when the Egyptians attempted it they were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days [by Joshua and the sons of Israel].

By faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who were disobedient, because she had welcomed the spies [sent by the sons of Israel] in peace.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith [that is, with an enduring trust in God and His promises] subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of [raging] fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty and unbeatable in battle, putting enemy forces to flight.

Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured [to death], refusing to accept release [offered on the condition of denying their faith], so that they would be resurrected to a better life; and others experienced the trial of mocking and scourging [amid torture], and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned [to death], they were sawn in two, they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith], they were put to death by the sword; they went about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and [living in] caves and holes in the ground.

And all of these, though they gained [divine] approval through their faith, did not receive [the fulfillment of] what was promised, because God had us in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us.’

Hebrews 11:1-40

When you think about it though, it required something to happen before they believed. It requires people to share God’s Word. So let’s be the dads who share the Good News of Jesus with our wives, kids, and world! In addition, let’s be the dads who point people to God’s Word found in the Bible. Finally, let’s help them step into faith so that their lives will be transformed for the glory of God!

Today’s Verse of the Day:

First, remember that faith comes from hearing what is told about Jesus! Secondly, let’s be the dads who share the Good News of Jesus with our wives, kids, and world! Thirdly, let’s be the dads who are salt and light into the world around us, and that point people to Jesus by sharing His love and the truth of God wherever we go. Finally, remember the most effective way to share your faith is through genuine love, humility, and consistent living. By embodying the principles of Romans 10:17, we can become the dads our families and this world need, ultimately bringing glory to God.

So how can we put today’s verse of the day into practice for the glory of God so that we can be the dads God created, purposed, and planned for us to be?

Ways to share faith in applying Romans 10:17 to becoming and being the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be for the glory of God:

• Lead by Example: Live out your faith consistently and authentically, demonstrating the values and teachings of Christ in your daily life.
• Prayer: Develop a strong prayer life, both individually and with your family. Pray for guidance, strength, wisdom, and blessings for your spouse and children.
• Bible Study: Regularly study the Word of God and encourage your family to do the same. Share insights, discuss passages, and apply biblical principles to daily life.
• Family Devotions: Set aside dedicated time for family devotions where you read Scripture, discuss its meaning, and pray together. This cultivates a spiritual foundation within your home.
• Discipleship: Take an active role in discipling your children. Teach them about Jesus, impart biblical values, and help them develop a personal relationship with God.
• Open Communication: Foster an environment of open communication and encourage your family members to share their thoughts, struggles, and questions about faith. Be a listening and supportive presence.
• Serve Others: Engage in acts of service as a family. Volunteer together at a local charity, help those in need, and model the love of Christ through your actions.
• Engage in Worship: Regularly attend church services with your family, actively participate in worship, and encourage your children’s involvement in church activities.
• Share Personal Testimonies: Share your personal experiences of faith and how God has worked in your life. This can inspire and encourage your family to seek a deeper relationship with God.
• Encourage Spiritual Growth: Support and encourage your spouse and children in their spiritual growth journeys. Offer resources, recommend books or podcasts, and create an atmosphere of learning and growth.