Paul is instructing the Hebrew people by reminding them of the faithful from years gone by. He begins by giving the classic definition of faith and then proceeds through reminders of many who were outstanding in their faith. He told the Hebrews that through faith they can understand how the universe was formed. And that through their faith they can live on through the ages as have Noah, Abel, Abraham, etc. Their faith gives them eternal life.

By strong faith these saints were able to endure hardships and secure the promise of God. Paul went on to say that they were able to see that promise because God has something greater in store for them. They remained faithful until death. And like Noah, they will fall heir to the righteousness that comes with faith.

Paul gave the Hebrews and us some wonderful role models when he wrote his lesson on faith and covenant. We must look to these faithful ones from our past who can provide encouragement and comfort to us.

—George and Linda Howton

• Who in Hebrews 11:6 is to be rewarded? Why?
• Why was faith so vital for the Hebrews? Why is it so for us?
• Who are other faithful ones from the past you can name? Think of those locally, denominationally, ecumenically. Who are those important to your community?
• How does faith help us cope with the unknown? How does the unknown help us build our faith?

How Do I Act?

List faithful members of your congregation from the past, faithful Cumberland Presbyterians, and people of your community. Think about why these people had such strong faith. Remember them in some creative way such as a special display or a video.

Invite a group of people from your church to gather virtually and then add to that group people from other cultures, other races, other churches, other religions, etc. to discuss cultural differences and how faith has sustained these people. You may even want to include the entire church and make it an outdoor event.

Write on a sheet of paper what your faith means to you. Share your faith story with someone else and include times in your life when only faith seemed to sustain you.

Do a creative activity that symbolizes your faith in some way. It may be to write a poem, sing a song, sew a wall hanging, etc. Share this with your church in some way.

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