Hebrews 11:1-2
The Faith Chapter
I appreciate those who are continuing to send in suggestions or questions for Oil Change topics. I’ll continue down this road for a few more weeks before turning my attention to a specific book of the Bible.
Someone suggested an examination of Hebrews 11, and some of the stories found in what many call, The Faith Chapter. I think it’s a great idea - there are some pretty cool stories here.
We have no idea who wrote the book of Hebrews. Some theologians attribute the letter to Paul. However, others dismiss him as the likely author because the style of Hebrews is very different than the writings we know are Paul’s. Whoever did write it was a friend of Timothy, because he is referred to as a “brother” in 13:23.
The author begins this chapter by defining faith. It is the confidence that what we hope for is going to happen. The New International Version puts it this way: Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
I just finished reading a very interesting book called “Jim & Casper Go To Church” It’s the story of an ex-pastor and an atheist who travel across the U.S. attending various churches. Jim, the ex-pastor, has hired Casper, the Atheist, to analyze each service and offer an “outsiders” perspective.
At one point, Jim asks Casper what the most frustrating thing is about most Christians. Casper’s response is quite fascinating to me. He suggests that what offends him about most Christians is the way their present their faith as fact. They speak of God as undisputable. Heaven is not open to discussion, etc.
If we’re honest, he’s right. You see, I think one of the biggest mistakes we’ve made in “Christendom” is try to “prove” our beliefs. It’s interesting to me that the Bible never tries to prove the existence of God. It simply states that God is. The Bible never tries to prove the existence of Heaven. Heaven simply exists.
Why? Because ultimately, it takes faith to believe in God. It requires faith to believe that when we die, we will spend eternity in Heaven. These are things we cannot prove beyond doubt.
Casper, the atheist, suggests that he is far more willing to discuss his (lack of) beliefs with a Christian who begins by saying, “I have faith that God exists” rather than saying, “God exists whether you want to believe it or not.”
And really, the author of Hebrews is saying the exact same thing. He is suggesting that faith - true faith - is a personal conviction of what we hope will happen.
Until tomorrow.
