Hero!
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval. Hebrews 11:1-2
Did you have heroes growing up? I did as a boy my hero was the comic book hero Thor. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. I wanted long blond hair, big muscles, and a hammer that only I could lift. As I grew older, my heroes were sports figures. Football players were at the top. Bob Griese, Mercury Moris, Jim Kick, Larry Csonka, and almost every other member of the 72 Dolphins.
When I became a Christian in 1980, I still looked to sports celebrities as my heroes. But, as I matured in the faith over the years that changed. I started to see dead men of God replace those heroes. Men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Bunyan, John Owens, Jonathan Edwards, and the prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon. I also have heroes in the faith who are alive, Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, Paul Washer, and Voddie Baucham. However, many of you can guess who my favorite hero is, John MacArthur. I have been accused of putting too much emphasis on the man and even putting him above scripture. As Paul would say may it never be. I would never put any person above the Word of God. The reason that I reference John Macarthur so much is because of the impact that his teaching has had on my life. When I was not walking with God it was a brother who introduced me to Dr. John and his book Hard To Believe. That book reminded me of who I was in Christ and how a Christian should live. That was in the early 90’s. From there I listened to sermon series after sermon series. He drove me to the Word of God to be a Berean. He is the one man that has most influenced me to be the preacher I am today. But, I do not worship or idolize him or any other man. Like other people born of a woman, he is sinner saved by God’s grace just like every hero in the Bible. Even the heroes of scripture were just men and women, but God’s grace saved them and are an example to all believers.
Hebrews 11 lists these men and women that we can learn from.
Abel-”By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did.” (Hebrews 11:4)
Enoch-”By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5)
Noah-”By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family.” (Hebrews 11:7) Abraham-”By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8), “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar.” (Hebrews 11:17) Sarah-”By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11) Isaac-”By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.” (Hebrews 11:20) Jacob-”By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.” (Hebrews 11:21) Joseph-”By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.” (Hebrews 11:22) Moses -”By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin.” (Hebrews 11:24-25), “By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27) Rahab-”By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.” (Hebrews 11:31) These men and women are real heroes. They lived by faith, and they died in faith. Faith in God!
Your shepherd,
Pastor Mark
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