Richvale Community Church
Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Good morning!On November 1, 1998, Karl Bushby stood at the most southern tip -in South America…in Chile.and began what would become one of the most ambitious journeys ever attempted.He called it the Goliath Expedition—He planned to walk around the world and eventually return to his hometown of Hull, England,HIS JOURNEY would be more than 30,000 miles.He would traverse..OVER Four continents. Mountains, deserts, jungles, frozen wilderness,and he would face obstacles that most of us could never imagine.What is interesting is that..When people asked him how he how he was going to do it?He simply answeredJust..One step at a time…Bushby is still on this journey today.. 28 years later!!— what a journey!the Christian life had been called a pilgrimage… —The church father Augustine in his ancient work …the City of God — uses the word Pilgrimage nearly 100 times..John Bunyan who wrote Pilgrim’s progress… portrayed the Christian life… as a journey from…the City of Destruction to the Celestial city..THE Christians life has always been seen as a Journey..And ITS A JOURNEY of Faith..IT Not just hoping that everything works out..It’s not fatalistic..that says … what ever happens happens..it’s fait..— Faith says …that God HAS A PURPOSE…And he has a plan in placebut REQURES Faith to live it out..Faith is not seeing the entire picture..It is about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when we can’t see where the path ahead..That is exactly where we find ourselves in our text in the book of Hebrews.The writer has spent this entire letter (10 CHAPTERS)urging these Hebrew Christians to put their confidence in Christ.—They had already gone through challenges..Some hadendured persecution.had lost possessions.They had faced outside pressure…And they needed encouragement… because they were in danger or drifting back to Judaism…and the Old.Cov..If we're honest, most of us have hit walls.. we have reached these Moments when our faith been challenged.Times and seasson when the future is unclear.Moments maybe when fear whispers,"Maybe you should throw in the towel"Maybe you should turn back."Maybe it was all a mistake..But listen to the preacher of Hebrews… he is an Encourager.. he tells us .. that in chapter 10.39 to keep going.. keep thr Faith..
Hebrews 10:39 ESV 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls..If you facing fear or doubt today… this message is for you.. we are toKeep going …Why? It is because of who we are Anchored too..In CHRIST EVERYTHING IS UPGRADED.WE HAVE A BETTER WORDBETTER PRIESTHOODBETTER SACRIFICEBETTER PROMISES..… WHAT IS REQUIRED IS FAITH..You see it is Faith that enables us to keep moving when we cannot see the whole picture…IT allows us to place our next step into the hands of a faithful God…— Chapter 10 to the end their is this shift from doctrine to practice… from being hearers of the word being doeERS of the word.T/s Faith that endures is — ?1. Faith Trusts God’s PromisesThis past week, I've found myself reflecting on God's goodness.Life is full of highs and lows— we have challenges from within and challenges from without.. But as Christians..there are these Grace and gifts…We have the gift of his word..the gift of his promises..we have access into his presencebut we also have one’s another..We don't walk through life alone.We get to do life together—and that is a blessing.Whether it is a devotional that encourages — or a sermon — or conversation or text… thats the body of Christ in action..This last week I had two pastor — reach out to me … ask how I’m doing…and it was such a blessing..to get prayer and encouragement..What a gift..we are better together..We celebrate victories together.We carry burdens together.We grieve together.We rejoice together.That's one of the beautiful themes running throughout Hebrews.The writer doesn't speak to isolated believers. Over and over again, he uses the words, "Let us."Let us hold fast.Let us draw near.Let us encourage one another.Faith was never meant to be lived out in a vacuum.Faith is lived out in community..God has designed us to encourage one another as we trust His promises together…in Heb 11.. We introduced this group of OT saints whole lives still encourage us ..They were ordinary men and women who made mistakes, faced troubles, experienced disappointments—but they believed in a God who would keep His word.Some received the promises in their lifetime. Others died without seeing them fulfilled.But every one of them trusted that God was faithful.And that's where faith begins.Faith doesn't begin by looking at our circumstances. Faith begins by looking at the character of God.So what is faith?Hebrews 11 begins with one of the greatest definitions of faith in all of Scripture:Hebrews 11:1–3 ESV 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.The first thing we learn about faith is it has substance..it is not wishful thinking.Rather ..“Faith is the assurance of things Hope for.”The Amplified Bible describes it as a “title deed.”Hebrews 11:1 AMP 1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].A title deed is proof of ownership. You may not see the property itself, but the document confirms that it belongs to you.Faith is some thing you can hold on to because it a promise.…Faith looks at God and says:“Because of who You are, I can trust what You have said.”I beleive!!Tozer..“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.” TozerBecause it’s grounded in God’s character....Verse 2 says:Hebrews 11:2 ESV 2 For by (faith) the people of old received their commendation.These men and woman were not commended because they understood every detail of God’s plan.They were commended because they trusted God before they saw the outcome.They believed the promise before they saw the fulfillment.That is what faith does.Faith trusts God before the answer comes.Then verse 3 says:“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God…”It takes faith just to grasp the immense size of the universe.The James Webb Space Telescope has looked deeper into space than any human eye in history. Scientists estimate that the observable universe stretches about 93 billion light-years across—WE ARE JUST SCRATCHING THE SURFACE..Here is the thing…The more we see of creation, the more we realize how much we cannot see.The more we discover about creation, the more we are reminded of how small we are—and how great God is.When we look up at the universe around us, we are confronted with something far greater than ourselves…Faith looks at what is seen and recognizes the unseen God behind it.And that is what we see throughout Hebrews 11.Faith is trusting God before the answer.Noah built an ark before the first drop of rain ever fell.Abraham left his homeland without knowing where God was leading him.Moses walked away from the treasures of Egypt because he believed God’s promises were greater than Egypt’s power.Every person in Hebrews 11 took the next step because they trusted the God who was leading them.They were not simply trusting God for temporary blessings. They were looking beyond their immediate circumstances to a greater promise.Abraham is a perfect example.God promised him a land, but Abraham understood that the promise was bigger than a piece of property.Hebrews 11:8–10 ESV 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.God said to Abraham..everything step you make I’m giving ir to you as an inheritance…But…Abraham knew the promise was much bigger..Abraham was not ultimately looking for a place. He was looking for a promise.He was looking for something this world could never provide.He was looking for the city built by God.The heroes of faith were all waiting for God’s ultimate promise.They were waiting for redemption.They were waiting for the coming Messiah.And then the writer gives us this incredible reminder:Hebrews 11:39–40 ESV 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.Think about that.The heroes of faith trusted God even though they did not see the complete fulfillment of His promises.They all looked forward .They were looking ahead to Jesusthere is a difference between now and them.. In the OTThey all looked forward to the coming Savior.We look back to the Savior who has already come.They trusted that God would send the Messiah.We trust the Messiah who has already come.We live by faith in the fulfillment if promise.T/s Faith that endures ?trusts in God’s promises.Faith fixes it s eyes on Jesus2. Faith Fixes Its Eyes on JesusOne of the things that has changed dramatically in recent years is farming is technology.Years ago, when a farmer was plowing a field, he would have to choose a fixed point in the distance—a tree, a fence post, a landmark—and keep his eyes on that point to make sure he stayed in a straight line.Today, farmers use GPS technology...The equipment can guide the tractor from point A to point B with incredible accuracy.technology has changed but the principle hasn't changed: you still need a fixed point.You can’t stay on course by simply looking around you. You need something that guides you.That is what faith does in the Christian life. Faith gives us a fixed point.After walking us through— the Hero’s of faith… this incredible list of faithful men and women in Hebrews 11, the writer now brings us to the focus of faith.Hebrews 12:1–3 says:Hebrews 12:1–3 ESV 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.Chater 12 starts with.. therefore.. in verse 1 connects us to the whole of chapter 11.. the hero’s of faith..All these in the OT who walked by faith.. those who persevered…He then describes them as a “great cloud of witnesses.” They are described as being. in the grand stands in heaven… giving witness to the faithfulness of the Lord…What is the significance?These are all examples if Faith…David Peterson in his commentarty says that …We are not to picture the great cloud of witnesses … as spectators in an amphitheatre, cheering us on in the race of faith.It is ‘what we see in them, not what they see in us, that is the writer’s main point’David G. PetersonIn other words..This Cloud of Witnesses are not in heaven…watching every moment of our lives.But rather their testimony of their lives bear witness to the faithfulness of God.Their stories— their journey in world.. teach us that God can be trusted…that His promises are true, and faith is worth following.… We see this ARC of from beging of FAITH TO COMPLETION of faith..They have now finished their race…After showing us all these examples of faith, he does not say, “Now look at them.”He says, “Look to Jesus.”WHY LOOK TO JESUS?Because Jesus is the only ones who can transform usHe is the only one who brings our faith to completion…”The Christian life is sustained by where we fix our eyes. … What we focus on is important!Reminds me when I youngster and shot a twelve gauge shot gun form the first time … and one buddies Brett Connor.. what ever you point at you are going to hit.. he wasnt wrongYou see.What captures our attention will eventually shape the direction of our lives.When we focus only on our circumstances, fear can begin to control us.When we focus only on our failures, discouragement can begin to define us.When we focus on the difficulties in front of us, we can lose sight of the faithfulness of God behind us.That is why the writer tells us to look to Jesus.A runner cannot finish a race while constantly looking behind them.They must keep their eyes fixed on the finish line. In the same way, faith keeps moving forward because our eyes are fixed on Jesus…OUR Faith needS focused because it’s a RACE of endurance...The writer says, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”Faith is not simply a moment of emotion or a temporary commitment.It’s endurance… we let go of all the weights that hold us back…. weights of failureDisappointmentWeight of sin.. faith is a lifelong journey of trusting and following Jesus.Step by step -We learn endurance from Jesus..The writer tells us that Jesus ..“who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”Jesus endured the cross.He endured the shame.He endured rejection, suffering, and hostility from sinners.And yet Hebrews tells us that He endured because of “the joy that was set before Him.”How is there joy in endurance…it’s because of what is a head…Jesus looked beyond the suffering of the moment to the joy that was coming.He saw redemption.He saw forgiveness.He saw sinners being reconciled to God.He saw a people who would one day stand before God because of His sacrifice.The cross was not the end of the story. The resurrection was coming. The throne was waiting.What does it mean to endure with joy??Joy is not mere happiness. Nor is it the absence of pain or emotional distress—- but joy gives us the ability to see beyond the circumstances of life to the sovereign Lord who stands above all circumstances and has ultimate control over them.The believers in Hebrews looked forward to the promise of Christ.We look back to the Savior who has already fulfilled that promise.And the way we continue walking by faith is by fixing our eyes on Jesus.t/S Faith that Endures..trusts in God’s promises.2.Faith fixes it s eyes on Jesus3. Faith Endures Until the EndEarlier this year, I had the privilege of doing a wedding…beautiful wedding..ButAt a wedding, ceremony we make promises—covenant promises.We ask a couple to make commitments to one another, and then they exchange rings as token of those promises made…We have the ring cermony whereWe remind every one of covenant of marriage. .Whether they are together or apart, they look at that ring and remember, “I have made a commitment to this person.”But here is the thing covenant is not lived out simply by wearing the ring.The promises made at the altar have to become a way of life.If You say, “I will love you.” Then you have to love.If you say “I will be faithful.” Then you have to remain faithful.“I will stand with you.” Then you have to standThe covenant has to be lived out.And that is where Hebrews 13 takes us.Hebrews 11 shows us people who trusted God's promises.Hebrews 12 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus.And Hebrews 13 shows us what it looks like to live out our covenant relationship with Christ.Our faith is not merely something we believe.in order for Faith be real it has to be. lived out.It has to grounded in real life..The writer begins chapter 13 with a simple command:“Let brotherly love continue.”(Hebrews 13:1Hebrews 13:1–3 ESV 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.After spending an entire chapter describing incredible acts of faithHe tells them to do something ordinary..He begins by telling them to love one another.That reminds us that faith is not only demonstrated in the big moments..Faith is lived out in quite.. every day..Most of our faith is lived out in ordinary moments.It is seen in the way we speak to people.It is seen in the way we treat our families.It is seen in the way we serve others.It is seen in the way we respond when life disappoint us.Faith creates a different kind of community because the gospel changes the way we see people. .. because of what we have received in Christ.When we understand that God has shown us mercy, we become people who extend mercy.When we understand that God has welcomed us, we become people who welcome others.When we understand that God has loved us sacrificially, we become people who learn to love sacrificially.The writer continues:“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)Hospitality in the first century was much more than inviting someone into your home for a meal.It was opening your life to others. It was making room for people who could not necessarily offer anything in return.The writer is reminding us that faith always moves outward.Faith causes us to notice people.Faith causes us to serve people.Faith causes us to use what God has given us for the good of others.But then the text moves from how we treat others to how we trust God.He says:(Hebrews 13:5Hebrews 13:5 ESV 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”The writer connects contentment with the presence of God.Notice he does not say, “Be content because your circumstances will always be good.”He doesn’t say, “Be content because you will always have everything you want.”Instead, he points them to a greater promise:…bec content“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”—-what a promise..Hebrews reminds us that God is faithful, he can be trusted.. he is goood.lCAN you imagine IF we told our selvesevery day.. -God working everything together for our Good…Qoute Rom 8.28Romans 8:28 ESV 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.I beleive it would radically change our outlook…— When that bill comes in..— When that AC gives in ..—When live presses on us ….Faith says..God is towards our good.. ,And then the writer gives us the foundation for all of this:Hebrews 13:8Hebrews 13:8 ESV 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.One thing a I love about God is his sameness.God does not change..The reason is God exists outside of time.We live inside time.We experience yesterday, today, and tomorrow.We watch things change.People grow older. Circumstances change.Our lives move from one season to another.But God is not carried along by time the way we are.He sees the beginning and the end at the same time. Nothing catches Him by surprise.Nothing causes Him to change His mind or become something He wasn't before.And yet, even though God is above time, He has chosen to enter into our story and relate to us within time.And here is what makes that so powerful:BecauseThe same Jesus who called Abraham to step out in faith…Walks with us..The same Jesus who strengthened Moses to stand before Pharaoh.The same Jesus who carried the believers in Hebrews through suffering.Is the same Jesus who walks with us today.Our faith is not anchored in a changing world.Our faith is anchored in an unchanging Savior…Conclusion:The Christian life is not only about starting well. It is about persevering until we reach the end.Karl Bushby began his Golath ExpeditionHas been walking for nearly three decades, he has continued putting one foot in front of the other.Here is the things..This September he is expected to arrive home in Hull, England .His journey that began with a single step is finally coming to its destination.And that is the picture of the life of faith.It not how we start but how your end…The Christian journey is not always easy.The book of Hebrews reminds us to persever in our faith..We are called to trust the One who leads us.We trust His promises.We fix our eyes on Jesus.And we keep walking by faith.Because the God who began the journey with us is the God who will bring us safely home…Billy Graham once said…No matter who you are or what your life has been like so far, the rest of your life’s journey can be different. With God’s help you can begin again. Billy Graham The Journey (2006)Billy GrahamAnd maybe that is where some of us are today.Maybe you’ve been walking with Jesus for years, but the road has become difficult.Maybe you’re tired.Maybe you’ve been discouraged.Maybe you’ve wondered how much longer you can keep going.Or maybe you realize that somewhere along the way, you have stopped walking by faith.Here is the challenge of Hebrews:Don’t stop.Keep loving.Keep serving.Keep obeying.Keep walking.The same God who called you at the beginning will be faithful to you all the way to the end.So let’s finish well.Let’s remain faithful.Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus.Amen. Hebrews 10:39ESV
Hebrews 11:1–3ESV
Hebrews 11:1ESV
Hebrews 11:2ESV
Hebrews 11:8–10ESV
Hebrews 11:39–40ESV
Hebrews 12:1–3ESV
Hebrews 13:1–3ESV
Hebrews 13:5ESV
Romans 8:28ESV
Hebrews 13:8ESV
Richvale Community Church
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