Seasonal Preaching

The Corinthians had responded to the gospel of God's grace and were saved from their immoral and idolatrous sinful life. However, Paul had received reports indicating their behavior had reverted to their past ways. Paul reminds them, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11).

"By faith Abraham obeyed..." (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham, the father of faith, is the subject of focus for the greater part of Hebrews 11. Observing his faith provides great insight into what pleases God.

Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be strengthened in Ephesians 3:14-21. This strength is needed for Christians to walk worthy of their calling, and bring glory to God. The prayer gives us insight into what this strength is, and how it is derived, as well as what it produces within us.

The first three characters the Hebrew writer utilizes to display the faith that pleases God are Abel, Enoch, and Noah (Hebrews 11:4-7). Faith acts on God's word, leads to right standing with God, is willing to change, is outspoken, affects others for good, and provides an example for all to follow.

The epistle to the Hebrews warned the brethren of apostasy. As they were suffering persecution, the writer explained, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…Now the just shall live by faith”(Hebrews 10:36, 38). An active and enduring faith is essential to pleasing God.