Faith is a common theme throughout the Bible. We may not find the word faith on every page; however, in nearly every description of what God expects of His people, there is at least an indication of faith. Throughout Scripture, we read that faith is the means by which God is pleased with His people as they chose to trust Him.
Hebrews 11 emphasizes the significance of faith by unpacking how God has been saving His people through faith from the beginning. From creation to the first family and on and on throughout the lives of individuals, tribes, and nations God uses faith as the evidence of who belongs to His kingdom and the means by which He gives hope.
So, what exactly is faith? According to the author of Hebrews, “Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (Heb. 11:1).
To be clear, this does mean that it is possible to have faith in something other than the truths of the Bible, the work of Christ, and the promises of God. We may place our faith in a future spouse, job, experience, or accomplishment; however, according to the Bible, only one object of faith is truly saving before God, and that is Jesus.
What is the object of your faith? Do you have hope in the unseen promises of God? Does the object of your faith look more like a whimsical desire for your own good, or is it confidence in the wonderful work of a life-giving Savior? In the grand picture of life, there is no more important question than this because the object of your faith will most certainly determine the direction of your eternity.
The individuals described in Hebrews 11 put their faith in God’s promise of a coming Christ; therefore, their actions revealed their trust and dependence on the Lord. Ultimately, this produced faithfulness in their lives and blessing from God.
Hundreds of years from now, will your life be associated with this type of faith? Let the faith of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others inspire you to take risks in obedience to following Christ. Pray for a faith that actively trusts that God is who He says He is and holds tight to the confidence that God keeps His promises.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is the only true hero of the Bible. We are saved from our sin when we have faith in Jesus.
- Younger Preschool: Jesus is the only true hero of the Bible. We are saved from our sin when we have faith in Jesus.
- Older Preschool: The Bible tells us about people who had faith, but Jesus is the only true hero of the Bible. He trusted in God’s plan even though it meant dying on the cross. We are saved from our sin when we have faith in Jesus.
- Kids: The Bible gives examples of people who had faith, but the true hero of the Bible is Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. We are saved from our sins by faith in Jesus.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: How can we be saved? We are only saved by trusting in Jesus.
- Older Preschool: How can we be saved? We are only saved by trusting in Jesus.
- Kids: How can we be saved? We are only saved through faith in Jesus.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: Believe in God. Hebrews 11:6