by Steve McCranie | Oct 30, 2017
Faith is not free. In fact, faith costs everyone associated with it something. No, I’m not talking about saving faith or salvation. But even then, salvation has a cost. It costs Christ His life and the Father His only Son. And it costs each of us who embrace saving faith the one thing we hold most dear. Us. Salvation costs each of us who we are.
But the faith we are talking about is the Hebrews 11 kind of faith. It’s the faith defined as the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). It’s the faith that made the notable men of the Scripture, notable. And it’s the faith that helps us answer the why questions in life.
The Why Questions
Why does God allow bad things to happen to people who love Him?
Why does God allow innocent babies to die?
Why does God allow drug addiction and abortion and rape and child abuse and starvation and disease?
Why, oh why, oh why?
Get the point? But having the faith to trust God’s answer to these questions will cost you something. Why? Because it costs Abraham and Noah and Jacob and Moses and many, many others what it will cost you to know the truth. Are you willing to understand the cost of faith? Do you want to know the answer to the most troubling questions in the Christian life? If so, then keep listening.
The following is a study on the cost of faith.
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by Steve McCranie | Dec 8, 2013
Question: But what have I forgotten?
Answer: The encouragement, when facing trials and tribulation, that you are a son of God.
Question: What is the encouragement?
Answer: Proverbs 3:11-12 which reads:
My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.
Question: Really? I am to be encouraged with a verse that speaks about chastening, rebukes and scourging? Really?
Answer: Absolutely. Just keep listening.
The following is a study of Hebrews 12:4-11.
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by Steve McCranie | Nov 24, 2013
Psalm 69 gives us a chilling insight into the life of Jesus as a young boy being raised in the home of Mary and Joseph. After all, we know He had 4 brothers and at least two sisters. What must His life been like during His teenage years.
From Psalm 69:
I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother’s children. Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
Want to know more about the suffering that Jesus endured before His introduction by John the Baptist? Then keep listening.
The following is a study of Psalm 69.
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by Steve McCranie | Nov 13, 2013
In the hall of faith of Hebrews 11 we see Abel standing out as our example of worship, giving to God what He desires and not what seems appropriate in our own eyes. Next, we move to the area of intimacy with God, walking with God, day by day, moment by moment, as illustrated by the life of Enoch.
Question: But what comes after worship and intimacy with the Lord?
Answer: Obedience.
And obedience is shown in the life of Noah.
Want to learn more about the faith of Noah and obedience to the Lord? Then keep listening.
The following is a study of Hebrews 11:7.
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by Steve McCranie | Nov 11, 2013
When we look at the list of faith giants in Hebrews 11, we find only one verse each for Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. In fact, when we see these three, what is listed about their life is not how they lived, but how they died.
For example:
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Did you ever wonder why the Lord chose these events in their lives to show their faith? Is there something more here that meets the eye? Keep listening.
The following is a study of Hebrews 11:20-22.
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