In an era where we have a heightened awareness of just how uncertain the future is in the world, in our country, and even in our church, it has never been more important to ask: What does it mean to live by faith? Some in the broader secular culture may say to live by faith is to live blindly, without any evidence. Those of various religious backgrounds may say living by faith is a matter of how strongly you believe in something. But what does God say in his Word?

Hebrews 11 begins by saying that, "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen," and then continues to outline how numerous saints from the Old Testament lived by faith. By faith Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than his brother Cain. By faith Noah constructed an ark to save his family. By Faith Rahab gave a friendly welcome to Israel's spies. And many more. It all climaxes in Hebrews 12 with an exhortation for us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross."