Happy June everyone, and welcome to our new series on ACTION HEROES! We’re going to be studying those bold men and women who did not simply believe in God, but put their faith into ACTION!

“FAITH shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1

In the month of June when the days are long and warm, and we find ourselves diving into a refreshingly cool swimming pool physically, let’s also dive into a spiritual refreshment through Hebrews 11!

Commonly known as the “Hall of Faith,” this chapter promises to refresh our spirits and cause us to “walk our walk”, and not just “talk our talk!”

So Friends, join me as we jump into the refreshing waters of the book of Hebrews toes first, allowing it’s encouraging waters to engulf our bodies with encouragement and inspiration!

The author of Hebrews does not identify himself, except to indicate that he was a man. The original belief was that the author was Paul, however the writing style is not that of Paul’s and the author states in chapter 2 that “the message of this great salvation was first announced by The Lord Himself, then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak.” He is separating himself from those who were directly in contact with Jesus while He was on this earth.

The beauty of Hebrews is not just that it is filled with encouragement for us today to walk and act on our faith as those faithful follower did before us, but that it was more than likely written by a man of faith just like you or I! The most likely author was Barnabas, who accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey. The other candidate for authorship is Apollos who was associated with Paul in his early years of ministry in Corinth. Either way the author is a faithful, church going, scripture studying, servant of God, just like you and I! He put his faith into action, and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit penned one of the most encouraging books of the Bible! Now that’s FAITH IN ACTION. A real ACTION HERO in my book!

Truth is, we always hear about the “Biggies” of the Faith, those Action Heroes that make our mouths drop open, and cause us to stand awestruck and in wonder! Don’t get me wrong, I love those Heroes! I cling to those Heroes of the faith to help me stand firm! I use them daily for inspiration and encouragement, and we will talk about them. But I want to draw attention first to those “unsung” Heroes. Their faith was as big and stands looming over all Christian History as they made their mark alongside the greats of the faith, just like the author of Hebrews himself! He remains nameless, taking no credit for himself, yet pens the book chock full of the stories of the Action Heroes that help us all believe we can live valiantly for Christ!

In Hebrews chapter 11, verse 23, we are introduced to one of my favorite couples. They remain nameless, just like the author of Hebrews, but their Faith in Action allowed one of our ‘Super Hero’s’ to take his place in history. They are simply called “The Parents.”

“It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.”
Hebrews 11:23

These incredible Action Heroes risked death to put their faith into action! Understanding that the edict of the king, to kill all boy babies, went directly against God’s laws, they risked their very own lives to preserve the life of their son! I am especially in awe of the line; “they were not afraid to obey the king’s command.” This is true faith in action! They took the words in the beginning of Hebrews to heart…

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for, it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1

When we put our faith into action, and trust that what God says is TRUTH, even when we cannot see it, something supernatural takes place! Our fear, even of death, is replaced with a sense of peace and trust. We can step out of our fear and accomplish the impossible. We can accomplish the ‘Godpossible!’ Yes, I made that up, but it fits so perfectly!

These amazing parents saw something unusual in their son…

“They saw that God had given them an unusual child…” Hebrews 11:23

Being secure in their faith and the “evidence of things they could not see,” they acted in faith and their fear was gone! They saved the life of their son, while facing the threat of death, and he would go on to save God’s people from the bondage and persecution of Pharaoh and Egypt. These nameless unsung Action Heroes of the Faith, instilled in their son, in three short years, the same “Fearless Faith” that they had. These parents raised an Action Hero named Moses.

Moses went on to make his family proud!

“It was by faith that Mosses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin.”          Hebrews 11:24-25

These nameless parents instilled in their young boy, an Action Hero Faith that remained strong within his spirit even while surrounded by worldly fame and fortune! Never underestimate the power of ‘Faith Filled Parenting!’ It will produce fruit, if we do not give up!

These Action Hero Parents did not simply pass on their “belief” in God, their custom or culture if you will, their heritage, they infused in their boy the “reality of what they hoped for.”

“He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt and , NOT FEARING THE KING’S ANGER. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible.”
Hebrews 11:26-27

In turn, Moses demonstrated the same “Fearless Action Hero Faith” his biological parents did! He left the land of Egypt to follow his God that he could not see, he was FEARLESS!

Did you catch the tiny detail that could easily go unnoticed? Both Moses and his parents had FAITH so great that they did not “FEAR THE KING’S ANGER!”
Now that is ACTION HERO FAITH! The kind you would see on any good Marvel Action Flick! They Acted on their belief with such great faith that DEATH was not a deterrent!

ACTION HERO FAITH IS FEARLESS WHEN WE KEEP OUR EYES ON THE HOPE OF WHAT WE CANNOT SEE!

Moses and his parents did not fear the anger of the king of Egypt, because they had placed their faith in the King of All Kings! They inspire and encourage us to live fearless lives for God as we not only believe, but put our faith into action.

Truth Bomb

ACTION HERO FAITH IS FEARLESS!

Fearless Faith only comes when we activate our faith and practice what we say we believe!

Speak Truth Love