How Moses Turned Spring Break into a Miracle. Ancient Israelites discovered one weird trick to cross bodies of water – Pharaohs hated it!
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
A Warm Welcome to Our Church Family
Hey there, friends! It’s so great to see all your smiling faces today. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’ve been part of our church family for years, I want you to know that you’re loved and welcomed here. Today, we’re diving into an incredible passage from Hebrews that’s all about faith and perseverance. I can’t wait to explore it with you!
Church Updates and Upcoming Events
Before we jump in, let me share a few quick announcements:
- Next Sunday: We’re kicking off our new small group series, “Living with Purpose.” Sign up in the lobby after service!
- Community Outreach: This Saturday, we’re partnering with the local food bank. We need volunteers, so please see Susan at the information desk if you can lend a hand.
- Youth Camp: Registration for our summer youth camp is now open. Early bird discount ends in two weeks, so don’t miss out!
Remember, church isn’t just a Sunday thing – it’s a family. Let’s make sure we’re supporting and encouraging each other throughout the week too!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Focusing Our Hearts on God
Let’s prepare our hearts for worship by reflecting on the powerful words from Hebrews 11:29-12:2. This passage reminds us of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, showing us what it means to live by faith.
Leader: By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land.
Congregation: Lord, help us to trust in Your deliverance.
Leader: By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
Congregation: Lord, strengthen our faith to overcome obstacles.
Leader: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
Congregation: Lord, help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
All: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. Thank You for bringing us together as a church family today. As we open Your Word, we ask that You would speak to us, challenge us, and draw us closer to You. Help us to see Your faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives. May our faith be strengthened as we remember those who have gone before us and as we fix our eyes on Jesus. Guide us, inspire us, and transform us through Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Lifting Our Voices in Praise
Church family, it’s time to lift our voices and hearts in worship to our amazing God! Let’s stand together and sing praises to the One who has been faithful throughout all generations. Our worship team will lead us in a mix of contemporary songs and beloved hymns that remind us of God’s enduring love and the power of faith. As we sing, let’s remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, praising God through the ages. Let’s join our voices with theirs and with the angels in heaven!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction to Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Friends, we’re about to dive into one of the most inspiring passages in the New Testament. Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith,” and for good reason. It’s a powerful reminder of how ordinary people, just like you and me, did extraordinary things through their faith in God.
The Events in the Passage
This passage takes us on a whirlwind tour of faith in action. We’ll see the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho falling, and brave individuals like Rahab standing firm in their trust in God. It then crescendos with a call for us to run our own race of faith, inspired by these heroes and ultimately fixing our eyes on Jesus. Let’s read this incredible passage together.
Hebrews 11:29-12:2 (NIV)
29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Loving Father, as we reflect on this powerful passage, we’re reminded of Your faithfulness throughout history. We pray for strength to follow in the footsteps of those great heroes of faith. Help us to:
- Trust You even when the path ahead seems impossible, just as the Israelites did at the Red Sea.
- Persist in faith, even when victory seems unlikely, like the army marching around Jericho.
- Show courage in standing for You, as Rahab did.
- Endure hardships and persecution, knowing that You are with us always.
Lord, we ask for the faith to run our race with perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.
Congregational Prayer Response
Leader: Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Congregation: Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Section 7. Offering
The Joy of Giving
Friends, as we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let’s remember that giving isn’t just about money – it’s an act of worship. When we give, we’re expressing our trust in God’s provision and our gratitude for all He’s done. Just like the heroes of faith we read about, let’s step out in faith, knowing that God is faithful.
Prayer of Thanks
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your endless generosity towards us. As we give today, we do so with joyful hearts, knowing that every good gift comes from You. We pray that You would use these offerings to further Your kingdom and bless our community. Help us to be good stewards of all You’ve entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Introduction to Special Music
As we continue in our worship, let’s prepare our hearts to hear from our choir/worship team. They’ll be performing a beautiful rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” a hymn that perfectly echoes the theme of our scripture today. Let the words of this song remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness in your own life.
Bible Study: The Race of Faith: Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Are You Running the Race of Faith?
My friends, are you ready to run the race of faith like the heroes of old? In this powerful passage from Hebrews, we’ll discover the key to unlocking a life of unwavering trust in God, no matter the obstacles we face. Get ready to be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to finish your race strong!
From Red Sea to Jericho
Imagine standing on the shores of the Red Sea, the raging waters before you and the Egyptian army closing in. What would you do? Well, that’s exactly the situation the Israelites found themselves in. But the Bible tells us that “by faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land” (Hebrews 11:29). Can you picture it? Millions of Israelites, walking calmly through the parted waters, trusting in God’s power to deliver them.
And that’s just the beginning. Later, we read about the walls of Jericho crumbling at the sound of the Israelites’ shouts and the blast of trumpets. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days” (Hebrews 11:30). Imagine the scene – an impenetrable fortress reduced to rubble, all because of the unwavering faith of God’s people.
These are just a few of the incredible stories we’ll dive into as we explore Hebrews 11 and 12. From Rahab the prostitute to Gideon, Samson, and beyond, we’ll uncover the secrets of the heroes of faith and discover how we can follow in their footsteps.
The Complete Bible Study and Sermon on the Race of Faith
Are you ready to run the race of faith with perseverance, fixing your eyes on Jesus? Then I have the perfect resource for you – our comprehensive Bible study on Hebrews 11:29-12:2. In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover:
• Powerful Expository Lessons: Verse-by-verse explanations that bring the text to life and reveal the deep theological truths behind each story.
• Practical Application Points: Tangible steps you can take to strengthen your own faith and overcome the obstacles in your life.
• Thought-Provoking Discussion Questions: Perfect for small groups or personal reflection, these questions will challenge you to go deeper in your understanding.
• and much more!
This study is your roadmap to running the race of faith with boldness and confidence. Get ready to be transformed as you dive into God’s Word and learn from the spiritual giants who have gone before us.
All of this for just $4.99 – less than your morning coffee! or
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May Jesus pour his grace upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
13. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
My friends, as we prepare to close our time together, let’s stand and lift our voices in one final song of praise and worship. This hymn reminds us that no matter what obstacles we face, no matter how difficult the journey may be, our God is faithful and will see us through.
14. Benediction
And now, may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
