As we critically look into this matter of faith, there is the need to draw lessons from the accomplishments of faith and the exploits of men and women of faith (usually called heroes of faith) who walked the earth. Their lives and exploits of faith are a challenge to us today. As we continually examine their lives, may we be inspired by their faith, and walk in like manner.

The World: In Existence by God’s Word

By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see – Hebrews 11:3

It is worthy to note that God existed before the beginning of time. The Bible makes it clear that He created all things – visible and invisible (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). It is by faith that we know that God created all things by His word.

The beauty and wonders of creation are testament to the greatness of God. Now, the ordinary man would think: ‘How can this vast and complex universe come into existence ‘just’ by the word of God?’ That is exactly what it is. Our minds are too limited to fathom how this happened, yet we believe it happened as written. It indeed takes faith to believe the creation story as told by the word of God.

Existence outside the word of God is existence in death because it is the word that gives life; therefore, live each day on and by the word of God.

As an integral and important part of God’s creation, do you know that you also exist by God’s word? There is no life outside God’s word. Jesus clearly puts it thus, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In another Scripture He also said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Existence outside the word of God is existence in death because it is the word that gives life; therefore, live each day on and by the word of God.

Abel: The Offering of an Excellent Sacrifice by Faith

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead yet speaks – Hebrews 11:4

According to the Cambridge Online Dictionary, sacrifice means giving up something for something else considered more important. Considering this definition of sacrifice, we all make one level of sacrifice or another on a daily basis. Any sacrifice that doesn’t resonate in eternity to our credit is a sacrifice in futility.

Abel’s sacrifice was not just good, it was an excellent sacrifice. If we were to score him based on our grading system today, he would have scored an A grade. God requires us to offer ourselves first to Him, then every other thing may follow. Of this, Paul commended the Macedonian Churches thus, “This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives.” – 2 Corinthians 8:5.The Churches’ offerings were acceptable based on the fact that they first offered themselves willingly to the Lord.

What is God’s testimony about your labour for His Kingdom? Do you always labour for God only when it is convenient? Is your faith only pitched on receiving from God rather than giving to God?

What is God’s testimony about your labour for His Kingdom? Do you always labour for God only when it is convenient? Is your faith only pitched on receiving from God rather than giving to God? God testified about Abel’s excellent sacrifice, and he obtained witness that he was righteous. Either way, you are making sacrifices – either for God or for the devil. Would you rather choose to offer sacrifices that will lead to damnation or make sacrifices that will lead to eternal life? The choice is yours to make. Be blessed!