This week in chapel, Dr. Robert Lehman preached on Hebrews 11:1 and Hebrews 12:2. Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and it is truth that holds three key realities. The realities of our faith include redemption, sanctification and glorification. Faith is not something that we as humans initiate to attract God but is a tangible experiential gift from God. We are called to fix our eyes on Jesus who is both the author and perfecter of our faith. Dr. Lehman emphasized that saving faith is not the same as perfecting faith. Saving faith is the starting line and not the finish line. 1 Peter 1:3-9 reminds us of the promises and benefits of having faith, including a new birth into a living hope. This living hope is an eager, confident expectation that is necessary for us to live with resiliency and to endure the hardships we will face.
Hebrews 11 expresses that we are living in the gap where we see a delay until the promise is fulfilled. There will be suffering and grief because we are not shielded completely from them, but we are shielded through the trials and testing in order to become refined. God has given a gap until the promises are fulfilled so that our faith may be grown and perfected.
Listen to the full sermon below.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Lehman is a professor of counseling here at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and a Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor. He received his bachelor’s degree at Cornerstone University, a Master of Divinity from GRTS, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He offers expertise as both a counselor and a ministry leader.
Dr. Lehman has served on staff at several churches as a youth pastor and a pastor in counseling. In addition, he has been over 30 years in his counseling practice.
