First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 August 25, 2013 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry We've been talking about faith for the last couple of weeks as we looked at what the book of Hebrews has to say to us about it. We started with a definition of faith: the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Then we moved closer to see what faith looks like, and it turns out it looks like a lot of ordinary, flawed people listening for God and moving along the road, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus. Now, we’re in the third and final week of our series, and we’re getting some direction on how to DO faith – where faith goes, and how. Let’s look for direction now from Hebrews 13, verses 1-8 and 15-16. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are bein...

Hebrews 11:29-12:2 August 18, 2013 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. 32 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36 Others suffered mock...

What is Faith? Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 August 11, 2013 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had p...

Seeking God Hosea 11:1-11 August 4, 2013 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword rages in their cities, it consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their schemes. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all. 8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How...