Hebrews 11:1-3 - Notice that it does not say that the universe was created by God out of nothing, but that "what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." But still, the fact that God made it at his word is something we take on faith, not on reason or empirical evidence.
Hebrews 11:4-31 The interesting thing about these faith heroes is that each of them took their faith and acted on it. In many cases, their faith is manifested in obedience to direct commands or instructions. Not an original observation I suppose, but my tendency, and I suspect many others', is to equate faith with emotion or belief or something internal or intellectual. It must be more if it is to be real.
Hebrews 11:13 - "These all died in faith". Certainly, the did not start their faith journey thinking they would not see what had been promised, but at some point it must have become clear that God wasn't going to deliver the promise in their lifetime. Yet, they did not waver in their faith. Why not? Because faith delivers along the way to the ultimate promise. For Christians, that ultimate promise is heaven, but along the way, a life of faith delivers rewards unforeseen at the start that propel us onward.
Hebrews 11:13-16 - People of faith are looking forward, to the future promises, while living in the presence. For followers of God, our present actions are informed and influenced by looking forward, in faith.
Henrews 11:26 - Faith alters our worldview, redefines riches, winning and losing.
