1: Hope Grows (Intro)

I’m a DAD and I tell JOKES....so...DAD JOKES. And I think it’s only fair to warn you that I’m officially recognized as

A Dad Joke Pro

I really like telling Dad jokes. Sometimes he laughs.

Why do bananas have to put on sunscreen before they go to the beach? Because they might peel!

The rotation of earth really makes my day.

Last night, my wife asked me if I'd seen the dog bowl. I said, "I didn't even know he could."

Lance isn’t a common name these days, but in medieval times, people were named Lance a lot.

When Joshua’s new girlfriend showed up in a white suit, covered in bee stings and smelling like honey, I told Joshua “she's a keeper.”

Turn to someone and tell them - Dad jokes are my favorite!

As we roll into Summer I have several events I’m really looking forward to.

I’m looking forward to the impact of our camps - like this one.

I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks of vacation.

And finally…I’m looking forward to FOOTBALL SEASON that kicks off in just 3 months.

Welcome to Camp Cherokee and with our Theme HOPE GROWS.

Jonathan has well said that HOPE = Faith directed toward the future.

Another way to say FAITH is TRUST in something that is YET to occur, because of what has already occurred.

Hebrews 11 is one of the most colorful chapters full of characters in all the Bible - often called “The Faith Chapter” or “The Faith Hall of Fame”.

In its 40 verses it contains the word, “faith” 18 times.

We are to live by this kind of faith - not faith in faith, not faith in anything & everything - but a trusting & believing in the God who has promised something we are still waiting for. So that even though we haven’t seen the fulfillment of the promise, we know it is on the horizon, because the ONE who has promised is faithful.

Around this time of the year, a couple of years ago, Tonya and I went to make a down payment on a truck for our soon to be 16 year-old Joshua. It wasn’t his yet. But it would be. We promised it to him and he trusts that the ones who made his a promise will be faithful to fulfill what we have said. Because of that, he had been looking forward to that future day with great hope!

When I took him to the bus for camp 2 summers ago, he said, “Dad, you know what I’m looking forward to camp being over…You know why?” NOPE. No clue.

Of course, he was LOOKING FORWARD to and BELIEVING the promise he awaits being fulfilled.

That’s what it means to have HOPE. So, let’s dig in to discover how this HOPE GROWS as it’s directed toward the future.

Hebrews 11:1–2

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved.

I appreciate seeing how multiple translations clarify this. The NET makes the author’s intention super clear.

Hebrews 11:1 (NET)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.

Here the author uses a writing technique of Hebrew poets called “parallelism” - saying the same thing in 2 parallel lines “faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see”.

Trusting something yet UNSEEN doesn’t mean is doesn’t exist.

In truth, we put faith/trust in what we can’t see ALL THE TIME!

We drink water out of a faucet, having faith/trusting that it is safe.

We eat food in a restaurant, with faith/confidence that it is not contaminated.

We get paid with a check or paper money—and we have faith/trust that a cheap fibrous material will actually allow us to buy food and other stuff.

We submit to the surgeon’s knife, and the doctor’s prescription, putting faith/trust in their ability & desire for our good and believing that the outcome will be good.

So too, we are to live in such a way as to put faith/trust in God with the future OUTCOME.

It is by this - faith - that the Hebrew ancestors (grandpa and grandma...and beyond) were approved by God. Good works have never made people right with God. Real deal faith in God is what makes a person approved by God.

And so, the author backs up to the beginning and works his way forward through the Scriptures.

Hebrews 11:3

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Even with all the technology we have today, does anyone fully understand the process by which God created everything out of nothing? NOPE. The people 2000 years ago didn’t either. But they did understand that God created the universe - matter, space, and energy - from things that are not visible. You might say it this way, “Before then nothing MATTERed…because there was none [matter].”

In our day, many refuse to trust the unseen God by what He has made. Despite the intricate design, many people believe that our universe is a astronomical accident.

They are like the piano mice who lived all their lives in a large piano. The music of the instrument came to them in their “piano world,” filling all the dark spaces with sound and harmony. At first the mice were impressed by it. They drew comfort and wonder from the thought that there was someone who made the music—though invisible to them—someone beyond them, yet close to them. They loved to think of the Great Player whom they could not see.

Then one day a daring mouse climbed up part of the piano and returned to describe how the music was actually made. Wires were the secret—tightly stretched wires of graduated lengths that trembled and vibrated. The mice must revise all their old beliefs. None but the most conservative could any longer believe in the Unseen Player.

Later another explorer brought more insight into where the music came from. Hammers —great numbers of hammers dancing and leaping on the wires. This was a more complicated theory, but it all proved that they lived in a purely mechanical and mathematical world.

The Unseen Player came to be thought of as a myth, though the pianist continued to play.

However, By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God.

After creating the universe, plants & animals, God created people in His image - we all know about Adam and Eve, but you might not remember what led to the 1st murder in Scripture - where Cain killed his brother, Abel. WHY? The Scripture tells us.

Hebrews 11:4

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

It has been said “dead men tell no tales”, but John MacArthur rightly notes that dead men DO tell tales. In fact, ancient Abel speaks a relevant message loud and clear for modern mankind.

What was his message? Abel trusted that God was worthy of his sincere sacrifice. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain.

Why was his sacrifice better? Was it because it was animal sacrifice versus farm crops? I don’t think so, since the Scripture doesn’t highlight that. Here’s what it says from Genesis.

Genesis 4:4–5 (NET)

But Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock—even the fattest of them. And the LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering, but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. So Cain became very angry, and his expression was downcast.

This Scripture seems to spotlight that Abel gave God his best - the firstborn & fattest - because he trusted God to continue to provide for him.

Cain, on the other hand, didn’t trust God like Abel did - and didn’t bring his best.

And Cain’s jealousy leads him to kill Abel, his own brother. Yet even in death, Abel “speaks through his faith” (Heb 11:4). He is an example for US to follow. He had a genuine faith, giving God the best of his offering, because he trusted God and thanked Him for providing in the first place.

Next comes a Godly man very little is known about. Here’s what is known:

Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. * Gen 5:21-24

Enoch is 1 of 2 (and Elijah 2 Kings 2:1) mentioned in the Scriptures that NEVER died, but were taken by God to heaven!

Side note: Followers of Jesus who are still living on earth when He returns will experience the same thing (1 Thes. 4:17)!

Further, at that time people were living for several hundred years. In fact, Enoch is the father of Methuselah - the oldest man in Scripture at 969 years - but Enoch was ONLY 365 years old when God took him to heaven - a young adult.

But here’s the other thing mentioned in the New Testament by Jude 14-15: Enoch was known for prophesying - speaking on behalf of God in warning false teachers and their audience. How long did he do this? We don’t know…maybe 300+ years.

And God Took Enoch early - but WHY? Enoch pleased God because of his faith. He TRUSTED God and it was obvious throughout his life!

Genesis describes his life by saying that “Enoch walked with God 300 years...” (Gen 5:22)

Wouldn’t that be wonderful to be known as someone who “walked with God” - to be known for loving God, obeying God, and being in fellowship with God!

John MacArthur says it well: “One thing is certain: because of his faithful preaching and faithful living, no one who heard Enoch or lived around him had any excuse for not believing in God.” [1]

By faith... he was approved as one who pleased God.

THAT’S how we please God - by TRUSTING HIM!

Hebrews 11:6

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

We please God when we LIVE BY FAITH - when our HOPE is in Him.

BIG TRUTH: Hope Grows when we’re living like: 1) God exists and 2) God rewards.

Based on THAT definition - do YOU have genuine faith - real HOPE - a faith that pleases God?

What difference does God’s existence make in your daily life? How does God’s Presence impact your actions, words, thoughts, attitudes, & relationships?

OR is it true of you, that you live like God doesn’t exist? I haven’t met tons of PHILOSOPHICAL ATHEISTS, but I’ve met ALOT of PRACTICAL ATHEISTS - people who might not SAY there is no God, but who sure ACT like there is no God.

What difference do God’s rewards make in your daily life?

What rewards are you experiencing NOW? (e.g. Love, Joy, Peace, Faith Family)

And what about FUTURE REWARDS? They are on the way…Godly marriage, God’s approval of your life, Eternal Life, Reunion with others, Knowing our Creator’s pure, powerful Presence…FOREVER! It’s not here yet…but we are 1 day closer to what our GREAT GOD has promised!

So, Joshua was waiting IN FAITH, that FUTURE DAY when he gets his truck. THAT DAY was on the same Sunday I taught this to our church. HE didn’t know it was coming THAT DAY, but we did. The moment he got back from camp...

HIS TRUCK sitting in our church parking lot! We were excited to see the reaction of our son - the one who has awaited and trusted that this day was coming.

So too, THE DAY is coming that Jesus promised - THE DAY that what He promised will come to be - The DAY He returns and the faith we have put in the God we have never seen…WILL BE SEEN, the VISIBLE REALITY we have only dreamed of!

And that’s great news for those who follow Jesus, but the ONE who REWARDS is also the ONE who punishes those who aren’t LIVING BY FAITH. And it’s not like God is a Cosmic Cop who sets a speed trap and looks forward to pulling you over…

INSTEAD, our Great God came to live on earth as a man - lived a perfect life and then DIED on the cross for YOUR SINS and MINE! You CAN be forgiven.

Turn to your neighbor and encourage them with these words: “You haven’t gone too far for God’s grace.”

If you’re still breathing, there’s still HOPE! And you can experience the HOPE of forgiveness…but not without turning from your sin and trusting the ONE who paid for your sin!

But I’ve got to warn you. You can’t continue to live for the sin Jesus died to pay for!

I was in an online conversation with a 20 year old who is living a homosexual lifestyle.

He asked these questions, “Can you be gay and be a Christian? Can you be gay and go to heaven?”

I responded with this Scripture.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (CSB)

Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.

These people will NOT inherit the kingdom of God. WHY?

We can’t live in sin, if we belong to Him.

If you CAN live in...sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, stealing from others, greed, drunkeness, abusing others with you mouth, or swindling people, then you CAN’T be a follower of Jesus.

UNLESS…THEY…WE…YOU turn from your sin and TRUST Jesus. Those who refuse to turn from their sin and follow Jesus WILL NOT inherit the Kingdom (1 Cor 6:9-10; Rev 21:8).

But there’s GOOD NEWS because there’s more to that passage!

1 Corinthians 6:11 (CSB)

And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

This is fantastic news! If you have lived in those sins in the past, you don’t have to stay there, you CAN BE FORGIVEN! Your identity doesn’t have to be soldered to your sins. Jesus died to pay for ALL of that!

When you turn from your sin and trust Him...

Your sin has been washed away!

You have been sanctified - set apart and claimed by God as a son/daughter of His!

And you have been justified - set free from judgment - no longer viewed as guilty.

Following Jesus means that you have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - by His authority and because of His obedience to go to the cross to pay for your sin. Now He lives in His followers by the Spirit.

Sadly, this young man had bought the lie that 1) He was born that way 2) He can’t change 3) And that his sexual desire IS his IDENTITY.

But THANK GOD - that while we are ALL BORN WITH SINFUL DESIRES, he…you…ME…WE CAN CHANGE with the help of God and His people; We can be FULLY FORGIVEN and we CAN CHANGE because Jesus actually PAID for our sins (1 Cor 6:11)! (And regardless of what you have done…you have not yet - as long as you’re breathing - gone too far for his grace) AND we should recognize that the ONE who made us determines our IDENTITY.

But this young man…and the people you and I talk with…NEED TO KNOW BOTH TRUTHS:

1) that God WILL JUDGE sin,

but they need to know that

2) God will also REWARD those who turn from sin and turn to Him!

Are you a FOLLOWER of Jesus? Have you turned from your sin and trusted Jesus?

Does your life demonstrate that you are washed, sanctified, and justified?

Mr. Sonny

One of my heroes was Mr. Sonny died a few years back. Mr. Sonny was a big burly man who invested in my life by taking my fishing and camping. He taught me in RA’s. He was a dear friend of my folks who was often in my house. And Mr. Sonny LOVED Jesus with every fiber of his being!

But that’s not who Mr. Sonny used to be. Before being married, Mr. Sonny was sexually immoral. After getting married, he ran around his wife. And Mr. Sonny was a greedy idolater who lived for money…and alcohol. Mr. Sonny loved to get drunk. He also loved to pick fights at bars and beat the snot out of several guys. He was verbally and physically abusive.

But then Mr. Sonny heard the good news of Jesus. He heard that Jesus was God in skin, who loved HIM…who died for…HIM! He surrendered his life to Jesus…and Mr. Sonny transformed into man who loved BIG! The BIG bruiser became a BIG teddy bear. His language changed. His relationships changed. Mr. Sonny changed.

In the very first few days of trusting Jesus with his life, Mr. Sonny invited my parents over to his house…to watch him pour all his alcohol down the drain.

[1 Cor 6:11] Mr. Sonny understood what it meant to be washed, sanctified, and justified by the Lord Jesus! He understood that...

We can’t live in sin, if we belong to Him.

And so, that’s what we’re going to be talking about all week - that...

BIG TRUTH: Hope Grows when we’re living like: 1) God exists and 2) God rewards.

HOPE fades when we’re living like 1) God DOESN’T exist & 2) DOESN’T reward those who seek Him.

QUESTION: What are you doing to SEEK God?

Are you opening the Scriptures daily?

Are you talking to God throughout the day?

Are you OBEYING Him…like Cain & Enoch…and Mr. Sonny....because you believe that God rewards those who seek Him?

OR, are you acting like God doesn’t exist, as if He’s NOT going to judge you?

Are you hanging out with others who are encouraging you to SEEK God?

OR those who encourage you to STIFF-ARM God?

I trust that you will discuss this further in your cabins tonight…and if you have any questions - approach your adult leaders and ASK - it’s our great privilege to hear you and help you!

PRAY

____________

John F. MacArthur Jr., Hebrews, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1983), 313–314.]