"The Way of Faith"
Hebrews 11 (NASB)
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.2 For by it the men of old gained approval.3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;18 it was he to whom it was said, IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the kings edict.24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter,25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Genesis 4 (NASB)
1 Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.2 Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground.4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering;5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.6 Then the LORD said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.9 Then the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I do not know. Am I my brothers keeper?10 He said, What have you done? The voice of your brothers blood is crying to Me from the ground.11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brothers blood from your hand.12 When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.13 Cain said to the LORD, My punishment is too great to bear!14 Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.15 So the LORD said to him, Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him.16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.17 Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.18 Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech.19 Lamech took to himself two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.21 His brothers name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.22 As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.23 Lamech said to his wives, Adah and Zillah, Listen to my voice, You wives of Lamech, Give heed to my speech, For I have killed a man for wounding me; And a boy for striking me;24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.25 Adam had relations with his wife again; and she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, for, she said, God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, for Cain killed him.26 To Seth, to him also a son was born; and he called his name Enosh. Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD.
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.2 For by it the men of old gained approval.3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;18 it was he to whom it was said, IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the kings edict.24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter,25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Genesis 4 (NASB)
1 Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.2 Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground.4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering;5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.6 Then the LORD said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.9 Then the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I do not know. Am I my brothers keeper?10 He said, What have you done? The voice of your brothers blood is crying to Me from the ground.11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brothers blood from your hand.12 When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.13 Cain said to the LORD, My punishment is too great to bear!14 Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.15 So the LORD said to him, Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him.16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.17 Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.18 Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech.19 Lamech took to himself two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.21 His brothers name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.22 As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.23 Lamech said to his wives, Adah and Zillah, Listen to my voice, You wives of Lamech, Give heed to my speech, For I have killed a man for wounding me; And a boy for striking me;24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.25 Adam had relations with his wife again; and she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, for, she said, God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, for Cain killed him.26 To Seth, to him also a son was born; and he called his name Enosh. Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD.