Where is Your Faith?

Heb. 12:1-2,    Luke 8:14-21

I: A Great “Cloud of Witnesses.”
1. The entire 11th Chapter tells of men and women of faith.
2. Thru faith subdues Kingdoms.
3. Obtained promises and stopped the mouths of lions.
4. Waxed violence in fight.
5. Received their dead to life.
6. Tortured, stoned, mocked, sawn asunder, slain with the sword, afflicted and tormented.
7. These set the pace and proved the race worth running.

II: America has so Much to Remember.
1. America was opened up by men and women of faith.
2. Winter of 1621: Mayflower Pilgrims, 100 reduced to 50.
Spring of 1623, Elder Brester gave thanks that they were “allowed to suck of the abundance of the seas and treasures of the sand, (boiled clams, their only food).”
3. When our freedom as a nation was born.
i: John Adams: “Sink of swim, live or die, survive or perish, I give my hand and my heart to this vote, may my right hand forget her sunning and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I hesitate or waver in the support I give him.” “Sir, before God, I believe the hour is come it is my living sentiment and by the blessings of God, it shall be my dying sentiment.” (George Washington).
ii: Patrick Henry: “For my part whatever anguish it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst and to provide for it. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me give me liberty or give me death!!”
iii: George Washington: “With God’s help I have lived to see the United States as 1 great whole… a nation which may bid difference in a just cause to any power on Earth.”
4. When our Nation fought a Civil War:
i. Abraham Lincoln: “Stand with anybody that stands right… with malice toward none, with charity for all!”
ii: Robert E. Lee: “I have fought against the Union soldiers but I have never cherished vindictive feelings… I … I have never seen the day when I didn’t pray for them.”
5. Our Christians have shown great faith on the frontiers.
i. David Crockett: “I have this rule for others when I am dead, be always sure you are right, then go ahead.”    ii. The Wagon Train that observed the Lords’ day.

III: Where is Your Faith?
1. Jesus asked this question on the storm-tossed sea over 1,900 years ago and he is still asking this question the 29th day of May, 1955.
2. “Without faith it is impossible to please God!”
3. God asked Israel. “How long will it be are ye to believe me?”
4. We have so much to remember, and in remembering our soul should be stirred from sleep.