Virtues and Vices: Part 11 - 'In God We Trust'

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Hebrews chapter 11 verses 1 - 3, 6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews chapter 6 verse 19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

Romans chapter 5 verses 1 - 5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Hebrews chapter 10 verse 23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.



Prayer and Reflection:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.



Questions to Consider

1. How do you make important decisions? What factors help you to decide? Who do you trust, and who are you not sure about, and why?
2. If you were asked to explain what faith is, what would you say?
3. Similarly, if you were asked to explain hope, what would you say?
4. Do you think that faith and hope are connected? Can you have faith without hope and vice versa?
5. The author of the letter to the Hebrews (6:19) writes, ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.’ How would you interpret that, what does he mean?
6. What is the difference between ‘blind faith’ and ‘intelligent faith’? Can you give some examples?
7. In what ways can you nurture and nourish your faith and hope for the future?