Hebrews 11:5
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."

Faith makes a man pleasing to God and is the only avenue through which we can escape death and enter into life.  Pray that our church would, like Enoch, obtain the witness of being pleasing to God by faith.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Don & Judy Kaneski
• Ole & Doreen Olson

Hebrews 11:4
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."

Abel was counted acceptable to God and a righteous testimony by faith.  Pray that our church would hear the message his life preached.  Pray that we would seek to please God by faith and not works as well.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cody Lee
• Brendon Walker

Hebrews 11:3
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."

The world has many theories regarding the origin of the world.  We believe creation is a product of the very word of God.  We believe that God brings what is seen out of what is unseen.  Pray that our church would believe God's word and not the deceptions of the world.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Gracie Hadding
• Cindy Wampler

Hebrews 11:1–2
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."

Pray that our church would be clear on the doctrine of justification by faith.  That we would know that our only avenue by which we gain God's approval is faith.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

1. Vicki Diggs
2. Cindy Glass
3. Liam & Riannon Horn

Hebrews 11:1–2
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."

Pray that all in our church would have an assurance of what we hope for and a conviction of what we do not see.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ken Brendle
• Doug & Carissa Clark (Elsie, Rivers, Murphy, Hezekiah, Judah)

Hebrews 10:36–39
36 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38 But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."

The writer encouraged us that we aren't quitters.  We aren't those who shrink back.  Perhaps your previous times of endurance can serve as an encouragement here.  As you examine times of endurance through previous trials, let those victories encourage you regarding the genuineness of your faith.  And when you see that your faith is real then know that your soul is being preserved by God.  Ask God to help you examine the realness of your faith and to grant you the assurance that comes with it.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kermit & Kathy Woolley
• Kolbey & Jaydee Adams (Waylon)
• Eoin Horn

Hebrews 10:36–39
36 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38 But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."

We know that endurance is necessary.  We know that without it we will not be saved.  But listen also here to the encouragement of the writer.  "We are not of those who shrink back to destruction"!  While endurance is necessary the writer is confident that we are enduring people.  We are a people of faith!  We are a people who believe!  Be encouraged today that the faith God has given you will endure and pray that all those in our congregation with faith would be equally encouraged.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronald & Kim Todd
• Norman & Brenda Hill

Hebrews 10:36–39 
36 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38 But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."

We understand that endurance is essential to salvation, for God preserves His own by granting them the strength to endure.  And so we can also see that where endurance fails, salvation has not occurred and will not occur.  God is clear that "if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him."  Pray for an enduring faith.  Pray that all in our church would have an enduring faith.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cathy Spencer
• Tommy & Peggy Swaringen

Hebrews 10:36–39
36 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38 But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."

We are also reminded that in order to receive what was promised by God then we must endure in obedience.  While we certainly believe in the security of the believer, and that God preserves those who are His.  We also know that the means through which God preserves His own is by granting them the strength to endure.  Endurance is not optional.  Pray that God will help you endure in obedience today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• John & Shannon Parum
• Martha Pickens

Hebrews 10:36–39
36 "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38 But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."

The writer just told us to have confidence in God.  But what does confidence look like?  It must be more than simple boasting.  Indeed it is!  Confidence in Christ is manifested by endurance.  Those who confidently trust in Christ's reward will endure in obedience regardless of suffering.  Pray that God will help you see where endurance is needed in your life.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Rory & Carrie Mosley (Abigail)
• Willie & Margaret Neufeld (Marissa, Cassie, Tyler, Aubrey, Ruby)

Hebrews 10:32–35 
32 "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."

One final thing we want to recognize in this text where the writer calls us to have confidence that our suffering is worth it.  The writer says that our confidence "has a great reward".  God greatly rewards those who keep their confidence in Him even in the midst of their trials.  Pray that God would increase your confidence in Him today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlie & Fronye Morris
• Tommie McCormick-Davis

Hebrews 10:32–35
32 "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."

Not only do we see the suffering that accompanies the Christian life, we also see the sympathy that comes with serving Christ.  Christians share the reproaches and tribulations of others.  Christians show sympathy to those imprisoned for their faith.  Is there a brother or sister whose suffering you can share or show sympathy to today?

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Evelyn Matthewson
• Woody & Linda McArthur

Hebrews 10:32–35
32 "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."

We know the point of the passage is to rekindle confidence in the future reward, but we would be foolish to fail to see the high cost that so many have paid for their faith.  Things like reproaches and tribulations, imprisonment, and the seizure of property.  Suffering is not an abnormality to the Christian life, it is a very present reality.  Pray that God will give you confidence to suffer for Him in however it approaches your life.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lee & Alice Kidd
• Zek & Lindsay Mosley (Peter)

Hebrews 10:32–35 
32 "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."

The book of Hebrews was written to suffering people who were struggling if Jesus was worth all of the loss that accompanied following Him.  And here the writer reminds them that they know He is.  From the moment of their initial conversion they suffered much loss and did so joyfully because they were confident that the resurrection would make it all worth it.  The writer calls them to rekindle that same confidence in their current struggle.  Does that confidence need to be rekindled in your life?  Do you need to be reminded that all of our suffering for Christ will be worth it in the end?  Pray that those suffering today in our church will be filled with this confidence.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Michael & Amber Kermick (Emma, Jacob)
• Gary & Elaine Key

Hebrews 10:30–31
30 "For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Let us never forget the justice of God.  He will take vengeance on His enemies.  He will repay those who reject His Son.  And His vengeance is terrifying.  Pray that God would break your heart for those who are perishing.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ruby Karr
• Keith Karr
• Louise Hoffman
• David Karr

Hebrews 10:28–29
28 "Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?"

We are also reminded here that to reject Christ is to reject the entire Godhead.  If you trample Christ under foot, you are also regarding the blood of the covenant which God offers as unclean.  You are also insulting the Holy Spirit of grace who draws you to Christ.  This is no small sin and it brings no small judgment.  Pray that all in our church who have heard the gospel would respond to it.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kevin & Rhonda Brendle
• Tom & Marilyn Taylor

Hebrews 10:28–29
28 "Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?"

It is true.  The Old Testament was tough on disobedience.  If you willingly turned your back on the Law of Moses you were killed without mercy (Deuteronomy 17:2-7).  Can you imagine the punishment for turning your back on Christ?  Pray for a spirit of steadfastness for our entire congregation.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Terry & Teenya Gilbert
• Daniel & Sunni Cates (Caleb, Bethani, Jonathan)

Hebrews 10:26–27
26 "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries."

Ponder today the reality of God's judgment.  There are people you know who are headed straight for it.  Pray for them today.  Pray that they may be awakened and terrified of judgment today so that they run to Christ.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chris & Rachel Horn
• Cody & Karen Hurdt

Hebrews 10:26–27
26 "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries."

Paul just gave a great summary of the expectations that fall to us since we have such a great high priest.  We should draw near, we should hold fast, and should be committed to encouraging others to do the same.  Why?  Because those who willfully deny those realities and do not draw near through Christ have no hope.  If Christ is rejected there is no secondary sacrifice, only judgment.  Pray that none in our congregation would fall away from Christ.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chuck & Laurie Hinson
• Gladys Hinson

Hebrews 10:24–25
24 "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

The call to encourage our brother comes with an obvious expectation on our part.  Don't forsake the assembly.  It may be the habit of some to view church attendance as a non-priority, but it is essential if only for this one thing.  You need to be here to encourage your brother.  You can pray, sing, read your Bible, and listen to sermons all on your own, but you can't virtually encourage your brother.  Commit yourself to the assembly and to encouragement of others when you are present.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lex & Cindy Heflin
• Lucy Sanchez
• Neal & Nancy Hindman

Hebrews 10:24–25
24 "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

The call is to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ.  But we do not simply encourage them to have good feelings.  We encourage them to participate in "love and good deeds".  A lack of confidence in Christ leads to a life self-centeredness, but when we are confident in what Christ has done we are motivated to love and serve others.  Pray for a struggling brother that they would trust Christ and return to a life of love and good deeds.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lance & Amy Harris (Kodah)
• Rita Harris

Hebrews 10:24–25
24 "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

First the writer calls us to maintain our confidence.  Then he calls us to encourage confidence in our brothers and sisters who are struggling.  Today ask God to help you see how to encourage a brother or sister whose confidence in Christ is struggling.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Pam Goodall
• Max & Rebecca Haney

Hebrews 10:23
23 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;"

First the writer told us to draw near.  And then he tells us to hold fast.  Never let go of Jesus!  Do not waver regarding the effectiveness of what He has done.  Believe Him, cling to Him, and never let go.  You are acceptable to God because of what He did.  Even in days of adversity and confusion, never let go of that fact.  "For He who promised is faithful."  Pray that those in our church who are struggling with doubt would find confidence to cling to Christ today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlena Fitzgerald (Gage)
• Benny & Cathy Fitzgerald

Hebrews 10:19–22
19 "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Access to God has been granted through Christ.  Now comes the application.  "Let us draw near"!  Don't just know you can come near.  Don't just marvel that access is granted.  Take advantage of it.  Draw near to God.  Approach Him.  And go to Him "in full assurance of faith".  You have been cleansed by the blood of Christ and you have been washed by His Holy Spirit.  You have been declared clean and acceptable through Christ.  Draw near to God in prayer this very moment.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• David & Toni Crawford
• Bonnie Edwards

Hebrews 10:19–22
19 "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

We have confidence to actually enter the veil directly into the presence of God because Christ has removed our sin and sanctified us before God.  He didn't take us to God the old way by sacrificing a goat and entering the tent.  Jesus has taken us to God "a new and living way".  He gave His own flesh for us, and then rose from the dead where He lives and intercedes.  He earned our access and now lives to secure it.  The old way didn't work, this one always will.  Draw near to God today through Jesus Christ.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Les & Tammy Fincher (Tyler, Ramey, Seth, Chase)
• Joe & Paula Fincher