Emphasis Preaching Journal

Joanne had been away from the church for too many years. She enjoyed the youth group while in high school, but when she left for college she stopped attending. In fact she stopped thinking about God and matters of faith. Years later a friend from work invited he to attend her church. Joanne found the Sunday school class discussion both inviting and intriguing. She became part of this class. It was during this time that the embers of faith began to flame in her life.

There were Sundays after a difficult week or bad weather when she was tempted to stay home. It was the whisper of the Holy Spirit that nudged her to attend. Eventually she discovered that the class was important to her and made the extra effort to attend. It was those days when she wanted to stay home that she was most blessed. "I came way uplifted and refreshed," she explained. The time spent with other believers restored her faith in the God who loves her.

The author of the book of Hebrews uses the example of Abraham and Sarah as persons of great faith. They willingly left their home and relatives to embark on a journey of faith. "For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God."