Heroes

Pastor Ron speaks the biblical truths about the "Heroes of Faith." In Hebrews 11 we have a statement explaining that faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen. It gives us assurance about the things we cannot see. It's really more a description of faith than it is a definition. It's a statement about what faith is. Do you have things you hope for? Well, I pray that you do. There's a whole spiritual world that you can't see, but it's real. The whole process of faith is understanding our authority with God as sons and daughters. (Special testimony about baby Joshua!)
This series helps us to look at what it really means to be a man or woman of faith. As we study the "Superstars" of this great chapter, many of them had incredible stories. But their lives were definately important enought that when the writer of Hebrews wrote this chapter, they made the hall of faith!
The messages in this series are entitled: "What Is Faith Part 1, 2 & 3"; "A God Kind Of Faith"; "A More Acceptable Offering Part 1 & 2"; "Known As A God Pleaser Part 1 & 2"; "Without Faith It Is Impossible"; "The Days Of Noah - Our Character"; "The Days Of Noah - Our Time"; "The Days Of Noah - Our Promise Part 1 & 2"; "Abraham's Faith"; "Test of Faith Part 1 & 2"; and "Seeing From A Distance".

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT

What Is Faith Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:1-3; John 20:26-30; Matthew 5:3-11; John 20:29; Hebrews 11:2-3; Matthew 16:16-20

Faith Gives Us Confidence - Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:1-3Albert Einstein - great man of great knowledge who does not know where he is going
Billy Graham - great man of great faith for today
The promises of God are yours and mine
Faith is the title deed of the things that we hope for
Jesus is my hope
Whatever is not of faith is sin - unbelief is sin - Romans 14:23
To believe means to expect to receive
By His stripes I am healed
Quit Claim Deed means you can buy this property with encumbrances which is the kind of promises that the devil gives you
Warranty Deed says that the property is free of all encumbrances which is the kind of promise that we want
God has given you a free and clear Warranty Deed to every promise in the Bible
John Wimber - "When are we going to start doing the stuff?"
When unbelief is present it binds the practice of faith
Bind and loose by the prayer of faith (Matthew 16:19)

What Is Faith Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:1-3; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 3:4; Psalm 37:4; Philippians 4:19; John 20:19-29

Faith Gives Us Confidence - Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith Gives Us Assurance - Hebrews 11:1-3
It is impossible to please God without faith - Hebrews 11:6
Let God be true and every man a liar - Romans 3:4
God will give you the desires of your heart - Psalms 37:4
Faith gives us assurance about things we cannot see - Hebrews 11:1
In a trial there is no assurance or what will happen until the final verdict is given
God is going to what He said no matter what we are seeing at the time
He going to meet my needs according to His riches and glory - Philippians 4:19
It's a spiritual world that live and move in
The real world is not physical, but spiritual
The promises of God are true are yes and amen
Jesus just appears among the disciples, then to Thomas - John 20:19-29
Jesus wanted Thomas to stop being faithless and believe - John 20:27
Jesus said "Blessed are those who have faith without seeing me" - John 20:29
God can show up when we gather - Matthew 18:20
The Beatitudes - Blessed are those who are . . . - Matthew 5:3-11
Life isn't about us, but it's about Him and His Kingdom - Matthew 6:33
My food is not of this world - John 4:33-34
Hunger and thirst after righteousness - Matthew 5:6
Mercy says I feel and I'm going to put into action because I feel compassion
You'll never see God and who He really is, if you are full of yourself
Blessed are those who believe without seeing me - John 20:29

What Is Faith Part 3Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:1-3; Matthew 16:16-20

Faith Gives Us Confidence - Hebrews 11:1-3
The promises of God are ours
Faith is the antidote for doubt
We miss the promises of God in our doubt
When we walk in doubt then we walk in sin
We need to repent of the sin of not walking in faith
Repentance is turning around and walking in faith
Faith Gives Us Assurance - Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith is assurance that what we cannot see will happen
Tithing by mathematics does not work
By the same measure you give the same measure it will be given to you
Today the tithe would be for His church
We have found that the 90% God gives us goes further than the 100%
Give to the work of the Lord and to bless other people
Faith Gives Us A Good Reputation - Hebrews 11:2-3
By faith the heroes of faith gained their reputation
When we live by faith people will see what's coming out of our lives
We want to be a good representative of the Lord on this earth
By faith I'm standing to believe in Him even if I don't ever see it happen
We need to get right with God
If New Beginning were to get right with God we could change the world for Jesus
We have authority in faith if we will take
We have been given the keys to the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 16:16-20
Heals the blind man - Luke 18:35-43 (NLT)
Who is Jesus to you?
Peter was revealed who Jesus was by the Holy Spirit - Matthew 16:18
I'm going to give you the keys of heaven - Matthew 16:19 (NLT)
We have the keys to bring heaven and the spirit world to earth
Whatever we bind and loose in our lives will be bound and loose in heaven
Find the promise in the manual (Bible) and speak this promise into your life
What are you binding and loosening on your wants or on the word of God
Declare the word of God over your kids and in their lives
My faith is in the God of heaven and declare His safety over my family and home
Binding and Loosening are very important tools the tool box for Christians of faith
Let's don't get stuck in tradition, but walk in faith that God will do it
You want to see things happen in your life then you take authority
Anthony Quinn at Angelus Temple

A God Kind Of FaithPastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1-3; Matthew 16:19; Mark 11:12-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Mark 11:20-21; Mark 11:22-24; Mark 11:25

Introduction - Hebrews 11:1-3
God has given us the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew 16:19
A key opens up something in your life that you could not access unless you had a key
If someone gives you key then they are trusting you with something
1950s Healing Movement
1960s Jesus Movement
1970s Mega-church Movement
1970s & 1980s Charismatic Movement
1980s The Faith Movement or Faith Message
2000s Church became Spectator oriented on Screens
Jesus Uses His Authority - Mark 11:12-14 (NLT)
Jesus spoke with His authority to the fig tree
Jesus doesn't want us to look fruitful, but to be fruitful
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7
We're not seeing people saved the way they should be
We need to infect our world with the love of God
There is too much of the world in the church
We need to make some choices on what's going to infect us
You Can Say..." Our Authority
Peter noticed the fig tree had withered and died and told Jesus - Mark 11:20-21
Then Jesus spoke to the disciples to "Have Faith in God" and "Believe With No Doubt" - Mark 11:22-24
YOU can speak to the mountain and IT will be done for YOU!
It is not we see, but is what we CANNOT SEE and BELIEVE that is faith
We see the things that need to change, but we do not believe and pray for it believing that we have already received it.
Give thanks before we see what we believe with happen
A faith statement is a true confession based on the Word
What will Hinder Our Authority
There is one major thing that definitely hinder our authority
This one major thing is to be unforgiving - Mark 11:25
Forgive ANYONE you are holding a grudge against
Faith is not believing about what you SEE!
Faith is the ability to know that God has something planned for our lives
God is not hesitant to meet us at the point of our needs
Don't let anyone or anybody prevent you from experiencing God - FORGIVE THEM!
Doubt and Unforgiveness will HINDER OUR AUTHORITY

A More Acceptable Offering Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 12:22-24; Leviticus 5:11; Hebrews 9:22; Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:12; Hebrews 13:15; Genesis 4:6-7; Genesis 4:8-9; Genesis 4:10-12; Genesis 4:13-16; Hebrews 12:24; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:15

Introduction
1. Talk about an acceptable offering
2. There not much out there on the subject of Cain and Abel
3. One of our core values is the Church That LAFs (love, acceptance, and forgiveness)
4. Blood sacrifices had not yet been instituted at this point in time
5. Abel raised lambs and gave a blood offering
6. Cain was a farmer and gave a grain offering
By Faith Abel ... A More Acceptable Sacrifice - Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 12:22-24; Leviticus 5:11; Hebrews 9:22
1. Without faith it's impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
2. We don't get right with God because we do right things; instead, we get right with God because Jesus did the right thing.
3. Our faith in Jesus makes us right with God
4. Abel offering was more acceptable not just because it was a lamb because others might not be able to afford this
5. Abel brought his BEST to God. We should always give our BEST in no matter what offering we give
6. It is the heart of the person that matters and Abel gave the BEST portions of the firstborn lambs - Hebrews 4:4
7. God gives the opportunity for those who cannot afford a lamb to give also - Leviticus 5:11
8. It just says that Cain brought just some grain, not necessarily his BEST grain
9. Setting aside something in your life and giving God your BEST is most important
10. God gave His BEST in His son Jesus Christ, we want to do the same
11. When you prepare to be with God each day start out by giving your BEST to God, especially on Sundays at worship
12. We need to always be ready to give testimonies of what God has done each day when we are doing our BEST for him
13. God deserves our very very BEST
14. We need to draw near to God every day and tell Him how much we love Him
15. We are His creation and creations respond to the creator - 2 Corinthians 5:17
16. God should always be number 1 on our list every day
17. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering - Hebrews 11:4
18. The thing that made the difference was that by Faith Abel brought his BEST
Cain's Gift Was Not Accepted by God - Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:12; Hebrews 13:15; Genesis 4:6-7; Genesis 4:8-9; Genesis 4:10-12; Genesis 4:13-16
1. Cain presented SOME of his portions as gift to the Lord - Genesis 4:3
2. Abel presented the BEST portions as a gift to the Lord - Genesis 4:4
3. Moses later gave the covenant of sacrifice where they brought their BEST. A male ram of the best blood line as a sign of the BEST.
4. God did NOT accept Cain and his Gift - Genesis 4:5
5. All we have belongs to God and we need to give Him our BEST
6. Their offering was an extension of their heart. God loves cheerful givers of their BEST.
7. You cannot separate the person from the offering.
8. It's good that Cain gave, but there is a more excellent way.
9. Everything you have in this world belongs to God, and if we live this way God will bless us!
10. When people really have faith, their faith comes from their heart
11. People who don't give in faith, give with hesitancy
Come to God in Faith With Your Offerings
1. Religion is a dead end
2. Only Jesus can set you free
3. At the end of the day it's how you bring it to God in faith
4. Faith in itself is powerless
5. Faith in the God who has the power is the way to believe
6. When the Holy Spirit comes on you then you receive power from God
7. Faith is trusting God to do it in your life
8. Jesus wants to set us free from being bound up in generational hurts, through faith in Him
9. By FAITH and giving our BEST to God we can draw closer to God's Best for us!

A More Acceptable Offering Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 12:22-24; Leviticus 5:11; Hebrews 9:22; Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:12; Hebrews 13:15; Genesis 4:6-7; Genesis 4:8-9; Genesis 4:10-12; Genesis 4:13-16; Hebrews 12:24; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:15

Introduction
1. Talk about an acceptable offering
2. There not much out there on the subject of Cain and Abel
3. One of our core values is the Church That LAFs (love, acceptance, and forgiveness)
4. Blood sacrifices had not yet been instituted at this point in time
5. Abel raised lambs and gave a blood offering
6. Cain was a farmer and gave a grain offering
By Faith Abel ... A More Acceptable Sacrifice - Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 12:22-24; Leviticus 5:11; Hebrews 9:22
1. Without faith it's impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
2. We don't get right with God because we do right things; instead, we get right with God because Jesus did the right thing.
3. Our faith in Jesus makes us right with God
4. Abel offering was more acceptable not just because it was a lamb because others might not be able to afford this
5. Abel brought his BEST to God. We should always give our BEST in no matter what offering we give
6. It is the heart of the person that matters and Abel gave the BEST portions of the firstborn lambs - Hebrews 4:4
7. God gives the opportunity for those who cannot afford a lamb to give also - Leviticus 5:11
8. It just says that Cain brought just some grain, not necessarily his BEST grain
9. Setting aside something in your life and giving God your BEST is most important
10. God gave His BEST in His son Jesus Christ, we want to do the same
11. When you prepare to be with God each day start out by giving your BEST to God, especially on Sundays at worship
12. We need to always be ready to give testimonies of what God has done each day when we are doing our BEST for him
13. God deserves our very very BEST
14. We need to draw near to God every day and tell Him how much we love Him
15. We are His creation and creations respond to the creator - 2 Corinthians 5:17
16. God should always be number 1 on our list every day
17. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering - Hebrews 11:4
18. The thing that made the difference was that by Faith Abel brought his BEST
Cain's Gift Was Not Accepted by God - Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:12; Hebrews 13:15; Genesis 4:6-7; Genesis 4:8-9; Genesis 4:10-12; Genesis 4:13-16
1. Cain presented SOME of his portions as gift to the Lord - Genesis 4:3
2. Abel presented the BEST portions as a gift to the Lord - Genesis 4:4
3. Moses later gave the covenant of sacrifice where they brought their BEST. A male ram of the best blood line as a sign of the BEST.
4. God did NOT accept Cain and his Gift - Genesis 4:5
5. All we have belongs to God and we need to give Him our BEST
6. Their offering was an extension of their heart. God loves cheerful givers of their BEST.
7. You cannot separate the person from the offering.
8. It's good that Cain gave, but there is a more excellent way.
9. Everything you have in this world belongs to God, and if we live this way God will bless us!
10. When people really have faith, their faith comes from their heart
11. People who don't give in faith, give with hesitancy
Come to God in Faith With Your Offerings
1. Religion is a dead end
2. Only Jesus can set you free
3. At the end of the day it's how you bring it to God in faith
4. Faith in itself is powerless
5. Faith in the God who has the power is the way to believe
6. When the Holy Spirit comes on you then you receive power from God
7. Faith is trusting God to do it in your life
8. Jesus wants to set us free from being bound up in generational hurts, through faith in Him
9. By FAITH and giving our BEST to God we can draw closer to God's Best for us!

Known As A God Pleaser Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:5-6; Hebrews 11:2; Genesis 5:21-24; Genesis 3:1-19; Genesis 3:20-24; Matthew 16:19; Mark 11:22-25; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Lamentations 3:23; Romans 8:38; Hebrews 12:1

Introduction
1. Elvis Presley (around 1973) was a hero to many
2. I believe some people live their life outside the reality that there is a King of kings
3. Jesus came to be our hero and set our lives free!
4. Enoch was known as a person who pleased God! - Hebrews 11:5-6
5. Heroes of faith through their faith earned a good reputation! - Hebrews 11:2
6. Enoch and Elijah never died and went directly to heaven because they pleased God!
7. We can be a God pleaser by the way we set our heart before God
8. To please God you must make Him first in your life!
What Does It Mean That Enoch Walked With God?
1. History of Enoch from Bible - Genesis 5:21-24
2. Enoch walked with God - Genesis 5:24
3. Enoch means "dedicated one"
4. Enoch was born as a man and made a choice to walk closely and continually with God!
5. Walking with God is living a consecrated life with God every minute of every day!
6. Throughout history God has only wanted us to walk with Him like Adam and Eve did in the garden!
7. Man and woman sinned! - Genesis 3:1-19 (NLT)
8. Paradise Lost: God's judgement - Genesis 3:20-24 (NLT)
9. God created man to have authority over the earth, but sin caused man to loose authority!
10. Jesus came and restored man's authority; therefore, re-establishing God's purpose!
11. Jesus gave His life willingly to allow us to walk with God again!
12. Man looses his authority because of sin!
13. There is a call to us in these last days for us to walk in holiness!
14. We've been given the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew 16:19
15. Have a God kind of faith - Mark 11:22-25
16. We need to take our connection with God back and be a pleasure to the Lord!
17. We have never lived in a more distracted time!
18. It was by faith that Enoch walked with God, because nothing happens without faith!
19. Without faith it's impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
20. We are loaded down with sin. That's why Adam and Eve hid!
21. Our identity is found in our repentance - Psalm 51
22. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord - 2 Corinthians 5:8
23. We have the right to walk in freedom - 2 Corinthians 5:17
24. His mercies are new every morning - Lamentations 3:23
25. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God! - Romans 8:38
26. Are you willing to make the commitment to walk with God? - Hebrews 12:1

Known As A God Pleaser Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:5-6; Hebrews 11:2; Genesis 5:21-24; Genesis 3:1-19; Genesis 3:20-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; Romans 8:5-8; Romans 14:17-19; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Peter 4:19; 1 John 2:15-17

What Does It Mean That Enoch Walked With God? - Hebrews 11:5-6
1. History of Enoch from Bible - Genesis 5:21-24
2. Enoch walked with God - Genesis 5:24
3. Enoch was born as a man and made a choice to walk closely and continually with God!
4. Walking with God is living a consecrated life with God every minute of every day!
5. Man and woman sinned! - Genesis 3:1-19
6. Paradise Lost: God's judgement - Genesis 3:20-24
7. God created man to have authority over the earth, but sin caused man to loose authority!
8. It Is Impossible to Please God Without Faith
9. Sin separates us from God and causes shame!
10. We have played the blame game since Adam and Eve!
11. If we believe that God exists then we want to please Him!
12. Enoch walked in a close fellowship with God absolutely trusting in God!
13. If you are walking in close fellowship then you care what that person says!
14. We are saved by grace - Ephesians 2:8-10
15. We get salvation simply because we believe and the grace of God!
16. We are God's masterpiece!
17. We have a hard time seeing ourselves as God's masterpiece!
18. God wants to finish the masterpiece He planned in us!
19. Most Christians have a good heart but the touch of an elephant!
20. We do not get the right to judge what God does in someone!
21. We need to get others to open their hearts to God so He can complete His masterpiece in Him.
Learning To Have a Reputation of Pleasing God
1. Win the approval of God not people - Galatians 1:10
2. You'll be servant of the one you try to please.
3. Live in a way that pleases God - 1 Thessalonians 4:1
4. We are called to please the Holy Spirit - Romans 8:5-8
5. God controls us through Love...
6. Serve Christ by living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit - Romans 14:17-19
7. Aim for harmony in the church
8. God works in us to give us the power and the desire to please Him - Philippians 2:13
9. Offer and continual sacrifice of praise to God - Hebrews 13:15-16
10. Share with those in need - Hebrews 13:15-10
11. If you suffer in a manner that pleases God then keep on being faithful - 1 Peter 4:19
12. God will never fail you
13. Let God do the brush strokes in you to make His masterpiece.
14. If you do what pleases God you will live forever - 1 John 2:15-17

Without Faith It Is ImpossiblePastor Ron Isam

Ephesians 2:10; Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5-6; Hebrews 11:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 11:6

Introduction - Ephesians 2:10; Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5-6
1. Enoch walked in close communion with God!
2. If you wouldn't want Jesus to see you then don't do it!
3. Enoch pleased God!
4. We are God's masterpiece! - Ephesians 2:10
5. We are not the Artist, but the Masterpiece that God is working on!
6. Let us let God update the brush strokes on His Masterpiece in us!
7. We don't have the qualifications to tell God (the Master Artist) how to do His work in us and others!
God Took Him - Hebrews 11:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
It Is Impossible to Please God Without Faith - Hebrews 11:6
Martin Luther said: "Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible. Then, it accepts the impossible, does without the indispensable and bears the intolerable."
If We Want To Come To God We Must - Hebrews 11:6

The Days Of Noah - Our CharacterPastor Ron Isam

Matthew 24:37; Luke 17:26; Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 5:23-52; Genesis 6:1-3; Genesis 6:5-7; Genesis 6:11-13; Genesis 6:8-10; Philippians 4:8; Genesis 6:17-22; John 14:15

Introduction - Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 5:23-52; Genesis 6:1-3
1. The Bible says that when Jesus comes again it will be like the days of Noah - Matthew 24:37; Luke 17:26
2. The story of Noah is very popular and they have made many movies on it.
3. In the most recent Noah movie it was notable that they left the story of redemption out of the movie. The movie was written and directed by a man named Darren Aronofsky, a decorated atheist. It cost about $122 million to make but made about $300 million making it a great success.
4. Darren Aronofsky said: "The Noah story belongs to all of us - every religion, every culture, every citizen of planet Earth."
5. The Noah Movie is: the least biblical film ever made.
6. The Muslims banned the movie in some of their countries because it contradicted the teachings of Islam.
7. Noah obeyed God - Hebrews 11:7
8. Noah was Enoch's great grandson - Genesis 5:23-52
9. People sinned and their normal life span will no more than 120 years - Genesis 6:1-3
10. Feelings of entitlement can cause our character to be challenged.
11. Character is what we are when we are under stress.
The Character Of The Earth - Genesis 6:5-7; Genesis 6:11-13
1. The imaginations of men can be very evil.
2. We need to be careful with the window of our heart.
3. A lack of character is allowing anything to be a movie or character.
4. We have to make value considerations based on our character.
5. No matter how evil the world gets there is always a remnant of believers in God.
6. Everyone on the earth was corrupt - Genesis 6:11-13
7. Can you imagine being the one that God confides in like He did with Noah?
The Character Of Noah - Genesis 6:8-10
1. Noah found favor with the Lord.
2. Noah was the only blameless person living on the earth.
3. Walk in close fellowship with the Lord.
4. If you have found Jesus then you have found favor with God.
5. We need to live holy and right before God.
6. We are blameless by our walk of confession before God.
7. We have access to the throne room to confess our sins to God through Jesus Christ.
8. Many Christians to not practice confession to God.
9. We will stand before God for every evil thing we have done or thought.
10. Let our mind dwell on His way - Philippians 4:8
11. The blood of Jesus covers ALL of our sins, but confession of sins is necessary.
12. Don't take the grace of forgiveness for granite.
13. We must be faithfully repentant.
14. People of character recognize value; therefore, my words have to careful.
15. Character is seen by what a person values.
The Character Of Obedience - Genesis 6:17-22
1. So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. - Genesis 6:22, John 14:15
2. The "playbook" (the Bible) will teach us the character we need to be a man or woman of God.
3. We have to choose to have the character of obedience.

The Days Of Noah - Our TimePastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 7:1-10; Genesis 6:14-16; Genesis 6:5; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:25-26; Genesis 7:11-16; 1 Corinthians 3:10-14; John 12:24; John 11:25-26

Introduction - Hebrews 11:7
1. Everything Was Ready - Genesis 7:1-10; Genesis 6:14-16; Genesis 6:5; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:25-26
2. Everything Was Flooded - Genesis 7:11-16; 1 Corinthians 3:10-14
3. Everything Was Dead - John 12:24; John 11:25-26

The Days Of Noah - Our Promise Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:7; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:2; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5; Psalm 119:98-99; Genesis 6:13-14; Matthew 24:36-39; Matthew 24:40-44; Genesis 9:1; Genesis 9:8-17; Genesis 9:17

Introduction - Our Character
1. The Character of Noah
2. The Character of the Earth
3. The Character of Obedience
The Reputation of Obedience Hebrews 11:7; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:2; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5; Psalm 119:98-99; Genesis 6:13-14
The Difference Between Agreeing WITH and OBEYING God
1. Agreeing with God is doing what He asks when it is convenient.
2. Obedience is doing what He ask when it is not convenient, but you know it is His will.
3. Obedience Reveals Itself When: Despite your complaining and rebellious thoughts, you obey God.
4. There is a difference between Obedience and Performance

The Days Of Noah - Our Promise Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:7; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:2; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5; Psalm 119:98-99; Genesis 6:13-14; Matthew 24:36-39; Matthew 24:40-44; Genesis 9:1; Genesis 9:8-17; Genesis 9:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Introduction - Our Time
1. Everything was Ready
2. Everything was Flooded
3. Everything was Dead
The "Days of Noah - According to Jesus - Matthew 24:36-39; Matthew 24:40-44
1. The Key - "it will be like it was in Noah's day...when the son of man returns..."
2. Today, there's a spiritual move that God wants to bring to the church about the coming of His Son.
3. It happens only when His people are willing to take a step and tell the "hard stuff" the truth of Jesus.
4. If Jesus broke the eastern sky would you be ready?
5. It will happen Suddenly! And we must be ready Before it happens.
6. Noah stayed faithful and kept himself right before God in a perverse generation.
7. The next judgment will be of fire, not a flood.
8. The church today has settled for what will burn up in the fire of the next judgment.
9. Before Noah it had never rained and the people had no idea of what was to happen, just like we have no idea what the fire of the next judgment will be.
10. We don't know the day and hour of His coming. The Son of Man will come when least expected!
11. Two people will be working, walking, etc, but only one will be taken and the other will be left.

Abraham's FaithPastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:8-12; Hebrews 11:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 11:8-9; Genesis 12:1-5; Matthew 24:11-13; Philippians 3:13-14

Introduction: Hebrews 11:8-12
God gives us the definition of faith - Hebrews 11:1-2
The men of faith in Hebrews 11 had a faith the pleased God!
Faith is the assurance of things cannot seen - Hebrews 11:1
Faith should be built on trust and the promises of God!
God has brought many important things into our lives that we cannot see:
1. Love - you can't see love, but you can experience it.
2. Forgiveness - you can see the results of forgiveness.
3. Peace - you can feel it and experience it but not see it.
4. Legacy - you can only hope that you are leaving one.
5. Influence - you can sometimes see the results of influence.
We never give up! - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
1. We fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen! - 2 Corinthians 4:18
2. We have troubles when we build our life on what we can see.
3. Christians have a hard time believing they are human!
4. Allow the person beside to be human.
5. We miss the promises of God because we are looking at a human that will let us down.
6. We sometimes trade the unseen for the seen and end up with nothing!
7. God wants us to hold onto the promises that He has created for us!
8. Faith is suppose to based on what God says and not on what we see!
9. Without faith it's impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
10. Faith of the Roman Centurion - Matthew 8:5-13
11. Jesus said "I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel! - Matthew 8:10
12. If God's Word says it, then it's enough for me!
13. Jesus took care of healing at the cross!
14. We need to be better listeners to God and His Word!
15. We need to hear His Word in our Spirit!
16. We need to put His Word into practice!
17. Each of have a place to operate and serve!
18. Abraham was looking for a city that's author and maker is God! - Hebrews 11:10
19. We need to learn how to be a family of God!
20. We let little things separate us for each other and the Lord!
21. Jesus is coming and we need to be ready!
22. If you don't forgive then you won't be forgiven! - Matthew 6:15, Mark 11:25
23. The Word of God stands forever - Isaiah 40:8
24. My Words will never pass away - Matthew 24:35
25. Trust in the Lord with all your heart! - Proverbs 3:5-6
26. Abraham became the father of our faith, because he believed God! - Romans 4:16
The promises of God - Romans 15:4
1. The story of Abraham - Genesis 12-25
2. God gave Abraham a promise - Genesis 12:1-5, Genesis 15:4-6
3. I came that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly - John 10:10
4. God will do what He has promised!
5. GOD HAS A PROMISE FOR YOU!
6. God's promises are yes and amen! - 2 Corinthians 1:20
7. Life is good when you follow Jesus!

Test Of Faith Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:8-12; Genesis 12:1-5; Matthew 24:11-14; Philippians 3:13-14; Psalm 57:7; Hebrews 11:13; Genesis 22:1-2; James 1:13; Genesis 22:3

Introduction - Hebrews 11:8-12 (NLT)
1. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations - Hebrews 11:10
2. God has called us to live by Faith
3. The Promise to Abram - Genesis 12:1-5
4. When life is going tough we sometimes forget the promises of God.
5. The promises of God to bless you is still on the table!
6. The One who promised is true to His Word!
Faith is Tenacious.
1. Tenacity is not being stubborn, instead it is knowing that you know something is right and you stick to the truth no matter what!
2. Choose to love Jesus to the end.
3. You'll not be judged at the starting line, instead judgement happens at the finish line!
4. How we start is no where as important as how we finish!
5. God wants us to finish well!
6. A statement by Jesus about the end time- Matthew 24:11-14
7. The one who endures to the end will be saved - Matthew 24:13
8. The Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that ALL nations will heart it: and then the end will come - Matthew 24:14
9. Thomas Edison - "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." He went on to say, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
10. Michael Jordan - "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
11. Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, "13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
12. We fail because we are looking out of the rear of our heads.
13. Abraham made a lot of mistakes.
14. No matter how many mistakes we make all we have to do is "recalculate" and get back on track with God.
15. We fail because we don't have fixed heart on God - Psalm 57:7 (NLT)
16. Faith is not about things you CAN see, but instead faith is about the things you CANNOT see in the spirit world.
17. God works in the spirit world behind the scenes doing things we cannot see.
18. It's amazing what God will do when you make yourself available to Him!
19. All these people in Hebrews 11 died still believing what God had promised them. . . instead they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. - Hebrews 11:13
20. Walt Disney's vision just before his death in 1966 as told by Mike Vance. Walt Disney told about a property that would not open for another 6 years.
21. Faith is the ability to be tenacious about the promises that God has spoken.
22. Certain tests in our life are not always fun. The tests are to see if you are ready to move forward in your life to the next test!
23. Are we going to trust God at his Word?

Test Of Faith Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Genesis 22:1-2; James 1:13; Genesis 22:3

Introduction
1. It builds our faith when we are tested in life!
2. Tests are necessary and we have to learn from these tests.
3. The purpose of a test is to see if you are ready to advance or to see if you need to be corrected in life!
God speaks to Abraham - Genesis 22:1-2
God tested Abraham but did not tempt him - James 1:13
A person is tested to document something of God in their life.
The devil will tempt you to find your weak spots so he can break you - John 10:10
God comes to bring you life and life more abundant!
It's not God's intention to break you; instead, it's God's intention to grow you!
It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God tested him - Hebrews 11:17
I am waiting for Jesus like John - Revelation 22:20
We are here yet because God is not yet through with us.
God told Abraham that through his seed all nations will be blessed - Genesis 22:17-18
Smooth life doesn't mean no bumps, because God always walks with me!
If you know Jesus as your Savior, He promised He will always be with you - Matthew 28:20
Who is the Lord of your heart?
You See ...God did not really want Abraham's son, He wanted Abraham's heart
God's not asking you to give up anything you own, but God is asking you to give up anything that owns you!
It's not about what's wrong, it's simply that God wants our heart!
Look at Abraham's response to God - Genesis 22:3
FAITH IS SPIRITUAL PUNCTUALITY
Spiritual Punctuality is about being in align and in step with the Holy Spirit, and walking step by step with God in the power of the Holy Spirit
There Are 3 Types of People:
The ones who are ahead of God,
The ones who are behind God, and
The ones that are in step with God.
There are 2 Tests For Spiritual Punctuality
1. The First Test is:
What has God been telling you that you have been slow on or stalling out on?
Maybe God speaks to you about forgiveness
Maybe God is speaking to you about spending time with Him in His Word
Strong and Courageous: - Joshua 1:9
Courage does not mean there is an absence of fear.
Courage is obeying God in spite of fear.
It is facing those fears and moving forward.
2. The Second Test is:
In what area does God want us to slow down and pause on?
Saying the right thing at the right time by the Holy Spirit is very important!
Spiritual Punctuality is all about obedience and in step with the Holy Spirit!
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. - Galatians 5:22-26
When we walk in the Spirit we will know when to be kind, faithful, etc.
Spiritual Punctuality will help us live out our faith and be in step with the Holy Spirit!

Seeing From A DistancePastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:13-16; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Psalm 139:23-24; John 12:32; Matthew 7:21; 2 Corinthians 6:17

Introduction - Hebrews 11:13-16
Died Still Believing The Promise - Hebrews 11:13a, 2 Timothy 3:1-5
All these people died still believing what God had promised them They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. - Hebrews 11:13a
God doesn't desire for us to live our life just by what we see or understand, but to live by faith in God who will take us through!
Jesus is coming and He's coming soon!
It's most important to prepare your heart for His coming!
Know that there's a spiritual side of our life and get it prepared and be ready in my heart!
How do we prepare spiritually?
Dangers of the last days - 2 Timothy 3:1-5
David said "Search me, O God, and know my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me" - Psalm 139:23-24
And in the last days there will be difficult times - 2 Timothy 3:1
People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. - 2 Timothy 3:2
If you want to see a society without God, then you can find it in Hell!
We were not called to defend God. It's our job to love Jesus and let God draw men to Him - John 12:32
Yes, we should be able to give account for our faith!
We should live a life that demands questions. We lead people to Jesus by the way we live.
The message of heaven demands that we deal with our hearts!
They will consider nothing sacred. God's Word contains what is holy and it is sacred!
I love my county and I do not like seeing people stepping on and burning the American flag!
We don't have to agree but we must honor those in authority!
They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. - 2 Timothy 3:3
They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. - 2 Timothy 3:4
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! - 2 Timothy 3:5
Not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter the kingdom - Matthew 7:21
Let your heart be filled with the love and grace of God to live and walk in His kingdom every day!
Our call is to see God's way and to see from a distance!
Stay away from people like that! - 2 Timothy 3:5
There's a day coming when we will see a difference between the people of God and the people of the world!
Come out from among them and touch no unclean thing! - 2 Corinthians 6:17
Heaven is coming and not too far away! May the Lord give us a heart for heaven!