Episode 952
Faith as Revolutionary Vision Hebrews 11:1-7
The salient point of today's discourse revolves around the concept of faith as a revolutionary vision, as expounded in Hebrews 11:1-7. We delve into the transformative nature of faith, positing that it transcends mere belief and acts as a catalyst for imagining and actualizing alternatives to existing systems of oppression. Through the narratives of figures such as Noah and Abel, we explore how faith is not solely about individual salvation, but rather a collective endeavor aimed at fostering societal and ecological renewal. As we reflect on the implications of faith as an active response to injustice and adversity, we encourage listeners to engage in prophetic imagination, envisioning tangible transformations within their communities. This episode invites contemplation on how faith can inspire concrete actions that contribute to a more just and equitable world, even when faced with daunting challenges.
The podcast episode presents a compelling examination of faith through the lens of Hebrews 11:1-7, wherein faith is framed as a revolutionary vision that empowers individuals to transcend the limitations of their circumstances. Dr. Brad Miller articulates that the essence of faith lies in its ability to serve as a 'firm foundation' for envisioning and creating a world that reflects justice and equity. By defining faith as a tool for social justice, the speaker invites listeners to reconsider their understanding of faith as not merely a personal journey but a communal one that seeks collective transformation.
Throughout the episode, the speaker delves into biblical examples, highlighting figures such as Abel and Noah, whose actions exemplified the profound implications of faith. Noah's construction of the ark amidst disbelief serves as a metaphor for the necessity of acting on faith, even when faced with formidable opposition. This narrative encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of radical imagination, envisioning alternatives to existing oppressive systems and taking proactive steps towards achieving societal change.
The episode culminates in a call to action, wherein listeners are urged to engage in 'prophetic imagination' by identifying pressing issues within their communities and taking meaningful actions towards transformative goals. This emphasis on active engagement showcases the dynamic nature of faith as a catalyst for change, reinforcing the notion that true faith manifests not only in belief but through tangible actions aimed at building a more just and equitable world.
Takeaways:
- The concept of faith is explored as a revolutionary vision that transcends mere belief.
- Faith is portrayed as a transformative power that inspires collective action for social justice.
- We are called to engage actively with our faith, taking concrete steps toward change.
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of prophetic imagination in addressing societal issues.
- Noah's story illustrates that faith involves working toward what seems impossible to others.
- We must envision and strive for a better future, grounded in trust and action.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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Transcript
Faith as Revolutionary Vision A study of Hebrews 11:1:7 on the Daily Bible refresh hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
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Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
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Speaker A:Here's today's Reading the reading from Hebrews 11:1 7 reading from the Message Faith in what We Don't See the fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.
Speaker A:It's our handle on what we can't see.
Speaker A:The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Speaker A:By faith we see the world called into existence by God's world, by God's word.
Speaker A:What we see created by what we don't see.
Speaker A:By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain.
Speaker A:It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference.
Speaker A:That's what God noticed and approved as righteous.
Speaker A:After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
Speaker A:By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely.
Speaker A:They looked all over and couldn't find it because God had taken him.
Speaker A:We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken, he pleased God.
Speaker A:It's impossible to please God apart from faith.
Speaker A:And why?
Speaker A:Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him by faith.
Speaker A:Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land.
Speaker A:He was warned about something he couldn't see and act on what he was told.
Speaker A:The result?
Speaker A:His family was saved.
Speaker A:His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the righteousness of the believing world.
Speaker A:As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
Speaker A:Well, in today's reflection, my friends, we're exploring this powerful text about faith not as blind belief, but as transformative vision that helps Us imagine and create what seems to be impossible.
Speaker A:Let's get into some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first is about faith as radical imagination.
Speaker A:The text here defines faith as, quote, our handle on what we can't see.
Speaker A:That's a powerful framework for social justice work.
Speaker A:This isn't about believing unlikely things, but about developing the capacity to envision alternatives to current systems of oppression and injustice.
Speaker A:Like Noah building a ship on the dry land, faith help us work toward what others consider impossible.
Speaker A:A second point is about going beyond individual salvation.
Speaker A:While these stories highlight individuals, they're really about collective transformation.
Speaker A:Noah's Ark wasn't about personal escape, but about preserving life for all.
Speaker A:In our time of climate crisis and social upheaval, faith calls us to work for collective liberation and ecological preservation even when others can't yet see the necessity.
Speaker A:A third point to ponder is about faith as active response.
Speaker A:The text here emphasizes that faith isn't passive belief, but active engagement.
Speaker A:Building arks, making offerings, living differently.
Speaker A:The statement that God cares enough to respond suggests a divine presence that participates that participates in human struggles for justice and healing.
Speaker A:Faith means trusting our actions for transformative matters.
Speaker A:Let's talk about an action step.
Speaker A:Practice what we might call prophetic imagination.
Speaker A:That is, identify one situation in your community that seems maybe hopelessly broken.
Speaker A:It might be homelessness or environmental degradation or systematic racism.
Speaker A:But spend some time envisioning what real transformation would look like and then take some concrete step toward that vision, no matter how small it seems.
Speaker A:Remember, every ark was built and starts with a single plank.
Speaker A:We'll come back with a prayer here in just a moment.
Speaker A:Did want you to know that we have a great resource for you.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:It's your at home resource for your own daily Bible study.
Speaker A:You pick it up at our website voiceofgoddaily.com here's our prayer.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are the source of creative vision.
Speaker A:When the world tells us nothing can change, help us see possibilities beyond our present reality.
Speaker A:When dry land surrounds us, give us courage to build an arc of justice.
Speaker A:When others say impossible, let our faith fuel imagination and action.
Speaker A:Ground us in the trust that you are present in every act of love.
Speaker A:Every step toward healing, every work of liberation, every in hope and determination we pray.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
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Speaker A: A million people by: Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your daily Bible refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:Every morning Sat.
