A GOOD TESTIMONY

Introduction:

A. Have You Ever Stood In The Presence Of Greatness?

1. Some well-respected, powerful person.

2. A great leader of our time.

3. Someone who had accomplished a great feat.

B. We Have A Heritage Of Great People.

Body: Hebrews 11: 32 - 40

I. Mighty Examples Of Faith.

A. Gideon (Judges 6 – 9) – defeated the Midianites with 300.

B. Barak (Judges 4) – defeated Sisera and his army of 1000’s.

C. Samson (Judges 13 – 16) – defeated 1000’s of Philistines.

D. Jephthah (Judges 11 – 12) – subdued the people of Ammon.

E. David (1 & 2 Samuel) – numerous victories.

F. Samuel (1 Samuel) – numerous victories.

II. Mighty Examples Of Perseverance.

A. Extreme examples of mental anguish.

1. Grief turned to reunion.
2. Weakness turned to strength.
3. Mocked, tempted, & destitute

B. Extreme examples of physical anguish.

1. Tortured and scourged.
2. Killed, sawn in two, and stoned.
3. Imprisoned, afflicted, and homeless.

III. The Standard Set.

A. They obtained a good testimony.

B. They did not receive the promise.

C. God has provided.

1. Something better for us.
2. They receive perfection with us.

Conclusion:

A. We Follow A Great Tradition Of Faith.

1. Many who were willing and did lose their lives.

2. Many who made difficult, unpopular decisions.

3. Many who gave up everything for what they believed.

B. How Does Your Faith Stack Up With Theirs?