Forefathers 1
Offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain.
Abel
When he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
Abraham
Fulfilled the roles of judge, prophet, and priest, and anointed Israel's first king.
Samuel
God's divine persuasion.
Faith
Being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Noah
When he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
Moses
Broke his Nazirite vow, but ultimately relied on God's strength to defeat God's enemies.
Samson
By faith the people passed through the ______ as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
Was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.
Sarah
When dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
Jacob
Was from the weakest clan in Manasseh and the least in his father’s house. God gave him the victory, but he led God's people back into idolatry. God chose him because he was weak.
Gideon
By faith the walls of _____ fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
Jericho
Obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Abraham
At the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
Joseph
Crybaby who would not go fight unless Deborah went with him. Lost the glory of killing Sisera to a woman, Jael.
Barak
Did not perish with those who were disobedient in Jericho, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Rahab
Walked with God, and he was not, for God took him; was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
Enoch
Invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
Isaac
Mighty warrior, son of a prostitute, accidentally vowed to sacrifice his daughter for victory.
Jephthah
Imperfect king of Israel, who foreshadowed the ultimate King Jesus. Jesus also came through this person's lineage.
King David
The founder and perfecter of our faith.
Jesus!