Clarence Jordan was a Georgia farmer, New Testament Greek scholar, and founder of Koinonia Farm (an inter-racial business started in the 1940s), out of which grew Habitat for Humanity. He also paraphrased the New Testament in the Cotton-Patch-Gospel, placing the Bible story in the South, out of which comes this translation of Hebrews 11:1 —

“Now faith is the turning of dreams into deeds. It is betting your life on the unseen realities.”

We’re going to focus on that passage for three weeks, unpacking some of the power in the Letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Luke.

Take a moment to read again that one verse in Jordan’s paraphrase. When have you seen “dreams turned into deeds”? What kind of character would you need in order to do that? What does that have to do with faith? Does “faith” mean something more than “belief”? What could it mean to “bet your life”? Can something be unseen and still be a reality? Like what?

Each Sunday we will focus on just one scripture which will be a longer quote than usual. This week is Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16.

The eleventh chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews is sometimes called the “Saints Hall of Fame” as the author lifts up multiple examples of spiritual ancestors who put their trust in God, starting with Abraham and Sarah.

During difficult times, when the faith is questioned or even persecuted, who can we look to strengthen our resolve? Who or what did they turn to?

Is it more difficult to turn to something or someone whom you cannot see? Are they less real, less compelling? What are the “unseen realities” in your life? How did you come to recognize them and eventually come to trust them and be loyal to them? What are you willing to risk for them?

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here.