Do you see the phrase in verse 34, they escaped the edge of the sword. And then do you see the phrase in verse 37, they were put to death

with the sword.

By faith, they escaped the edge of the sword.

Faith brought them a miraculous deliverance from the sword.

Verse 37, by faith they were killed by the sword.

By faith, God brought them home. If God's Providence does not always grant us escape from

suffering, how does he sustain us through the suffering he permits?

In this episode of Light and Truth,

John Piper turns to Hebrew's 11, 29 to 38,

to show how we are sustained by faith. This sermon was originally preached at

Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 10th, 1997. 97.

And I invite you to turn to Hebrew chapter 11, verses 29 to 38. And as we read the text today, the main thing to see is the startling shift in the middle of

verse 35 and I'll point it out when we get there and it makes all the difference

in the way you see God the way you see the life of faith. Hebrews 1129. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing

through dry land.

And the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

By faith, Rahab, the Harlan, did not perish along with those who were disobedient after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

And what more shall I say, for time will fail me to tell, if I tell of Gideon Barrack, Samson, Jefftha, of David and

Samuel and the prophets prophets who by faith conquered kingdoms performed acts of

righteousness obtained promises shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the

sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

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