First ReadingHebrews 11:1-7*
From the Letter to the Hebrews
1Now faith is assurance of things hoped for,proof of things not seen.2For by this, the elders obtained approval.3By faith we understandthat the universe has been framed by the word of God,so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.
4By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,through which he had testimony given to himthat he was righteous,God testifying with respect to his gifts;and through it he, being dead, still speaks.
5By faith Enoch was taken away,so that he wouldn’t see death,and he was not found,because God translated him.For he has had testimony given to himthat before his translation he had been well pleasing to God.6Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him,for he who comes to God must believe that he exists,and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
7By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen,moved with godly fear,prepared a ship for the saving of his house,through which he condemned the worldand became heir of the righteousnesswhich is according to faith.