This Sunday, our second scripture reading will be Hebrews 11:1-16. Hebrews 11 would probably make most lists for “top 10” chapters of the Bible. It is often called “The Great Faith Chapter.” There is a lot you can say about faith.

Unfortunately, much of what gets said about faith has little to do with the faith that is described in Hebrews 11. One of the things that gets said about faith is that we all have some of it. In one sense, that is true. We can’t live without faith: you have to trust people from time to time, whether you want to or not. You have to trust things to survive. Sometimes your trust is misplaced, but you still need to believe that your car will start or the chair on which you’re seated will support you.

My observation about much of what passes for faith is that it lacks conviction. We have a lot of faith, or what passes for faith, without conviction. Sadly, this statement is true among those who call themselves Christians. We believe, teach, and confess certain truths, but we have our reservations about acting on these truths.

“Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1) That kind of faith is produced only by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through God’s word and sacraments to work this miracle in your heart called faith. That kind of faith is full of conviction. It is more than a hypothetical assent to a set of propositions. The faith of the Bible is staking your life on a truth you can’t always see and having a deep conviction that your best hopes will be a reality. Faith with conviction changes things.

As you spend time with God’s word and as you gather with other Christians around word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit touches your life. One of the risks of coming in contact with the Holy Spirit is that He does deepen your conviction even as He enlivens your faith. It is worth the risk.