This series feeds our appetite for a good courtroom drama. It concludes with one of the most shocking plot twists you will ever encounter! The characters are real, and any representation of their true nature is intentional. The stage has been set. You are on trial. You stand accused. And so, do I.

The defense also has an impressive list of witnesses to call to the stand. There are some big names on this list. You’re probably going to recognize some of them. They are listed in chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews. It starts out by saying:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. – Hebrews 11:1-3

I want you to hang onto this concept of faith because it’s going to come up again later. Faith will be a critical element of our defense strategy. But for now, I want to point out to you the list of the people who received their commendation because of their faith.

By faith Abel offered to God an acceptable sacrifice. By faith Enoch lived a life pleasing to God such that he was taken up to heaven without seeing death. By faith Noah built an ark on dry land to save his family and creation because God said it would rain. By faith the legitimate prophets of God in the Old Testament preached truth and predicted doom to their generations that had fallen away from God’s ways. Why are these people important? Because. . .

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

I am fortunate to come from a family with a long heritage of faith in Christ. If that is also true for you, then your list of witnesses gets even longer. For me, I am able to say:

By faith, Dad wrestled through the confusion of serving during World War II and endeavored to raise a family who would understand the character of God. By faith, Mom. . . by faith, Granpa & Grandma. . .

If you are not so fortunate, then may I submit to you that I have great respect for you if you are, or become, the first in a long line in your family to join the cloud of witnesses. Being the founder of this kind of heritage is a tremendous honor!

So, the witness list is complete! Formidable on both sides, honestly. Truth and lies ready to be told. Who is going to be able to judge this case against us? There is no jury in this case; no group of peers to hold our fate in their hands. This case will be handled by the Judge, and this is where things get sticky. Many of you already believe you know this Judge and know how this is going to end. You’d rather tap out, honestly. But, the plot thickens – and the twist is coming!