16. But those men were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country. So God is not ashamed to be called their God. For he has prepared a city for them.
17. It was by faith that Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God made the promises to Abraham. But God tested him. And Abraham was ready to offer his own son as a sacrifice.
18. God had said, “The descendants I promised you will be from Isaac.”
19. Abraham believed that God could raise the dead. And really, it was as if Abraham got Isaac back from death.
20. It was by faith that Isaac blessed the future of Jacob and Esau.
21. It was by faith that Jacob blessed each one of Joseph’s sons. He did this while he was dying. Then he worshiped as he leaned on the top of his walking stick.
22. It was by faith that Joseph spoke about the Israelites leaving Egypt while he was dying. He told them what to do with his body.
23. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born. They saw that Moses was a beautiful baby. And they were not afraid to disobey the king’s order.
24. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of the king of Egypt’s daughter.
25. He chose to suffer with God’s people instead of enjoying sin for a short time.
26. He thought that it was better to suffer for the Christ than to have all the treasures of Egypt. He was looking only for God’s reward.
27. It was by faith that Moses left Egypt. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see.