2For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
What separates us from other people? Simply our belief in the words of Scripture! This is not a belief that sits idly by and lets us continue our destructive, empty path. It is a belief that causes us to put the words we are reading into practice. I have never coached any sports team. I can imagine one of the most satisfying things about it would be seeing your words, your coaching being put into action in a game. But the most frustrating would be seeing your coaching, all those hours of practice and instruction being ignored during the game. Those halftime talks focus on what was ignored in hopes they will listen to their coach during the second half. This is true of us as well. We often know what we are to be doing and not doing in order to live a life worthy of Him, but we often ignore what we know and pursue our own pleasure. The writer of Hebrews wants us to not follow the example of the Old Testament peoples. They heard the Word, but ignored its life-giving message. They just needed, and we just need to heed the words. We need to believe and put feet to that belief. Scriptural belief always leads to actions, to a change in our behavior and attitude. Faith always energizes us for obedience. If it doesn’t, it is not Biblical faith. I don’t know what it is, other than folly, but it is not Biblical faith. You can’t claim to be a Jesus-follower and not regularly, consistently gather with other believers and create a community of people challenging each other toward love and good deeds. Faith must be combined with obedience. Faith without works is dead.
The Arnold Journey 