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Faith for Life: Inspiration From The Ordinary Heroes Of Hebrews 11
Inspiration from the book of Hebrews on how to live by faith in Jesus. As Christians, we experience great joy in knowing God through Jesus and great hope in the promise of an eternity spent with God. Yet we still get weary in this life and can feel discouraged. Whether it’s personal disappointment, opposition or just the costly grind of church life that gets us down, we all need help to keep going. This wonderfully encouraging book by Bible expositor Richard Coekin will spur you on to live by faith in Jesus as you examine the witnesses of Hebrews 11. The refreshing honesty of their stories will help you manage your expectations in a world of lies and spin. They will remind you of the glory and blessing that await you at the finishing line. And they will encourage you to see that Jesus is the real Hero of the faith and that his Spirit will enable you to endure through exhaustion, opposition and discouragement. Ideal for private devotional reading for those in need of refreshment, a timely gift for a discouraged Christian friend, and useful background reading to a small-group study of Hebrews 11.
- GenresChristian Living
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
About the author
Richard Coekin
20 books6 followersRichard Coekin is Director of the CoMission church network and Senior Pastor of Dundonald Church, sw London. A renowned Bible teacher and the author of several books including Our Father and Ephesians For You, Richard is also Chairman of the London Men's Convention. He is married to Sian and they have five children.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 2, 2026
I got halfway done with this book and got caught up in other things so I didn’t touch it for a few months. About two weeks ago I picked it back up and just finished the last half. It is by far one of the most underrated books I’ve ever read. The author is not well known but his take on Hebrews 11 is wonderful. He pulls out the themes of each person faith and applys practical ways we can imitate that faith as believers in our world today.
February 28, 2023
A devotional study into the heroes of the faith described in Hebrews 11. A practical encouragement to learn the disciplines of the race set before us, with our eyes fixed upon the author and perfected of our faith, Jesus Christ.
June 16, 2021
This book, which is by a British pastor, shares insight for Christians who need encouragement to endure as they face personal discouragement and external opposition to their faith. Throughout Faith for Life: Inspiration From The Ordinary Heroes Of Hebrews 11, Richard Coekin highlights the stories of different people mentioned in the famous chapter of Hebrews, but instead of emphasizing their work, or their faith, he focuses on God's power in them. He gives readers the chance to derive encouragement from the flawed humans profiled here, explaining that the author of Hebrews did not honor these people as exceptional in and of themselves. Instead, they were examples of the work that God does through people who trust Him. The focus is on God's faithfulness, not our faith.
These elements of the book are very encouraging, but I found the cultural commentary throughout the book frustrating. I wanted more nuance, especially in regards to LGBTQ+ issues. Coekin writes about the continued pressure against Christianity in the West, and the ways that Christians are often pressured to adopt and advocate for causes that go against their beliefs, but he wrote about this solely in terms of opposition, without any examples or encouragement for how people could minister to or connect to their neighbors with different worldviews and life choices. He also didn't acknowledge the unique challenges of same-sex-attracted Christians who are faithful within the church.
I also noticed that Coekin emphasized vocational gospel ministry in a way that dismissed the impact that people can have in other contexts. This was disappointing, especially when he referred to non-ministry professions as a way to financially support gospel workers without validating the kingdom work that people can accomplish within their secular professions. He refers to how someone could work fewer hours to volunteer at church or lead a small group, but doesn't acknowledge the influence that Christian workers can have on their coworkers or employees, their other work contacts, and the surrounding community. I agree that people should be open to considering pastoral callings, missions work, and work in Christian organizations, but Coekin seemed to demote people working in secular jobs to a second-class position in Christ's kingdom, without recognizing the value of their work or the role that it can have in the well-being and health of the community.
This book's biblical teaching is solid and encouraging, and I appreciated the timeless elements related to Hebrews 11 and God's work through ordinary people, but I found some of the author's cultural commentary and personal perspectives distracting and unhelpful. Some readers may feel differently, or will simply appreciate the themes of faith and endurance in the midst of current social pressures, but the emphasis on current controversies without adequate nuance or well-supported argumentation distracted me from the core messages and makes the book less enduring than it could be, and the repeated devaluing of corporate work may be discouraging to people who are trying to serve others and create a healthy witness in their professional fields.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
These elements of the book are very encouraging, but I found the cultural commentary throughout the book frustrating. I wanted more nuance, especially in regards to LGBTQ+ issues. Coekin writes about the continued pressure against Christianity in the West, and the ways that Christians are often pressured to adopt and advocate for causes that go against their beliefs, but he wrote about this solely in terms of opposition, without any examples or encouragement for how people could minister to or connect to their neighbors with different worldviews and life choices. He also didn't acknowledge the unique challenges of same-sex-attracted Christians who are faithful within the church.
I also noticed that Coekin emphasized vocational gospel ministry in a way that dismissed the impact that people can have in other contexts. This was disappointing, especially when he referred to non-ministry professions as a way to financially support gospel workers without validating the kingdom work that people can accomplish within their secular professions. He refers to how someone could work fewer hours to volunteer at church or lead a small group, but doesn't acknowledge the influence that Christian workers can have on their coworkers or employees, their other work contacts, and the surrounding community. I agree that people should be open to considering pastoral callings, missions work, and work in Christian organizations, but Coekin seemed to demote people working in secular jobs to a second-class position in Christ's kingdom, without recognizing the value of their work or the role that it can have in the well-being and health of the community.
This book's biblical teaching is solid and encouraging, and I appreciated the timeless elements related to Hebrews 11 and God's work through ordinary people, but I found some of the author's cultural commentary and personal perspectives distracting and unhelpful. Some readers may feel differently, or will simply appreciate the themes of faith and endurance in the midst of current social pressures, but the emphasis on current controversies without adequate nuance or well-supported argumentation distracted me from the core messages and makes the book less enduring than it could be, and the repeated devaluing of corporate work may be discouraging to people who are trying to serve others and create a healthy witness in their professional fields.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2021
Have you found yourself in a season of discouragement? In Faith for Life, Richard Coekin gives inspiration from the ordinary heroes of Hebrews 11.
The book is less than 200 pages, and Coekin uses 11 quick-reading chapters to show the different aspects of faith for life. To start, Coekin says that faith is confidence in God’s word. He is not afraid to say that our creation points to a creative designer, looking at our instinctive morality, our self-awareness, our delight in beauty, and our emotional longings. This lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
Future and Unseen Realities
Two themes that repeat throughout the book are that faith looks at future and unseen realities. By faith, Abraham lived like a stranger in a foreign land, expressing faith in the unseen spiritual world. He looked forward to the city with foundations, expressing faith in the future city of God. These themes helped me orient my vision, pulling me out of my day-to-day routines, and look toward the true reality of our heavenly home.
This book is not a book that passes over the cost of following Christ. In looking at Mount Moriah and Abraham and Isaac, Coekin memorably shares four ways this story was a rehearsal for the sacrifice of Jesus. And when Jesus calls us to take up our cross, there may be great personal costs involved. Coekin reassures us that God will give us the faith we need to pass these tests and endure these trials.
Faith for Life is Perfected in Jesus
What I found most encouraging was how Coekin shows that faith is empowering. By faith we can accomplish great things. We are reminded of the Old Testament Exodus and conquests in Canaan. God empowers his people to suffer and succeed. I was reminded of the ultimate victory we have in Christ, and I was encouraged to persevere.
The book concludes by showing how faith is perfected in Jesus. By faith Jesus endured the cross, so we must fix our eyes on him. He is the ultimate example of faith -- and we are called to consider him everywhere in the Bible. He will help us to not grow weary, and he will help us to not lose heart. This book is a fountain of inspiration, and it will refresh you as you drink deeply from wells of encouragement. Come and find Jesus, the hero of our faith.
I received a media copy of Faith for Life and this is my honest review.
The book is less than 200 pages, and Coekin uses 11 quick-reading chapters to show the different aspects of faith for life. To start, Coekin says that faith is confidence in God’s word. He is not afraid to say that our creation points to a creative designer, looking at our instinctive morality, our self-awareness, our delight in beauty, and our emotional longings. This lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
Future and Unseen Realities
Two themes that repeat throughout the book are that faith looks at future and unseen realities. By faith, Abraham lived like a stranger in a foreign land, expressing faith in the unseen spiritual world. He looked forward to the city with foundations, expressing faith in the future city of God. These themes helped me orient my vision, pulling me out of my day-to-day routines, and look toward the true reality of our heavenly home.
This book is not a book that passes over the cost of following Christ. In looking at Mount Moriah and Abraham and Isaac, Coekin memorably shares four ways this story was a rehearsal for the sacrifice of Jesus. And when Jesus calls us to take up our cross, there may be great personal costs involved. Coekin reassures us that God will give us the faith we need to pass these tests and endure these trials.
Faith for Life is Perfected in Jesus
What I found most encouraging was how Coekin shows that faith is empowering. By faith we can accomplish great things. We are reminded of the Old Testament Exodus and conquests in Canaan. God empowers his people to suffer and succeed. I was reminded of the ultimate victory we have in Christ, and I was encouraged to persevere.
The book concludes by showing how faith is perfected in Jesus. By faith Jesus endured the cross, so we must fix our eyes on him. He is the ultimate example of faith -- and we are called to consider him everywhere in the Bible. He will help us to not grow weary, and he will help us to not lose heart. This book is a fountain of inspiration, and it will refresh you as you drink deeply from wells of encouragement. Come and find Jesus, the hero of our faith.
I received a media copy of Faith for Life and this is my honest review.
June 17, 2023
An encouraging read.
Not just to know about God but to have intimate fellowship with him, walk with him and delight in him.
To contend for the gospel, for the salvation or others and the glory of God.
Faith in Christ will always be costly - whether it’s the sacrifices we make or the suffering we experience.
“Jesus demonstrated all the characteristics of faith explored in Hebrews 11.
He was confident in God's word in his preaching. He was commended for his faith at his baptism. He was obedient to his Father, even to death on a cross. He was patient with his accusers. He was sacrificial in his suffering for our sins.
He was aspirational in welcoming children and in training disciples. He was courageous before the Sanhedrin. He was self-denying in his evangelistic ministry. He was empowered by his faith to pray constantly and to endure appalling injustice.
Faith is truly perfected in Jesus. So fix your eyes on him - and live by faith in Him”
Not just to know about God but to have intimate fellowship with him, walk with him and delight in him.
To contend for the gospel, for the salvation or others and the glory of God.
Faith in Christ will always be costly - whether it’s the sacrifices we make or the suffering we experience.
“Jesus demonstrated all the characteristics of faith explored in Hebrews 11.
He was confident in God's word in his preaching. He was commended for his faith at his baptism. He was obedient to his Father, even to death on a cross. He was patient with his accusers. He was sacrificial in his suffering for our sins.
He was aspirational in welcoming children and in training disciples. He was courageous before the Sanhedrin. He was self-denying in his evangelistic ministry. He was empowered by his faith to pray constantly and to endure appalling injustice.
Faith is truly perfected in Jesus. So fix your eyes on him - and live by faith in Him”
August 16, 2023
Helpful holiday reading, nothing ground-breaking but good reminders.
April 13, 2025
A great book helping us to think through the different parts of Hebrews 11 and how each of these people mentioned helps us to think about different realities for our life today.
June 22, 2025
the message was good but very very repetitive. like I was thinking how could u write a book on only a single chapter in the bible and hoping it would surprise me but I think I was a bit disappointed
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews