Living by Faith

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

The author of the book of Hebrews tells us that, though Abraham did not take possession of the land God had promised him in his lifetime, he understood what God’s promise really meant: “By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; . . . For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).

Abraham’s heart was set on the City of God, a city that is built, designed, and founded by God Himself. By God’s grace, Abraham knew he could never be satisfied with just an earthly city, even the earthly city of Jerusalem given to his descendants. Instead, he trusted God and looked forward to the city that is to come—the New Jerusalem.

There are three things about the earthly city of Jerusalem that teach us about the real City of God that will one day come down from heaven.

First, Jerusalem was the city where God dwelled with His people. When David made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, he brought the ark of the covenant to the City of David. David’s overriding desire was to be in God’s presence at all times, and the ark was where God’s presence resided (see 2 Samuel 6). Thus, Jerusalem became the city where God dwelled with His people, just as it will be in the New Jerusalem. Only, God will dwell with His people in fullness.

Second, the earthly Jerusalem was a temporary city with a life full of conditional promises. More than a thousand years after David founded the city, Jerusalem rejected God by crucifying His Messiah, ceasing to be the earthly example of God’s life and blessing. In contrast, the New Jerusalem is a permanent city with the unconditional promise of eternal life in God’s presence and overflowing blessings that never leave.

Third, God’s people may or may not show up for worship in the earthly Jerusalem, but in the New Jerusalem, believers will worship Him day and night. In the earthly Jerusalem, the hearts of God’s people sought after worldly pleasures, but in the New Jerusalem, His true followers will be delighted in Him always.

One day, all of us who know Jesus will be gathered together to see the City of God with our own eyes. Until then, may we each be like Abraham and live by faith, not sight.

Prayer: Lord, may I have faith like Abraham to trust in You and Your promises and live my life in light of Your coming Kingdom. Thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your presence. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon How Shall We Live Now?, Part 4: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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