What can we learn from Abraham? Well for one we find out what happens when you DON'T have faith in God.
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The outline for today's sermon can be found in the show notes:
1. IS SATURATED IN HOPE
“In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” Romans 4:18
2. STANDS STRONG WHEN IT LOOKS IMPOSSIBLE
“He did not weaken in faith…” Romans 4:19a
3. IS STEADFAST IN SPITE OF OBSTACLES
“…when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb.” Romans 4:19b
4. IS SECURE IN GOD’S PROMISES
”No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God…” Romans 4:20a
5. SEEKS TO BRINGS GLORY TO GOD
“…but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God…” Romans. 4:20b
6. IS SURE OF GOD’S WORD
“…fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:21
HOW GOD BUILDS YOUR FAITH
Phase 1: DREAM (Genesis 12:1-3)
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” Gen. 12:2
Phase 2: DECISION (Genesis 12:4)
“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” Gen. 12:4
Phase 3: DELAY (Genesis 15:1-6)
“But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless…’” Gen. 15:2
Typical reactions:
DOUBT DESPAIR DETOUR
Phase 4: DIFFICULTY (Genesis 17:1-5, 15-19)
“Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, ‘Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?’” Gen. 17:17
Phase 5: DEAD-END (Genesis 22:1-12)
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering…’” Gen. 22:1-2
Phase 6: DELIVERANCE (Genesis 22:13-14)
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’” Gen. 22:13-14
