Join Pastor Allen Bonnell for week five of our series, "40 Days of Ancient Ways." In this message, we explore one of the most remarkable conversations in history: Abraham’s intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This passage challenges us to ask: Is anyone truly "too far gone" for the mercy of God?
The sermon breaks down the heart of intercessory prayer and God’s righteous character:
- Loving Justice and Mercy: We love justice because God loves justice. We examine why a holy God must judge sin to be a fair judge, yet how He simultaneously invites us into a "cosmic conversation" to plead for mercy on behalf of others.
- Drawing Near to the Bench: Abraham "drew near" to God—a legal term for approaching a judge’s bench. We learn how we, as believers, are called to be conduits of blessing and priests who intercede for nations, communities, and individuals far from God.
- The Power of the Righteous Few: Abraham’s negotiation with God (from 50 down to 10 righteous people) reveals a powerful truth: God is willing to restrain judgment for the sake of a righteous remnant. We see how this points directly to Jesus, the only truly Righteous One who became the substitute for the unrighteous many.
- A Call to Intercede: This week, our church enters a 24/7 week of prayer. We are challenged to "stand in the gap" for those who don't even know they need to be fought for—from world leaders to our own neighbors and family members.
The message concludes with a reminder that we were all once "unrighteous ones" until the Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine to come after us. Do not give up on those you love; instead, draw near to the Father and plead for His mercy today.
