Faith #4 (Abraham)

 December 7, 2022

Occasionally, there seems to be a gap between how we read the Old Testament and what the New Testament appears to be telling us. One such apparent discrepancy appears at the "beginning" of Abraham’s story.

 

Hebrews 11:8 reads, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going." [CEB] Let’s break this verse down. First, it gives the impression that Abraham obeyed. This obedience is significant because it sets the tone for Abraham’s life. His attitude was "all in," demonstrated by unwavering obedience.

 

Second, we are told, "He was called to go to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance." Since Abraham did not receive the promise of land at the beginning, my impression is that this is a reference to a spiritual inheritance. In Genesis 12:2, Abraham is promised that he will become a great nation. Attached to this is "you will be a blessing." In other words, Abraham’s descendants were designed, destined, and dedicated for the purpose of blessing non-descendants. Blessing has nothing to do with words; it is action that brings about good and peace for others.

 

Finally, we are told that Abraham “went out without knowing where he was going.” Two pieces of information jump out about that statement. Abraham must have looked a bit crazy, at least to those who do not know or understand God, to have left his family to follow God’s direction. The older I get, the more I feel the pull of family. Since Abraham was older than me when he received this direction, I’m thinking this tore his heart out.

 

The second piece of information comes from Genesis 11:31: “Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (son of Haran), and his son Abram’s wife, Sarai his daughter-in-law. They left Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan, and arriving at Haran, they settled there.” [CEB] Okay, if Abraham’s dad had set out for Canaan and fallen short, might it have been a vision (or passion) instilled in Abraham? This is where the Old and New seem to conflict. Notice, Abraham was pointed in the direction of Canaan without knowing if that was the final destination. Still, I wonder if it was Terah’s faith that at least set Abraham up for successful obedience. Abraham had learned to listen to (and recognize) God's voice above all the noise, perhaps from Terah.

 

The first lesson of Abraham’s faith is that faith trusts God even without understanding everything. The second lesson is that faith begets faith. Obedience was the first step that opened the door to an awesome adventure.

 

So, what is your awesome adventure that God has you on? The journey starts with a step of obedience.

 

Stick around… more to follow!

Abraham's faith journey (prophet) #14

 September 25, 2020 (Friday)

      Last time I promised to explain some things about Genesis 22. I left much for you to consider on your own. Please read to the end, because I'm going to suggest some things that require explanation.

      The “dark twist” in Abraham’s faith journey is the severity of the test. God required him to sacrifice, the “only son.” If we have been reading Abraham’s story up to this point, we know Isaac was not the “only son.” The other thing which seems inconsistent is the human sacrifice part. This is something God hates. So, is the story wrong?

      One of my ways to understand Scripture is the realization that everything is “accurate” but not necessarily “true.” Pay careful attention, or you will misunderstand me. The Bible records the facts accurately, but that is different from truth. For instance, the king of Babylon (presumably a “type” for the Devil) claims to be the “bright and morning star.” This happens to be one of Jesus’ titles. The Bible accurately records the king saying the words, but they were not true. (He is not the "bright and morning star.") 

      Another way I understand biblical prophecy is to recognize that the prophets sometimes saw multiple events as one occurrence. It’s like looking through a tube with multiple glass lenses. Each lens has part of what looks like the same image. This story is prophetic in nature. Moses, the writer of Genesis, is considered to be the most important prophet of the Old Testament. 

      What we have when Abraham is told to take his “only son” is actually a foreshadowing of another story. It is accurate that Isaac was the “only son,” who was home. The spiritual truth about the “only son” is reserved for another story. Jesus declared, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

      It is disturbing that God would ask for a human sacrifice. This practice, God hates in the strongest sense of the word. “You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.” [Deuteronomy 12:31 ESV] Yet, our peace rests on human sacrifice. Let me explain.

      Abraham prophesied that God would provide a “lamb.” (See Genesis 22:8) It is accurate that God did NOT provide Abraham a lamb as a substitute for Isaac. (See Genesis 22:13). Yet, Abraham's prophecy is true. It is true that God provided a lamb as a substitute for us. John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” [John 1:29 ESVb]

     Paul explained it this way, “For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.” [Romans 3:25a NLT] Remember the three-day trip Abraham took? (See Genesis 22:4) On the third day after His crucifixion, (Jesus) “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Romans 1:4 ESV]

     Seeing Jesus in the imagery of a lamb, John testifies, “Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders.” [Revelation 5:6a NLT] The horrific idea of a single human sacrifice, Jesus dying in our place, shows us the severity of our sin and the depth of God’s love and willingness to forgive.

     All prophesied by Abraham, through Moses, and fulfilled in Jesus.

Abraham's faith journey (covenant) #5

  August 30, 2020 (Sunday)

 

After Lot chooses to move to the Jordan Valley, Abram settled in Canaan. We are told, “After Lot separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “From the place where you are standing, look up and gaze to the north, south, east, and west,  because all the land that you see I give you and your descendants forever.” [Genesis 13:14 – 15 CEB] How many times do we see God responding to his people’s righteous actions and attitudes?

 

Land is an important piece of God’s promise to Abraham. Theologically this is called the “Abrahamic” covenant. Land becomes a cohesive element to identity. It also becomes a glue to hold together culture and religion. Specifically, this will be narrowed down to Jerusalem.

 

The second part of this promise is descendants. About them God promises, “I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth. If someone could count the bits of dust on the earth, then they could also count your descendants.” [Genesis 13:16 CEB] When we arrive at the New Testament there is a twist to the definition of Abraham’s decedents.

 

In conflict with some Jews of Jesus’ day, “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example.” [John 8:39 NLT] Jesus has just shifted the definition of “descendant” from the physical line to the spiritual.

 

Paul picks up the idea in Galatians 3:29, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” [NIV] This might lead some to think the church has replaced Israel as God’s covenant people. This does not make sense.

 

The position is called “Supersessionism” or “replacement theology.” The question facing theologians is how to incorporate the church into the spiritual line of Abraham. Thus, the idea is the church has replaced Israel. Others suggest the church is a complete break from Abraham’s promise. This would essentially eliminate the foundation of the promise of the Messiah.

 

One reason Supersessionism does not make sense is because the church is not privileged to own the land promised to Abraham’s decedents. Another reason it does not make sense is the implied idea that God's promises fail. 

 

I think Paul was stating the church is an expression of the spiritual elements of Abraham’s promise. I personally do not believe the church supplants Israel because the covenant with Abraham is not obsolete. It could not possibly end or be suspended because then God’s covenant cannot fail.

 

 Technically, the Abrahamic promise applies to ALL of Abraham’s descendants. It is later, as the family tree is narrowed, the line of the Messiah becomes more distinct.

 

One point to consider. Being in line as God’s covenant people does not lead to “salvation” as Christian’s view it. At least, that is what Jesus said. Then again, Jesus is the dividing line between Christians and people of Abraham’s covenant. Jesus just happens to be the dividing line for an individual’s eternal destiny.

 

Which side of that line do you want to be on?

Abraham's faith journey (recovery from failure) #4

 August 29, 2020 (Saturday)

 

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” [Hebrews 12:15 ESV] The Greek word translated “See to it” means to “look diligently” or “oversee.” It is the same word translated “Bishop” (in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7 KJV] The idea is we must manage ourselves BECAUSE we are responsible.

 

Failure can lead to bitterness. Bitterness leads to trouble. Trouble leads to defilement. The reality is this does not just affect us. At this point Abram could have grown bitter. He could have blamed God.

What does Abram do? He journeys back to where he was before his failure. Abram returns to worship. “This was the same place where Abram had built the altar, and there he worshiped the Lord again.” [Genesis 13:4 NLT] This altar was at Bethel. It was the second altar he built and the first time we read, “…and called upon the name of the Lord.” [Genesis 12:8c ESV]

 

I feel this was a key moment for Abram. It would have been easy to become bitter. In a sense Abram takes responsibility. It was his choice to go to Egypt. It was his choice to lie. He did not manage himself or his situation in a godly way. Having been driven out of Egypt in shame, Abram returns and worships the LORD.

 

Abram is not free from trouble. His faith journey is like stepping from stone to stone to cross a creek. The next situation occurs because of prosperity. “But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together.” [Genesis 13:6 NLT] Later in the Bible we will discover the LOVE of money is a problem. Notice having money is not the issue. It is our attitude toward it and others that effects our character, and eternal destiny.

 

Abram, becomes an example of humility. He takes a risk and offers Lot a choice. “Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!” [Genesis 13:8 NLT] Notice Abram takes the initiative. 

 

In humility, Abram offers, “The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” [Genesis 13:9 NLT] Think about it. For the sake of peace, Abram was willing to move away from the land God promised to give him.

 

How many of us are willing to defer to the other for the sake of peace? I’m not talking about compromising on a moral or spiritual issue. Land seems to be important in the promise God gave to Abram. It was Abram’s to claim. Yet, his trust in God seems to have grown through his failure. 

 

Abram seems to value Lot, and his peaceful relationship, over the need to hang on to something that is his. At this point Abram becomes a person of peace. Love and peace are more important than rights and possessions. “Insightful people restrain their anger; their glory is to ignore an offense.” [Proverbs 19:11 CEB]

Abraham's faith journey (failure) #3

August 28, 2020 (Friday)

 

In the last study, Abram acts out of fear and designs a lie he thinks will spare his life. I wonder how he expected to get out of Egypt, alive, after lying to Pharaoh. Just as Abram feared, “When Pharaoh’s princes saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s household.” [Genesis 12:15 CEB] Nothing to see here, let’s move along.

 

The plot thickens, “Things went well for Abram because of her: he acquired flocks, cattle, male donkeys, men servants, women servants, female donkeys, and camels.” [Genesis 12:16 CEB] Adding to the insult of Pharaoh acquiring Abram’s wife, he profits from the exchange. Miserably profiting off his wife’s beauty and her service to Pharaoh should have taught Abram a lesson, but it didn’t. Abram is going to repeat this lie another time.

 

George Santayana once suggested, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." We have these stories so we can learn from them. Paul warned, “These things happened to them as an example and were written as a warning for us to whom the end of time has come.” [1 Corinthians 10:11 CEB] Pharaoh had a chance to learn his own lesson about God. That should have been remembered when a later Pharaoh enslaved the people of Israel.

 

Things become very dangerous for Pharaoh, “Then the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.” [Genesis 12:17 CEB] I don’t know how Pharaoh figured it out, but he did. Next things get awkward for Abram. He is caught in his lie. “So Pharaoh summoned Abram and said, “What’s this you’ve done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?” [Genesis 12:18 CEB]

 

I think the only thing that saves Abram is Pharaoh is more afraid of God than the embarrassment he had at the moment. He continues his questioning without pausing for an answer. The general feel here, Pharaoh is angry. “Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister,’ so that I made her my wife? Now, here’s your wife. Take her and go!” [Genesis 12:19 CEB]

 

In shame, Abram is expelled from Egypt, “Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they expelled him with his wife and everything he had.” [Genesis 12:20 CEB] There are some points to note about this story.

 

Notice Abram was not instructed to go to Egypt, nor was he prohibited from the journey. The choice as entirely his. True, there was a famine that seemed to force the move. The thing is, Abram made a choice based on circumstances, not faith. This put him in an awkward position of fear.

 

Feeling the need to lie, he did. I’m not sure he thought out what he was doing. His actions placed his wife in another man’s arms. Pharaoh took Sarai as a wife. How was he going to get out of Egypt, with his wife, alive?

 

Needless to say, fear turns the brain to mush. It overrules faith. It puts us in a really bad place. It puts our loved ones in a really bad place. Fear. Sin. Embarrassment. Kind of nice to know God can overlook our stupidity and sin. But do you take that chance? Either way there are consequences.

Abraham's faith journey #2

 August 27, 2020 (Thursday)

 

I am attempting to trace the development of Abraham’s faith. When we first meet him, he is Abram. In Genesis 12:1 God calls Abram to leave land and family to go someplace. Abram might have had an idea he was completing his father’s quest (see Genesis 11:31) and he might have known this was the God of Noah. 

 

Abram’s response, “So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed….” [Genesis 14:4a NLT] Notice Abram left as instructed. There seems to be no hesitation, no questioning, and no arguing with the instructions. Please notice, God has issued an invitation. It is up to Abram to respond. Abram’s immediate obedience is his life long pattern.

 

Abram’s response was also complete. We are told, “He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan.” [Genesis 12:5 NLT] This set an example for his decedents leaving Egypt. He did not go alone, he took his family. He took everything, including ALL his wealth, livestock, and the people in his household. There was no safety net, nothing to anchor him to Haran, and nothing to draw him back. Faithful obedience requires no options, no plan B, and no parachutes.

 

In Genesis 12:7 God speaks to Abram again, “Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” [NLT] Abram’s response is worship. This is the first time he builds and alter and dedicates it to God. Worship seems to be a constant in Abram’s life.

 

As Abram continues to move, he continues to worship. “After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord.” [Genesis 12:8 NLT] So, it seems Abram is off to a good start. But life tends to be more complicated than obedience and worship.

 

Enter problems. Difficult circumstances become a test for character and faith. Abram is no exception. “At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner.” [Genesis 12:10 NLT] This begins a long and complicated relationship between Abram, Egypt, and Abraham’s descendants.

 

Through this long story, Egypt becomes shelter, salvation, and slavery for Abraham and his offspring. Jeremiah warned the people to not take shelter in Egypt. However, Joseph was commanded to shelter Jesus in Egypt to save His life. At one point, in the Exodus story, Egypt becomes the example of God pouring out His wrath on a nation. However, in end time prophecy, God has a word of blessing and encouragement for them.

 

It is in Egypt where Abram’s character flaw, generates sin; lying. In fear Abram suggests to his wife Sarai, “When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!” So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.” [Genesis 12:12 – 12 NLT] It seems strange, Abram trusted God enough to obey completely in leaving his family. But not now it is fear, not faith, ruling his actions.

 

In the grip of fear Abram lies. Fear is a tool of Satan, who turns out to be the “father of lies.” Kind of hard to see Abram as a child of the devil, but listen to Jesus: “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” [John 8:44 NLT]

 

There is an old adage, “Never meet your hero.” But that is exactly what we need to do. How can Abram, the father of faith, be incurably fearful? How can the one we look to as the father of our religious tradition be a liar? Stay tuned, it gets worse.

Abraham's faith journey

 August 24, 2020 (Monday)

 

I want to take some time to track Abraham’s faith development. How did it develop? What steps happened?

 

Let’s give some credit to his family. He would have known and had contact with Noah and Shem. He would have heard about the flood and the wickedness of humanity before the flood. But family stories and family faith will only get a person so far. There is a point were the individual must develop a mature faith of their own.

 

It might be the family influence that allowed Abram to know it was the voice of God speaking to him. When God speaks we tend to miss it. How does God speak to us? I am so glad you asked.

 

The first “obvious” way God speaks to us is through nature. Theologians call this “natural revelation.” This is based on Romans 1:20, “Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things God has made. So humans are without excuse.” [CEB] Paul was probably reflecting on Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” [NIV] 

 

So, can a person be “saved” without specific knowledge of Jesus? The answer is both yes and no. Paul argued that “humans are without excuse.” This indicates the answer is yes. If a human is held responsible then a route (notice I did not say “means”) to justification is available. In Romans 4, Paul notes Abraham was justified, before there was the Law. By implication, this was also before there was a church. So the damned will not be judged on their rejection of Jesus, rather their rejection of what can be known.

 

The answer, according to Evangelical theology is “no.” This is based on Acts 4:21, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [ESV] Since Jesus is known, we are now responsible for that knowledge. In theory, knowledge of Jesus is more complete and compelling. Either way, damnation is based on rejection of the knowledge available. 

 

Another way God speaks to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” [John 14:26 NLT] We need to be very careful understanding this concept. The action is a dual action. First, the Holy Spirit will teach you everything. Second, the Holy Spirit will remind you.

 

I believe the Holy Spirit does not give NEW information outside the text of the Bible. Period. There may be times when a prophecy is given, but this is not new information that changes the nature or practice of the faith. It think Jesus is saying the Holy Spirit will give us insight based on the information inside the text of the Bible. In a sense it is “connecting the dots” of the Bible’s truth and the reality of the situation.

 

I believe the Holy Spirit primarily speaks by reminding us of the text of the Bible. You know when a Bible verse runs through our mind? That’s the Holy Spirit. That’s why we need to exercise the discipline of shutting out the noise and listening to God. Too many of us are swallowed up by the volume of life and circumstances. This undisciplined mind will have a difficult time even hearing God. If we are not hearing, then we are not listening, and not obeying God.

 

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” [Psalm 46:10 ESV]

 

Abraham

 August 22, 2020 (Saturday)

 

Genesis 12 shifts the story from humanity in general to the human line of Jesus. It begins, “The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you.” [Genesis 12:1 CEB] Notice this is ABRAM before he became ABRAHAM. There will be a point of choice (faith, obedience) where God will bless Abram with a name change, indicating a filling of the Holy Spirit. I will get to that in another study. Stay tuned!

 

Think about what God is asking Abram to do. LEAVE land and family. Who is that family? Did you know Noah was still alive when Abram was born? According to the genealogies, Abram would have been 58 when Noah died. This was 43 years before Isaac was born. Another fun fact, Noah’s son Shem out lived Abraham by 35 years.

 

Also remember, Abram’s father, Terah had already moved the family north. “ Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (son of Haran), and his son Abram’s wife, Sarai his daughter-in-law. They left Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan, and arriving at Haran, they settled there.” [Genesis 11:31 CEB] Terah never made it to his intended destination. He stopped in what we know as southeast Turkey along the Syrian border.

 

Terah started the journey but stopped. We do not know why. God called Abram to continue. Think about this call. Other than leaving a grieving father and the family wealth, it is an open ended call to go someplace. Yup, someplace God would show him. So, Abram left his father (who lived another 60 years).

 

Abram didn’t know where he was going, but he was not lost. He didn’t know how long he would be gone, but he must have assumed it was for life. He didn’t know what he would do when he got there, but did what he knew to do.

 

The only promise Abram had was, “I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing.” [Genesis 12:2 CEB] God promised Abram he would become a great nation. God promised Abram His blessing. Not much to go on, or is it?

 

One of the things were are going to see is as Abram progressed in his faith (belief), God brings greater blessings. Abram’s faith is special. Paul pointing this out declared, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” [Romans 4:20 – 21 ESV] Abram never hesitated, doubted, or second guessed God and God’s promises.

 

Abraham is, for Paul, the example of righteousness apart from “the law.” He didn’t belong to a nation, organization, or religion. Paul explains, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” [Romans 4:2 – 3 ESV]

 

Let me be clear, believing or having faith is not “works” (as some would suggest). Abraham simply believed God. God credited this belief as righteousness (being right with God). God takes the initiative, humans respond. While God may make promises (or covenants – legal contract) unilaterally; God requires us to believe. The promises of God require us to be vested. Faith leads to changed lives, obedience.

 

We obey because that is who we are. Changed.

Hebrews 11:1- 8 "The substance and evidence of the soul"

Hebrews 11:1- 8 "The substance and evidence of the soul"

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Just after saying "But my righteous one will live by faith.” Hebrews I0:38a, the Bible challenges us with historical examples.

The reason is: "Faith has always been the mark of God's servants." Matthew Henry

I. Faith is the EYES of the soul.

A. What is faith and how does it work?

"Faith is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all He promised to us in Christ." [M.H.]

1. It is "being sure of what we hope for."

a. KJV: 'substance"

b. Forward-looking confidence. (Future)

c. This means we will "We live by faith, not by sight." [2 Corinthians 5:71

2. It is being "certain of what we do not see."

a. KJV: "evidence"

b. This is the demonstration or proof. (Past and present)

c. It is irrational to disregard faith or think it is opposed to reason.

B. Why is faith the foundation?

"Faith assumes the place of substance, faith holds the place of argument” (Dante)

1. Faith allows us to have God’s "seal of approval."

a. "This is what the ancients were commended for.” [v 2]

b. It stands to reason they are examples, if faith was honored then, it is honored now.

2. Faith understands the true place and nature of God.

a. The existence of a Creator is the foundation of faith.

b. A Creator means undisputed right of ownership.

c. A Creator means undisputed authority.

d. A Creator means undisputed power.

1.) "Formed at God's command" [v 3b]

2.) God did not have to use tools, process, etc... God spoke.

"Faith in the creation is the foundation and specimen of all faith." [John Wesley]

***** Another way to say this is if you do not believe in a Creator, you do not believe in God. *****

II. Faith is the HEART of the soul.

A.  Abel’s example (He humbled himself before God):

1. "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did." [v 3a)

2. What was different/special about Abel's sacrifice?

a. It was the best of the best. ("But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock." [Genesis 4:4]) We can see, the difference is AT'TITUDE.

b. It was a blood sacrifice.

“ln fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. " [Hebrews 9:22]

1.) In other words the blood sacrifice reflected the penalty for sin and the need for mercy. It reflected (set the precedent) the atonement of future blood sacrifices.

2.) '"Able had faith in the blood substitute while Cain had faith in the work of his own hands." [Jack Waite]

B. The result of Abel’s faith:

1. Abel died...

a. Many people today are under the hatred and persecution unleashed by Cain.

b. It is said that more people have died for Jesus in the last 10 y-ears than in the history of the world.

2. Abel still speaks.

a. We see the early and extreme degradation what sin does to a person. (And are horrified by murder.)

b. We see a clear distinction between righteousness and sin.

III.           Faith is the FEET of the soul.

A. Enoch's example (He earnestly sought God):

1. Enoch had a special connection with God. He "pleased God." [v 5c]

a. "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” [Genesis 5:24]

b. Enoch was also a prophet who saw the return of Jesus. [Jude 14]

2. Other than that, we know very little about Enoch.

B. The result of Enoch's faith:

1. Enoch did not die, (This only happened twice. Enoch and Elijah.)

2. Enoch's example is that of seeking God. [v 6]

a. Enoch sought God, and the result of that was a special walk (holiness) with God (at a level none of us will ever know).

b. The image is that of Adam and Eve walking with God in the Garden of Eden." Enoch did not have the Garden but he did walk with God.

IV.          Faith is the HANDS of the soul.

A. Noah's example (He obeyed God):

1. Noah, when warned built an ark.

a. Context: it had never rained. Never flooded.

b. Noah's confidence was that God would do what He said... The word of God was sufficient to move Noah to action.

2. What else do we know about Noah?

a. "This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” [Genesis 6:9]

1.) Here was someone who also "walked with God."

2.) He was called "righteous" and "blameless" by God as a contrast to the people of his day.

b. "Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” [Genesis 6:22]

1.) Obedience and attention to the details are a mark of faith.

2.) God spoke, Noah acted on what God said.

c. 2 Peter 2:5 "a preacher of righteousness."

1.) Imagine preaching for 120 years and having nothing more than your family to show for it...

2.) Building and ark and preaching must have been humiliating.

B. The results of Noah's faith:

1. He saved his family and condemned the world (which is the real reason people fear the faithful).

2. Good examples either convert sinners or condemn them." [Matthew Henry]

"Your obedience makes their disobedience stand out." [Life Application Bible]

3. We love to talk about the mercy and kindness of God (which are true) but sometimes we God's intention is to bring severe justice.

a. Isaiah's call:

“He said. “Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding: be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused: make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” [Isaiah 6:9 – 10]

 b. Jeremiah's call:

"Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--against the kings Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land." [Jeremiah 1:18]

"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.” [Jeremiah 7:27]

c. Ezekiel's call

"But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate." [Ezekiel 3:7]

d. Moses' call:

"The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." [Exodus 4:21]

V.            Faith is the BREATH of the soul.

A. Abraham's example (When called, he did not hesitate):

1. When called, he went. [v 8]

2. Abraham knew it was right to follow even if he did not know the direction, destination, or duration of what God was asking.

B. The result of Abraham's faith:

1. He gave up what was secure and familiar.

2. He gave up what was most precious (Isaac) see Genesis 221

3. His going became "the first link in the golden chain of his faith."

4. He was never hesitant to obey God.

Conclusion:

1. What has captured your eye and holds your attention?

2. What has captured your heart and directs where your energies are focused?

3. What has captured your feet and directs your habits and what/who you are seeking?

4. What has captured your hands and motivates your affections?

5. What has captured your breath and gives you the confidence to never hesitate to obey God"

Never forget. Able. Enoch. Noah. Abraham were ordinary people... just like vou.

"Many Christians become frustrated and defeated because their needs, wants, expectations, demands are not immediately met when they accept Christ as Savior. They become impatient and quit." [Life Application Bible]

***** Where do You Begin? *****

1. Recognize there is spiritual distance between you and God. This gap is created and maintained by sin. It separates us from God and spawns suspicion and distrust about God" the church. God's messengers.

2. The only solution for closing this spiritual distance is through faith in God's character (love and mercy) and desire (grace) to save you through the blood of Jesus.

3. You are at this point because God is waking you up from your sin. You now have a choice. Will you go back to the sleep of your sin or wake full to the new life God is offering you through Jesus?

Financial principle #3: Tithe

Financial principle #3: Tithe

I.          The BIBLICAL history of tithing.

            A.         Abraham [Genesis 14:17 – 20]

                        1.         After victory, Abraham is met by Melchizedek (king of Salem/High Priest).

                        2.         Melchizedek greets him with bread and wine (v 18)

                        3.         Melchizedek then blesses Abraham in the name of “God Most High” (vv                                        19b, 20a)

                        4.         Abraham responds by giving a tenth (tithe) of EVERYTHING.

            B.         Malachi 3:6 – 11 (tithes and offerings)

                        1.         Context: A rejected priesthood and religious system (1:10)

                        2.         Context: (v 6) “For I the Lord do not change.”

                        3.         Context: (v 10) The ONLY place in the Bible where God says “put me to                                         the test.”

                        4.         Context: (v 11) God promises to hold off “the devourer.”

            C.         Jesus (Matthew 23:23)

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

                        1.         Context: list of “woes” that Jesus leveled at the Pharisees (legalism).

                        2.         They had the letter down but missed the meaning.

                        3.         Jesus is up-holding the “tithe.”

 II.         Ideas about tithing

            A.         History:

                        1.         Origen, Jerome, and Augustine all taught that the tithe was the minimum.

                        2.         The tithe became a legal requirement in some nations (Europe), making it                                     a tax.

                        3.         Others:

                                    a.         Barnes “practical acknowledgment of the absolute and exclusive                                                   supremacy of God.”

                                    b.         Gill and Henry: “respect” and “thankfulness” and “gratitude”

            B.         Modern:

                        1.         Dave Ramsey

                                    a.         Tithing is for our benefit… put God first, teach us to be unselfish.

                                    b.         “If you cannot live on 90% of your income, then you cannot live                                                      on 100%”

                                    c.         Tithing is an act of love for God.  (not church or pastor)

                        2.         Randy Alcorn

                                    a.         “Our giving is a reflexive response to the grace of God.”

                                    b.         “Money leads, hearts follow.”

                                    c.         Tithing is NOT legalism… “does God expect His new covenant                                                        people to give less or more?”

III.        Tithing is a matter of the heart!

            A.         2 Corinthians 8:1 – 5 

“[1] And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. [2] Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. [3] For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, [4] they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. [5] And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.”

                        1.         Notice the Macedonian church’s social and financial situation:

                                    a.         Social: “severe trial” (persecution)

                                    b.         Financial: “extreme poverty”

                        2.         Look what they did:

                                    a.         They “urgently pleaded” for the “privilege” of helping others!

                                    b.         They gave “generously”… “even beyond their ability.”

            B.         Reality check:

                        1.         Barna claims on average 53% of Christians have given NOTHING to their                                       church in the last month.

                        2.         PBS “Affluenza”:

                                    a.         Average American shops 6 hours a week, plays with their children                                                  40 minutes a week.

                                    b.         In the year before the showing, more Americans declared                                                               bankruptcy than graduated from college.

                                    c.         In 90% of divorce cases, money played a prominent role.

                        3.         An idea:

                                    a.         The SAME Greek word is translated “grace” and “giving.”

                                    b.         Dixie Fraley “We’re most like God when we’re giving.”