There are sometimes when I a preaching that I say something that surprises me. In fact, most messages have moments where I can't believe that I just said what I said. Sunday's message was no exception. I said some funny things that I didn't expect to say. I said some things about the passage that I didn't plan on saying. I said something insighftul (IMHO) that I did even think about for the moment, but I think it captures the message on Abraham in one sentence: Christianity is a "get to" relationship, not a "got to" responsibility. This thought comes from Romans 4:1-5:
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. Romans 4:1-5
God offers us an adventure of faith that is an opportunity not an obligation.
Now, for some things that I wish I said:
- We can't earn salvation with works, but we must work to live out our salvation.
- Some are children of God, but not living as friends of God.
- Abraham didn't always get it right with his actions, but his faith was still effective.
- Abraham was "fully pursuaded" about God's faithfulness. We can be, too.
- What do we do while we wait on God? Consider Him faithful. Don't give up.
- When we live as exiles and strangers, it doesn't mean that we are odd for God. It means that we look different with our habits, attitudes, desires, and lifestyle.
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