Sermon Contemplations & Preparations:
Abram (Abraham) heard the voice of God inviting him into a relationship with the Lord Almighty. Once Abram received the invitation, he set out to travel to “a place the Lord would show him.” Abram packed up and moved from his lifetime home to follow the Lord. Within the context of this amazing story, Abram was longing for a son. As he shared his heart desire with the Lord, God made a covenant with Abram. As a result, the man of God lived in great anticipation for the child the Lord had promised.
Our message for this week picks up during a time of deep confusion for Abram as he contemplated how the Lord’s promise (that Abram would become the Father of a great Nation) could be fulfilled when there was no son to carry on the family lineage. Next Wednesday, these contemplations, questions and ponderings will serve as our “Digging Deeper” discussion starters as we join together for our Wednesday meal and mid-week ministries!
1. The first contemplation focuses on our desire to know when and how the Lord will fulfill His promises. Abram struggled to understand (like all of us) the: what’s, when’s, how’s & why’s of the Lord decisions concerning his future and the Lord’s promise? As you struggle through the processes of life and faith, how do you find rest in Gods design for your life and patience to wait for His timing in your life?
2. In Genesis 15:4—6 the Lord tells us that Abram’s faith in God’s plan (even following a time of questions) became “his righteousness.” If you overheard the Lord talking to someone about your faith—would that be the way God described you? If not, what do you believe we should do or change on our faith journey for us to be considered “righteous” in the same manner as Abram was considered righteous?
3. In Genesis 15:7—8 we witness Abram once again with another doubt riddled question concerning another one of the Lord’s promises. The main point that I would like to make for us in this story of God’s interaction with our lives is this: “having questions for God is vastly different than questioning God!” Questioning God’s motives, directions, decisions, etc. is not an acceptable practice for His followers. Asking God how things will work out when we do not understand is seeking God’s face and His wisdom for our lives. How do you personally seek God’s face and His wisdom as you go about your life and faith journey?
See ya Sunday folks: Pastor Steve
C. C. Naz. 9-13-20
Title: “Faith—Filled Worship!”
Text: Genesis 15:1—8 NLT
Theme: “Moving beyond mental ascent!”