Listen to last week’s sermon The Patriarchs – The Life of Abraham found in Genesis 12

Pastor Eric introduces a new sermon series exploring the lives of the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. This series aims to delve into their stories to understand their significance in our spiritual heritage and the covenants God established with humanity. The first sermon in the series focuses on Abraham, a pivotal figure whose life exemplifies faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises.

Read Genesis 12.

Abraham’s Call and Journey of Faith

God’s command to Abraham to leave his country, family, and father’s house marks the beginning of his faith journey. This call requires Abraham to step away from a life entrenched in idolatry and pagan worship. The sermon highlights the significance of this separation, emphasizing that Abraham’s obedience was crucial for establishing a nation dedicated to worshipping the one true God. Pastor Eric points out that Abraham’s story is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Despite not seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises within his lifetime, Abraham’s unwavering faith serves as an inspiration for believers today. The sermon references Romans 15:8 and Hebrews 11:13 to illustrate how the promises made to the patriarchs were eventually fulfilled, affirming God’s reliability across generations.

The Importance of Obedience and Letting Go

Abraham’s act of leaving his country signifies a break from his past and the idolatrous practices of his homeland. Pastor Eric uses this to convey the importance of removing idols from our lives to be fully used by God. He explains that idols can be anything that takes precedence over God, including dreams, relationships, or personal preferences. To experience God’s promises, believers must surrender these idols and trust in God’s plan. Abraham’s journey to the land of Canaan, as directed by God, is another key aspect of the sermon. Despite not knowing the details of the destination, Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s command demonstrates his trust in God over the specifics of the plan. Pastor Eric encourages the congregation to have similar faith, trusting in God’s promises even when the path is unclear.

God’s Promises and Our Response

The sermon emphasizes the promises God made to Abraham—to make him a great nation, bless him, and bless all families of the earth through him. However, these promises required Abraham to step out in faith and leave behind his comfort zone. Pastor Eric challenges the congregation to reflect on what might be holding them back from fully obeying God and experiencing His promises. The message concludes with a call to action, urging believers to let go of anything hindering their spiritual journey, whether it be grudges, past shame, or personal ambitions that conflict with God’s purpose. Pastor Eric invites the congregation to surrender their will to God, echoing Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Watch sermon here: