Abraham repeats the final part of Genesis 12, yet the Lord is at work to protect and preserve.

WE NEED TO KNOW the culture and listen to people (v.16,22-23)

WE NEED TO KNOW and share the gospel narrative (v. 17-18, 24-31)

God

Man

Christ

Response

WE NEED TO KNOW there is always a response to the gospel (v. 32-34)

Abraham's intercession. Lot. Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord's judgment and mercy.

The church on mission values:

The GOSPEL with boldness.

The WORD in front of the world.

The KINGDOM of the Sovereign King.

The COMMUNITY of the people of God.

God tells Abraham and Sarah that the covenant promises will come through Sarah's child Isaac - and they laugh.

A deceptive question about divorce.

A divine answer ABOUT MARRIAGE. (19.3-6)

A direct question about divorce.

A divine answer ABOUT DIVORCE. (19.7-9)

“If such is the case… it is better not to marry.” (19.10-12)

The extent of forgiveness

in our minds. (21-22)

in the kingdom of heaven. (23-34)

A ridiculous debt.

A release from payment.

A reciprocated mercy.

A radical consequence.

The extension of forgiveness. (35)

A lot in these opening verses of chapter 17! God reiterates his covenant with Abraham, emphasizing its ongoing and eternal nature and then gives Abraham its sign: circumcision.

DECIDE NOW

to follow the path designed by God,

within the church established by God,

to discover the eternal and holy will of God,

that we might know the restoring presence of God.

Following Abram's faith and God's reassurance in chapter 15, we meet a lapse of faith on Abram and Sarai's parts in chapter 16.