In this sermon:1 - The ViolationIn what way might we think of our obedience like a auto-correct when texting?Why is this a mistaken and unbiblical view of God's law?This section of James raises the question, "Is there hope for us?"2 - The AppealWhat does James mean when he calls God's law "the law of liberty"?Why is the statement, "What God requires, Christ provides" so comforting to you?How is it that God's mercy triumphs over judgment?Why is this passage so important in helping us to understand what James says next in James 2:14-26?Why should we be so in awe of God's love for us in Christ?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

#1 - God’s Gracious Revelation

• What kind of sin does the word “outrcy” (verse 20) point to?

• What does this tell us about the kind of place Sodom was?

• How is it encouraging to know that God sees all things?

• Why does God reveal what’s about to happen in Sodom to Abraham?

1 - Because of Abraham’s unique place in the world.

2 - Because of Abraham’s duty to instruct the coming generations.

• How do these 2 things apply to us today?

#2 - God’s Gracious Throne

• Notice 4 things about Abraham’s prayer:

1 - It is bold.

2 - It is humble.

3 - It is persistent.

4 - It is biblical.

• How does this passage ultimately point us to Jesus?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

#1-God’s Gracious Presence

• What is the identity of these 3 visitors?

• In what way is God’s visit to Abraham such an incredible thing?

• How does this relate to the blessing of the Lord’s Day for us?

• How does God’s hospitality to us motivate how we treat others?

#2-God’s Gracious Announcement

• What are some of the truths that the Bible tells us about God’s power?

• How does this relate to Abraham and Sarah’s situation? How does this apply to your own life?

• What is the greatest impossibility?

• What has God done about this impossibility?

• How should we respond to the promises of God? Why should that be our response?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

#1-God promises the Impossible

• What is the significance of Sarah’s name change?

• What are some other places in the Bible where God works in ways that seem impossible or absurd?

• How is this an encouragement to you?

#2-Abraham struggles to Believe

• Why does Abraham laugh?

• What does the lack of rebuke on God’s part teach us about our struggles and questions?

#3-Abraham Responds to God’s promise

• There are 3 aspects to Abraham’s obedience:
1 - It is immediate

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

What are some of the places in the Bible where God assures you of His love and care for you?

#1-God Reaffirms His Covenant of Grace

What should be your response to God’s gracious gift of salvation?

• Three ways God reassures Abram of His promises:

• How is all of this an encouragement to you?

#2-God Signifies His Covenant of Grace

Why is circumcision called a “sign”?

The sign of circumcision is a reminder that the uncleanness of sin cannot be removed without blood.

Did circumcision itself save anyone? If not, what was necessary?

How do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper strengthen your faith?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

#1 - The Foolishness of Self-Reliance

• Why was barrenness seen as being so shameful in the ancient world?

• What do Abram and Sarai decide to do when God’s promise isn’t being fulfilled fast enough?

• What are some ways that we try to bring God’s promises to pass by ungodly methods?

#2 - The Brokenness that Follows

• How is this account an illustration of the consequences of our own sinful pursuits?

• How do Abram and Sarai react to the mess that they’ve created?

#3 - The God Who Seeks

• Who is “the angel of the Lord”?

• How does the truth that God sees and looks after His people comfort you?

• How should this have an impact on the ministry of the church?

• How does Paul uses this account as an illustration of the gospel?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

What question was at the heart of Martin Luther’s disagreement with the church?

#1-God makes a Promise

What comfort do you have in knowing that God is your shield?

Why might Abram have had a difficult time believing God’s promise of a great nation?

What is true faith?

#2-God Ratifies this promise

What was the common practice in that day when entering into a covenant?

How is this scene drastically different from the common practice?

How does this help shape our understanding of the gospel?

Three questions to conclude with:

(1) Lot is in Trouble

• What is the relationship of the 5 kings in verse 2 to the 4 kings in verse 1?

•How does Chedorlaomer's name suggest that it's not wise to get on his bad side?

(2) Abram Comes to the Rescue

• Why is it significant that Abram is classified here as a "Hebrew"?

• How is Abram's kindness toward Lot a helpful reminder of how we should treat others?

• How is this a picture of our salvation?

(3) Abram is Blessed

• Why does Abram refuse to keep the king of Sodom's possessions?

• What are some of the things that his chapter tells us about Melchizedek?

• In what ways is Melchizedek a picture of Jesus?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

#1-The Dispute

• What is the significance of Abram returning to Bethel?

• In that day, what did it mean to go “left or right”?

• How does this relate to the Promised Land?

#2-The Direction

• There are 3 “e” words that stand out to us here in Lot’s decision:

1 - eyes

2 - Egypt

3 - East

• There are 3 things that mark the person who walks by faith:

1. You hold the things of this life loosely.

2. You are more concerned about others than yourself.

3. You go in a direction that is good for your soul.

#3-The Declaration

• What is the fulfillment of:

1 - The promise of offspring?

2 - The promise of land?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

In this sermon:Why is it that we have the natural tendency to show favoritism based on outward appearances?(1) The Reality of FavoritismThe word "partiality" could be translated, "receive a face." What does this refer to ?Why should we not judge based on appearance? 1 - Who is Jesus? 2 - Who is God?What are some ways in which we might show favoritism within the church today?(2) The Remedy for FavoritismFavoritism touches all aspects of true religion that James mentions in 1:26-27: 1 - True religion helps the poor, but favoritism insults and dishonors the poor. 2 - True religion is unstained by the world, but favoritism is utterly worldly. 3 - True religion controls the tongue, but favoritism uses the tongue to hurt the poor.How does the question, "Do you play favorites?" humble us, and to whom. does it lead us?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions