Introduction
James 2:21-23 – Abraham was called a friend of God.Abraham was justified by an active faith – his works. Works here are works of obedience – not works that earn one salvation.Sacrifice
Hebrews 11Nouns (faith, belief)Verbs (prepared, offered, etc.)I JohnWalking, confessing, keeping, loving, abiding, practicing, guarding, purifyingIf we say we have faith in God, we prove it by what we do!James 2“Faith was completed by his works.”Chronology of God’s promises to AbrahamGenesis 12:1-3 – 75 years old when promised a seed/offeringGenesis 16:15-16 – 86 years old when Ishmael (not the promised offspring) is bornGenesis 17:1-19 – 99 years old when he and Sarah would have a son named IsaacGenesis 18:9-14 – 99 years old – in one year Sarah to give birth to IsaacGenesis 21:1-5 – 100 years old when the promised son Isaac is bornGenesis 22:1-2 – Age unknown – God tells Abraham to offer Isaac.Did Abraham actually sacrifice Isaac?James 2:21God got the sacrifice He wanted: He wanted Abraham.Abraham the friend of God sacrificed his logic
II Kings 5:9-12 – Naaman didn’t think Elisha’s instructions made any sense!Baptism may not make sense to us from a human standpoint.Abraham the friend of God sacrificed his emotions
Matthew 10:34-38Abraham the friend of God sacrificed his will
Matthew 16:24 – We must deny ourselves.
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