When All Else Fails…God Does Not (P2)
The FAITHFULNESS OF GOD to His People
Following is a summary outline with the Scripture I discussed during this message. I encourage you to watch the video or listen to the audio version to get the full impact and lessons learned on the faithfulness of God during this part of Abraham’s journey. WS
Last week I began this series by defining the word faithfulness and provided four synonyms that helped us understand it in the context of the attributes of God. The Hebrew word for faithfulness is emunah. Synonyms include fidelity, constancy, loyalty, firmness. Faithfulness is one of the attributes of God, part of His character. Then we examined His faithfulness to mankind beginning with the sin of Adam/Eve. That first example was found in Genesis 3:15. After sin entered the world thru the disobedience, God promised a Savior. This is called the protoevangelium (first gospel). The second example came when God commanded Noah to build an ark. (Genesis 6:14)
Today my focus is God’s faithfulness to His chosen people beginning with the father of that nation, Abram. Following are many examples as we move through the life of Abram/Abraham.
God’s Faithfulness to His People
- Abram/Abraham the Father of a Nation (Genesis 11:27-Genesis 25)
- God’s call and promise. Genesis 12:1-4
- Covenant Promise. Genesis 15:1-6
- Impatience with God. Genesis 16:1-4
- Covenant Reaffirmed: Abraham and Saran laugh Genesis 17:15-17; 18:12-13
- Promise Kept. Genesis 21:1-7
- Unthinkable Command. Genesis 22:1-3
- Faithfulness of God. Genesis 21:1-5; 22:1-3, 15-18 (emp. v18)
There are many more examples of the faithfulness of God; too many to include. I close this message as I always do with the greatest example in History and an invitation.
Invitation: Nowhere is the faithfulness of God on display than the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His only Son, thru a merciless cruel death by crucifixion—all that suffering was for our sins. We all need Jesus. The difference between you and me is I surrendered to the conviction of the Holy Spirit regarding my position in life – lost and separated from God because of my sin.
I plead with you not to close this message, however you are receiving it, without confronting yourself in light of these truths I presented. I may be the last evangelist or Bible teacher the Lord puts before you to beg you to respond to Jesus in the only way that will secure your salvation. He said we are sinners in need of repentance (Matthew 4:17; 9:13) That means confess your sins and change your mind about Who He is and who you are apart from His saving grace. He taught this decision is a matter of life and death. Those who believe in Him receive eternal life. Those who reject Him will spend eternity suffering in Hell, wishing they had not refused His offer of mercy and grace. Will you humble yourself and receive Him today? I am praying you do!
For Christ’s sake,
Walter Spires
Bible Teacher, Evangelist, and Author