Tuesday, May 30, 2006

By Faith... Abraham - Part I, Part 51 of 56

TEXT: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8).

IDEA: The only reason to go with God's call is that it is God's call.

PURPOSE: To help listeners recognize that we're talking about God's demands on our lives, and not some lesser call.

When you read Hebrews 11:8, how do you feel about what Abraham did?

I. The author of the letter to the Hebrews makes the point that Abraham really didn't know where he was going.

He was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,

and he went, even though he didn't know where he was going.

Often when God calls us, we have no clear idea of where we are going.

Has that been true for you?

II. Why in the world would anyone leave what he had that was secure and go with God to someplace he didn't know about?

Because it is God's call.

Is it possible that the only way to know what God wants you to do is to leave your current status for something somewhat vague?

You may leave your native land because you're a citizen of a different kingdom.

You may leave what is comfortable for something less comfortable.

You may leave what you know for what you don't know.

III. You have to start walking before you'll know where you're going.

God didn't tell Abraham the destination. He said only, "to a land I will show you."

There is always the question, "Do I have the courage to take that walk with God?"