Sunday Re Cap (30th Oct 2011)

The Life Of Abraham: God’s Ways Are Higher (Than Our Ways)

Gen 14:1-7 This is the first war listed in the Bible. Zumim: TALL or Powerful Ones; Rephaim: STRONG ones. These were the first attacked to strike fear in all the other kings. It was a one sided and devastating war. Keep this picture in mind.

Gen 14:8-12 These 5 kings were no match to this well organized army. Calvin captured the mood when he said, “The runaways chose the pits rather than be captured”. They took LOT. This man fell from the height of worldly riches to the depth of captivity. The prosperity we long for is captivating; it can both entice us and enslave us if our motives are not in line with God’s desires.

1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil…

The abduction shows so clearly that separation from Abram meant forfeiting the divine protection provided by the favored patriarch. We must remain in Christ’s favor.

Gen 14:13-14 Abram was bold enough to take on this task because he had seen God’s divine protection before. We also see that Abram went to rescue LOT. What would we have done in the same situation? Abram could have just left Lot. He goes to rescue him! Why?? Abram was able to extend that kind of forgiveness because he had experienced that kind of forgiveness himself when God sovereignly rescued him and Sarai from Abimelech in Egypt. Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant? When we have difficulty forgiving, we may have lost sight of the CROSS.

Abram took 318 servants only but with God one is a majority against this ruthless and powerful army.

Gen 14:15-16 Hobar is north of Damascus; almost 200km? (One Way) to recapture! Were the 318 servants super soldiers? No way! God intervened! God did miracles!

Common pattern…God deliveres…self reliance…rebellion…captivity…cry out…God delivered….again and again.

Sometimes the way God works and they way we think HE SHOULD work are completely opposite. Is 55:8-9

When we surrender our destiny to Him, HE can work miracles and gets ALL the glory!

God wins the battle because the battle belongs to the Lord. Eph 2:8-9 says we are saved by grace…lest anyone should boast…God despises boasting in our own abilities!

The church is full of life when Christ, and not man is in charge. Let’s surrender ourselves through the 10 days of fasting and prayer and see God move in our nation and in the church.

Sunday Re Cap (23rd Oct 2011)

Life Of Abraham-Give Us an Undivided Heart

How do bring ourselves to having an undivided heart before God in every situation?

Gen 13:1-4

It is not only how a man responds in times of adversity (Gen 12) but also in times of prosperity (Gen 13) that reveals his true heart. 

How do we develop an undivided heart?

1.      Abram REPENTED & RETURNED to the place where he WORSHIPPED and HEARD God’s voice.

We need to understand the difference between condemnation and conviction. Condemnation drives us away FROM God but conviction draws us TO God.

Ps 103:8-13

Abram got back up and fell on his knees. Worship always gives us a fresh start.

Gen 13:5-13

2.      The way we handle wealth (SUCCESS) reveals the nature of our heart. It will determine our testimony and destiny.

Lot fell for the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life. 1 John 2:15-17

What happens to Abram? Did he lose out? Let’s read on in Gen 13:14-16. Abram’s life was now in a life of obedience and surrender… It was gracious of Abram to give Lot the freedom to choose where he wanted to take his family and possessions; but even that was going to be Abram’s.

Gen 13:17-18

3.      God tells Abram to Arise, Walk… But HOW???

What does the land represent? It is God’s Promised Land to Abram; but to us it is the promises of God in Christ Jesus. We need to hold on to the word of God. This is the most precious key to having an undivided heart!

For us the Promised Land is the Word of God. ONLY the WORD can give us STRENGTH to ARISE & WALK!

Sunday Re Cap (9th Oct 2011)

Abraham-THE CALL & THE BLESSING

 

Gen 12:1 The Call of Abraham; Gen 12:2-3 The Blessings/Promises to Abraham

Matt 28:18 -20a (THE CALL); Mt 28:20b (THE BLESSING) is Christ’s calling upon Christians.

So is the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3) A PROMISE OF BLESSING or is it a CALL OF GOD?

This is found in WORLD MISSION. An Analysis of the World Christian Movement, published by the William Carey Library when it mentions these verses:

This biblical text is one of the foundation stone of the Christian missions.

“The church of God is a multinational missionary community, under orders to evangelize until Christ returns” John Stott

The purpose of today’s message is to bring greater clarity to what was THE CALL and what is THE BLESSING in the LIFE of ABRAHAM. Only then can we see how it PROPERLY relates to us:

1.      Why study THE CALL of Abraham?

As we look at his life, we get a better picture of our call in Christ. Our call in Mt 28:18-20 is the full expression of Abraham’s call Gen 12:1-3.

2.      Clearly define THE BLESSING.

He gives us ALL the BLESSINGS we need to fulfill HIS PURPOSE, not ours! It is the supernatural enablement, timing, resources, gifts of the Holy Spirit, talents, finances, contacts.

3.      Understand that we are LIVING for the CALL and not for The BLESSING.

What is the difference between a pilgrim and a drifter? A pilgrim lives for THE CALL of GOD. In the process he is BLESSED with everything he needs to fulfill that CALL…and MORE! A “Christian” drifter lives for the BLESSINGS. In the process he loses HIS BLESSINGS and everything else.

Conclusion

What are we living for today; THE CALL or THE BLESSING?