The Gospel Conference Series


The Gospel According to Abraham

Arizona Bible Conference

September 2–4, 2016

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the
gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’
So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” Gal 3:8–9
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’
as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” Gal 3:16
Gene taught “The Gospel According to Abraham” over Labor Day weekend in Prescott, Arizona.
We have recently completed studies in “The Gospel According to Isaiah” (No. Virginia April 2016) and “The Gospel According to David” (Colorado May 2016). The purpose of these studies is to show that the Gospel message—pointing men to Jesus Christ in faith—is declared throughout Scripture. In fact, this is the central message of the Bible. Certainly, in the Old Testament, the nature of the Gospel message is necessarily prophetic as His coming and redemption are spoken of as future events. Job’s statement regarding his “Redeemer” reveals that, in ancient times, the message of the coming Savior was clearly stated and understood.

In the future, we will also study “The Gospel According to Noah” (Uniontown October 2016) and then “The Gospel According to Moses” (No. Virginia Spring 2017). The combined weight of these studies should greatly strengthen our faith in the unity and harmony of the Scriptures and, at the same time, motivate us to “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” Heb 6:12.

Paul states that the Gospel was “preached … beforehand [in advance] … to Abraham.” The content of that message was that “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” Let’s look at the repetition of the message first, then we will consider its implications. There are five passages in which this promise is made to Abraham. Each is significant in the life and history of Abraham.
By gaining an understanding of the unity and harmony of the biblical message, we come to see that, indeed, Jesus Christ is the focus from Genesis to Revelation; and faith in Him as Savior is the only way to enter into eternal life. This is just as true for Old Testament people as for those living after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2000

Life of Moses #19

Moses drew near to God but the people stood far off (Exo 20:21). "He made known His ways to Moses and His works to the people" (Psa 103:7). Before the cross there are only "shadows" of spiritual life; after the church, reality. The law deals with external conduct; Jesus illustrated the problem of the mental attitude sins. In Exodus 20 we see four things: (1) The Majesty of God, their visual experience, should have created awe and reverence (Exo 19:16); (2) The spiritual nature of God is illustrated; they saw only results of His actions and heard His voice (Exo 19:19, 2Co 4:6; Joh 4:24); (3) The Holiness of God -- in the church age we don't produce it, we receive it (Exo 19:21, 1Co 1:30, 2Pe 1:4, Eph 4:24); our battle is on the inside (Rom 7:14-25) (4) The Royalty, Kingship of God. Moses draws near to God 7 times: (1) the first time (Exo 19:3) to receive the covenant; God gave Moses a message for the people. (2) Moses draws near second time on behalf of the people (Exo 19:9-10). (3) Moses' third ascent is a warning from God to the people (Exo 19:20) -- the danger of dealing with spiritual things in a casual way (i.e., idle curiosity). Moses was being tested for faith, diligence, zeal, passion. (4) Fourth ascent's purpose is to warn of works-based approach to Him; this just exposes our "nakedness" illustrating both our need and the nature of worship (Exo 19:24, Exo 20:21-26). We live by grace through faith (Col 2:6). We simply receive what God has provided (5) Fifth ascent (Exo 24:16-18) was for the purpose of receiving instruction on the tabernacle. This pattern was a shadow of Christ. (6) Sixth climb up the mountain (Exo 32:31-32) purpose is to intercede and sacrifice for the people. Aaron fashioned the golden calf during the 40 days Moses absence. Moses offers himself as the sacrifice to God for the children of Israel. This is Christ's attitude (Joh 3:17). (7) Final ascent Moses asks to show him God's way (Exo 33:11-23). Moses expresses a total dependence on God and found grace. "Show me Your Glory" Moses wants to understand God's way, experience His presence and see His glory (Joh 14:6, 1Pe 5:6, 2Co 3:18). We have an opportunity far greater than Moses. The effect of Moses last ascent (Exo 34:29) was that he reflected God. If we would only spend more time with God in His word and in His presence, we would increasingly reflect His glory. He would manifest a deeper knowledge; greater communion is the prize of faith. The result is obedience. We have to be willing to stand alone apart from others. These possibilities is an open invitation to us (Jam 4:8).

Scripture References: Exodus 33:11-23, John 4:24, Exodus 19:20, John 3:17, Exodus 19:19, Exodus 19:9-10, Exodus 32:31-32, Exodus 19:16, Exodus 19:3, Exodus 24:16-18, Psalms 103:7, James 4:8, Romans 7:14-25, Colossians 2:6, Exodus 20:21, Exodus 34:29, Ephesians 4:24, Exodus 20:21-26, John 14:6, Exodus 19:21, Exodus 19:24

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From Series: "Life of Moses"

After 40 years in the Egyptian palace then 40 years in the desert then 40 years leading Israel to their land Moses' life can actually teach us about living in the time we live.

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