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 - July 23, 2000

In, but not of #3

In but not of

God's promise to Hagar, regarding her son illustrates our sense of God's distance, but also the reality God is here with us (Gen 21:14-20). Joh 14:19-24 Jesus said He'd be visible to the disciples - "You will see ("theoreo") me". In Joh 20:5-8 "blepo" means glance - John at the tomb; "theoreo" means observe - Peter went into the tomb. Jesus said they'd share in His resurrection life. "In that day (Pentecost), you'll know (experience as a living reality)" the union we have (Joh 14:20). Personal revelation of Jesus Christ to believers (Joh 14:21). Conscious living as with a family in a "dwelling place" (Joh 14:23, Rom 8:9-11). "Manifest" or "revealed" in Joh 14:20 is same word found in Joh 2:1, Joh 9:3, 1Jo 1:2, 1Jo 3:5-6, 1Jo 4:9, and 2Co 4:11. Similar is "visit" or "visitation" found in Psa 8:4, Luk 1:68-78, 1Sa 2:21, Luk 19:44, and 1Pe 2:12. We need assurance that God cares, that our decisions matter, that we are significant in the sight of God, and that His hand is on us. What does Christs promise to reveal Himself to us be like? (1) a conscious realization more real than the world around us (Joh 14:19-21). (2) evidence seen continually of answered prayers (Joh 15:8). (3) a joy filled experience of friendship with Christ (Joh 15:9-14). (4) life has a quality of communion like that of the Father and the Son (Joh 17:17-23). (5) assurance of guidance, blessing, and care. Criteria for this relationship (1) cleansing Joh 5:13-17; Mat 5:8; (2) love one another (Joh 13:34-35, Joh 14:21-23); (3) obedience (Joh 14:21-23, Joh 15:10, Joh 15:14). 1st John is a commentary on the Upper Room discourse: The evidences of fellowship with Him: (1) 1Jo 2:3 - "By this we know if you keep my commandments"; (2) 1Jo 2:24-28 - "abide in Him" so we can have confidence without shame and fear; (3) 1Jo 3:16 - "By this we know love because He lay down His life for us" - Joh 15:17 - we have to set ourselves aside over and over - a reflection of His character. 1Jo 3:18-19 - "we know that we are of the Truth" - when we love in deed and in truth we reflect Him; (4) 1Jo 3:24 - we know we abide in Him because we are living in fellowship; (5) 1Jo 4:12-13 - love is being perfected in us as we give it to others; (6) 1Jo 5:13 - that we have assurance of eternal security and live a life of faith and fellowship - our prayers are fulfilled (Joh 15:17, 1Jo 5:14). (7) 1Jo 5:20 - we know we are in Him -- this is eternal life.

Scripture References: John 9:3, John 2:24-28, Luke 19:44, John 15:17, John 20:5-8, Matthew 5:8, John 2:1, John 2:3, Luke 1:68-78, John 5:13, John 14:19-24, John 5:13-17, John 14:20, John 15:14, Psalms 8:4, John 4:12-13, Genesis 21:14-20, John 17:17-23, Romans 8:9-11, John 15:10, John 4:9, John 3:24, John 15:9-14, John 14:23, John 14:21-23, John 3:5-6, John 15:17, John 15:8, John 5:20, John 14:21, John 14:21-23, John 1:2, John 3:16, John 14:19-21, John 5:14, John 14:20, John 13:34-35

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From Series: "In but not of"

This series is a follow-up on the theme of the Arizona camp -- 'In. but not of...'.

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