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 - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 25

"Reasonable service" = "worship" (Rom 12:1). We dedicate our life to Him. Everything He asks, He has a right to. The first mention of the word "worship" (Gen 22:1-18). God wants to bless us through testing; requirement on us is availability (Gen 22:1). Worship involves a price; for Abraham it was Isaac. Worship involves a witness, readiness (Gen 22:3). Worship involves the mundane (e.g. chopping wood), and obedience (e.g. geographic, action, attitude - Gen 22:4-5, Heb 11:19) Jesus told the Pharisees they did not have faith like Abraham (Joh 8:56, Gal 3:8, Gen 22:4). Isaac had to trust his dad (Gen 22:6-9). "God will supply Himself a Lamb" (Gen 22:7-8, Joh 1:29, Gen 22:13). God's request of Abraham was reasonable; He provided Isaac by Grace in the first place. He was acceptable to God because of living sacrifice (Gen 22:12, Rom 12:1, Jam 2:23). We can enter to worship in the daily, mundane things. True worship results in blessing and reward.

Scripture References: Romans 12:1, Genesis 22:1-18, Galatians 3:8, Genesis 22:12, Romans 12:1, John 8:56, Genesis 22:13, Hebrews 11:19, John 1:29, Genesis 22:4-5, Genesis 22:7-8, Genesis 22:3, Genesis 22:6-9, James 2:23, Genesis 22:1, Genesis 22:4

From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.

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