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 - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 33

The lifestyle of a believer living expectantly -- the hope of our calling has 3 aspects: (1) The Blessed Hope enables the attitudes in Mat 5:3-10 beatitudes. (2) Living hope (1Pe 1:3-4) --if we lay hold of attitudes of blessing it will effect our life style (1Co 7:29-35; :2Co 4:16-18). (3) Purifying hope (1Jo 3:3) relates to to spiritual, moral, and eternal ramifications of living in the expectation of Christ's coming (2Ti 2:19-24, 2Pe 1:4). Time is compressed (1Co 7:29-35); we need undistracted devotion to the Lord. Believers in the last generation, we have to take up an attitude and lifestyle that focuses on eternity. Believer focused on Christ's return do not lose heart (2Co 4:16-18), in "momentary light affliction ... while we look at the things unseen" (Tit 2:13). Characteristics of believers with the Living hope: (1) We consider that Christ is coming today; (2) He makes full use of the world for the gospel; (3) He lives a carefree existence without anxiety; (4) His one concern is divine approval; (5) He is single-minded and undistracted; (6) He is concerned about devotion and purity; (7) He sees all things - good and bad - as unworthy to be compared to eternity (2Co 2:9-10). The Crown of Righteousness we'll get for loving His appearing (2Ti 4:8); this should be our fist love (Rev 2:4). Crowns and rewards at His appearing should motivate us: Imperishable Crown - 1Co 9:25, Crown of Joy - Phi 4:1, 1Th 2:19, Crown of Life - Jam 1:12, Crown of Glory - 1Pe 5:4, Crown of Righteousness - 2Ti 4:8; We'll receive rank (2Ti 2:12,) authority (Mat 5:20-23), and wealth (2Pe 1:11). Jesus talking to disciples -- challenge to continuous urgency and expectation (Luk 12:35, Rom 12:1), "Be girded" -- prepared for action; means to fix our hope on the return of Christ (1Pe 1:13, 2Ti 2:4). We need to get rid of encumbrances. (1) girding is spiritual strengthening of the soul through the word (Luk 12:35, belt of truth, Eph 6). (2) Burning lamp represents the Holy Spirit and fellowship (Luk 12:35-36, Tit 2:13). (3) Be "...like men waiting for their master" (Luk 2:35, 1Th 1:9-10). Serving and waiting -- perfect spiritual balance. Waiting for the Master when He returns from the wedding feast (Luk 12:36, Rev 3:20). Blessed are those alert when He comes (Luk 12:36-37, 1Th 5:6). The master girds Himself and has us take the proper place at the table and place (Luk 12:37-38, Joh 13:3-4). In Luk 12:35-38: The Wedding Feast: (1) Jesus Christ is the awaited Master. (2) His coming is the Rapture (Tit 2:13, 1Pe 1:3, 1Jo 3:3). (3) Good servants live expectantly (2Ti 4:8). (4) This event is the wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-9). (5) The picture is the Kings table at a banquet. (6) Those at the head table have honor, mark, and position. (7) Believers (the remnant) living and serving expectantly when He comes, will be seated by rank by the Father. (8) These believers will be served communion by the King, the Lord Jesus Christ (Mat 26:29). (9) At the last supper, Jesus left the disciples an example of service and expectation of blessing to those who follow (Joh 13:12-15). (10) Jesus left a promise of blessing (Joh 13:16-17). Other support for reward in scripture: (1) Kings showed honor by hosting them at his table -- "friends of the King" (e.g., 2Sa 9 - Mephibosheth seated at Kings table daily). (2) David thought of himself as an honored guest (Psa 23:5). The anointing is a symbol of exultation and promotion (1Sa 16:12). (3) Jesus uses this picture in the the upper room -- "... I have called you friends" (Joh 15:14-15, Joh 14:21). (4) Other examples -- Abraham (Pro 3:22, Jam 2:23). Even those who have wandered off course (1Co 9:27); they still has reason for hope (Mat 21:28-32). God is more patient than our earthly father. Warning - potential of reward can be lost (Luk 12:39).

Scripture References: Revelation 19:7-9, Romans 12:1, John 14:21, Revelation 3:20, John 3:3, John 3:3, Luke 12:35, John 15:14-15, Luke 12:36, Matthew 5:3-10, Titus 2:13, Matthew 5:20-23, Psalms 23:5, Luke 2:35, Luke 12:39, Luke 12:35-38, James 1:12, John 13:16-17, Titus 2:13, Matthew 21:28-32, John 13:3-4, Philippians 4:1, John 13:12-15, Luke 12:35-36, James 2:23, Luke 12:37-38, Revelation 2:4, Matthew 26:29, Luke 12:35, Proverbs 3:22, Luke 12:36-37, Titus 2:13

More Messages from Gene Cunningham | Download Audio

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.

More Messages from Gene Cunningham...

Powered by Series Engine



Series Navigation<< The Gospel According to David-2016-Rocky Mountain Bible Conference <<--->> The Gospel According to Noah-2016-PA Bible Conference >>