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 - January 8, 2000

The Divine Mentor #2

Jesus' upper room discourse covered the coming Holy Spirit, and 4 things showing our need: (1) He washed their feet -- we can't cleanse ourselves; (2) He gave an impossible command "love one another as I have loved you"; (3) the works He did He promised He said we'd do more; (4) "If I go away, I will send a helper". "He will guide you in the way..." (Joh 16:12-14). Does God guide like He used to? Yes. He has given us a longing to "go home" (Ecc 3:11, 1Jo 2:17). We need guidance because God knows us intimately, He knows our future, and He has a purpose no one else can fulfill. If we trust in ourself or others, our heart departs from the Lord; our heart is deceitful (Jer 17:5-9). God cannot guide a rebelious heart (Jer 42:1-6, Jer 44:16-17), if we bargain with Him (Gen 28:20-21), if we ignore His will, or if we don't search scripture. Don't expect special guidance when duty is clear or as a substitute for common sense (1Ki 13:1-34). 3 ways to look for guidance (1) by example -- Jesus in the gospels (1Co 11:1); (2) in practice (Act 8:1-5, Act 10:19, Act 16:7); (3) in principle in Epistles. These things must align in determining God's will: (1) Gods Word; (2) the inner urging of the Spirit; (3) providential circumstances.

Scripture References: Acts 16:7, John 2:17, Acts 10:19, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Acts 8:1-5, John 16:12-14, Genesis 28:20-21, Jeremiah 44:16-17, Jeremiah 42:1-6, Jeremiah 17:5-9

From Series: "The Divine Mentor"

The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.

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