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 #3

Rom 8:9-13 says the Spirit dwells within us, that God's life is righteousness, and the power of flesh is broken. Rom 8:14-17 says those led of God are "mature" children. God's guidance increases as we grow spiritually. Rom 8:17-18 we grow through suffering -- it enhances our eternal future. Dangers in guidance: (1) don't confuse personal desire with God's guidance (Numbers 22); (2) don't accept something if it disturbs your inner peace (Col 3:15, Phi 4:6); (3) look for guidance day by day (Heb 3:7, Heb 3:15); (4) recognize your limitations -- we don't have all the facts, nor know the consequences of a decision; (5) Joh 7:17 is key -- we need to be willing to be willing and wait (Isa 40:31). Luk 1:7-11 says "your prayer is heard". Zechariah may have prayed for a child for 40 years while Elizabeth was barren.
The Divine Mentor in Psalm 23 : Psa 23:1-6 He leads us -- to green pastures, still water, and righteousness. (1) He is the Good Shepherd - lays down His life (Joh 10:10); (2) He is the Great Shepherd, resurrected at God's hand and supplies our needs (Heb 13:20-2); (3) He is the Chief Shepard coming with our reward (1Pe 5:4). "I cannot lack" because: (1) He has given us all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3); (2) He has made us acceptable (Eph 1:6); (3) He has supplied unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8); (4) He has promised to supply all our needs (Phi 4:19). "He makes me lie down in green pastures" because: (1) we have entered His rest (Mat 28:29); (2) we feed on the riches of His word (Mat 5:6); (3) we are comforted by His Spirit (Joh 14:16-26); (4) we are protected by His shield (Eph 6:17); (5) we find rest by trusting in Him (Heb 4:1-3).

Scripture References: Ephesians 1:6, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 6:17, John 7:17, Ephesians 1:3, Romans 8:9-13, John 14:16-26, Hebrews 3:15, Hebrews 13:20-2, Matthew 5:6, Hebrews 3:7, John 10:10, Matthew 28:29, Philippians 4:6, Psalms 23:1-6, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 3:15, Luke 1:7-11, Ephesians 3:8, Romans 8:17-18, Hebrews 4:1-3, Isaiah 40:31

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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