Abraham

Brother Murph--
Concernin' Abraham--go to your library and study up on the name change--from Abram to Abraham--that little word --ham-- tacked on--its the tail that keeps the kite in the air----

Your Southern Baptist preacher buddy,
Blackbird

 

I don't know if you are looking for the opinion of non-pastors. But I think the most important was when God told him to go. And he went. Best place to start is right from the beginning and show the importance of obedience. He really believed.

 

I find the comments in the NT about Abraham a bit mysterious and quite fascinating.

"Abraham saw my day and was glad...."

When did Abraham see Christ's day? When the ram was provided as a substitute for Isaac?

"Abraham lived as an alien in the land of promise..for he was looking for a city whose architect and builder is God...Those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own..they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one."

What does this mean? Did Abraham realize that the physical land was not the promise that counted the most, but there was something more, something better, something "heavenly" still to come?

 

I think the name change was what impacted me the most. And what his new name meant. Father of a nation especially since his wife had been barren and was then past her child bearing years. I thought this showed the awesomeness of God.

Being asked to sacrifice that son who he had waited so long to have ...showed great faith and obedience when he had every intention of doing it, he was surrendered to God's will, and had hope that God would provide another sacrifice...which he did.

 

Two very important aspects of Abraham's life IMO are these quotes about Abraham by someone else.

1. James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (KJV)

Obviously, his relationship to God was his highest priority. He had faith, he believed God and obeyed God, he was the only man in the Word of God that is referred to as "the Friend of God."

2. Gen 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. (KJV)

God had confidence in Abraham. God knew Abraham would do right and teach his children right. What tremendous trust God had in Abraham.

Abraham had such a relationship with God, I'm convinced that God would have spared the cities if Abraham would have asked Him to. As it was, Abraham talked him down from 50 to 10. I believe Abraham was so close to God he could have asked, "God, would you spare them for my sake?" and God would have spared them. Talk about the power of intercession! Are there any Abrahams on the BB? If so, can I add you to my prayer chain?

[ January 14, 2003, 02:25 PM: Message edited by: Pastor Bob 63 ]

 

Just a note.
Abraham is important, but "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" Rom 9:7
I to like to study in Genesis...
This is my first reply, just testing the waters..

 

Murph,
Here is a link to a post on the other religions forum that developed into a discussion on Abraham. It starts about halfway down the second page. Carson's beginning post is rather lengthy but it is worthwhile reading even though I disagree. I have developed alot of respect for Carson's intellect and knowledge and he definitly is a good apologist for his cause.

http://www.baptistboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=001258;p=1

 

Glad to have you with us VICWAY, how does the water feel
Murph[/QB][/QUOTE]

Just remember, testing the waters here requires TOTAL immersion ...

Abraham, to me the big lesson is that following God is a lifetime event, some easy times, some hard times, some failings, always God's faithfulness.

Regards
Bob