An audio lesson or sermon from various contributors
Episodes
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 27
Today we start chapter 17
“Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. “No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. “I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. “I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”” (Genesis 17:1–8 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? A watershed event.
Chapters 12-16 all point towards this moment.
In the preceding chapters, the land becomes 'this land', then, 'all the land which you can see' then 'from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, and now, 'I shall give to you . . . the whole land of Canaan as a permanent holding'.
Abraham was told he would become a “great nation.” Then his descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth; then as many as the stars, then too many to count, now a 'multitude of nations' and 'kings shall be descended from you'.
Small wonder that Abram falls flat on his face!
The Word Biblical Commentary notes this:
"From this point in Genesis, divine speeches become rarer and little new content is added to the promises, but the fulfilment of these promises becomes more visible."
Devotional thought for today
In some ways God is acting here rather like a parent. He is setting out the future of his 'son'. Indeed, he is naming him. The meaning morphs from "the father is exalted" to, "the father of a multitude".
Why he is chosen for this is hard to say. The same question arises for you and me. Why did God choose to reveal himself to you, and not your sister, your Uncle, your school friend, your work-mate?
We may never know in this life. But, that is not meant to stop us rejoicing.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1:1–2 NIV11)
We have been chosen by Grace, and appointed for obedience. For what purpose? So the world will know. Gods purpose for Abraham was never that his relationship with Abraham should be exclusive. Rather, it was intended to be as inclusive as possible.
Rejoice you are chosen, and rejoice that you are free to invite others to be chosen.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you rejoice at being chosen, and to rejoice at the opportunity to invite others to be chosen
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 26
Today we finish chapter 16
“The angel of the LORD said to her further, “Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. “He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees”; for she said, “Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.” (Genesis 16:11–16 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? When we feel seen by God we are given the courage to live by faith.
God gives wonderful promises to Hagar. How does she feel? She feels seen. The way it is expressed is almost like an astonished question, "He sees even me - even me?"
The well called 'Beer Lahai Roi' means, “well of the living who sees me”. The name is a reminder of the caring God Hagar encountered in her times of desperation.
Devotional thought for today
When we feel seen by God, we live by greater faith. It is interesting that the one person in this narrative who is a model of faith is not Sarai nor Abram, but Hagar.
She listens to the Lord, feels seen and heard by him, and obeys him. She goes back to the household of the one who abused her (by no means does this imply there are any extenuating excuses for domestic violence, by the way).
She trusts that God will sort out a messy situation. She has a confidence that God is with her.
What helps you to feel "seen" by God? What convinces you that he is paying attention to you, personally, all the time?
Just before giving his followers the words of what we now call "the Lord's prayer", Jesus says this:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7–8 NIV11)
He knows what you need. We have the right to ask him for our "daily bread". He will give to those who make requests (Matt 7:7,11).
Do you want greater faith? The place to begin is discovering how to feel seen by God.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you the assurance that you are seen
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 25
Today we move further into chapter 16
““Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, “I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.”” (Genesis 16:7–10 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God goes looking for the lost.
The angel of the LORD or the angel of God are mentioned a total of 69 times in the Old Testament. Mostly from the books of Genesis to Judges.
The angel of the LORD appears at moments of personal crisis in Genesis (Gen 21:17; 22:11, 15). He either is the LORD in human form, or speaks for God and with his authority.
Devotional thought for today
How did Hagar feel? We will get a better picture of that tomorrow. But for now, let's think about what we're learning about God.
Firstly, he goes looking for the lost. Just like God in Genesis 3. Just like Jesus, Luke 19:10. He wants to create connection and offer support where it is most needed.
Secondly, he is personal. Notice that he uses Hagar's name. Her husband has not used her name, nor has her mistress. This is the first time her name is used in the chapter. Hagar now knows she is not nameless and insignificant, but known and loved.
Thirdly, he is corrective. He sent Hagar back to the way she came, in a direction she does not want to go. He knows what's best for her.
Fourthly, he is visionary. He tells her of wonderful blessings to come.
Which of these four aspects of the angel of the LORD connect for you the most? We see all of them in Jesus. Which passages in the New Testament come to mind when you think of these characteristics of Jesus?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you yearn for a better understanding of him and a deeper connection with him
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 24
Today we move further into chapter 16
““And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me.” But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.” (Genesis 16:5–6 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The consequences of impatience.
Sarai feels wronged. The word for "wrong" can be translated "violence". It is the same word used to describe what was going on that caused the flood (Genesis 6:11,13). Hagar might be giving her former mistress a hard time, but it cannot possibly as bad as all that!
Sarai now treats Hagar "harshly", a word used to describe the experience of the Israelite slaves in Egypt (Exodus 1:12). Hagar is from Egypt (16:1). Hence, we have a frightening prefigured reversal of the oppression prophesied in Genesis 15:13.
Devotional thought for today
Some kind of combination of hurt, anger, disappointment and resentment has twisted Sarai's heart. Her behaviour is out of all proportion to her treatment. Rarely has the phrase, "be careful what you wish for" been more apt.
When we manipulate circumstances in our favour, we invite all kinds of 'demons' into our heart.
The Word biblical commentary put it this way:
"...the first scene ends in total disaster for all concerned. Hagar has lost her home, Sarai her maid, and Abram his second wife and newborn child."
Is there any area of your life at the moment where you are struggling with impatience? Here is a scripture for you to meditate on today:
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to grant you the patience you need in the specific areas where you feel impatient.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 23
Today we start chapter 16
““Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight.” (Genesis 16:1–4 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The consequences of impatience. How does this play out? First of all, let's set the scene.
Abram is more in the background in chapter 16. The women take centre stage. The implication is that Abram is willing to wait, whilst Sarai is not. However, Abram agrees with his wife's plan. A plan which reminds us of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. The same Hebrew word for 'listened', 'shamar', is used in Genesis 3:17 and here. Things did not turn out well then, and they do not turn out well now.
Surrogate motherhood for rich women was not unusual in the culture of the day. However, the outcome makes it clear that God's people should not take their cues from the norms of society.
Devotional thought for today
We will tackle the theme of impatience in another podcast, but, for today, let's talk about cultural assimilation.
However distasteful we might think of it today, Sarai's solution would have made perfect sense to her friends and extended family. Surrogate motherhood and polygamy were, if not the norm, certainly not unusual.
Paul wrote about the temptation to fit in:
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2 NAS95)
Is there any place in your life where you're tempted to compromise? Is there any current challenge where you are tempted to cut corners to get what you feel you deserve or need?
Sarah uses Hagar to get what she wants. Hagar gets more than a pregnancy. She also gets an attitude. This will not end well.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you sufficient insight to notice when you're been conformed to the world, and sufficient courage to resist its gravitational pull
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 22
Today we pause for a moment before going onto the next chapter
In chapter 15 Abram is significant, but God is the focus. He is the one taking initiative, giving a vision, answering questions, dealing with doubts, giving instructions, causing Abraham to fall into a deep sleep, making the covenant and walking between the carcasses.
God is the shield, the reward, the one to bless Abraham and his descendants.
What of Abram? Commentators have pointed out that he fulfils three functions which are very significant in the history of Israel. He is priest, prophet and king.
The Word Biblical Commentary puts it like this:
"In these scenes Abram is portrayed not merely as the archetypal Israelite who has faith in God, but as a conquering king who has been promised victory over his foes and a great territory. As often noted, there are many resemblances in the form and content between the covenant with Abram and that with David (2 Samuel 7). However, the paradigmatic character of the father of the nation is also seen in the way he is viewed as a prophet enjoying a vision (v 1) of God and insight into the future (vv 13–16). Finally Abram appears as a sort of priest: the description of the bird-rite suggests it, and the mention of his sacrifices and altar-building points in the same direction. Within the OT these same features reappear in the figure of Moses, and the NT sees our Lord as prophet, priest, and king. In exercising faith, the people of the new covenant both imitate Christ and also walk in the footsteps of our forefather Abram."
Devotional thought for today
Christians today have similar identities and functions.
“[He] has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:6 NIV11)
Who are we?
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” (1 Peter 2:9–10 NAS95)
We are a priesthood serving our heavenly father. We are royal because we are related to the king by blood. We are profits in that we are declaring and proclaiming the will of God to the world.
How is it possible that we - weak, sinful, flesh-bound - are able to inhabit such an identity and exhibit such activities? It is because we have "received mercy".
Prayer point for today
Ask God to fill you with gratitude for his mercy, and ask him to help you to fulfil your functions as priest, prophet and royalty
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Jan 17, 2021
Sunday Jan 17, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 21
Today we move further into chapter 15
“It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.”” (Genesis 15:17–21 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God cursing himself. I had better explain that!
The smoking oven and flaming torch remind us of the pillar of fire which accompanied Israel in the desert. Here the presence of God is moving between the slaughtered animals. The events recorded are taking elements from common covenant rituals of the time.
When a covenant was made it was said to be "cut". The blood of an animal or animals was shed by cutting them. People making the covenant committed themselves to keeping the agreement at the expense of shedding their own blood. Sometimes as the covenant was spoken the person speaking held a knife to the throat symbolically saying to the other person, "If I break this covenant you have the right to cut to my throat."
Devotional thought for today
We will see a further development of covenant in chapter 17. In that situation Abraham has something to do (circumcision). Here, he simply arranges the materials, and God is the actor. He is the one moving between the animal carcasses and, in a sense, calling a curse upon himself if he does not carry out his promises to Abraham.
What does this remind us of? Surely Jesus on the cross. One who allowed himself to be cursed so that we could be blessed.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE” —” (Galatians 3:13 NAS95)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to fill you with gratitude at the cost he was prepared to pay so that we could be set free.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Saturday Jan 16, 2021
Saturday Jan 16, 2021
Introduction
How is your faith going to help you handle the latest tests to your life?
Extension to lockdown is next phase of God refining us as people and a church
How will we respond to not being able to see parents, relatives, homeschooling, no hugs with friends, no church services together etc?
Abram's world a tough place
Conflict with relatives; wars etc. (following on from famine)
How is his faith expressed and evidenced?
In meekness
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matt 5:5
What is this meekness?
“Meekness is a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own.” See Gal 6:1.
"those who do not throw their weight about."
"Those who know how to use a sword, but keep it sheathed"
Not seen in some of our world leaders? What about us?
Jesus lived like this
1. Meekness takes us back to God, Gen 13.1-4
He's been humbled in Egypt
Does not sulk
Goes back to reconnect with God
Even though God does not speak-yet.
Dry times are not wasted, but a preparation
What does that look like for us?
How do we respond to sin, guilt, regret?
Whatever you have done there is a warm welcome from God waiting for you (remember the prodigal)
How do you know if you are meek?
Consistent devotion
We go to God even when he does not speak.
We get strengthened by God whether we notice it or not
We get equipped by God whether we notice it or not
Looks to me like this 'quiet time' prepared Abram for the next challenge
2. Meekness helps us act like God, Gen 13.5-13
Final recorded conversation with Lot
Lot seeks material over spiritual
Living by sight, not faith
East - away from Eden
Excellent example of how to deal with a dispute - notes on that in the podcast on this section
Grace and meekness go together
Last time tried to control his fate
This time gives up control
Not dominating the decision making
Content with land - not necessarily the best land!
Seeking benefit of the undeserving
Like Jesus
Phil 2:3–7
Meekness demonstrated by generosity inspired by God's generosity to us
In what ways are we tempted into self-preservation?
Are you generous by nature/habit?
If not, the answer will not be in making yourself be generous, but in connecting with the source of generosity.
Can we generous with time etc - in touch with one another
How do you know if you are meek?
When you are generous towards other people
Interlude: Gen 13:14-18 - Meekness enables God to draw close to us and bless us
Promises more expansive: "all...you see"; dust; forever
Another altar - celebrating God's mercy to him (after what happened in Egypt)
When we own our faults, experience God's generous mercy, we are able to draw closer to the heart of God.
3. Meekness helps us to act courageously for God, Gen 14.1-16, 21-24
Lot near (Gen 13:12), now in (Gen 14:12)
Meekness is not passivity
Not his fight, but compassion moves him
Firm against those who wish to harm Lot. Would not allow those he loved and felt responsible for to be taken advantage of, like Jesus and the apostle Paul
Sign of a mature leader & Christian - compassionate, merciful, generous and courageous, sacrificial
Strength and warmth. Jesus - grace and truth. John 1:14
Strength in his leadership:
Prepared - 318 men trained, equipped and ready
Takes initiative
Cost in risk to his life, time, money (men on the battlefield not in the harvest field etc), lives (if some die or wounded)
Emotional/spiritual - Lot getting what he 'deserved'? Yet, Abram self-controlled and spiritual enough not to abandon him
King of Sodom, vv21-24
Handles his ingratitude and arrogance well, "give me...". Very strong in the Hebrew.
Integrity - could have become more rich, but God is the focus
Lets king of Sodom know about God - he should have been impressed!
When we are in a secure place with God (we are nothing, but God has chosen us), we are able to live a courageous faith.
How do you know if you are meek?
When you fight for the benefit of other people
In prayer
Practically, for example, injustice
Conclusion, Gen 14.18-20
Each God-like act brings a blessing from God (13:14-17; 14:19-20)
Two-way relationship voluntarily offered - blessing and tithe
Mel came to bless him because he saw God was with Abram
People see this when we are generous and courageous in faith
Meek in dependence on God
Meek in generosity
Meek in courageous action
People who's faith inspires them to live this way change the world and leave a spiritual legacy
Impact multi-generational:, Rev 7:9–10
Bread and wine: Royal banquet
Discussion Questions
What do you find attractive/unattractive about meekness?
What do you find inspiring/challenging about Abram's faith?
In which quality of meekness are you stronger in - grace/generosity/mercy/warmth, or, courage/confrontation/strength?
What could help you to grow in the weaker area?
How might you exercise your strength to its potential capacity?
In what way do you sense God inspiring you to act in meekness this coming week?
Saturday Jan 16, 2021
Saturday Jan 16, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 20
Today we move further into chapter 15
“Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. “But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. “As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. “Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.”” (Genesis 15:12–16 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God graciously giving Abram what he needs.
The Word Biblical Commentary put it like this,
"“The deep sleep,” “fear” and “darkness” all suggest awe-inspiring divine activity (cf. Gen 2:21; Isa 29:10; Exod 10:21, 22; 14:20; 15:16; 23:27; Deut 4:11; Josh 2:9) and are closely associated with the exodus and conquest, appropriately introducing the prophecy in the next verses"
Perhaps Abram falling asleep prefigures his death. Then, after his death, the Lord will walk amongst his descendants (Israel) taking them from slavery to the promised land. God is enacting a promise to Abraham to assure him that he will take care of his descendants and fulfil his promises to Abraham and them.
Devotional thought for today
Abram will not experience all the events God reveals to him. Some of those situations will be very unpleasant. Not all the information might be welcome. Yet, although the journey will be bumpy, the end will be glorious and filled with peace.
How do we find peace? By trusting in God's shalom. Verse 15 is the first appearance of this word in scripture. How significant that it is connected with Abram.
The peace offered by God it's not one we can conjure up for ourselves. Nor is it dependent on our circumstances. Remember, Abraham saw almost none of the promises come to fruition in his lifetime. Yet, he was able to die in peace because he knew his God was trustworthy.
The reason we can live a life of peace is because we know our God is trustworthy.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you trust him without reservation and grant you his peace
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Introduction
- Abraham had 'bouncebackability'
- It is how Abram got from Gen 12 to Heb 11.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.... By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, “IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.” He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.” (Hebrews 11:8–19 NAS95)
- An adventure not possible without setbacks
- How we respond to setbacks says a lot about the health of our faith
- Setbacks also provide opportunities for God to grow our faith
- Through these we understand better who we are and who he is
Abraham's Highs and Lows
- Gen 12 - calling / betrayal
- God does not tell him to go to Egypt
- Fear clouds his judgment
- Self-preservation is his goal
- As a result he goes back to worship (Gen 13:1-4)
- Handles Lot (Gen 13:5-13) and King of Sodom well (Gen 14:21-24)
- Surrenders control
- Embraces the courage to act and save Lot
- Gen 16 - Hagar
- Takes matters in own hands
- Impatience
- Shows weakness akin to Genesis 3 - gives in to pressure from family
- Causes problems we still dealing with
- Gen 16:16-17:1, 24, 18:10
- Patience in faith
- Obedient to call to higher commitment (circumcision)
- Timing of promise now specific, v21
- Gen 18-19 - 'failure' to rescue Sodom
- Despite the most amazing QT imaginable!
- How did he feel, Gen 19:27-28?
- Relationship with God special, therefore Lot rescued, Gen 19:29
- Gen 20 - Abimelech (esp as a repeat of a previous mistake)
- Giving in to fear
- Forgets God’s promise of Gen 12:2-3 re blessing and cursing others
- Abe prays - goes to God for help with the consequences of his own sin, Gen 20:17-18
- Gen 21 - Isaac - God holding on to Abraham
- Miracle of grace occurs
Conclusion
- Gen 22 - the high point comes when he is ready
- Abraham’s greatest test is passed with flying colours
- Illustrative of Israel's history
- But they did not 'die' in shalom, but exile
- Lost sight of their specialness as people of God
- Lost sight of the responsibility which came from that
“Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8 NAS95)
- Not by being mistake-free!
- What do you want to bounce back from?
- Lockdown
- Overeating
- Overdrinking
- Overspending
- Overindulging in Netflicks
- No time for God in prayer
- Excessive anger at spouse, children
- Shalom by deciding again and again to return to God
- Shalom by repenting
How we can develop bouncebackable faith and die in the shalom of God?
- Go back to old places, Gen 13
- Create opportunity for God to speak and heal
- Meditate on promises: make a list
We have the Spirit - the Spirit of Abraham and the Spirit of bouncebackability
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm