Faith,
I have two important questions!
Question #1: Who’s the father of your faith?
Get this! Of all the characters in the Bible, there is only one whom Jews, Christians, and Muslims all call the father of their faith—Abraham. Here’s how it plays out:
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Out of Abraham’s relationship with his servant Hagar, Ishmael was born, and out of Ishmael’s line (it is believed), the prophet Muhammad was born.
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From Abraham’s relationship with his wife Sarah, Isaac was born. This lineage, which includes Jacob, later to be renamed Israel, is of profound significance to us. Jacob’s descendants, the twelve tribes of Israel, are the very foundation of Judaism, and their legacy is a part of our shared history.
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Out of the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Judah, was born Jesus, the one Christians believe to be the Messiah, the Deliverer, the King. And it is through faith in Christ that we become sons and daughters of Abraham.
Of all the things Abraham is famous for, he is most famous for his faith. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 4:20-22, “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.”
Abraham is the father of faith, folks! This week, we’re diving deep into God’s call, promises, and blessings for all of us, and we’re beginning with Abraham. He was declared right with God because he trusted God. I know you will find yourself in Abraham’s story.
Question #2: Are you attending the Annual Meeting after church this Sunday?!
The Faith Covenant Church Annual Meeting is the most important congregational meeting of the year. In it, we approve our annual budget and elect new Leadership Team members. Everyone is invited to attend, and members of Faith are allowed to vote.
I pray we will all follow in the footsteps of faith this Sunday as we put our trust in the King’s call, promises, and blessings for His family.
In Christ,
Pastor Brad
***Message notes can be downloaded by clicking here.
Here are some deeper dive videos relevant to Sunday:
Genesis 12-50 by the Bible Project (5:07)
Genesis 12 Spoken Gospel (3:01)