ABF 19.22 LN

GOOD MORNING!
We transition into June and the second part of 2023 by doing some case studies into key characters we see within scripture and how they understood being vigilant before God
We encourage everyone to “read ahead” throughout the rest of the year as we move into these godly people
This month we’ll be learning more about ABRAHAM
Each of these historical figures have a unique context and relationship with the Lord, just as we do
Abraham is very much a key point of reference not just for the Israelite people, but for everyone who has been adopted into God’s family by FAITH
It’s the “faith of Abraham” that brings Gentiles into this adoption
Abraham was not always “Abraham”, but Abram. A different man … less developed perhaps … before God called Abram out
Genesis 12: 1-3
When God spoke to Abram, he was direct. As if saying, “I will do this, and this will be the case”
The “how” wasn’t as important as the promise. This really is faith summed up. The “how” is nice, but it’s the faith in His promise that God really cares about
Joshua 24: 2
We understand that Abram wasn’t always the poster child for this faith. He and his family worshipped other gods as a matter of fact.
In fact where he and his family came from was a city very much not committed to YHWH. He was immersed in a thriving pagan culture.
Despite this, God in His grace came to Abram in order to call him out of this life.
This calling + promise that God gave Abram gave him agency and blessing and all it cost him was to believe it.
Do we at ABF see the parallels between our calling and Abram’s? We don’t fully understand all the how’s of the way things will work, but we do believe that we are called out. So what will we do with that?
Do we understand our current situation to be an undeserved blessing or burden?
What stumbles will we have along the way? When we are tired, sore, hungry or stressed do we forget the calling/promise?
God is sovereign, powerful and intentional. So if something is from God we need to ask that question of whether God is blessing us or if we make the mistake and view Him as a curse on our lives.
It wasn’t enough for Abram to just be a productive member of society. God actually told him to leave it all behind to pursue a different calling/life.
Philippians 3: 7
This can mean a hard reset, starting at zero.
But his real work/accolades began when he began to live according to God’s purpose
It’s important to remember that when God called Abram out, he wasn’t a spring chicken! Abram was moldable to God’s calling even at a ripe old age.
Children are faithful to the authority of their parents and, something pleasing to God.
Matt. 18: 2
Romans 12: 13
If your agency begins in grace, how do you show grace through the process of your own agency?
Whatever it looks like for you, connect this legacy of faith through Abraham to our own legacy.
Galatians 3: 5
Because of God Abraham was able to and chose to redefine his agency
QUESTIONS:
- IN THE REALM OF AGENCY IN YOUR OLD LIFE, WHAT NEEDS TO BE LEFT BEHIND?
- WHEN DO YOU SHIFT FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF UNDESERVED OPPORTUNITY/BURDEN?
- HOW ARE YOU PLANNING ON BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS IN THIS NEW ERA OF AGENCY?