“He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.”
I’m sitting in bed at the Calvary Chapel Conference Center in Murrieta, CA. I was invited by my buddy, Jeff Lavender, and took up his offer. To spend a weekend with several hundred (if not thousands) of men -- godly men -- has got to be a stirring experience.
There are hot springs here (which I’m looking forward to soaking in), tennis courts (on which I will attempt to compete in a tournament on Sat. afternoon), great food, gorgeous facilities, and a coffee shop that is almost exactly what I would love for every youth ministry to have in their own setting.
Tonight, Chuck Smith spoke. As Jeff & I talked afterwards, he summed up the message, “Softly profound.” He’s right. Chuck talked about Abraham’s faith and through story after story illustrated the unwavering faith of our forefather Abraham.
At 100 years of age, he was still waiting for God’s promise to come to fruition -- unwaveringly. He held onto God’s promise even up until the very moment he was to plunge the sacrificial knife into the heart of his promised -- and only -- son. (Note that in Scripture that the Lord didn’t recognize Ishmael as a legitimate son of Abraham’s).
Did God keep His word to Abraham? Yes. Did God provide a sacrifice in place of Isaac? Yes. Did Abraham obey God? Yes. Did Abraham doubt God’s plan when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac? No. Did he believe that God had a plan that was unknown to him and that would work out to still fulfill His promise to him (to bless the nations through Abraham)? Yes.
Do we have the unwavering faith of Abraham? Sadly, all too often, I don’t. “I need more information.” “I need to seek more godly counsel.” “I need to understand the whole situation better.” And on and on we go with our excuses.
If God spoke (and He has and still does!) and I know it was/is His will, what more do I need? Simply to DO IT!
Are you gathering firewood, matches, a knife and your “son”?
I’m sitting in bed at the Calvary Chapel Conference Center in Murrieta, CA. I was invited by my buddy, Jeff Lavender, and took up his offer. To spend a weekend with several hundred (if not thousands) of men -- godly men -- has got to be a stirring experience.
There are hot springs here (which I’m looking forward to soaking in), tennis courts (on which I will attempt to compete in a tournament on Sat. afternoon), great food, gorgeous facilities, and a coffee shop that is almost exactly what I would love for every youth ministry to have in their own setting.
Tonight, Chuck Smith spoke. As Jeff & I talked afterwards, he summed up the message, “Softly profound.” He’s right. Chuck talked about Abraham’s faith and through story after story illustrated the unwavering faith of our forefather Abraham.
At 100 years of age, he was still waiting for God’s promise to come to fruition -- unwaveringly. He held onto God’s promise even up until the very moment he was to plunge the sacrificial knife into the heart of his promised -- and only -- son. (Note that in Scripture that the Lord didn’t recognize Ishmael as a legitimate son of Abraham’s).
Did God keep His word to Abraham? Yes. Did God provide a sacrifice in place of Isaac? Yes. Did Abraham obey God? Yes. Did Abraham doubt God’s plan when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac? No. Did he believe that God had a plan that was unknown to him and that would work out to still fulfill His promise to him (to bless the nations through Abraham)? Yes.
Do we have the unwavering faith of Abraham? Sadly, all too often, I don’t. “I need more information.” “I need to seek more godly counsel.” “I need to understand the whole situation better.” And on and on we go with our excuses.
If God spoke (and He has and still does!) and I know it was/is His will, what more do I need? Simply to DO IT!
Are you gathering firewood, matches, a knife and your “son”?
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