Series: Old SchoolTitle: “Abraham and Isaac”
The Word: Genesis 22:1-10, Hebrews 10:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21
Main Thought: We will never know how to build our faith until we trust God and take the next step.
Message Explanation: The story of Abraham and Isaac is a story of faith. Abraham followed God although everything seemed to be falling apart. Abraham knew he could trust God because of who God is. Even when we do not understand life, God is faithful.
Have you ever had to sacrifice something that you really liked? How did that go for you.
That word “sacrifice” is pretty powerful when you really think about it, isn’t it? It means putting something aside or behind you for the sake of something more worthy of your time and attention. But that definition is way more simplistic than what sacrifice REALLY is. Sacrifice is tough, it requires thought, meaningful weighing of pros and cons, and often times, major pain as we depart from something that used to be important to us. But the beauty of sacrifice is that it ends up being worth it.
We are called to trust God with every step we take. How much of your life are you trusting God for?
This is why the story of Abraham and Isaac is such a powerful one – it cost SO much.
Faith is more important than how we feel…..
1. Trust in God’s Purpose for your life.
Abraham left quickly to go to the mountain: “The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son Isaac. Then he chopped wood to build a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place where God had told him to go.” Genesis 22:3
2. Be prepared to SACRIFICE for God
Abraham put the wood on the altar and the two of them were there together.
So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, 7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” "God will provide a lamb, my son," Abraham answered. And they both went on together.” Genesis 22:6-8
When they arrived at the place where God had told Abraham to go, he built an altar and placed the wood on it. Then he tied Isaac up and laid him on the altar over the wood. And Abraham took the knife and lifted it up to kill his son as a sacrifice to the LORD
Genesis 22:9-10.
11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” 12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” 13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.” Genesis 22:11-13.
The story of Abraham and Isaac is direct story that relates to our Heavenly Father and Jesus. God sacrifice His only Son on the cross for you and me. God offers himself as the sacrifice for our sin.
Hebrews 10:10 – “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Jesus took your place and mine on the cross. HE is my substitution.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
We will never know how to build our faith until we trust God and take the next step.
- Have you trusted in Jesus’ sacrifice in your place? - What will your faith cost you?
Element of Fun: The students played the game, “Stack Attack.” It was a fun game to watch!
Music: Sweetness of Freedom, Forever Reign, Give Me Faith, One Thing Remains (closing)
Favorite Moment: Hearing good stories from the Villages campus that kicked off their Wednesday night gathering at the same time as the Ocala campus! God is up to something special. I'm grateful to see it.
What’s Next: We are beginning a new series called, "Love Is" in September as we talk about how should we understand and show love..
Video: I showed, "The Fatal Place" during the teaching (My brother Justin helped Elevation Church make this video). It captures the essence of the Abraham and Isaac story. Powerful!
To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page