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Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Three): Hope Demonstrated
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe narrative of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 illustrates a profound connection between love and obedience. The first mention of love in the Bible appears in this account, with the term "beloved" referring to Isaac in verse 2, while the first mention of obedience is noted in verse 18, where Abraham is said to have obeyed God's voice. These two concepts frame the story, marking the beginning and end of a process that demonstrates godly love through obedience over several days. Abraham's adherence to God's command, even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his beloved son, showcases his outgoing concern and dedication, reflecting the essence of godly love. As the father of the faithful, Abraham provides a model of how to respond to God's commands. His journey from Beersheba to Mount Moriah, without knowing the exact destination until God revealed it, mirrors a life of faith where one steps forward despite uncertainties. In Genesis 22:3-5, Abraham's calm and methodical preparation—rising early, saddling his donkey, and splitting wood for the offering—reveals his steady demeanor despite the emotional weight of the command. His statement to his servants, "the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you," reflects his hope and faith that both would return, viewing worship as submission to God's will, derived from the Hebrew word shachah, meaning to bow down in reverence. Abraham's rational thought process, as described in Hebrews 11:17-19, shows his accounting of God's promises. He recalled God's assurance in Genesis 21:12 that his descendants would come through Isaac, concluding that even if he had to sacrifice his son, God was able to raise him from the dead. This logical conclusion underpinned his confidence in telling his servants that both he and Isaac would return, trusting in God's unchanging character and fidelity to His promises. In Genesis 22:6-8, Abraham's interaction with Isaac further emphasizes his hopeful determination. When Isaac questions the absence of a lamb for the offering, Abraham responds with assurance that God will provide the lamb, maintaining the secrecy of God's command while expressing faith in divine provision. The close bond between father and son, evident in their endearing terms "My father" and "my son," and their unity in purpose as they went together up the mountain, underscores their shared intent to worship and submit to God's will. The theme of divine provision is central to this account, hinted at in the name Moriah, meaning God Sees and Provides, and later affirmed in verse 14 as "The Lord Will Provide." Abraham's experience highlights that God sees needs and provides abundantly, both physically and spiritually, setting a precedent for ultimate provision through sacrifice.
Abraham (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham is the only biblical character singled out as a type of God the Father. He is also the only one to be called 'friend of God,' and is a good model.
Abraham (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughBased on his long friendship with God, Abraham could systematically calculate the reliability of God's promises even in the lack of visual evidence.
Abraham (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe learn from Abraham's experience to trust God even when we have incomplete information. When we attempt to take the expedient way out, we will run into trouble.
The Providence of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus and Abraham rose above their emotional pulls by exercising living faith—a faith built on acts of obedience. Faith can never be separated from works.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven 'I will' promises Got made to Abraham were truly foundational promises, impacting the lives of multiple billions of people up to the present day.
Good, Good, Good Vibrations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickEvery human has a spirit in us, constituting an invisible force that enables us to think and be motivated, influenced, and encouraged by other spirits around us.
Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFar from being blind, faith is based on analyzing, comparing, adding up from evidence in God's Word, our own experience, and our calling by God's Holy Spirit.
God, the Church's Greatest Problem
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAfter our calling, we must seek God and His way, for our conduct is motivated by our concept of God. Coming to know God is the church's biggest problem.
Our Personal Plumblines
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maaswe learn righteous judgment through learning to see the consequences of our thoughts, words, and behaviors as they affect us and the lives of others.