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Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Two): Love Exemplified
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Genesis 22, Abraham emerges as a profound type of the Father, reflecting the divine love and purpose of God for His Son. God emphasizes Abraham's love for Isaac, his promised son, as a human parallel to His own boundless love for His Son, the true Promised Seed. This narrative illustrates that while Abraham's affection is a mere shadow of the divine, it serves as a concrete example for understanding the Father's love. Through Abraham's actions, God desires us to see a reflection of His own relationship with His Son, urging us to transfer our insights from the physical story of Abraham and Isaac to the spiritual reality of the Father and the Son. Abraham's role as a type reveals not only God's love for His Son but also His love for all His children. The love between the Father and the Son stands as the foundation of human salvation, initiating the process by which many sons and daughters are added to the Family of God. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac mirrors the Father's ultimate act of devotion, pointing to the deeper reality of God's sacrificial love. Through this story, we perceive that God's bottomless love for His Son is a type of how He loves us, extending His affection to all whom He calls into His Family.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Four): Providence Manifested
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the narrative of Genesis 22, Abraham emerges as a profound type of the Father, reflecting the divine relationship between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The unity between Abraham and Isaac, as they walked together up the mount, mirrors the oneness of the Father and the Son. This shared path and purpose, evident in their joint journey and mutual faith, illustrates a deep alignment of will and intent. Just as Abraham and Isaac were united in their worship and trust in God, so too are the Father and the Son bound by a loving relationship, working toward the same divine goals. This father-son dynamic in the story serves as a vivid portrayal of the heavenly bond, emphasizing Their shared commitment to fulfilling God's plan.
Abraham (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham stands as a unique figure in biblical history, chosen by God to represent Him as a type of the Father. This distinction sets him apart, as no other individual in Scripture is directly identified in this manner. As a type, Abraham is not a perfect reflection but a shadow of the reality, illustrating spiritual truths through his life and actions. God did not select Abraham merely for his natural abilities, but through the combination of those abilities, His Spirit, and Abraham's faith and yieldedness, mighty spiritual works were accomplished. Abraham was destined to become the leader of a mighty host of born sons of God, marking him as a pioneer and the father of a new spiritual race. Abraham's unique relationship with God is highlighted by his designation as God's friend, a title given to no other among billions. This friendship implies a deep bond of affection and esteem, positioning Abraham as a favored companion of the Almighty. The significance of this relationship extends beyond Abraham himself, as God's love and promises to him bring benefits to his descendants, not because of their own merit, but due to His friendship with Abraham. These benefits include the material wealth of Israel and the spiritual heritage of being the people of the Book, with the Bible itself coming to the world through Abraham's lineage. As the father of this spiritual family, Abraham's role is not contingent on a blood relationship but on being in Christ. His progeny are those who are called by God, enabled to become children of Abraham through a miraculous act, much like Isaac's birth to Abraham and Sarah through divine intervention. This spiritual birth, devoid of physical means, underscores the unique nature of Abraham's seed, who are children of promise by God's design and election. Thus, Abraham's life serves as a foundational example for understanding the life of faith to which his spiritual descendants are called.
Our Complete, Whole Burnt Offering
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOur patriarch Abraham, when God tested him by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, knew that God will provide regardless of the cost of the sacrifice.
Isaac
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe name Isaac—'laughter'—suggests his optimistic disposition, someone not afflicted by fear and doubt. Isaac serves as a type of Christ, honoring his father.
Absalom: A Study in Narcissism
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughProbably the biblical character best exemplifying the narcissistic personality is David's son, Absalom, clearly a spoiled son in a dysfunctional family.