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Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Two): Love Exemplified
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAbraham's obedience stands as a profound example of faith and devotion to God. In Genesis 22, after a long period of silence from God, possibly spanning decades since Isaac's weaning, God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son Isaac, whom he loved, as a burnt offering on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Despite the emotional weight of this command, Abraham responded immediately to God's call with readiness and loyalty, showing no hesitation or negative reaction. His instant reply, "Here I am," upon hearing God's voice after such a long silence, reveals the depth of their relationship and his unwavering willingness to serve. Abraham's actions during this test demonstrate his prioritization of God over his deep love for Isaac. Though the journey to Mount Moriah was a challenging three-day trek of about 30 miles uphill from Beersheba, Abraham undertook it without complaint, even though God did not specify the exact mountain until later. This mirrors his earlier obedience in Genesis 12, when he left Ur for a land God would show him, acting on vague directions with complete trust. His understanding of the command to "offer" Isaac, rather than explicitly to slay him, combined with his knowledge of God's character and laws against human sacrifice, bolstered his faith that God would provide a way out, possibly a substitute sacrifice. Throughout the ordeal, Abraham's confidence in God's nature allowed him to proceed, believing that God would not ultimately require the death of Isaac. This faith was proven when God intervened at the critical moment, confirming Abraham's devotion and loyalty. His obedience in this monumental act on Mount Moriah became a supreme pattern for the faithful, showing how internal faith must manifest in external works. Abraham's journey to God's chosen place, Mount Moriah, where God sees and provides, further underscores his role as the father of the faithful, guided to the very location of divine presence and provision for salvation.
Abraham (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham's obedience stands as a profound example of unwavering faith in God, even amidst challenging circumstances. From the moment he was called to leave his homeland, as described in Hebrews 11:8-10, Abraham obeyed by faith, journeying to an unknown place that he would receive as an inheritance. He dwelt in the land of promise as a foreigner, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, always waiting for the city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God. This steadfast commitment is further highlighted in Hebrews 11:13-16, where it is noted that Abraham and his family died in faith, not having received the promises but seeing them afar off, embracing them, and confessing their status as strangers and pilgrims on earth, desiring a heavenly country. His obedience is most strikingly displayed in Genesis 22:1-14, when God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah. Without hesitation, Abraham rose early, prepared for the journey, and proceeded to the designated place. Even as Isaac questioned the absence of a lamb for the offering, Abraham responded with faith, saying, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." When the moment came, Abraham bound Isaac and prepared to sacrifice him, only to be stopped by the Angel of the Lord, who affirmed Abraham's fear of God for not withholding his only son. Abraham then offered a ram provided by God, naming the place "The-Lord-Will-Provide." This act of obedience, as detailed in Hebrews 11:17-19, shows Abraham's belief that God could raise Isaac from the dead, a conclusion drawn from his long fellowship with God. His faith reconciled God's promise of descendants through Isaac with the command to sacrifice him, trusting God to fulfill His word. Genesis 22:15-18 further records the Lord's response to this obedience, swearing by Himself to bless Abraham, multiply his descendants, and ensure that through his seed all nations of the earth would be blessed. Abraham's life, even in the land of the Philistines as seen in Genesis 21:22-34, reflects his ongoing obedience and recognition of God's presence. Abimelech and Phichol acknowledged that God was with Abraham in all he did, leading to a covenant at Beersheba, meaning "the well of oaths." Despite dwelling outside the Promised Land, Abraham did not let down after receiving the promise of Isaac's birth; he continued in faith, understanding that his conversion process was not complete. His example teaches that God's fulfillment of one promise does not signify the end of His work or the completion of one's spiritual journey. Abraham's persistent obedience, even in exile, underscores his commitment to God above all earthly comforts or achievements.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Three): Hope Demonstrated
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAbraham's obedience, as depicted in Genesis 22, exemplifies the profound connection between love and adherence to God's commands. The narrative begins with the first mention of love in the Bible, in Genesis 22:2, where God refers to Isaac as Abraham's beloved son, and concludes with the first mention of obedience in Genesis 22:18, where Abraham is recognized for having obeyed God's voice. These two concepts frame the story, illustrating that obedience to God's command is an expression of godly love, not only toward Him but also toward Isaac and all humanity. Abraham's journey of obedience unfolds over several days, during which he meticulously follows God's directive to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating outgoing concern through his actions. Despite the emotional weight of the command, Abraham remains calm and methodical, rising early, preparing the necessary items, and traveling to the designated place without revealing his inner turmoil or the nature of the task to Isaac or others. His steadfast obedience, even in the face of such a harrowing instruction, showcases his unwavering love for God above all else. In Genesis 22:5, Abraham's statement to his servants, that he and Isaac will go to worship and return together, reflects his hopeful obedience. The Hebrew word for worship, shachah, derived from havah, meaning to bow down, signifies submission and reverence. Abraham's intent to submit to God's will on Mount Moriah, regardless of the outcome, embodies true worship through obedience, trusting that God has the best in mind for him and his son. Furthermore, Abraham's logical reasoning, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:17-19, underpins his confidence in obedience. Recalling God's promise that his descendants would come through Isaac, Abraham concludes that God must preserve Isaac's life, even if it means raising him from the dead. This rational faith fuels his assurance to his servants that both he and Isaac will return, demonstrating that obedience, rooted in trust in God's unchanging character and promises, is the loving response to the One he reveres. Finally, Abraham's interaction with Isaac in Genesis 22:6-8 reinforces his faithful determination. When Isaac questions the absence of a lamb for the offering, Abraham confidently assures him that God will provide the lamb, maintaining harmony and unity in their mission to worship. Their shared journey up the mountain, with Isaac willingly accompanying his father, underscores that obedience to God's command is a collective act of submission, reflecting love and trust in God's provision.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Four): Providence Manifested
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the narrative of Genesis 22, Abraham's obedience stands as a profound example of trust in God's providence. When commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham proceeded without hesitation, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to God's will. His actions on Mount Moriah, where he built an altar, arranged the wood, bound Isaac, and prepared to offer him as a burnt offering, were carried out with deliberate purpose and without recorded emotion or resistance, reflecting a deep, confident obedience. Abraham's faith was evident in his assurance to Isaac that God would provide the lamb for the offering, a belief rooted in his prior experiences of God's timely provisions, such as the miraculous birth of Isaac despite Sarah's barrenness and Abraham's old age. This trust was further confirmed when God intervened at the critical moment, providing a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute sacrifice, thus sparing Isaac's life. God's acknowledgment, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me," affirms Abraham's loyalty and reverence, highlighting that his obedience was not mere compliance but a profound act of devotion. This story underscores Abraham's understanding of his covenant relationship with God, where he recognized his role as the humble servant, bound to obey even in the face of the most challenging command. His readiness to sacrifice Isaac, trusting in God's promise and power, possibly even to resurrect, illustrates a total faith and love for God above all else. Through this act, Abraham not only fulfilled his part of the covenant to walk before God and be blameless but also secured the future blessings promised through Isaac, demonstrating that true obedience aligns with God's ultimate provision and purpose.
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.
Abraham (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham was a wealthy and influential man who instructed the Chaldean priesthood on the reality of God, showing the foolishness of worshipping the creation.
One God and One God Only
Sermonette by Mike FordAbraham's obedience to God, as seen in Genesis 22, exemplifies the profound commitment required to place God first in one's life. At approximately 133 years old, after a lifetime of trials, Abraham faced his greatest test when God called him to sacrifice his only son Isaac, whom he loved deeply. Responding eagerly with "Here I am," Abraham displayed a humble attitude. God commanded him to take Isaac to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain He would specify. Despite the unimaginable thoughts and questions that must have raced through his mind, Abraham's obedience was unquestioning. Rising early the next morning, Abraham saddled his donkey, took two young men and Isaac, split the wood for the offering, and journeyed to the designated place without hesitation. After three days of travel, during which Isaac was as good as dead in Abraham's mind, they reached the location. Abraham instructed the young men to stay behind, declaring that he and Isaac would worship and return together, showing his faith in God's plan. As they proceeded, Isaac carried the wood, and when he questioned the absence of a lamb for the offering, Abraham assured him that God would provide. Upon reaching the specified place, Abraham built an altar, arranged the wood, bound Isaac, and laid him upon it. Even at 133 years old, Abraham was prepared to slay his son, demonstrating the pinnacle of obedience, humility, and faith, proving that God held the foremost place in his life. At the critical moment, the Angel of the LORD called out to stop him, affirming that Abraham feared God by not withholding his only son. A ram, caught in a thicket, was provided as a substitute offering, and Abraham named the place "The-LORD-Will-Provide," signifying God's provision for those who trust in Him completely. The Angel of the LORD then spoke again, swearing by Himself that because Abraham had obeyed and not withheld his son, He would bless him abundantly, multiplying his descendants and ensuring that through his seed all nations would be blessed. Abraham's unwavering commitment to placing God first secured these promises, demonstrating that participation in God's plan and receipt of His blessings depend on such yielded and humble obedience.
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.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the world is under the sway of the wicked one, if mankind were left to its own choices, the world would revert to the condition before the Flood.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
The Angel of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Angel of the Lord is the pre-incarnate Christ, who appears at critical moments in history to deliberately move events toward their fulfillment.
On Works
Sermon by John O. ReidWorks are necessary for a Christian, and have not been neutralized by grace. Good works serve as the evidence of faith; faith without works is dead.
Isaac and the Day of Small Things
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Isaac did not play what historians might judge to be a significant role on the world's stage, yet kept the faith, never despising the day of small things.
Are You Sure You Believe in God? (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReal saving faith is a gift from God, but we are obligated to walk by this faith, developing incremental levels of faith through obedience.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.