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Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Abraham's faithfulness stands as a profound example of spiritual dedication and trust in God. From the moment God called him out of Ur of the Chaldees, Abraham demonstrated unwavering obedience by journeying to an unknown land, trusting in God's guidance. For 25 years, until the birth of Isaac at the age of 100, he lived as a resident alien in the Promised Land, patiently awaiting his inheritance without envy or resentment, showing his steadfast faith in God's timing. His belief in God's promise of a son, even at the age of 80, was credited to him as righteousness, not through works but through pure faith. This trust was further tested and manifested in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah, an act that elevated him to the status of father of the faithful. This sacrificial obedience, occurring when Abraham was likely between 125 and 130 years old, completed the faith he professed decades earlier, proving his spiritual conviction through action. Sarah, too, exemplified faithfulness by conceiving and bearing Isaac at 90, judging God faithful to His promise and trusting Him to provide the strength needed for childbirth and beyond. Abraham's faith never wavered, even during long periods of peace and prosperity in Beersheba, where he lived in tents among the Philistines for many years. His focus remained on the eternal city with foundations, the Kingdom of God, rather than settling into complacency with temporary comforts. Through trials, setbacks, and waiting, Abraham pressed forward, yearning for God's ultimate promise, demonstrating a faith that endured over a span of potentially 45 to 50 years from the initial promise to the sacrifice of Isaac.

Abraham's One God

Article by Mike Ford

God shows through the example of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 that He has a plan, that He will provide, and that our participation in His plan depends on where God stands in our lives. When God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his only son Isaac, whom he loved, Abraham responded with absolute obedience, rising early in the morning to prepare for the journey to Moriah without hesitation. Despite the unimaginable weight of the command, Abraham's faith remained steadfast, believing with ironclad certainty that God would fulfill His promises, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. Abraham's actions demonstrated that God was first in his life, with no other gods before Him. As he built the altar and bound Isaac, who willingly submitted, Abraham showed the pinnacle of human obedience, humility, and faith. When the Angel of the Lord intervened, declaring, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me," it was clear that Abraham's heart was fully yielded to God. God provided a ram for the sacrifice instead, and Abraham named the place The-Lord-Will-Provide, affirming that God will see to the needs of those who trust and obey Him completely. Because Abraham proved he had no other gods, God swore by Himself to bless him, multiply his descendants, and ensure that through his seed all nations would be blessed. Abraham's example sets a high standard, teaching that there is room for only one God in our lives, and nothing must ever come between us and Him.

Seeking God's Will (Part Two): Faithfulness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If we mimic God's character, we will be always faithful. We can translate this trait into practical behaviors, as a foundational part of our character.

Abraham (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Based on his long friendship with God, Abraham could systematically calculate the reliability of God's promises even in the lack of visual evidence.

One God and One God Only

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Abraham's faithfulness stands as a profound example of placing God first above all else. In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son Isaac, whom he loved, as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah. Despite the unimaginable weight of this command, Abraham responded with immediate obedience, rising early in the morning to prepare for the journey with Isaac and two young men. His unquestioning compliance reveals his deep understanding of his position before God, acknowledging that God is supreme while he is but a man. Throughout the three-day journey to the designated place, Abraham carried the burden of knowing Isaac was, in his mind, already dead. Yet, his faith remained steadfast. When Isaac questioned the absence of a lamb for the offering, Abraham replied with assurance that God would provide, demonstrating his trust in God's plan. Upon reaching the mountain, Abraham built the altar and bound Isaac, who submitted willingly, reflecting complete confidence in both his father and God. At the critical moment, as Abraham raised the knife to slay his son, the Angel of the LORD intervened, affirming that Abraham's fear of God was proven by not withholding his only son. God then provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Abraham named the place "The-LORD-Will-Provide," signifying his recognition of God's provision for those who trust in Him. The Angel of the LORD further blessed Abraham, swearing by Himself to multiply his descendants and ensure that through his seed all nations would be blessed, all because Abraham obeyed and placed God first. This account underscores that God's plan and provision are realized when He holds the primary place in one's life, as exemplified by Abraham's unwavering faithfulness.

The Promise and the Kingdom

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The promise given to Abraham was actually the Gospel, extending God's blessing to his family and all the nations — eternal promises of land and people.

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.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

From the beginning, God has set apart certain individuals, putting them through a sanctifying process, perfecting their character until they reflect His image.

The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because 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.

Martha, Martha

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

Martha used her gifts, but to an excessive extreme. Jesus had to reel her in, setting her on a more productive course. We must use our gifts responsibly.

The Night to be Much Observed

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night Much to be Observed is a memorial of the covenant with Abraham, and God's watchfulness in delivering ancient Israel as well as spiritual Israel.

Teaching the Good News of the Promise

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

We must teach God's ways to our offspring, orienting them to the way of give rather than get, admonishing them to purify themselves from the ways of the world.

On Works

Sermon by John O. Reid

Works 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.

Hebrews (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

With godly hope, we need to envision the successful accomplishment of God's purpose for us, realizing that God has bound that promise with an oath.

Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God designed the sermon of Hebrews to motivate God's people, who are going through the same turmoil as those living in 65 AD, facing persecution from society.

Why We Tithe (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.

Privileges of the Family of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is impossible to be a Christian without being a child of God. When we are in God's family, we have distinct privileges.

Every Action Has a Reaction

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Every action has a corresponding reaction; even the little things we do matter. Sin produces increase (the leavening effect) just as righteousness does.