The Best Part of Me

We did go to church yesterday but circumstances precluded posting of sermon notes.  So for your Monday consideration the scripture lesson is from Genesis 22 in which Abraham is directed to take his son, Isaac, to the mountain of sacrifice.
 
Abraham experienced testing.  He demonstrated a willingness to give up everything for the sake of following God.

 Strong faith means everything is in subordination to adoration and worship of God.

God + nothing = Faith

On the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided.

What?  When God lays his hand on what you hold dearest, then what? To what extent has God tested your faith?

When things get shaky, that's when you know the kind of faith you have.

     There is a time in every person's life when one must undergo a crucial test.

     It will take place in reference to that which we love and value most.

     Your answer must be "God will provide.  God sees."

God sees the details of your life.  God is in the details.  God is not out to hurt you: He is after your heart.

It is through testing that character is shaped.

God was making Abraham like Himself.  God reminds of His promise but we must continue to obey. 

(Pastor described a severe testing in his own life.)

    

    "Would I have chosen to go through that test?  NO!  But it was necessary for me to become a new kind of me!"

(Study question.  When you read the account of Abraham and Isaac traveling to the mountain, did you note that Abraham, when he told his servants to wait, said, "We will be back"?  That is an expression of complete trust in God.)

Pastor Johnnie Blair

Sunday morning