October 25, 2016 – Romans 4:13

Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. Romans 4:13This is not either – or.  It is both.  Yet Faith comes first.  Have you ever wondered where Abraham’s faith comes from?  I have. How did Abraham believe when he didn’t have the Bible or the Law of Moses.  Abraham had a call from God. The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”  Genesis 12:1-2Abram, in those days he was still Abram.  Did Abram try to decide whether to believe what he heard? He didn’t sit back in his rocking chair and declare, I’m retired, I’m to old for a long trip. I’m seventy-five years old.  No, Abram believed and went forth, he departed, he went!  He left Haran and set out for the land of Canaan.Abram did not pay for the ticket to go to Canaan, it was free.  God gives free grace to us if we will receive it. Abraham had only one son, and yet God promised him many descendants – as many as stars in the sky.  If we believe and have faith, we become children of Abraham and joint-heirs with Jesus. God wants a love relationship with us. Why?  Because He loves…“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.  I Corinthians 13:13…Oh how He loves me!So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. Romans 4:16