Believe For It - When God Does the Impossible

Prayer Journal

God is working all over the place

(Hebrews 11:8-16)

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going.

9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise.

10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful.

12 Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.

13 These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.

14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

15 If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return.

16 But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Abraham and Sarah serve as the Patriarchs of the Jewish nation.

Abraham and Sarah believed God could do the impossible.

1. Faith Implied Relentless Pursuit.

Abraham was called by God to leave Ur and head to the land of Canaan.

He didn’t fully understand where he was going.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 12

2 I will make you into a great nation,

I will bless you,

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you,

I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,

and all the peoples on earth

will be blessed through you.

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 17)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless

2 I will set up my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.”

3 Then Abram fell facedown and God spoke with him:

4 “As for me, here is my covenant with you: You will become the father of many nations.

5 Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations.

6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you.

7 I will confirm my covenant that is between me and you and your future offspring throughout their generations. It is a permanent covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you.

8 And to you and your future offspring I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as a permanent possession, and I will be their God.”

He and his family would be blessed for generations.

The Canaanites occupied this land of blessing.

Abraham and Sarah traveled and lived in tents.

Gave up their earthly citizenship.

Faith in the God’s promises were the bed of Abraham’s pursuits.

God promised children to Abraham and Sarah. She laughed at first. (Gen. 18:11-12). 25 years after this promise came Isaac.

Isaac and Jacob.

Co-heirs of God’s blessings.

What was the blessing?

In this pilgrimage of faith, Abraham had a spiritual kingdom in mind. Spiritual over physical.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 12

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 13

14 For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come.

The Rookie - Baseball Scouts - If I don’t report a 95mph fastball, I’ll lose my job.

The church is designed to walk in pursuit of God’s kingdom...

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 6

33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Disciple

Evangelize

Serve

God is the leader. When he says to go, we go because we trust his promises.

2. The Righteous Live By Faith

How were OT people saved?

“These all” - Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob.

They could not see the promises, but they same them in that they believed.

They lived as foreigners. Literally and figuratively.

They received the promises, but not the thing promised.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 8

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”

These people did not regard where they were as their home. They sought after a better homeland.

Who are you when the past comes calling?

Abraham had ample opportunity to go back to Ur. Instead, he kept his eyes forward and longed for a heavenly home.

“not ashamed” - They commended themselves to God by their faith.

God acknowledges the OT saints as his own. His children.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 14

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

A city is significant. The fulfillment of God’s promises will be accomplished into the perfection of social life.

Faith binds the church to God, the Father.