Abraham: Praying for the Lost
Notes
Transcript
The story: Within a larger story of judgement; This passage is about praying for others. And it’s about God giving an immediate answer.
The point: God wants to give you an immediate answer to your prayers. Contrary to patience, faith when we don’t get; immediately; problem is with how we understand one simple word: answer.
The unexpected blessings. time to landscape, to clean, …to pray. God wants to answer us ASAP. Our problem
1. Builds a Bridge - Abraham sees people facing destruction: separated from God.
Their sin? Abraham doesn’t mention that = he sees their separation. The painful consequences: destruction, separation from God.
You are building a bridge, not just looking for a miracle.
Praying for someone who isn’t just suffering or in danger - they are separated from God
You are praying for them to know God, not just receive a miracle
2. Requires Compassion: Abraham: Don’t read about his anger - a depraved people (don’t know why?) Abraham is safe from their problems. someone else’s problems - deeply moved by them
Praying with Compassion - regardless of who they are.
Who are you praying for? Where do we direct our compassion?
Compassion means: not just pity; true compassion leads to action (Christ; starts with hurting with someone) Take action: one action is prayer. Prayer built on compassion is a very powerful experience.
As a result…our prayers are
3. Answered Immediately - The answer that comes through the conversation. Abraham’s conversation; his bargaining; his confidence that he can make the bold requests (with holy fear)
There is the answer that comes in fulfillment. (e.g. healing; safety; crisis over; relative, neighbor; seeing their needs and seeing for the results).
objection: audible voice of God? angel? isn’t that a biblical times thing?
Do we know that God won’t speak that way? Would we hear it if he did? Idea from movies?
Idea of hearing comes from movies?
Testimonies: feeling that keeps us awake; others praying the same thing. Experiencing God; confidence
What does God say to all of us: we will get certain results? Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
We pray that God will make some change - is our prayer also changing us?
Communion
“We believe in your presence wherever we are. We believe that you keep the body of Christ together when we are apart. Nothing can separate us from the God through Christ. No distance. No fear. No depression. No confusion. You are present in this place, in living spaces in a very real way - a powerful way right now.”
The benefits and blessings of Christ’s body are in this bread. (break). The benefits and blessings of Christ’s blood are present in this cup. You cannot be here to touch and taste bread and the cup, but you can receive the benefits and blessings of Christ’s body and blood right where you are.
“God through your body and blood you heal us where we are. You give us victory over fear, anxiety, anger where we are. You can show us new ways right now. Immediately. can be healed where you are. You can experience God where you are. You can be made whole where you are. Christ can defeat your fear, anxiety, anger, grief where you sit. We are never separated from you, because of the work of your Son, Jesus Christ.”
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’