SDA CHURCH

Abraham was one of the most important men in all history. though he lived about 4000 years ago, he is still a prominent figure today Three times in the bible this man of faith is referred as ‘the friend of God ’the distinction is given to no one else. Abraham is held in profound reverence by three world religions. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam acclaim him in their spiritual ancestry.it has been noted that his name is mentioned in the Koran no fewer than 188 times Abraham was a man who kept the way of the Lord, and he is called the father of the faithful, the friend of God As an example of ready obedience Abraham is without parallel. We often think of him as the ready graduate of the school of obedience. yet in reality there was much for him to learn.in his years of training, and despite the initial step of faith described in the text, he sometimes failed. there were sad defections from God s intentions. because of slipping into self-reliance he had to learn the hard way to ‘wait on the Lord’ But in the school of God tests comes to all. God did not start with perfect material—faith and trust developed gradually. Our calamities are God opp0rtunities, but lack of trust bring complications God selected Abraham as His messenger through whom to communicate light to the world. The word of God came to him, not with the presentation of flattering prospects in this life of large salary, of great appreciation and worldly honor. "Get thee out of thy country . . . unto a land that I will shew thee" was the divine message to Abraham. The patriarch obeyed, and "went out, not knowing whither he went," as God's light bearer, to keep His name alive in the earth. He forsook his country, his home, his relatives, and all pleasant associations connected with his early life, to become a pilgrim and a stranger. . . . Before God can use him, Abraham must be separated from his former associations, that he may not be controlled by human influence or rely upon human aid. Now that he has become connected with God, this man must henceforth dwell among strangers. His character must be peculiar, differing from all the world. He could not even explain his course of action so as to be understood by his friends, for they were idolaters. Spiritual things must be spiritually discerned; therefore, his motives and his actions were beyond the comprehension of his kindred and friends. {RC 324.2} Abraham's unquestioning obedience was one of the most striking instances of faith and reliance upon God to be found in the Sacred Record. With only the naked promise that his descendants should possess Canaan, without the least outward evidence, he followed on where God should lead, fully and sincerely complying with the conditions on his part, and confident that the Lord would faithfully perform His word. The patriarch went wherever God indicated his duty; he passed through wildernesses without terror; he went among idolatrous nations, with the one thought: "God has spoken; I am obeying His voice; He will guide, He will protect me." {RC 324.3} The Lord spoke to Abraham when he was living in a nation of idolaters. He desired to make him a chosen instrument, by giving him the light of the laws of His kingdom. But first Abraham must break his connection with his father's family, separating from their influence that he might be taught by God. Jehovah was to be the object of his worship. {13MR 184.2} Abraham obeyed God. He left his father's house, and went into a strange land. There the Lord educated him. He spoke to him, saying, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" [Genesis 15:1]. Again, when Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, and said, "I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations" [Genesis 17:1-4]. {13MR 184.3} Abraham was called the father of the faithful. His connection with God showed that he was determined to walk in the fear of the Lord in his home life. "I know him," said the Searcher of hearts--He who blessed the habitation of the faithful--"that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment" [Genesis 18:19]. Just such faith and confidence as Abraham had the messengers of God need today. But many whom the Lord could use will not move onward, hearing and obeying the one Voice above all others. . . . The Lord would do much more for His servants if they were wholly consecrated to Him, esteeming His service above the ties of kindred and all other earthly associations. --Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 523, 524. {RC 324.4} James 2:23 and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only The Lord wants every one of us to believe that He is the very best friend we have. Abraham trusted God at every step and his faith was perfect. And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of Heaven the second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son; that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." When called Abram did not hesitate (see Heb.11:8). Abram was promised that God would show Him the country. when he arrived in Canaan, God promised to give it to him (see Gen.12:1-7) his great act of faith is penciled on the pages of sacred history to shine forth upon the world as an illustrious example to the end of time. Abraham did not plead that his old age should excuse him from obeying God. He did not say: "My hairs are gray, the vigor of my manhood is gone; who will comfort my waning life when Isaac is no more? How can an aged father spill the blood of an only son?" No; God had spoken, and man must obey without questioning, murmuring, or fainting by the way. Progression in obedience brings a widening of the promises As evidence of God's approval of the faith of Abraham, he gave him the name of "Father of the faithful." The example of Abraham is recorded in sacred history for the benefit of his believing children. This great act of faith teaches the lesson of implicit confidence in God, perfect obedience to his requirements, and a complete surrender to the divine will. In the example of Abraham, we are taught that nothing we possess is too precious to give to God. Abraham proved that it is possible to be rich and still be devoted to God. He lifted his eyes to eternal values At last Abraham believed completely{Heb.11;17-19} By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son]. (faith may venture into things that seems contrary to reason, but faith counts with God) confidently he assured the servants that he and Isaac would return from mountains Gen.22:5(And Abraham said unto his young men, abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you) Faith, or trust, led Isaac to submit to God’s will as his father had done.it will do the same in true child of Abraham GOD HONOURS REAL FAITH-FAITH THAT IS EAGER TO OBEY: genuine faith will be manifest in obedience. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Romans 4:3. Abraham trusted God at every step and his faith was perfect This great act of faith causes the character of Abraham to shine forth with remarkable luster. It forcibly illustrates his perfect confidence in the Lord, from whom he withheld nothing, not even his son of promise. Abraham deeds and obedience made him be appreciated and God was not ashamed to be called God of Abraham.