In Whom We Have Redemption Through His Blood, The Forgiveness Of Sins, According To The Riches Of His Grace - Part 2001

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

The scriptures record that Abraham was a friend of God. In this context, Abraham believed God with expectancy, inheriting the promised blessing of the Seed of Christ. Similarly, our belief in the Word of God is counted to us as righteousness. Like Abraham, we should stagger not at the promises of God, for with God nothing is impossible, if we only believe with expectancy.

The recorded birth of Isaac was to man an impossible achievement. Abraham and Sarah had aged beyond recognized child-bearing years. At the time, when all seemed impossible God stepped in and did what no other power could do. That Is, God provided Sarah with a child. God was faithful to His Word for the Word is God. Later, Isaac was born and the Seed of promise was implanted into Abraham. The promised Seed at the time of Isaac's conception passed from Abraham into Isaac's seed bank.

During this time, Abraham steps out into lands that he did not know. The difference was that God was directing his path. This act of faith is similar to our own journey today that encourages us to commit our way to the Lord and let the Lord direct our paths. But I digress. Abraham was brought by God into a land where he was told to lift up his eyes upon the land. God told Abraham to look as far as his eyes could see because it would be all his.

Indeed, Jesus said all that the Father has is Mine, and all that I have is yours. Lot who had travelled with Abraham was then offered whatever parcel of land he desired. Abraham settled in the remainder. Well, in these same scriptures, we read that Lot made a choice. However, he even thought the land looked like a better parcel of land, Lot's choice turned out to be a big mistake.

Isaac and Ishmael (step brothers) plus six other step brothers were born after Sarah death's of which no details are given. The last record of Ishmael was at Abraham's death, when the scriptures note that Ishmael had fathered twelve sons, and that Ishmael dwelt in their midst.

Apparently, there was no love lost between Ishmael and Isaac. Unbeknownst to them they were to be a similitude of the two covenants - that is, the covenant of bondage (represented by the child of the bondwoman - The Sinai law) and conversely, the covenant of Grace, represented by the child of the free woman. However, none of these natural offspring of Abraham's were the Seed of the promised blessing - which Seed was the Seed of God’s holy Spirit. This point provides some understanding of the spat that continues on even today between the two natural seeds of Abraham.

Unfortunately, this contention between them will continue until both come to the realization that it is not in Abraham's natural seed that man receives redemption. Nor is it in Abraham's natural seed that the world will be blessed. For the Seed hereof spoken of is the Seed of God’s holy Spirit. Those two Seeds of Promise brought forth the man Jesus the Christ, who is the Spirit of the unseen God manifest in the flesh as a Son.

(IMMANUEL being interpreted, God with us -- His Name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins).

Stand in the offering plate.