Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
In our passage for this Sunday, the writer again focuses on Abraham and God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, his one and only son. Many would consider God’s request odd and perhaps even cruel after Abraham waited for such a long time to have a son. Also, wasn’t this son the promised child that God would use to bring forth his promises? Yet, through the actions of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, we once again see the faith of Abraham and the importance of trusting God, no matter what.
The writer teaches us through the story of Abraham and Isaac that God will test our faith, that testing strengthens our faith, and the ultimate hope of our faith is the resurrection. By the grace of God and through the gift of faith Abraham believed that a resurrection of Isaac was possible. So let us come ready to learn and learn about how our gracious God uses all things to help us have an eternal perspective and hope in the life to come. Before worship take time to read and meditate upon Hebrews 11:17-19, Genesis 22:1-19, Ecclesiastes 3:11, John 11:17-27, Ephesians 2:8-9, and James 1:12.
As we gather this first Sunday of 2024, we will also partake in the Lord’s Supper remembering the Lord’s death for His people. We will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “The God of Abraham Praise,” the Acclamation of Praise “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” and the Hymn of Response “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” Let us come to worship this Sunday expecting to hear from God as His Word is sung, prayed, read, and preached, and let us respond to that Word as we commit to live in light of His love and mission in our neighborhood and city in 2024.
Sermon Information:
Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:17-19
Title: An Eternal Perspective
Outline:
1. The Testing of Our Faith
2. The Strengthening of Our Faith
3. The Hope of Our Faith