A People, A Purpose, and A Place

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley, Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley, [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. and much more. We hope to see you soon. and much more. We hope to see you soon. Well, all good things must come to an Well, all good things must come to an Well, all good things must come to an end, and I'm not talking about the end end, and I'm not talking about the end end, and I'm not talking about the end of our Genesis series. I'm talking about of our Genesis series. I'm talking about of our Genesis series. I'm talking about the end of the summer. Like some of you the end of the summer. Like some of you the end of the summer. Like some of you students know, yeah, you're going back students know, yeah, you're going back students know, yeah, you're going back to school this week. And so for you to school this week. And so for you to school this week. And so for you parents, that means that you no longer parents, that means that you no longer parents, that means that you no longer have to hear those dreaded words that have to hear those dreaded words that have to hear those dreaded words that you've been hearing for the last couple you've been hearing for the last couple you've been hearing for the last couple months, "I'm bored." months, "I'm bored." months, "I'm bored." Right? The struggle is real. I'm bored. Right? The struggle is real. I'm bored. Right? The struggle is real. I'm bored. You hear it over and over and over You hear it over and over and over You hear it over and over and over again. But now you students, you're not again. But now you students, you're not again. But now you students, you're not going to be so bored starting this week, going to be so bored starting this week, going to be so bored starting this week, are you? It's good. are you? It's good. are you? It's good. But we all know what it's like to be But we all know what it's like to be But we all know what it's like to be bored. It's something that we try to bored. It's something that we try to bored. It's something that we try to avoid at all costs. If you're waiting in avoid at all costs. If you're waiting in avoid at all costs. If you're waiting in a waiting room, or you're sitting at a a waiting room, or you're sitting at a a waiting room, or you're sitting at a red light, you're standing in a grocery red light, you're standing in a grocery red light, you're standing in a grocery store line, we just do anything to avoid store line, we just do anything to avoid store line, we just do anything to avoid sitting there and being alone with our sitting there and being alone with our sitting there and being alone with our thoughts. What do we do? We We pull out thoughts. What do we do? We We pull out thoughts. What do we do? We We pull out our phone. It allows us to be our phone. It allows us to be our phone. It allows us to be transported into another place. Like we transported into another place. Like we transported into another place. Like we get to sort of enter into someone else's get to sort of enter into someone else's get to sort of enter into someone else's adventure, even in the mundane, ordinary adventure, even in the mundane, ordinary adventure, even in the mundane, ordinary things that we get find ourselves things that we get find ourselves things that we get find ourselves getting stuck in. Like we can scroll getting stuck in. Like we can scroll getting stuck in. Like we can scroll through someone else's vacation photos.

through someone else's vacation photos. through someone else's vacation photos. We can binge watch some story, some We can binge watch some story, some We can binge watch some story, some series about a fictional character, or series about a fictional character, or series about a fictional character, or we can watch a documentary about some we can watch a documentary about some we can watch a documentary about some extraordinary person's life. Like it's extraordinary person's life. Like it's extraordinary person's life. Like it's an amazing thing. an amazing thing. an amazing thing. But you and I both know that those But you and I both know that those But you and I both know that those moments of escape, those avoidance of moments of escape, those avoidance of moments of escape, those avoidance of the boredom, really are just temporary. the boredom, really are just temporary. the boredom, really are just temporary. They might actually be making our They might actually be making our They might actually be making our problem of of boredom worse. problem of of boredom worse. problem of of boredom worse. Psychologists say that this constant Psychologists say that this constant Psychologists say that this constant feeding ourselves, our brains with feeding ourselves, our brains with feeding ourselves, our brains with novelty and stimulation and all the novelty and stimulation and all the novelty and stimulation and all the digital stuff, it's actually making us digital stuff, it's actually making us digital stuff, it's actually making us more bored. It feels more boring in more bored. It feels more boring in more bored. It feels more boring in life. Like it turns out that whenever life. Like it turns out that whenever life. Like it turns out that whenever you put that phone down after scrolling you put that phone down after scrolling you put that phone down after scrolling through everyone else's adventurous, through everyone else's adventurous, through everyone else's adventurous, exciting life, it makes your life feel exciting life, it makes your life feel exciting life, it makes your life feel all the more ordinary, boring, and all the more ordinary, boring, and all the more ordinary, boring, and mundane. You just kind of realize, man, mundane. You just kind of realize, man, mundane. You just kind of realize, man, I'm just going through the motions. It I'm just going through the motions. It I'm just going through the motions. It feels like waking up and going to work feels like waking up and going to work feels like waking up and going to work or school and laundry and running kids or school and laundry and running kids or school and laundry and running kids everywhere. Even faith can start to feel everywhere. Even faith can start to feel everywhere. Even faith can start to feel a little bit boring. a little bit boring. a little bit boring. And so ironically, in our attempt to And so ironically, in our attempt to And so ironically, in our attempt to escape the boredom, we're actually we're escape the boredom, we're actually we're escape the boredom, we're actually we're left with more questions about our left with more questions about our left with more questions about our meaning, our purpose in life.

meaning, our purpose in life. meaning, our purpose in life. Well, today as we wrap up our series in Well, today as we wrap up our series in Well, today as we wrap up our series in the first chap- first 12 chapters of the first chap- first 12 chapters of the first chap- first 12 chapters of Genesis called Beginnings, we come Genesis called Beginnings, we come Genesis called Beginnings, we come across a passage that helps us to break across a passage that helps us to break across a passage that helps us to break free from a life of boredom. free from a life of boredom. free from a life of boredom. And it actually invites us into And it actually invites us into And it actually invites us into discovering the life that God has for discovering the life that God has for discovering the life that God has for us, a life of joy, adventure, and us, a life of joy, adventure, and us, a life of joy, adventure, and purpose. purpose. purpose. And let me just warn you that And let me just warn you that And let me just warn you that that to have this kind of life, to that to have this kind of life, to that to have this kind of life, to actually experience it, actually experience it, actually experience it, something is required of you. A certain something is required of you. A certain something is required of you. A certain characteristic deep down in your soul. characteristic deep down in your soul. characteristic deep down in your soul. It's a characteristic that we see It's a characteristic that we see It's a characteristic that we see highlighted in the main character of highlighted in the main character of highlighted in the main character of today's passage in Genesis chapter 12. today's passage in Genesis chapter 12. today's passage in Genesis chapter 12. So if you have a Bible, open to Genesis So if you have a Bible, open to Genesis So if you have a Bible, open to Genesis chapter 12. chapter 12. chapter 12. We're going to be focusing just on the We're going to be focusing just on the We're going to be focusing just on the first nine verses of this chapter. And first nine verses of this chapter. And first nine verses of this chapter. And And as we read it, you should know that And as we read it, you should know that And as we read it, you should know that this is one of the most important this is one of the most important this is one of the most important passages in all the Bible. passages in all the Bible. passages in all the Bible. It really is. Like this is the passage It really is. Like this is the passage It really is. Like this is the passage where God gives a guy named Abraham a where God gives a guy named Abraham a where God gives a guy named Abraham a really important promise. Now, Abram, or really important promise. Now, Abram, or really important promise. Now, Abram, or Abraham as he's later on named, Abram Abraham as he's later on named, Abram Abraham as he's later on named, Abram is a guy that we just met at the very is a guy that we just met at the very is a guy that we just met at the very end of chapter 11. We just heard it end of chapter 11. We just heard it end of chapter 11. We just heard it read. And in that passage, we learn very read. And in that passage, we learn very read. And in that passage, we learn very little about him, but it's enough to little about him, but it's enough to little about him, but it's enough to kind of get the story going. We learn kind of get the story going. We learn kind of get the story going. We learn that he's got a dad named Terah, that that he's got a dad named Terah, that that he's got a dad named Terah, that he's from a city called Ur of the he's from a city called Ur of the he's from a city called Ur of the Chaldeans, which is in Mesopotamia, Chaldeans, which is in Mesopotamia, Chaldeans, which is in Mesopotamia, ancient Mesopotamia.

ancient Mesopotamia. ancient Mesopotamia. He's got a wife named Sarai. He's got a wife named Sarai. He's got a wife named Sarai. We find out that Sarai is barren, that We find out that Sarai is barren, that We find out that Sarai is barren, that they don't have any children. they don't have any children. they don't have any children. But then we get to chapter 12. But then we get to chapter 12. But then we get to chapter 12. And the Lord speaks to Abram. And here's And the Lord speaks to Abram. And here's And the Lord speaks to Abram. And here's what he says. Let's look at the first what he says. Let's look at the first what he says. Let's look at the first three verses. three verses. three verses. It says, "Now the Lord said to Abram, go It says, "Now the Lord said to Abram, go It says, "Now the Lord said to Abram, go from your country and your kindred and from your country and your kindred and from your country and your kindred and your father's house to land that I will your father's house to land that I will your father's house to land that I will show you. show you. show you. And I will make of you a great nation. And I will make of you a great nation. And I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name I will bless you and make your name I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. great, so that you will be a blessing. great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and him I will bless those who bless you and him I will bless those who bless you and him who dishonors you, I will curse. And in who dishonors you, I will curse. And in who dishonors you, I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall you all the families of the earth shall you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." be blessed." be blessed." So God, the Lord, speaks to Abram and he So God, the Lord, speaks to Abram and he So God, the Lord, speaks to Abram and he tells him to go. tells him to go. tells him to go. To leave his his country, the place that To leave his his country, the place that To leave his his country, the place that he's familiar with, the land of his he's familiar with, the land of his he's familiar with, the land of his birth. To leave his kindred, like all birth. To leave his kindred, like all birth. To leave his kindred, like all the people that he knows and he's he's the people that he knows and he's he's the people that he knows and he's he's connected to. His father's household, connected to. His father's household, connected to. His father's household, like all the things that are familiar to like all the things that are familiar to like all the things that are familiar to him, to leave those things and to go him, to leave those things and to go him, to leave those things and to go somewhere. Where is he supposed to go?

somewhere. Where is he supposed to go? somewhere. Where is he supposed to go? Well, God tells him, "To land that I Well, God tells him, "To land that I Well, God tells him, "To land that I will show you." will show you." will show you." In other words, In other words, In other words, uh I'll tell you when you get there. uh I'll tell you when you get there. uh I'll tell you when you get there. Like there's not a lot to go on there. Like there's not a lot to go on there. Like there's not a lot to go on there. He doesn't give him any details. Now, we He doesn't give him any details. Now, we He doesn't give him any details. Now, we know from the story where Abram ends up know from the story where Abram ends up know from the story where Abram ends up going and I can already tell you it going and I can already tell you it going and I can already tell you it ain't close by at all. ain't close by at all. ain't close by at all. So, he's originally from Ur of the So, he's originally from Ur of the So, he's originally from Ur of the Chaldeans, ancient Mesopotamia. It's way Chaldeans, ancient Mesopotamia. It's way Chaldeans, ancient Mesopotamia. It's way down here in modern-day uh Iraq. And so down here in modern-day uh Iraq. And so down here in modern-day uh Iraq. And so we're told that in chapter 11 that at we're told that in chapter 11 that at we're told that in chapter 11 that at some point, like probably after he got some point, like probably after he got some point, like probably after he got this calling in Ur, his family, it led this calling in Ur, his family, it led this calling in Ur, his family, it led by his father, they migrate to Haran. by his father, they migrate to Haran. by his father, they migrate to Haran. That's about 600 mi away. That's about 600 mi away. That's about 600 mi away. And then as we read on, we're going to And then as we read on, we're going to And then as we read on, we're going to see him travel all the way down to the see him travel all the way down to the see him travel all the way down to the land of of Canaan, which is another 400 land of of Canaan, which is another 400 land of of Canaan, which is another 400 mi away. mi away. mi away. So get that. So get that. So get that. A 1,000-mile journey that God is calling A 1,000-mile journey that God is calling A 1,000-mile journey that God is calling Abram to go on, and he doesn't even know Abram to go on, and he doesn't even know Abram to go on, and he doesn't even know it yet. it yet. it yet. Like you talk about keep asking, "Are we Like you talk about keep asking, "Are we Like you talk about keep asking, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Oh, we'll there yet? Are we there yet?" Oh, we'll there yet? Are we there yet?" Oh, we'll get there when we get there. Over and get there when we get there. Over and get there when we get there. Over and over and over again. A 1,000 miles, over and over again. A 1,000 miles, over and over again. A 1,000 miles, probably no Buckee's along the way.

probably no Buckee's along the way. probably no Buckee's along the way. It's crazy. On foot. It's crazy. On foot. It's crazy. On foot. But, it's not just a distance thing. But, it's not just a distance thing. But, it's not just a distance thing. Like think about what God is calling Like think about what God is calling Like think about what God is calling Abram to do here. Abram to do here. Abram to do here. First off, at this point, Abram doesn't First off, at this point, Abram doesn't First off, at this point, Abram doesn't know the Lord. He doesn't know God. He know the Lord. He doesn't know God. He know the Lord. He doesn't know God. He He's from a city called Ur, where uh He's from a city called Ur, where uh He's from a city called Ur, where uh they're known for their worship of all they're known for their worship of all they're known for their worship of all these other gods, namely the the moon these other gods, namely the the moon these other gods, namely the the moon god Nanna. And the Lord, Yahweh, then god Nanna. And the Lord, Yahweh, then god Nanna. And the Lord, Yahweh, then calls him out of this place that is safe calls him out of this place that is safe calls him out of this place that is safe and familiar to him. and familiar to him. and familiar to him. Like imagine moving from the big city of Like imagine moving from the big city of Like imagine moving from the big city of Ur to now go live a nomadic lifestyle Ur to now go live a nomadic lifestyle Ur to now go live a nomadic lifestyle living in tents. living in tents. living in tents. So, he has to leave his comfort, and his So, he has to leave his comfort, and his So, he has to leave his comfort, and his security, and his wealth, and his security, and his wealth, and his security, and his wealth, and his career, and his future there. career, and his future there. career, and his future there. And people probably thought he was crazy And people probably thought he was crazy And people probably thought he was crazy for doing this. for doing this. for doing this. I mean, think about how he has to now I mean, think about how he has to now I mean, think about how he has to now leave relationships, his social status, leave relationships, his social status, leave relationships, his social status, his everyday routine, the life that he's his everyday routine, the life that he's his everyday routine, the life that he's established, the coffee shop he goes to established, the coffee shop he goes to established, the coffee shop he goes to everyday, the HEB where he knows where everyday, the HEB where he knows where everyday, the HEB where he knows where everything is. Like he has to leave everything is. Like he has to leave everything is. Like he has to leave everything.

everything. everything. And yeah, maybe parts of that were And yeah, maybe parts of that were And yeah, maybe parts of that were boring and mundane, but at least it was boring and mundane, but at least it was boring and mundane, but at least it was safe and familiar. safe and familiar. safe and familiar. And that's not easy to leave behind. And that's not easy to leave behind. And that's not easy to leave behind. And yet, that's what God calls him to And yet, that's what God calls him to And yet, that's what God calls him to do. He tells him to go. do. He tells him to go. do. He tells him to go. But, he doesn't just give him this But, he doesn't just give him this But, he doesn't just give him this calling to go. calling to go. calling to go. And leave his old life behind, he gives And leave his old life behind, he gives And leave his old life behind, he gives him a promise. him a promise. him a promise. One big promise, but it's really seven One big promise, but it's really seven One big promise, but it's really seven sub promises, if you were to look sub promises, if you were to look sub promises, if you were to look closely at it. These are things that God closely at it. These are things that God closely at it. These are things that God says that that he is now going to do. says that that he is now going to do. says that that he is now going to do. And we read it earlier. And the key word And we read it earlier. And the key word And we read it earlier. And the key word in all of it is blessed. We'll put it in all of it is blessed. We'll put it in all of it is blessed. We'll put it back up here. This is what God says in back up here. This is what God says in back up here. This is what God says in the promise. He tells Abram that he's the promise. He tells Abram that he's the promise. He tells Abram that he's going to make of him a great nation. going to make of him a great nation. going to make of him a great nation. Right? This is a guy who who right now Right? This is a guy who who right now Right? This is a guy who who right now has no children. He's not able to have has no children. He's not able to have has no children. He's not able to have any children. any children. any children. And yet, God says, "I'm going to make And yet, God says, "I'm going to make And yet, God says, "I'm going to make you a family, and that family's going to you a family, and that family's going to you a family, and that family's going to become a clan and then a tribe and then become a clan and then a tribe and then become a clan and then a tribe and then a a nation." a a nation." a a nation." So, later on when Abram gets his name So, later on when Abram gets his name So, later on when Abram gets his name changed to Abraham, he goes from being changed to Abraham, he goes from being changed to Abraham, he goes from being exalted father, Abram, to father of many exalted father, Abram, to father of many exalted father, Abram, to father of many nations, Abraham. That's what God is nations, Abraham. That's what God is nations, Abraham. That's what God is going to do.

going to do. going to do. Not only is he going to be a great Not only is he going to be a great Not only is he going to be a great nation, but God says he's going to bless nation, but God says he's going to bless nation, but God says he's going to bless him and make his name great. Now, this him and make his name great. Now, this him and make his name great. Now, this is not about being healthy and wealthy is not about being healthy and wealthy is not about being healthy and wealthy and famous. This is about God's and famous. This is about God's and famous. This is about God's blessing, his favor, his grace showing blessing, his favor, his grace showing blessing, his favor, his grace showing up in his life up in his life up in his life in such a way that it produces honor and in such a way that it produces honor and in such a way that it produces honor and respect by those around him. I mean, in respect by those around him. I mean, in respect by those around him. I mean, in the ancient world, someone's name and the ancient world, someone's name and the ancient world, someone's name and their character were like synonymous. their character were like synonymous. their character were like synonymous. So, to have a a great name was someone So, to have a a great name was someone So, to have a a great name was someone who had great character. They were who had great character. They were who had great character. They were honored and respected by the people honored and respected by the people honored and respected by the people around them. That's what God promises around them. That's what God promises around them. That's what God promises he's going to do. he's going to do. he's going to do. And he says that not only is he going to And he says that not only is he going to And he says that not only is he going to bless Abram, pour out his blessing upon bless Abram, pour out his blessing upon bless Abram, pour out his blessing upon him, but that he is going to be a him, but that he is going to be a him, but that he is going to be a blessing. blessing. blessing. That those who honor Abram and partner That those who honor Abram and partner That those who honor Abram and partner with him and do what Abram is doing, with him and do what Abram is doing, with him and do what Abram is doing, that the the spillover of the blessing that the the spillover of the blessing that the the spillover of the blessing is going to land on them as well. And is going to land on them as well. And is going to land on them as well. And the opposite is true. Those who are his the opposite is true. Those who are his the opposite is true. Those who are his enemies and who oppose what God is doing enemies and who oppose what God is doing enemies and who oppose what God is doing through Abram will see cursing in their through Abram will see cursing in their through Abram will see cursing in their life. life. life. And then finally, down here at the very And then finally, down here at the very And then finally, down here at the very bottom, bottom, bottom, is where God tells Abram that in him all is where God tells Abram that in him all is where God tells Abram that in him all the families of the world are going to the families of the world are going to the families of the world are going to be blessed. That this gracious blessing be blessed. That this gracious blessing be blessed. That this gracious blessing that he's pouring out on him and his that he's pouring out on him and his that he's pouring out on him and his family and the nation that will come out family and the nation that will come out family and the nation that will come out of him will result in all the families of him will result in all the families of him will result in all the families of the earth being blessed.

of the earth being blessed. of the earth being blessed. So, to summarize all of this promise, So, to summarize all of this promise, So, to summarize all of this promise, you you see God promising Abram that he you you see God promising Abram that he you you see God promising Abram that he is going to bless him by making him a is going to bless him by making him a is going to bless him by making him a people. They become the nation of people. They become the nation of people. They become the nation of Israel. Israel. Israel. He gives them a a place, a land that he He gives them a a place, a land that he He gives them a a place, a land that he is going to. is going to. is going to. And gives him a a purpose, a calling in And gives him a a purpose, a calling in And gives him a a purpose, a calling in his life to extend this blessing to the his life to extend this blessing to the his life to extend this blessing to the ends of the earth. ends of the earth. ends of the earth. That's quite an adventurous life. That's quite an adventurous life. That's quite an adventurous life. Now, it's important for us to realize Now, it's important for us to realize Now, it's important for us to realize that while Abram is new to the story of that while Abram is new to the story of that while Abram is new to the story of Genesis as we've been following along, Genesis as we've been following along, Genesis as we've been following along, that this purpose that he gives him to that this purpose that he gives him to that this purpose that he gives him to extend this blessing to the ends of the extend this blessing to the ends of the extend this blessing to the ends of the earth, it's not a new purpose. earth, it's not a new purpose. earth, it's not a new purpose. From the very beginning, God called his From the very beginning, God called his From the very beginning, God called his people to be a part of this. He created people to be a part of this. He created people to be a part of this. He created humanity to partner with him to extend humanity to partner with him to extend humanity to partner with him to extend his rule and reign, his kingdom to the his rule and reign, his kingdom to the his rule and reign, his kingdom to the ends of the earth. ends of the earth. ends of the earth. That's what he said at the very That's what he said at the very That's what he said at the very beginning, to be fruitful and to beginning, to be fruitful and to beginning, to be fruitful and to multiply and to fill the earth. But of multiply and to fill the earth. But of multiply and to fill the earth. But of course, we know what happened if you course, we know what happened if you course, we know what happened if you have been following along or you just have been following along or you just have been following along or you just know the Bible well enough to know that know the Bible well enough to know that know the Bible well enough to know that that mankind fall. that mankind fall. that mankind fall. That Adam and Eve, they rebel against That Adam and Eve, they rebel against That Adam and Eve, they rebel against God. They they introduce this cycle into God. They they introduce this cycle into God. They they introduce this cycle into all humanity of of corruption and chaos.

all humanity of of corruption and chaos. all humanity of of corruption and chaos. And we experience that today. And we experience that today. And we experience that today. And we do the same things today. And we do the same things today. And we do the same things today. But God has not abandoned his creation. But God has not abandoned his creation. But God has not abandoned his creation. Nor has he abandoned his plan to redeem Nor has he abandoned his plan to redeem Nor has he abandoned his plan to redeem and fix his creation by extending his and fix his creation by extending his and fix his creation by extending his kingdom to the ends of the earth. kingdom to the ends of the earth. kingdom to the ends of the earth. And so Genesis 12 marks this very And so Genesis 12 marks this very And so Genesis 12 marks this very pivotal moment in the the biblical pivotal moment in the the biblical pivotal moment in the the biblical narrative where God now has sovereignly narrative where God now has sovereignly narrative where God now has sovereignly chosen one guy and his lineage to be chosen one guy and his lineage to be chosen one guy and his lineage to be those through whom he will carry out his those through whom he will carry out his those through whom he will carry out his plan to redeem all mankind. plan to redeem all mankind. plan to redeem all mankind. But the question is, But the question is, But the question is, how will Abram respond to this call that how will Abram respond to this call that how will Abram respond to this call that God has just given to him? God has just given to him? God has just given to him? Will he stay where he is, where it's Will he stay where he is, where it's Will he stay where he is, where it's safe and familiar, safe and familiar, safe and familiar, or will he go or will he go or will he go and follow God? and follow God? and follow God? Well, here's what happens. Let's look at Well, here's what happens. Let's look at Well, here's what happens. Let's look at verse four. verse four. verse four. So, Abram went So, Abram went So, Abram went as the Lord had told him. And Lot, his as the Lord had told him. And Lot, his as the Lord had told him. And Lot, his son and his nephew, went with him. son and his nephew, went with him. son and his nephew, went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he departed Abram was 75 years old when he departed Abram was 75 years old when he departed from Haran, and Abram took Sarai, his from Haran, and Abram took Sarai, his from Haran, and Abram took Sarai, his wife, and Lot, his brother's son, and wife, and Lot, his brother's son, and wife, and Lot, his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had all their possessions that they had all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had gathered, and the people that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to acquired in Haran, and they set out to acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.

go to the land of Canaan. go to the land of Canaan. And when they came to the land of And when they came to the land of And when they came to the land of Canaan, Canaan, Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the Abram passed through the land to the Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. And at that time the Canaanites were in And at that time the Canaanites were in And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. the land. the land. And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this "To your offspring I will give this "To your offspring I will give this land." In other words, you have arrived, land." In other words, you have arrived, land." In other words, you have arrived, right? This is the land that I am right? This is the land that I am right? This is the land that I am promising to go to, all right? We are promising to go to, all right? We are promising to go to, all right? We are there. there. there. And so, he built there an altar to the And so, he built there an altar to the And so, he built there an altar to the Lord, Lord, Lord, who had appeared to him. who had appeared to him. who had appeared to him. And from there he moved to the hill And from there he moved to the hill And from there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and country on the east of Bethel and country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent with Bethel on the west pitched his tent with Bethel on the west pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. and Ai on the east. and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord And there he built an altar to the Lord And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. and called upon the name of the Lord. and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on, still going And Abram journeyed on, still going And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb. toward the Negeb. toward the Negeb. So, we read in verse one So, we read in verse one So, we read in verse one that the Lord God said to Abram, "Go." that the Lord God said to Abram, "Go." that the Lord God said to Abram, "Go." And now in verse four, it says, "And And now in verse four, it says, "And And now in verse four, it says, "And Abram went as the Lord had told him." Abram went as the Lord had told him." Abram went as the Lord had told him." So, God said, "Go." Abraham went. So, God said, "Go." Abraham went. So, God said, "Go." Abraham went. He packs up his family, he's got his He packs up his family, he's got his He packs up his family, he's got his small duffel bag, his wife's 12 small duffel bag, his wife's 12 small duffel bag, his wife's 12 suitcases, and they hit the road.

suitcases, and they hit the road. suitcases, and they hit the road. They set out on this adventurous journey They set out on this adventurous journey They set out on this adventurous journey journey. journey. journey. Unknown distance with an unknown Unknown distance with an unknown Unknown distance with an unknown destination. I mean, just think about destination. I mean, just think about destination. I mean, just think about that. Even though he didn't know, that. Even though he didn't know, that. Even though he didn't know, he still went. He decided to go. he still went. He decided to go. he still went. He decided to go. He didn't know, but he decided to go. He didn't know, but he decided to go. He didn't know, but he decided to go. And they finally get to the land of And they finally get to the land of And they finally get to the land of Canaan after a thousand miles, and God Canaan after a thousand miles, and God Canaan after a thousand miles, and God tells him, "All right, this is the tells him, "All right, this is the tells him, "All right, this is the promised land. You have arrived." promised land. You have arrived." promised land. You have arrived." But Abram, But Abram, But Abram, he actually doesn't get to own property he actually doesn't get to own property he actually doesn't get to own property there and live there. In fact, we find there and live there. In fact, we find there and live there. In fact, we find out later on in Genesis 23, the only out later on in Genesis 23, the only out later on in Genesis 23, the only property he ever actually owns in the property he ever actually owns in the property he ever actually owns in the promised land is the the land where his promised land is the the land where his promised land is the the land where his wife ends up getting buried. And that's wife ends up getting buried. And that's wife ends up getting buried. And that's pretty significant stuff in there. pretty significant stuff in there. pretty significant stuff in there. But he's just going to live there as a But he's just going to live there as a But he's just going to live there as a as a sojourner, as a foreigner in in as a sojourner, as a foreigner in in as a sojourner, as a foreigner in in another land. another land. another land. But what he does, as he's journeying But what he does, as he's journeying But what he does, as he's journeying through there, he builds altars along through there, he builds altars along through there, he builds altars along the way, claiming the land for the Lord. the way, claiming the land for the Lord. the way, claiming the land for the Lord. Now, Now, Now, what is it about Abram that caused him what is it about Abram that caused him what is it about Abram that caused him to respond to God's call like this? to respond to God's call like this? to respond to God's call like this? Well, when you go to the book of Hebrews Well, when you go to the book of Hebrews Well, when you go to the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, it looks back on in the New Testament, it looks back on in the New Testament, it looks back on this story, gives us some interpretive this story, gives us some interpretive this story, gives us some interpretive keys. And here's what the writer of keys. And here's what the writer of keys. And here's what the writer of Hebrews says about Abram or Abraham. He Hebrews says about Abram or Abraham. He Hebrews says about Abram or Abraham. He says, "By faith, it's Abraham who obeyed says, "By faith, it's Abraham who obeyed says, "By faith, it's Abraham who obeyed when he was called out or called to go when he was called out or called to go when he was called out or called to go out to a place that he was to receive as out to a place that he was to receive as out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not an inheritance. And he went out, not an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

knowing where he was going. knowing where he was going. By faith, he went to live in the land of By faith, he went to live in the land of By faith, he went to live in the land of promise as in a foreign land, living in promise as in a foreign land, living in promise as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was him of the same promise. For he was him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has looking forward to the city that has looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder foundations, whose designer and builder foundations, whose designer and builder is God." is God." is God." And so it's Abraham's faith that drove And so it's Abraham's faith that drove And so it's Abraham's faith that drove his response to obey God's call. his response to obey God's call. his response to obey God's call. Every step of the way, he had to have Every step of the way, he had to have Every step of the way, he had to have faith. He had to trust God. faith. He had to trust God. faith. He had to trust God. That's what faith is. That's what faith is. That's what faith is. Faith isn't about rules or rituals, it's Faith isn't about rules or rituals, it's Faith isn't about rules or rituals, it's not your religion. Faith is is trusting not your religion. Faith is is trusting not your religion. Faith is is trusting God. And it's a level of trust that it God. And it's a level of trust that it God. And it's a level of trust that it actually impacts how you live. It actually impacts how you live. It actually impacts how you live. It changes your actions. changes your actions. changes your actions. See, See, See, Abram obeyed God's call because he Abram obeyed God's call because he Abram obeyed God's call because he trusted the one calling him. trusted the one calling him. trusted the one calling him. That God would make good on his promises That God would make good on his promises That God would make good on his promises to bless the world through him. to bless the world through him. to bless the world through him. And we know that eventually God does And we know that eventually God does And we know that eventually God does this very thing. He blesses the world this very thing. He blesses the world this very thing. He blesses the world through the line of Abraham.

through the line of Abraham. through the line of Abraham. Because the promise that God gave to him Because the promise that God gave to him Because the promise that God gave to him is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. That's is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. That's is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. That's what we see is the the story arc of the what we see is the the story arc of the what we see is the the story arc of the Bible. Bible. Bible. After hundreds and hundreds of years of After hundreds and hundreds of years of After hundreds and hundreds of years of ups and downs, a huge triumphs and ups and downs, a huge triumphs and ups and downs, a huge triumphs and terrible utter failures in Abraham's own terrible utter failures in Abraham's own terrible utter failures in Abraham's own life, but also the life of the nation of life, but also the life of the nation of life, but also the life of the nation of Israel, Israel, Israel, God sends his son, his divine son, to be God sends his son, his divine son, to be God sends his son, his divine son, to be born as a descendant, an offspring of born as a descendant, an offspring of born as a descendant, an offspring of Abraham. Abraham. Abraham. And he does what Abraham and the rest of And he does what Abraham and the rest of And he does what Abraham and the rest of the people of Israel the people of Israel the people of Israel are unable to do. are unable to do. are unable to do. He lives a sinless life. He lives a sinless life. He lives a sinless life. He goes to the cross to die for our sin. He goes to the cross to die for our sin. He goes to the cross to die for our sin. He is resurrected in glory so that all He is resurrected in glory so that all He is resurrected in glory so that all who come to him by faith, who trust in who come to him by faith, who trust in who come to him by faith, who trust in him, him, him, are saved. And they're experiencing the are saved. And they're experiencing the are saved. And they're experiencing the the blessing of God. the blessing of God. the blessing of God. Like that's what's so crazy about this, Like that's what's so crazy about this, Like that's what's so crazy about this, that in Christ, God's plan to bless the that in Christ, God's plan to bless the that in Christ, God's plan to bless the whole world through Abraham whole world through Abraham whole world through Abraham gets extended to any and all who trust gets extended to any and all who trust gets extended to any and all who trust in him. in him. in him. Like God freely offers to you the same Like God freely offers to you the same Like God freely offers to you the same kind of blessing that he wants to have kind of blessing that he wants to have kind of blessing that he wants to have on Abraham in every part of your life.

on Abraham in every part of your life. on Abraham in every part of your life. In other words, when you become a In other words, when you become a In other words, when you become a Christian, when you start to follow Christian, when you start to follow Christian, when you start to follow Jesus, you actually get brought into the Jesus, you actually get brought into the Jesus, you actually get brought into the family of Abraham. family of Abraham. family of Abraham. You get called a child of Abraham. You get called a child of Abraham. You get called a child of Abraham. That's why if you grew up in Sunday That's why if you grew up in Sunday That's why if you grew up in Sunday school, you know the song Father Abraham school, you know the song Father Abraham school, you know the song Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father had many sons, many sons had Father had many sons, many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are Abraham. I am one of them, and so are Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you, so you, so you, so let's all praise the Lord. Right? Like let's all praise the Lord. Right? Like let's all praise the Lord. Right? Like if you didn't know that song and that's if you didn't know that song and that's if you didn't know that song and that's weird to you, like might be a good weird to you, like might be a good weird to you, like might be a good thing. I don't know, but thing. I don't know, but thing. I don't know, but the point is the point is the point is you are brought in not based on your you are brought in not based on your you are brought in not based on your ancestry ancestry.got.com report, but by ancestry ancestry.got.com report, but by ancestry ancestry.got.com report, but by faith in Jesus. faith in Jesus. faith in Jesus. This is how Paul says it in Galatians 3. This is how Paul says it in Galatians 3. This is how Paul says it in Galatians 3. He says, "Know then that it is those of He says, "Know then that it is those of He says, "Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. faith who are the sons of Abraham. faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God And the scripture, foreseeing that God And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles, those who would justify the Gentiles, those who would justify the Gentiles, those who are non-Jews, like the people of the are non-Jews, like the people of the are non-Jews, like the people of the nations, that he would justify them by nations, that he would justify them by nations, that he would justify them by faith, he preached the gospel, the good faith, he preached the gospel, the good faith, he preached the gospel, the good news before to Abraham, saying, "In you news before to Abraham, saying, "In you news before to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So shall all the nations be blessed." So shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed then, those who are of faith are blessed then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

along with Abraham, the man of faith. along with Abraham, the man of faith. And so when you become a follower of And so when you become a follower of And so when you become a follower of Jesus, you become a child of Abraham. Jesus, you become a child of Abraham. Jesus, you become a child of Abraham. Meaning you get to share in his Meaning you get to share in his Meaning you get to share in his blessings. You are blessed along with blessings. You are blessed along with blessings. You are blessed along with Abraham. Abraham. Abraham. And again, this isn't about being And again, this isn't about being And again, this isn't about being healthy and wealthy and famous. It This healthy and wealthy and famous. It This healthy and wealthy and famous. It This is the blessing of having a relationship is the blessing of having a relationship is the blessing of having a relationship with God through faith in Jesus. with God through faith in Jesus. with God through faith in Jesus. It's the blessing of knowing God's grace It's the blessing of knowing God's grace It's the blessing of knowing God's grace is enough to cover your darkest sin. is enough to cover your darkest sin. is enough to cover your darkest sin. It's the blessing of knowing that in It's the blessing of knowing that in It's the blessing of knowing that in love, God actually shines his light on love, God actually shines his light on love, God actually shines his light on the sin in your life to call you out of the sin in your life to call you out of the sin in your life to call you out of it, so that you might live into the new it, so that you might live into the new it, so that you might live into the new creation that he has called you to. creation that he has called you to. creation that he has called you to. It is the blessing of his presence It is the blessing of his presence It is the blessing of his presence through his Holy Spirit, who is there to through his Holy Spirit, who is there to through his Holy Spirit, who is there to guide you, to strengthen you, to comfort guide you, to strengthen you, to comfort guide you, to strengthen you, to comfort you in times of tragedy and pain and you in times of tragedy and pain and you in times of tragedy and pain and trials. trials. trials. And so God's blessing is not a promise And so God's blessing is not a promise And so God's blessing is not a promise of an easy life. It is the promise of of an easy life. It is the promise of of an easy life. It is the promise of his grace, his love, his presence when his grace, his love, his presence when his grace, his love, his presence when life is anything but easy.

life is anything but easy. life is anything but easy. And so because of Jesus, if you are his And so because of Jesus, if you are his And so because of Jesus, if you are his follower, you are blessed. follower, you are blessed. follower, you are blessed. But get this. But get this. But get this. Not only do you in Christ get to receive Not only do you in Christ get to receive Not only do you in Christ get to receive all of the blessings of Jesus poured out all of the blessings of Jesus poured out all of the blessings of Jesus poured out on you, you also get to participate in on you, you also get to participate in on you, you also get to participate in God's great purpose in the world to God's great purpose in the world to God's great purpose in the world to bless all people. bless all people. bless all people. Because that is what God is continuing Because that is what God is continuing Because that is what God is continuing to do through his people today. to do through his people today. to do through his people today. Remember, the the promise was for Abram Remember, the the promise was for Abram Remember, the the promise was for Abram and all of his children. If you are a and all of his children. If you are a and all of his children. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are one of his follower of Jesus, you are one of his follower of Jesus, you are one of his children. children. children. Like check out how Paul says you get to Like check out how Paul says you get to Like check out how Paul says you get to participate in this in Colossians 1:27. participate in this in Colossians 1:27. participate in this in Colossians 1:27. He says, "To them." He says, "That those He says, "To them." He says, "That those He says, "To them." He says, "That those are the saints." That's what he said in are the saints." That's what he said in are the saints." That's what he said in the previous verse, the saints, those the previous verse, the saints, those the previous verse, the saints, those who are followers of Jesus. To them God who are followers of Jesus. To them God who are followers of Jesus. To them God chose to make known how great among the chose to make known how great among the chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of Gentiles are the riches of the glory of Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which in which is Christ this mystery, which in which is Christ this mystery, which in which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Like this is in you, the hope of glory." Like this is in you, the hope of glory." Like this is an incredible statement. an incredible statement. an incredible statement. That God not only wants to do something That God not only wants to do something That God not only wants to do something in you, in you, in you, God wants to bless you and do something God wants to bless you and do something God wants to bless you and do something in your life, he also wants to do in your life, he also wants to do in your life, he also wants to do something something something through you.

through you. through you. He wants to bless the world through you. He wants to bless the world through you. He wants to bless the world through you. So that his glory can be seen by all the So that his glory can be seen by all the So that his glory can be seen by all the world. This is the hope of glory. world. This is the hope of glory. world. This is the hope of glory. In other words, in other words, just In other words, in other words, just In other words, in other words, just like Abraham, you, you're a follower of like Abraham, you, you're a follower of like Abraham, you, you're a follower of Jesus, you are blessed to be a blessing. Jesus, you are blessed to be a blessing. Jesus, you are blessed to be a blessing. You are blessed to be a blessing. You are blessed to be a blessing. You are blessed to be a blessing. If you are a Christian, you should know If you are a Christian, you should know If you are a Christian, you should know that when you come to faith in Jesus that when you come to faith in Jesus that when you come to faith in Jesus through the gospel, that the gospel was through the gospel, that the gospel was through the gospel, that the gospel was actually just on its way to somebody actually just on its way to somebody actually just on its way to somebody else. else. else. Like God's blessing in your life doesn't Like God's blessing in your life doesn't Like God's blessing in your life doesn't stop with you, but moves through you and stop with you, but moves through you and stop with you, but moves through you and extends his kingdom to the world. Like extends his kingdom to the world. Like extends his kingdom to the world. Like you get to be a part of God not only you get to be a part of God not only you get to be a part of God not only transforming your life with the good transforming your life with the good transforming your life with the good news of Jesus, but also witnessing God news of Jesus, but also witnessing God news of Jesus, but also witnessing God transform the lives of other people transform the lives of other people transform the lives of other people through the good news of Jesus. through the good news of Jesus. through the good news of Jesus. And so listen, you want to And so listen, you want to And so listen, you want to a breakout? Do you want you want to a breakout? Do you want you want to a breakout? Do you want you want to break out of the life of boredom? break out of the life of boredom? break out of the life of boredom? Like if you want to discover the life Like if you want to discover the life Like if you want to discover the life that God has for you, a life of joy, of that God has for you, a life of joy, of that God has for you, a life of joy, of adventure, of purpose, it's this right adventure, of purpose, it's this right adventure, of purpose, it's this right here. here. here. It's living a life where you see It's living a life where you see It's living a life where you see yourself as blessed to be a blessing.

yourself as blessed to be a blessing. yourself as blessed to be a blessing. And that shows up in every part of your And that shows up in every part of your And that shows up in every part of your life. life. life. It shows up when you're It shows up when you're It shows up when you're coaching Little League or when you're coaching Little League or when you're coaching Little League or when you're going on a mission trip halfway around going on a mission trip halfway around going on a mission trip halfway around the world. the world. the world. It shows up when you're working at your It shows up when you're working at your It shows up when you're working at your job or when you're serving at church. job or when you're serving at church. job or when you're serving at church. It shows up when you are providing for It shows up when you are providing for It shows up when you are providing for your family or you are giving to the your family or you are giving to the your family or you are giving to the poor. poor. poor. It shows up when you are offering It shows up when you are offering It shows up when you are offering someone's forgiveness and also when someone's forgiveness and also when someone's forgiveness and also when you're asking for it. you're asking for it. you're asking for it. When you are when your patience is being When you are when your patience is being When you are when your patience is being tested or you're testing someone else's tested or you're testing someone else's tested or you're testing someone else's patience, it shows up when you are patience, it shows up when you are patience, it shows up when you are grieving or when you're walking with grieving or when you're walking with grieving or when you're walking with someone else in their grief. someone else in their grief. someone else in their grief. Every part of your life, Every part of your life, Every part of your life, you are blessed in Christ to be a you are blessed in Christ to be a you are blessed in Christ to be a blessing to the world around you. blessing to the world around you. blessing to the world around you. And so, let me ask you, And so, let me ask you, And so, let me ask you, is your life a blessing to others? is your life a blessing to others? is your life a blessing to others? Like are you living in a way that people Like are you living in a way that people Like are you living in a way that people see God working through you and they're see God working through you and they're see God working through you and they're kind of getting the the spillover of kind of getting the the spillover of kind of getting the the spillover of what Jesus is doing in your life?

what Jesus is doing in your life? what Jesus is doing in your life? Does your life point people to the glory Does your life point people to the glory Does your life point people to the glory and the hope of Jesus that they might and the hope of Jesus that they might and the hope of Jesus that they might have for themselves? have for themselves? have for themselves? Are you living as a blessing? Are you living as a blessing? Are you living as a blessing? Well, if you want to experience that Well, if you want to experience that Well, if you want to experience that kind of life, kind of life, kind of life, a life filled with joy, adventure, of a life filled with joy, adventure, of a life filled with joy, adventure, of purpose, purpose, purpose, well, then there is one thing that you well, then there is one thing that you well, then there is one thing that you have to do. have to do. have to do. You have to learn to live by faith. You have to learn to live by faith. You have to learn to live by faith. Living by faith is the key to living a Living by faith is the key to living a Living by faith is the key to living a life of blessing. life of blessing. life of blessing. And there's two simple, yet not so easy And there's two simple, yet not so easy And there's two simple, yet not so easy things that we see in the life of Abram things that we see in the life of Abram things that we see in the life of Abram that helps us to know what living by that helps us to know what living by that helps us to know what living by faith might look like for us today. faith might look like for us today. faith might look like for us today. The first thing that living by faith The first thing that living by faith The first thing that living by faith requires of us is it it calls us to requires of us is it it calls us to requires of us is it it calls us to to listen. to listen. to listen. We have to listen to God. We have to listen to God. We have to listen to God. Just like Abram. Just like Abram. Just like Abram. When God spoke to him, he listened. He When God spoke to him, he listened. He When God spoke to him, he listened. He His obedience His faithful obedience His obedience His faithful obedience His obedience His faithful obedience started with him hearing what God said. started with him hearing what God said. started with him hearing what God said. He listened to him. He listened to him. He listened to him. People often will say, you know, People often will say, you know, People often will say, you know, I I just don't know what God wants to I I just don't know what God wants to I I just don't know what God wants to do.

do. do. Like what what's we what what he wants Like what what's we what what he wants Like what what's we what what he wants me to do. Like I I wish he would just me to do. Like I I wish he would just me to do. Like I I wish he would just speak to me. Make it very clear. That speak to me. Make it very clear. That speak to me. Make it very clear. That would make my life so much easier. would make my life so much easier. would make my life so much easier. But God has spoken. But God has spoken. But God has spoken. And he is speaking today. And he is speaking today. And he is speaking today. Are you listening? Are you listening? Are you listening? See, God speaks to us in a number of See, God speaks to us in a number of See, God speaks to us in a number of different ways, like through the the different ways, like through the the different ways, like through the the inner sense of the Holy Spirit, the the inner sense of the Holy Spirit, the the inner sense of the Holy Spirit, the the wise counsel of other mature Christians. wise counsel of other mature Christians. wise counsel of other mature Christians. But, primarily, the way that God speaks But, primarily, the way that God speaks But, primarily, the way that God speaks to us today is through his scripture, to us today is through his scripture, to us today is through his scripture, the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. It's a collection of 66 books written It's a collection of 66 books written It's a collection of 66 books written over a period of 1,500 years on three over a period of 1,500 years on three over a period of 1,500 years on three different continents and three different different continents and three different different continents and three different languages by 40 or so human authors who languages by 40 or so human authors who languages by 40 or so human authors who have been divinely inspired by God, the have been divinely inspired by God, the have been divinely inspired by God, the ultimate author, and it's telling one ultimate author, and it's telling one ultimate author, and it's telling one consistent, unified story across the consistent, unified story across the consistent, unified story across the pages of how God is redeeming the world pages of how God is redeeming the world pages of how God is redeeming the world through his son, Jesus. through his son, Jesus. through his son, Jesus. And as you read it, it may not give you And as you read it, it may not give you And as you read it, it may not give you specific answers on which job you should specific answers on which job you should specific answers on which job you should take or which house you should buy or take or which house you should buy or take or which house you should buy or any of those other things that you might any of those other things that you might any of those other things that you might be asking that are very specific, but be asking that are very specific, but be asking that are very specific, but what it will do what it will do what it will do is through it God will shape your heart is through it God will shape your heart is through it God will shape your heart so that the answers to those questions so that the answers to those questions so that the answers to those questions become clear become clear become clear because you grow in your relationship because you grow in your relationship because you grow in your relationship with God.

with God. with God. You start to see, experience, and read You start to see, experience, and read You start to see, experience, and read about the character of God, his heart about the character of God, his heart about the character of God, his heart for you, the purposes that he wants for for you, the purposes that he wants for for you, the purposes that he wants for you in your life, you in your life, you in your life, and those answers become a little bit and those answers become a little bit and those answers become a little bit clearer. clearer. clearer. See, this is God speaking to you. See, this is God speaking to you. See, this is God speaking to you. Are you reading it? Are you reading it? Are you reading it? Are you studying it? Are you following Are you studying it? Are you following Are you studying it? Are you following along in the Bible reading plan and along in the Bible reading plan and along in the Bible reading plan and studying it with your small group and studying it with your small group and studying it with your small group and asking questions and seeking to asking questions and seeking to asking questions and seeking to understand? understand? understand? And most importantly, are you letting And most importantly, are you letting And most importantly, are you letting what you learn actually make its way what you learn actually make its way what you learn actually make its way into your heart and show up in your into your heart and show up in your into your heart and show up in your life? life? life? See, living by faith begins by listening See, living by faith begins by listening See, living by faith begins by listening to God. Are you listening? to God. Are you listening? to God. Are you listening? The second thing that living by faith The second thing that living by faith The second thing that living by faith requires of us requires of us requires of us is after we listen, then we have to is after we listen, then we have to is after we listen, then we have to leap. leap. leap. We have to leap. We have to leap. We have to leap. We have to go for it at some point. We have to go for it at some point. We have to go for it at some point. You see, faith, trusting in God, faith You see, faith, trusting in God, faith You see, faith, trusting in God, faith is risky. is risky. is risky. It always includes leaping. It's never It always includes leaping. It's never It always includes leaping. It's never boring. It's often hard. boring. It's often hard. boring. It's often hard. And it requires courage.

And it requires courage. And it requires courage. So, your faith is about trust. So, your faith is about trust. So, your faith is about trust. Just think about the life of Abram. Just think about the life of Abram. Just think about the life of Abram. I mean, he he was living a I mean, he he was living a I mean, he he was living a a great life, presumably, in Ur. It was a great life, presumably, in Ur. It was a great life, presumably, in Ur. It was safe and familiar. safe and familiar. safe and familiar. But God called him to go. But God called him to go. But God called him to go. To leave it all behind, to go an unknown To leave it all behind, to go an unknown To leave it all behind, to go an unknown distance to an unknown destination. And distance to an unknown destination. And distance to an unknown destination. And even though people in his hometown even though people in his hometown even though people in his hometown probably thought he was crazy, and they probably thought he was crazy, and they probably thought he was crazy, and they said, "Oh, you're just abandoning us for said, "Oh, you're just abandoning us for said, "Oh, you're just abandoning us for something else." something else." something else." And even though he had like no details And even though he had like no details And even though he had like no details at all, at all, at all, Abram leapt. Abram leapt. Abram leapt. He trusted God. He went. He trusted God. He went. He trusted God. He went. And you know this, that that there is a And you know this, that that there is a And you know this, that that there is a direct connection between direct connection between direct connection between the amount of trust you're able to to the amount of trust you're able to to the amount of trust you're able to to give someone and the amount of details give someone and the amount of details give someone and the amount of details that they actually give you. Like, if that they actually give you. Like, if that they actually give you. Like, if you don't really trust someone fully, you don't really trust someone fully, you don't really trust someone fully, then you're not okay with with not then you're not okay with with not then you're not okay with with not having details. Like, if you've got a having details. Like, if you've got a having details. Like, if you've got a teenager and they say they want to go to teenager and they say they want to go to teenager and they say they want to go to a party, a party, a party, you're going to need some details, you're going to need some details, you're going to need some details, aren't you? aren't you? aren't you? Like, you need to know, "Okay, who's Like, you need to know, "Okay, who's Like, you need to know, "Okay, who's driving? Uh how long are you going to be driving? Uh how long are you going to be driving? Uh how long are you going to be there? What are you going to be doing? there? What are you going to be doing? there? What are you going to be doing? What are you going to be wearing?" I What are you going to be wearing?" I What are you going to be wearing?" I need some details.

need some details. need some details. But when it's your your spouse, like, if But when it's your your spouse, like, if But when it's your your spouse, like, if my wife is going to go hang out with her my wife is going to go hang out with her my wife is going to go hang out with her friends, then I don't really need any friends, then I don't really need any friends, then I don't really need any details. details. details. Like, we've got 20 years of marriage. Like, we've got 20 years of marriage. Like, we've got 20 years of marriage. She's got a track record of being a She's got a track record of being a She's got a track record of being a trustworthy person, and so I trust her. trustworthy person, and so I trust her. trustworthy person, and so I trust her. I don't need to ask for all the details, I don't need to ask for all the details, I don't need to ask for all the details, because when you trust someone, you because when you trust someone, you because when you trust someone, you don't need as many details. don't need as many details. don't need as many details. And that's how faith works. And that's how faith works. And that's how faith works. When you have a relationship with God, When you have a relationship with God, When you have a relationship with God, when you have seen and experienced God's when you have seen and experienced God's when you have seen and experienced God's trustworthiness, his faithfulness to trustworthiness, his faithfulness to trustworthiness, his faithfulness to you, then you don't need that many you, then you don't need that many you, then you don't need that many details anymore. details anymore. details anymore. See, when you're clear on what God has See, when you're clear on what God has See, when you're clear on what God has called you to do, when you have listened called you to do, when you have listened called you to do, when you have listened to his word, it doesn't matter if people to his word, it doesn't matter if people to his word, it doesn't matter if people think you're crazy. It doesn't matter if think you're crazy. It doesn't matter if think you're crazy. It doesn't matter if you don't have a whole lot of details, you don't have a whole lot of details, you don't have a whole lot of details, that you are willing to take the leap. that you are willing to take the leap. that you are willing to take the leap. They respond in courageous obedience. They respond in courageous obedience. They respond in courageous obedience. What does that look like? What does that look like? What does that look like? Well, see it's people who uh who maybe Well, see it's people who uh who maybe Well, see it's people who uh who maybe they at one point spent all their time, they at one point spent all their time, they at one point spent all their time, all their energy, all their money all their energy, all their money all their energy, all their money focused on their kids' sports careers. focused on their kids' sports careers. focused on their kids' sports careers. Man, they going to get scholarships, Man, they going to get scholarships, Man, they going to get scholarships, they're going to go pro, all that stuff.

they're going to go pro, all that stuff. they're going to go pro, all that stuff. And they realize, you know, God has And they realize, you know, God has And they realize, you know, God has actually called me to actually called me to actually called me to disciple my kids, their hearts, to see disciple my kids, their hearts, to see disciple my kids, their hearts, to see beyond just their temporary kids' sports beyond just their temporary kids' sports beyond just their temporary kids' sports career. And so, they make a shift. They career. And so, they make a shift. They career. And so, they make a shift. They They take a leap. They maybe they change They take a leap. They maybe they change They take a leap. They maybe they change teams or take a season off or just do teams or take a season off or just do teams or take a season off or just do something to to refocus their kids and something to to refocus their kids and something to to refocus their kids and their families' heart. their families' heart. their families' heart. It looks like people who are living with It looks like people who are living with It looks like people who are living with someone that they're dating. They then someone that they're dating. They then someone that they're dating. They then they start to realize that God has they start to realize that God has they start to realize that God has called his people to sexual purity and called his people to sexual purity and called his people to sexual purity and to honor marriage. And so, they take the to honor marriage. And so, they take the to honor marriage. And so, they take the leap to to move apart so they can put leap to to move apart so they can put leap to to move apart so they can put Jesus at the center of their Jesus at the center of their Jesus at the center of their relationship. relationship. relationship. It's people who at one point spent all It's people who at one point spent all It's people who at one point spent all their money on on themselves, but then their money on on themselves, but then their money on on themselves, but then realize that God has called his people realize that God has called his people realize that God has called his people to be a generous people. And so, they to be a generous people. And so, they to be a generous people. And so, they rearrange their financial their rearrange their financial their rearrange their financial their financial world. They take a leap. They financial world. They take a leap. They financial world. They take a leap. They start giving generously and start giving generously and start giving generously and sacrificially, cheerfully to God's sacrificially, cheerfully to God's sacrificially, cheerfully to God's mission in the world. mission in the world. mission in the world. It's people who give up vacation time It's people who give up vacation time It's people who give up vacation time and vacation money to go on foreign soil and vacation money to go on foreign soil and vacation money to go on foreign soil in the name of Jesus. It's people who in the name of Jesus. It's people who in the name of Jesus. It's people who wake up early to go and put out cones wake up early to go and put out cones wake up early to go and put out cones and park cars and serve in other ways.

and park cars and serve in other ways. and park cars and serve in other ways. It's It's It's It's people who leave a job to go start It's people who leave a job to go start It's people who leave a job to go start a nonprofit to serve somewhere else in a nonprofit to serve somewhere else in a nonprofit to serve somewhere else in the world. It's big things and it's the world. It's big things and it's the world. It's big things and it's everyday things. And there's thousands everyday things. And there's thousands everyday things. And there's thousands examples of what this looks like. examples of what this looks like. examples of what this looks like. Because living by faith is what it looks Because living by faith is what it looks Because living by faith is what it looks like to walk with Jesus. like to walk with Jesus. like to walk with Jesus. Listening to his voice, responding by Listening to his voice, responding by Listening to his voice, responding by taking leaps of obedience. taking leaps of obedience. taking leaps of obedience. So, what leap do you need Do you need to So, what leap do you need Do you need to So, what leap do you need Do you need to take? take? take? Like maybe there's something that God's Like maybe there's something that God's Like maybe there's something that God's been calling you to either in his been calling you to either in his been calling you to either in his scripture or just the the sense of the scripture or just the the sense of the scripture or just the the sense of the Holy Spirit like that there's a there's Holy Spirit like that there's a there's Holy Spirit like that there's a there's a part of my life where I'm not being a part of my life where I'm not being a part of my life where I'm not being obedient. obedient. obedient. Or there's something in my life that God Or there's something in my life that God Or there's something in my life that God is kind of stirring up in me that that is kind of stirring up in me that that is kind of stirring up in me that that there's a dissatisfaction with where there's a dissatisfaction with where there's a dissatisfaction with where things are in my job or something where things are in my job or something where things are in my job or something where God is calling me to make a big move God is calling me to make a big move God is calling me to make a big move somewhere and to to go step out in faith somewhere and to to go step out in faith somewhere and to to go step out in faith and go do something totally radical and and go do something totally radical and and go do something totally radical and different. And people might think I'm different. And people might think I'm different. And people might think I'm crazy. And I don't have any of the crazy. And I don't have any of the crazy. And I don't have any of the details. details. details. But I've listened and this is where I But I've listened and this is where I But I've listened and this is where I feel like God is calling me to go. feel like God is calling me to go. feel like God is calling me to go. And so I'm taking that leap.

And so I'm taking that leap. And so I'm taking that leap. What's it for you? What's it for you? What's it for you? What leap is God calling you to take What leap is God calling you to take What leap is God calling you to take today? today? today? So listen, I I don't know if you've So listen, I I don't know if you've So listen, I I don't know if you've thought recently, maybe in the last week thought recently, maybe in the last week thought recently, maybe in the last week or last couple years, or last couple years, or last couple years, I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. Bored with life. Bored with life. Bored with life. Bored in my faith. Bored in my faith. Bored in my faith. Are you looking for a life of joy and Are you looking for a life of joy and Are you looking for a life of joy and adventure and purpose? adventure and purpose? adventure and purpose? Let me tell you this, that there is no Let me tell you this, that there is no Let me tell you this, that there is no greater joy greater joy greater joy than trusting in Jesus, the one who than trusting in Jesus, the one who than trusting in Jesus, the one who invites you into a relationship with him invites you into a relationship with him invites you into a relationship with him where he pours out his blessings of where he pours out his blessings of where he pours out his blessings of grace and love and presence upon you. grace and love and presence upon you. grace and love and presence upon you. There is no more thrilling adventure There is no more thrilling adventure There is no more thrilling adventure than to live by faith, walking with him, than to live by faith, walking with him, than to live by faith, walking with him, listening to the voice of God in your listening to the voice of God in your listening to the voice of God in your life and taking courageous leaps out life and taking courageous leaps out life and taking courageous leaps out into the unknown. into the unknown. into the unknown. There is no better purpose for your life There is no better purpose for your life There is no better purpose for your life than to ask God, than to ask God, than to ask God, "Lord, what do you want to do in me and "Lord, what do you want to do in me and "Lord, what do you want to do in me and through me for your glory?" And then to through me for your glory?" And then to through me for your glory?" And then to see him answer that.

see him answer that. see him answer that. To see him bless other people in your To see him bless other people in your To see him bless other people in your life, your friends, your family, life, your friends, your family, life, your friends, your family, your neighborhood, your sports team, your neighborhood, your sports team, your neighborhood, your sports team, your work, your school, the whole world. your work, your school, the whole world. your work, your school, the whole world. Friends, in Christ, Friends, in Christ, Friends, in Christ, God God God wants to pour out his blessings upon wants to pour out his blessings upon wants to pour out his blessings upon you. you. you. And he wants you to be a blessing to the And he wants you to be a blessing to the And he wants you to be a blessing to the world. world. world. Like the God of the universe wants to Like the God of the universe wants to Like the God of the universe wants to bless the whole world through you. bless the whole world through you. bless the whole world through you. And so may we be a people And so may we be a people And so may we be a people who, by faith, who, by faith, who, by faith, live in such a way where we are live in such a way where we are live in such a way where we are listening and leaping, so that we might listening and leaping, so that we might listening and leaping, so that we might see God do an amazing work in us and see God do an amazing work in us and see God do an amazing work in us and through us for his glory, and bless the through us for his glory, and bless the through us for his glory, and bless the whole world. whole world. whole world. Would you bow with me? So, there really two invitations today. So, there really two invitations today. One is, if you are a follower of Jesus, One is, if you are a follower of Jesus, One is, if you are a follower of Jesus, to to to to take up this calling that God has to take up this calling that God has to take up this calling that God has already placed upon your life to already placed upon your life to already placed upon your life to to be a blessing to the world around to be a blessing to the world around to be a blessing to the world around you.

you. you. And so, for some of you, maybe that's And so, for some of you, maybe that's And so, for some of you, maybe that's what you're going to wrestle through what you're going to wrestle through what you're going to wrestle through here as we respond this morning to ask here as we respond this morning to ask here as we respond this morning to ask God, "Where are you ask Where are you God, "Where are you ask Where are you God, "Where are you ask Where are you calling me to leap?" calling me to leap?" calling me to leap?" And be courageous and be bold. And be courageous and be bold. And be courageous and be bold. But, the other invitation today is for But, the other invitation today is for But, the other invitation today is for someone to begin this relationship with someone to begin this relationship with someone to begin this relationship with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. To trust in him for the very first time, To trust in him for the very first time, To trust in him for the very first time, to experience the blessing of the gospel to experience the blessing of the gospel to experience the blessing of the gospel that God wants to freely pour out upon that God wants to freely pour out upon that God wants to freely pour out upon you. And so, you. And so, you. And so, if that's an invitation that you want to if that's an invitation that you want to if that's an invitation that you want to receive today, receive today, receive today, and take that leap to trust in Jesus, and take that leap to trust in Jesus, and take that leap to trust in Jesus, well, then I want to invite you to do well, then I want to invite you to do well, then I want to invite you to do so. so. so. You can go to him in your own words of You can go to him in your own words of You can go to him in your own words of prayer, where you just basically say, prayer, where you just basically say, prayer, where you just basically say, "God, "God, "God, I'm taking the leap. I'm taking the leap. I'm taking the leap. I'm trusting in you. I'm trusting in you. I'm trusting in you. I'm turning away from a life of sin, I'm turning away from a life of sin, I'm turning away from a life of sin, where I get to rule and reign. I get to where I get to rule and reign. I get to where I get to rule and reign. I get to call the shots. call the shots. call the shots. And now, I'm turning it over to you, and And now, I'm turning it over to you, and And now, I'm turning it over to you, and realizing that your work on the cross realizing that your work on the cross realizing that your work on the cross saves me from my sin. saves me from my sin. saves me from my sin. That you are my savior, and you are my That you are my savior, and you are my That you are my savior, and you are my lord. That I bow down before you, and lord. That I bow down before you, and lord. That I bow down before you, and what you say goes.

what you say goes. what you say goes. And so, even when it's unknown, And so, even when it's unknown, And so, even when it's unknown, and I'm not so sure, and I'm not so sure, and I'm not so sure, I trust in you, and I walk with you, I trust in you, and I walk with you, I trust in you, and I walk with you, because you are my king, and you are because you are my king, and you are because you are my king, and you are good." That's the invitation that God offers That's the invitation that God offers you today. you today. you today. To have your whole life radically To have your whole life radically To have your whole life radically transformed. transformed. transformed. To know his nearness. To know his nearness. To know his nearness. But also to know the purpose he calls But also to know the purpose he calls But also to know the purpose he calls you to to see him radically bless others you to to see him radically bless others you to to see him radically bless others through you as he blesses you in Christ. through you as he blesses you in Christ. through you as he blesses you in Christ. Father, we thank you that in your grace Father, we thank you that in your grace Father, we thank you that in your grace you include us in your your work in the you include us in your your work in the you include us in your your work in the world. world. world. That in Christ you pour out your That in Christ you pour out your That in Christ you pour out your blessing upon us. That we know your blessing upon us. That we know your blessing upon us. That we know your grace and your love, your presence. grace and your love, your presence. grace and your love, your presence. But then you call us to be a part of a But then you call us to be a part of a But then you call us to be a part of a life of joy, and adventure, and purpose. life of joy, and adventure, and purpose. life of joy, and adventure, and purpose. That we get to be blessed to be a That we get to be blessed to be a That we get to be blessed to be a blessing. And so we thank you that all blessing. And so we thank you that all blessing. And so we thank you that all that blessing comes in Christ. That he that blessing comes in Christ. That he that blessing comes in Christ. That he is our king. is our king. is our king. He is the one that we serve. He is the one that we serve. He is the one that we serve. And so let us be a people who live by And so let us be a people who live by And so let us be a people who live by faith, Father.

faith, Father. faith, Father. So that your glory is shown to the So that your glory is shown to the So that your glory is shown to the world. world. world. The hope of Jesus The hope of Jesus The hope of Jesus in and through us. in and through us. in and through us. And we pray this in his name. And we pray this in his name. And we pray this in his name. Amen.