1 00:00:00,420 --> 00:00:04,660 Marcel: We are concluding our, , sermon series here, , the journey of faith 2 00:00:04,690 --> 00:00:09,530 that we've been studying out, , Genesis, really, , Genesis chapters, , 12 and 3 00:00:09,530 --> 00:00:13,730 we'll finish up in, chapter 25 and we're learning about the journey of 4 00:00:13,740 --> 00:00:18,080 faith that we go on and we're looking at the lens or through the lens of the 5 00:00:18,080 --> 00:00:22,162 journey of faith that the, , father of faith, Abraham went through. 6 00:00:22,162 --> 00:00:27,341 So we're studying this out on Sundays and also on Wednesdays in our family groups. 7 00:00:27,761 --> 00:00:31,611 And we have a handout if you're, if you haven't seen it in the church app, just 8 00:00:31,611 --> 00:00:33,751 go ahead and look in there in the inbox. 9 00:00:34,491 --> 00:00:36,561 And so I want to kind of recap this here. 10 00:00:36,621 --> 00:00:40,381 I know we always have some people here that are visiting for the first time. 11 00:00:40,591 --> 00:00:43,271 Also want to mention that our college students are out of town. 12 00:00:43,281 --> 00:00:45,371 That's why we're a little bit lighter today. 13 00:00:45,371 --> 00:00:49,871 They're at the campus ministry retreat over in Antelope Valley and they 14 00:00:49,871 --> 00:00:51,741 should be returning home this Sunday. 15 00:00:52,031 --> 00:00:55,511 But God called Abraham to a journey of faith. 16 00:00:55,991 --> 00:00:58,711 And so he calls him out of the land and tells him to go. 17 00:00:58,711 --> 00:01:02,211 And he won't tell him exactly where he's going, but he'll tell him when to stop. 18 00:01:02,650 --> 00:01:04,650 So he's called to this journey. 19 00:01:05,010 --> 00:01:08,831 And he's also given these great promises that God will make him. 20 00:01:08,831 --> 00:01:11,181 He's a, he's a senior citizen at this time. 21 00:01:11,611 --> 00:01:15,011 And he tells him that he's going to be a great nation and this nation will 22 00:01:15,011 --> 00:01:18,161 be a blessing to the entire world. 23 00:01:18,170 --> 00:01:22,441 And we know that was fulfilled, ultimately, by Jesus Christ. 24 00:01:22,441 --> 00:01:26,381 And so, as we have seen throughout our study here, there's many 25 00:01:26,381 --> 00:01:28,381 highs and there's many lows. 26 00:01:28,721 --> 00:01:32,571 There's some great choices and there's some really poor choices that 27 00:01:32,571 --> 00:01:35,221 are made in all of the characters. 28 00:01:35,221 --> 00:01:40,701 And so we see great examples of faith and we see great examples of not having faith. 29 00:01:40,701 --> 00:01:44,371 And so we're able to relate on all these different levels. 30 00:01:44,711 --> 00:01:47,991 Now, before we get into the actual text here today, let me ask you, I 31 00:01:48,041 --> 00:01:51,561 know we have some high school and our college students aren't here, uh, 32 00:01:51,591 --> 00:01:53,301 but everybody can answer this one. 33 00:01:53,541 --> 00:01:56,631 Um, when you were in school or where you are in school, do you like tests? 34 00:01:58,846 --> 00:02:00,246 People say that a little too quickly. 35 00:02:01,696 --> 00:02:02,756 You don't like tests, right? 36 00:02:02,776 --> 00:02:04,916 Most of us don't really like tests, do we? 37 00:02:05,546 --> 00:02:07,926 And so maybe it's the anxiety of the test. 38 00:02:08,336 --> 00:02:12,806 Uh, maybe the, you know, understanding the ramifications of the test. 39 00:02:12,806 --> 00:02:14,386 Especially if it's a big test. 40 00:02:14,386 --> 00:02:17,696 I know I was pretty nervous about the SAT, you know. 41 00:02:17,986 --> 00:02:20,376 And, uh, didn't do too well the first time. 42 00:02:20,376 --> 00:02:22,476 And did so so the second time. 43 00:02:23,336 --> 00:02:27,516 I got another story about taking SAT too that I'll share for another moment 44 00:02:27,516 --> 00:02:29,096 there that is pretty embarrassing. 45 00:02:29,106 --> 00:02:30,556 But, let me ask you this. 46 00:02:30,596 --> 00:02:31,766 Do you like pop quizzes? 47 00:02:33,606 --> 00:02:35,216 You don't like pop quizzes either, right? 48 00:02:35,226 --> 00:02:37,236 So we don't like the tests that we know are coming. 49 00:02:37,436 --> 00:02:40,096 We really don't like the pop quizzes that we receive. 50 00:02:40,376 --> 00:02:42,206 And so some of us, we get stage fright. 51 00:02:42,326 --> 00:02:43,786 We might know the material. 52 00:02:44,121 --> 00:02:48,301 But because it's on the spot or just the pressure, sometimes we 53 00:02:48,301 --> 00:02:51,991 buckle or we maybe don't do as well if it was a different setting. 54 00:02:52,221 --> 00:02:53,991 Now I know we have a number of teachers. 55 00:02:53,991 --> 00:02:55,121 Let me ask the teachers. 56 00:02:55,401 --> 00:02:58,071 Teachers, cause you're the ones who give the tests. 57 00:02:59,571 --> 00:03:03,471 Can you please tell the teachers, what are the purposes and benefits of tests? 58 00:03:04,501 --> 00:03:04,611 Accountability. 59 00:03:05,321 --> 00:03:06,181 Accountability. 60 00:03:06,181 --> 00:03:07,281 Eric said it real loud. 61 00:03:07,281 --> 00:03:08,241 Okay, yes, alright. 62 00:03:08,996 --> 00:03:09,296 Test 63 00:03:09,296 --> 00:03:10,111 Karina: are meant to drive. 64 00:03:13,726 --> 00:03:14,296 Marcel: Okay. 65 00:03:14,296 --> 00:03:15,586 I drive, they drive this. 66 00:03:15,586 --> 00:03:19,396 I, if I, if I test, I know what they know, then I know what to teach. 67 00:03:19,396 --> 00:03:19,756 Okay. 68 00:03:19,756 --> 00:03:22,456 Any other teachers there want to want to mention any other 69 00:03:22,456 --> 00:03:24,226 benefits or purposes of tests? 70 00:03:27,916 --> 00:03:29,356 To see what they're retaining? 71 00:03:29,446 --> 00:03:29,896 Okay. 72 00:03:30,406 --> 00:03:30,826 Yes. 73 00:03:30,826 --> 00:03:30,827 Yes. 74 00:03:32,266 --> 00:03:33,436 Track progress. 75 00:03:33,436 --> 00:03:33,856 Right? 76 00:03:33,916 --> 00:03:36,016 And just because you're evil, right? 77 00:03:36,016 --> 00:03:37,576 Exactly right. 78 00:03:37,606 --> 00:03:40,276 You just want to make life hard for the kid, don't you? 79 00:03:40,276 --> 00:03:40,396 Right. 80 00:03:40,926 --> 00:03:44,296 We know that's number one, but you're in church, you don't want to admit that. 81 00:03:44,746 --> 00:03:46,646 Just playing, just playing, I'm just playing. 82 00:03:46,646 --> 00:03:49,396 Alright, there might be a couple teachers like that, but not you guys. 83 00:03:49,846 --> 00:03:53,586 But here's the thing, right, we can understand, when we're taking the 84 00:03:53,586 --> 00:03:54,946 test, we really don't appreciate it. 85 00:03:55,576 --> 00:03:58,776 But we're on the other side, we can understand, but when we take a step back, 86 00:03:58,786 --> 00:04:03,266 we can see kind of some of the reasons why and also some of the benefits of the test. 87 00:04:04,146 --> 00:04:09,206 Now, in our spiritual journey, we realize we also have tests in our faith. 88 00:04:10,446 --> 00:04:12,366 And we have many spiritual tests. 89 00:04:12,486 --> 00:04:15,386 And so that's what we're going to study and look at today. 90 00:04:15,386 --> 00:04:18,906 And so the title of today is the ultimate test. 91 00:04:19,866 --> 00:04:21,076 The ultimate test. 92 00:04:21,076 --> 00:04:24,286 So turn over in your Bible to Genesis chapter 22. 93 00:04:24,286 --> 00:04:27,526 We'll have the scriptures on the screen, but I know a number of us like 94 00:04:27,526 --> 00:04:29,186 to look at it on our phones there. 95 00:04:29,426 --> 00:04:31,216 And in Genesis chapter 22. 96 00:04:31,231 --> 00:04:33,051 I want to recap here again. 97 00:04:33,071 --> 00:04:36,311 Last week, Dallas Kauai preached a great sermon to heaven. 98 00:04:36,381 --> 00:04:39,161 Dallas and Daniel just done a great job preaching over 99 00:04:39,161 --> 00:04:40,301 the last several weeks here. 100 00:04:40,301 --> 00:04:43,181 They done a fantastic job preaching, guys. 101 00:04:43,191 --> 00:04:44,461 We're so proud of them. 102 00:04:44,671 --> 00:04:51,041 In the last chapter, chapter 21, Sarah, Abraham's wife, gives birth to Isaac. 103 00:04:51,201 --> 00:04:52,501 And this is really big. 104 00:04:52,531 --> 00:04:54,171 This is the promised child. 105 00:04:54,291 --> 00:04:58,391 25 years have gone since God said, Hey, why don't you move 106 00:04:58,391 --> 00:04:59,481 and I'm going to bless you. 107 00:04:59,791 --> 00:05:05,431 25 years and then finally the child is born and that's a great thing and we 108 00:05:05,431 --> 00:05:08,761 see God's faithfulness to his promises. 109 00:05:08,971 --> 00:05:12,961 And then afterwards we see that there's still some drama in the family 110 00:05:12,961 --> 00:05:14,901 that stems from some poor choices. 111 00:05:15,386 --> 00:05:20,366 And so now, the, uh, uh, Abraham's second wife and child and Ishmael, 112 00:05:20,566 --> 00:05:24,506 they leave, but God protects and He blesses them and He protects 113 00:05:24,506 --> 00:05:27,686 and He blesses Abraham and Isaac. 114 00:05:27,686 --> 00:05:30,596 And so now, here we are, it's about ten years later. 115 00:05:31,526 --> 00:05:36,816 And so Isaac now is probably about 12 to 13, maybe 14 years old. 116 00:05:37,046 --> 00:05:40,416 And we take it up here in Genesis chapter 22 church. 117 00:05:40,416 --> 00:05:41,176 Are you with me? 118 00:05:41,876 --> 00:05:42,286 Okay. 119 00:05:42,286 --> 00:05:44,736 You might be wondering why is Karina still on stage? 120 00:05:44,746 --> 00:05:46,186 Does she have another announcement? 121 00:05:46,916 --> 00:05:51,256 No, she doesn't, but she's going to actually be sharing some here as 122 00:05:51,256 --> 00:05:53,096 well as we go through the sermon. 123 00:05:53,096 --> 00:05:53,416 Amen. 124 00:05:53,416 --> 00:05:54,346 Are you guys with us here? 125 00:05:54,346 --> 00:05:54,686 All right. 126 00:05:54,686 --> 00:05:54,736 Amen. 127 00:05:55,091 --> 00:05:57,581 Genesis chapter 22 in verse 1. 128 00:05:57,601 --> 00:05:59,331 Let's read it sometime later. 129 00:05:59,581 --> 00:06:01,761 God tested Abraham. 130 00:06:01,771 --> 00:06:03,011 Let's stop right there. 131 00:06:03,621 --> 00:06:07,471 This is helpful for you and me as we read this because we understand, okay, 132 00:06:07,561 --> 00:06:09,521 what's about to happen is a test. 133 00:06:10,241 --> 00:06:14,791 But the best thing to do when you read the Bible, how you get the most, how you can, 134 00:06:14,911 --> 00:06:19,871 uh, really have the Spirit minister to you, is to insert yourself into the text. 135 00:06:21,391 --> 00:06:25,631 And when you do that, then you start to see things differently and the 136 00:06:25,651 --> 00:06:27,191 Spirit of God ministers to you. 137 00:06:27,191 --> 00:06:32,821 So I want you to insert yourself into the text and put yourself in Abraham's shoes. 138 00:06:32,821 --> 00:06:34,111 OK, are you guys with me here? 139 00:06:34,491 --> 00:06:36,661 So he doesn't know that this is a test. 140 00:06:36,911 --> 00:06:37,751 Now we do. 141 00:06:37,761 --> 00:06:38,401 Let's go. 142 00:06:38,671 --> 00:06:40,641 So here I am, he replied. 143 00:06:40,641 --> 00:06:45,671 Then God said, Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, 144 00:06:45,861 --> 00:06:47,701 and go to the region of Moriah. 145 00:06:48,096 --> 00:06:51,276 Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain. 146 00:06:51,366 --> 00:06:54,466 I will show you what in the world was that? 147 00:06:55,666 --> 00:06:58,616 Did you hear what was said again? 148 00:06:58,616 --> 00:07:01,016 If you're Abraham, this you don't know. 149 00:07:01,166 --> 00:07:02,036 This is a test. 150 00:07:03,296 --> 00:07:06,016 But somehow God's communicating to you here. 151 00:07:06,366 --> 00:07:10,306 Go, you remember that one kid who you've been waiting on for 25 years? 152 00:07:10,426 --> 00:07:13,946 The promise, all the drama, all the faithfulness, all the tears, the crying. 153 00:07:14,106 --> 00:07:15,436 Remember that child? 154 00:07:15,566 --> 00:07:17,946 I want you to go take him up to that mountaintop and I 155 00:07:17,946 --> 00:07:19,286 want you to go sacrifice him. 156 00:07:21,426 --> 00:07:22,796 That's when you go, okay. 157 00:07:24,606 --> 00:07:26,246 No habla ingles, right? 158 00:07:26,406 --> 00:07:28,686 You don't, you, what are you talking about, God? 159 00:07:29,351 --> 00:07:30,631 That sounds absurd. 160 00:07:30,631 --> 00:07:31,741 It doesn't make sense. 161 00:07:31,851 --> 00:07:33,631 How would you be feeling in that moment? 162 00:07:35,791 --> 00:07:37,221 How do you think Abraham was feeling? 163 00:07:38,831 --> 00:07:40,531 Wait, this is supposed to be the promised child. 164 00:07:40,531 --> 00:07:42,971 There's descendants that it's supposed to be a blessing through this one. 165 00:07:42,971 --> 00:07:45,381 If I sacrifice them, how's that going to work? 166 00:07:46,131 --> 00:07:50,411 Let's continue reading verse 3 early the next morning. 167 00:07:50,591 --> 00:07:54,081 Abraham got up and loaded his donkey took with him two of his servants 168 00:07:54,081 --> 00:07:57,261 and his son Isaac when he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering. 169 00:07:57,261 --> 00:07:58,381 He set out for the place. 170 00:07:58,751 --> 00:08:00,241 God had told him about. 171 00:08:00,251 --> 00:08:01,681 How did Abraham respond? 172 00:08:04,441 --> 00:08:05,781 It says early in the morning. 173 00:08:06,101 --> 00:08:07,401 Was he praying all night? 174 00:08:07,871 --> 00:08:12,021 Was he trying to dissuade and persuade God to have a different plan? 175 00:08:12,481 --> 00:08:14,681 Was he just anxious all night and just couldn't sleep? 176 00:08:14,681 --> 00:08:16,251 And so therefore he got up regardless. 177 00:08:16,251 --> 00:08:16,731 We don't know. 178 00:08:16,731 --> 00:08:19,121 But what we do know is he responded with what? 179 00:08:20,451 --> 00:08:21,141 Obedience. 180 00:08:22,621 --> 00:08:23,431 We continue. 181 00:08:24,701 --> 00:08:30,041 It says on the third day, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 182 00:08:30,051 --> 00:08:30,531 Wow. 183 00:08:30,571 --> 00:08:31,571 Three day journey. 184 00:08:32,161 --> 00:08:35,900 Imagine what that was like for Abraham as he's going. 185 00:08:35,900 --> 00:08:36,561 Not just one day. 186 00:08:36,561 --> 00:08:38,111 It wasn't a two hour walk. 187 00:08:38,390 --> 00:08:40,081 It was a three day journey. 188 00:08:40,081 --> 00:08:44,010 And in his mind, he knows what God has called him to. 189 00:08:44,661 --> 00:08:46,501 We continue reading the verse five. 190 00:08:46,771 --> 00:08:49,991 He said to his servants, stay here with the donkey while 191 00:08:49,991 --> 00:08:51,691 I and the boy go over there. 192 00:08:52,121 --> 00:08:53,141 We will worship. 193 00:08:53,741 --> 00:08:55,031 And then we will come back to you. 194 00:08:55,691 --> 00:08:59,271 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. 195 00:08:59,511 --> 00:09:02,221 And he himself carried the fire and the knife. 196 00:09:02,521 --> 00:09:06,041 As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his 197 00:09:06,041 --> 00:09:08,841 father, Abraham, father, yes, my son. 198 00:09:09,721 --> 00:09:12,681 Abraham replied, the fire and the wood are here. 199 00:09:12,771 --> 00:09:15,651 Isaac said, but where is the land for the burnt offering? 200 00:09:17,571 --> 00:09:18,431 What a question. 201 00:09:20,031 --> 00:09:21,881 How was Abraham feeling at that moment? 202 00:09:23,191 --> 00:09:23,981 Isaac's starting to go. 203 00:09:23,981 --> 00:09:27,191 Hey, uh, where's the animal I've seen? 204 00:09:27,221 --> 00:09:28,311 I've seen you do this before. 205 00:09:28,311 --> 00:09:32,411 I've seen others do this before we're getting close Where's 206 00:09:32,411 --> 00:09:34,271 the animal for this offering? 207 00:09:35,401 --> 00:09:36,861 How would you have responded in that moment? 208 00:09:39,821 --> 00:09:46,031 Let's continue reading Abraham answered God himself Will provide the lamb 209 00:09:46,031 --> 00:09:50,606 for the burnt offering my son and the two of them went on together You When 210 00:09:50,606 --> 00:09:53,836 they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar 211 00:09:53,836 --> 00:09:55,456 there and arranged the wood on it. 212 00:09:55,886 --> 00:09:59,356 He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 213 00:09:59,626 --> 00:10:02,896 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 214 00:10:03,376 --> 00:10:06,466 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, Abraham! 215 00:10:06,716 --> 00:10:07,536 Abraham! 216 00:10:07,886 --> 00:10:09,596 Here I am, he replied. 217 00:10:10,176 --> 00:10:12,386 Do not lay a hand on the boy, he said. 218 00:10:12,716 --> 00:10:14,156 Do not do anything to him. 219 00:10:14,566 --> 00:10:18,016 Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld 220 00:10:18,026 --> 00:10:19,976 from me your son, your only son. 221 00:10:20,501 --> 00:10:24,001 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. 222 00:10:24,241 --> 00:10:27,141 He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt 223 00:10:27,141 --> 00:10:28,861 offering instead of his son. 224 00:10:29,211 --> 00:10:32,781 So Abraham called the place the Lord will provide. 225 00:10:33,040 --> 00:10:38,451 And to this day, it is said on the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided. 226 00:10:38,851 --> 00:10:42,201 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, 227 00:10:42,371 --> 00:10:46,551 I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have 228 00:10:46,551 --> 00:10:50,691 not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your 229 00:10:50,691 --> 00:10:55,431 descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the sea shore. 230 00:10:55,631 --> 00:10:59,501 Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies and through 231 00:10:59,501 --> 00:11:05,541 your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me. 232 00:11:06,061 --> 00:11:09,651 Then Abraham returned to his servants and they set off together for Beersheba 233 00:11:09,851 --> 00:11:12,351 and Abraham stayed in Beersheba. 234 00:11:12,351 --> 00:11:13,321 We'll stop right there. 235 00:11:13,321 --> 00:11:17,051 What a story, mysterious. 236 00:11:17,391 --> 00:11:23,561 It's nerve wracking, intense and inspiring all at the same time. 237 00:11:24,211 --> 00:11:28,061 And the question we've asked ourselves throughout this whole time in this 238 00:11:28,061 --> 00:11:32,801 study is what do we learn about our spiritual journey from what 239 00:11:32,801 --> 00:11:34,941 we see in their spiritual journey? 240 00:11:35,381 --> 00:11:38,841 And what do we learn about God through this? 241 00:11:39,131 --> 00:11:43,381 And so the first thing that stands out to me is, first off, is this, 242 00:11:43,391 --> 00:11:45,761 is that our journey includes tests. 243 00:11:46,831 --> 00:11:49,290 Our journey includes tests. 244 00:11:49,290 --> 00:11:52,171 You know, Abraham went through many tests and we'll look 245 00:11:52,171 --> 00:11:53,571 at some of these right here. 246 00:11:53,631 --> 00:11:57,441 There was the family test when he was asked to leave his family and step 247 00:11:57,441 --> 00:11:59,811 out by faith to go to a new land. 248 00:12:00,041 --> 00:12:01,431 There was the famine test. 249 00:12:01,431 --> 00:12:05,231 This is when he's living in this new land, but there's a famine is dry 250 00:12:05,241 --> 00:12:07,821 and he goes to Egypt to receive help. 251 00:12:08,061 --> 00:12:11,601 There was the fellowship test where he gave lot first choice 252 00:12:11,661 --> 00:12:13,221 in the picking of the land. 253 00:12:13,491 --> 00:12:15,751 Then there was the fight test when he defeated. 254 00:12:16,276 --> 00:12:19,436 With the other men, the kings, that were at war and that took lots. 255 00:12:19,956 --> 00:12:23,036 There was the fortune test, when he said no to Sodom's 256 00:12:23,266 --> 00:12:24,986 wealth that was offered to him. 257 00:12:25,326 --> 00:12:29,826 There was the fatherhood test, when Sarah and him came up with this 258 00:12:29,846 --> 00:12:33,946 terrible plan, so that, you know, that they can help God in some way. 259 00:12:34,126 --> 00:12:37,986 And that Hagar would have Ishmael, a child, for them. 260 00:12:37,986 --> 00:12:39,636 And then there was the farewell test. 261 00:12:39,961 --> 00:12:44,551 In last chapter that we saw where he sent Sarah, uh, I mean, excuse 262 00:12:44,551 --> 00:12:46,241 me, Hagar and Ishmael away. 263 00:12:46,540 --> 00:12:47,871 And we see these tests. 264 00:12:48,241 --> 00:12:52,481 Now, not all of these tests, does it say in the text, were from God. 265 00:12:53,141 --> 00:12:56,811 And so some of the tests that you and I face, they're not designed 266 00:12:56,821 --> 00:12:58,011 by God, they're not from God. 267 00:12:58,211 --> 00:13:01,851 It's just a part of life, but they're tests nevertheless. 268 00:13:03,491 --> 00:13:07,221 And so as we can see in our journey, we're going to have tests. 269 00:13:08,461 --> 00:13:13,341 There's going to be a test and what's being tested our faith and our devotion. 270 00:13:14,841 --> 00:13:16,381 Our faith is being tested. 271 00:13:16,411 --> 00:13:18,771 Our devotion is being tested. 272 00:13:19,281 --> 00:13:22,991 Will you trust God enough to follow? 273 00:13:23,941 --> 00:13:27,071 Will you trust God enough to follow even though you don't 274 00:13:27,081 --> 00:13:28,701 know where he is leading you? 275 00:13:28,701 --> 00:13:31,661 He didn't give you all of the answers. 276 00:13:33,031 --> 00:13:36,831 And then the other question, are you devoted enough to God to obey? 277 00:13:37,991 --> 00:13:42,091 Am I devoted enough to you that no matter how hard it is, I 278 00:13:42,091 --> 00:13:45,331 will still follow your word. 279 00:13:46,481 --> 00:13:50,581 Again, these tests are designed for a purpose, just like the 280 00:13:50,601 --> 00:13:52,141 test that the teachers design. 281 00:13:52,321 --> 00:13:57,681 They want to know where we are, but really what this does, it reveals and refines us. 282 00:13:58,761 --> 00:14:01,341 It reveals to us where we are in our faith. 283 00:14:01,901 --> 00:14:06,736 It reveals to us where our hearts are, and then it refines us. 284 00:14:07,076 --> 00:14:08,726 Because it strengthens us. 285 00:14:09,246 --> 00:14:10,436 I'll share this real briefly. 286 00:14:10,536 --> 00:14:13,416 You know, I didn't realize it was a test, but by the grace of God, I'll 287 00:14:13,416 --> 00:14:14,616 try to share this real quickly here. 288 00:14:14,786 --> 00:14:18,996 By the grace of God, we got a free hotel stay in Hawaii, 289 00:14:19,016 --> 00:14:20,486 so we went earlier this year. 290 00:14:21,266 --> 00:14:25,316 And so we went to this hotel, and it was supposed to be real 291 00:14:25,316 --> 00:14:28,426 cheap, but then all kinds of other family members wanted to join us. 292 00:14:30,266 --> 00:14:32,936 So it went from just our family to a whole family trip. 293 00:14:32,946 --> 00:14:33,415 You know what I mean? 294 00:14:33,426 --> 00:14:35,336 My mom came, and we had all kinds of folks come. 295 00:14:35,821 --> 00:14:38,521 And so we're there, we're in Hawaii, and we're on a Sunday, 296 00:14:38,731 --> 00:14:41,691 and then we had this Sunday, and the night before, we're looking to 297 00:14:41,691 --> 00:14:43,571 see where the Hawaii church meets. 298 00:14:44,411 --> 00:14:47,290 And we're there, and I start looking, and I go, wow, this is 299 00:14:47,341 --> 00:14:48,811 like the other part of the island. 300 00:14:49,631 --> 00:14:52,131 We still have a little part of the island that we still want to see. 301 00:14:52,131 --> 00:14:54,191 There's still some things on my to do list. 302 00:14:55,231 --> 00:14:57,851 And then I looked at the Uber prices, and I was like, ooh, 303 00:14:57,881 --> 00:14:59,141 this is going to be expensive. 304 00:15:00,591 --> 00:15:05,961 I was like, man, the convenience, the money, uh, I don't know about this. 305 00:15:06,631 --> 00:15:08,961 And so I'm really thinking, you know what, we'll just do a family 306 00:15:08,961 --> 00:15:10,731 devotional in our, in our hotel room. 307 00:15:11,701 --> 00:15:14,641 And so I'm telling my mom, like, yeah, mom, I don't think we're going to go. 308 00:15:14,651 --> 00:15:16,201 My mom's like, no, I want to go. 309 00:15:16,201 --> 00:15:16,891 I think we should go. 310 00:15:16,991 --> 00:15:18,041 We can make it work. 311 00:15:20,121 --> 00:15:21,171 I was so convicted. 312 00:15:22,441 --> 00:15:24,411 I was like, man, this is terrible. 313 00:15:25,841 --> 00:15:27,921 I was like, here, I'm a minister of the gospel. 314 00:15:29,631 --> 00:15:32,001 And my mom was like, no boy, we don't go to church. 315 00:15:36,401 --> 00:15:37,221 I'm so grateful. 316 00:15:37,221 --> 00:15:37,951 I really am. 317 00:15:39,181 --> 00:15:41,531 I'm so grateful because I was like, wow, it hit me. 318 00:15:41,741 --> 00:15:44,491 And I had a quiet time many months ago and it hit me. 319 00:15:45,431 --> 00:15:50,301 I said, wow, I was going to take an opportunity for my kids to see 320 00:15:50,461 --> 00:15:51,661 the church in a different light. 321 00:15:52,561 --> 00:15:54,661 I'm never going to have that chance to worship with my Hawaiian 322 00:15:54,661 --> 00:15:55,681 brothers and sisters again. 323 00:15:57,771 --> 00:15:59,181 And so I was going to take it. 324 00:15:59,181 --> 00:16:01,891 Because it wasn't convenient and it was going to be a couple more 325 00:16:01,891 --> 00:16:03,481 dollars than I wanted to spend. 326 00:16:04,991 --> 00:16:06,341 But you know what happened is crazy. 327 00:16:06,871 --> 00:16:12,161 It hadn't the uber into being like 35 cheaper than it was supposed to be and 328 00:16:12,161 --> 00:16:13,501 it took a whole lot less to get there. 329 00:16:13,581 --> 00:16:15,281 I was like, God, you are gracious to me. 330 00:16:17,031 --> 00:16:19,051 But I look back and I go, wow, I failed that test. 331 00:16:20,651 --> 00:16:22,081 But my mom and others, they passed. 332 00:16:23,256 --> 00:16:25,396 And even in our journey, sometimes we don't, we don't 333 00:16:25,396 --> 00:16:26,656 pass the test like we should. 334 00:16:26,816 --> 00:16:30,746 Abraham passed the test, but it refined me. 335 00:16:31,876 --> 00:16:35,336 So even though I didn't pass it with flying colors, I would argue 336 00:16:35,356 --> 00:16:41,096 I failed it considerably, but it refined my faith and it revealed 337 00:16:41,136 --> 00:16:45,786 to me, there's still some things at times that have my heart's affection. 338 00:16:46,686 --> 00:16:50,356 There's still some things in my time in which I don't completely trust. 339 00:16:50,516 --> 00:16:51,626 Can you relate at all? 340 00:16:52,931 --> 00:16:56,121 You see, during our journey of faith, there's going to be tests. 341 00:16:56,121 --> 00:16:58,081 Karina is going to share some more about this. 342 00:17:04,080 --> 00:17:07,371 Karina: Um, you know, Sarah, Sarah didn't come with him. 343 00:17:07,671 --> 00:17:09,891 Uh, she, we don't hear that. 344 00:17:09,891 --> 00:17:11,501 He told her about this. 345 00:17:11,741 --> 00:17:15,421 I tend to think he didn't, um, because I think he might've 346 00:17:15,421 --> 00:17:16,991 been on the altar before Isaac. 347 00:17:17,221 --> 00:17:17,971 Um, but 348 00:17:20,411 --> 00:17:23,721 I just can't imagine. 349 00:17:23,721 --> 00:17:23,790 I don't know. 350 00:17:24,911 --> 00:17:28,721 That test, like, I, I think as, as my kids, like, I'd rather 351 00:17:28,731 --> 00:17:30,171 suffer before watch them suffer. 352 00:17:30,811 --> 00:17:35,141 And so, but, Abraham's test was Abraham's test. 353 00:17:35,331 --> 00:17:39,811 Um, when, you know, they got to, um, they got near the place, uh, 354 00:17:39,811 --> 00:17:43,351 where he was going to offer Isaac, he had the servants stay back. 355 00:17:43,701 --> 00:17:44,971 The servants didn't go with him. 356 00:17:45,481 --> 00:17:50,131 And I think that's something that stood out to me that we each have our own test. 357 00:17:50,171 --> 00:17:55,531 God knows us personally and knows what we need and knows, um, what, 358 00:17:55,731 --> 00:17:58,671 what he, um, what we can handle. 359 00:17:58,691 --> 00:18:02,741 Even, uh, we have our own tests and then we have to decide, are we going 360 00:18:02,741 --> 00:18:09,131 to obey and trust and worship God when something is taken away from us or when, 361 00:18:09,221 --> 00:18:13,301 um, we don't receive what we asked for. 362 00:18:13,351 --> 00:18:18,646 Uh, for me, one of the One of the toughest times, um, was 363 00:18:18,656 --> 00:18:20,116 when my brother passed away. 364 00:18:21,556 --> 00:18:24,716 Because I really had to wrestle to believe in God's goodness. 365 00:18:24,996 --> 00:18:31,156 Um, because if I couldn't trust God's goodness, then that would obviously 366 00:18:31,156 --> 00:18:33,306 affect my relationship with God. 367 00:18:33,316 --> 00:18:37,806 It would obviously affect how much I would trust and obey Him. 368 00:18:38,196 --> 00:18:40,936 Um, and so that was, that was a tough time. 369 00:18:41,106 --> 00:18:41,576 Um, 370 00:18:43,621 --> 00:18:47,841 I think also, you know, relationships in the church, like being hurt 371 00:18:47,861 --> 00:18:50,771 by people, like, that's a test. 372 00:18:51,421 --> 00:18:53,441 It's a test to stay faithful to God. 373 00:18:53,441 --> 00:18:57,521 It's a test to, like, stay faithful to the people He's put in my life. 374 00:18:57,771 --> 00:19:03,521 Um, those are tests, and I think tests come in different forms. 375 00:19:03,641 --> 00:19:09,961 Um, health challenges, um, our, our career, our finances, and, Our marriage, 376 00:19:10,061 --> 00:19:15,461 um, our kids, you know, when we have, you know, our, there's times of testing 377 00:19:15,461 --> 00:19:19,511 with our kids, with our families, our relationships, um, but, but God also 378 00:19:19,511 --> 00:19:21,201 knew the right timing for the test. 379 00:19:21,361 --> 00:19:23,811 God knew when Abraham could handle this test. 380 00:19:23,811 --> 00:19:28,991 Abraham didn't have to sacrifice, um, or he wasn't asked to sacrifice Isaac five 381 00:19:28,991 --> 00:19:35,686 years ago, he was asked at that time, and, you know, you see Abraham, um, you know, 382 00:19:35,686 --> 00:19:38,126 God tells him to do this and he's ready. 383 00:19:38,226 --> 00:19:40,356 He gets up in the morning and does it. 384 00:19:40,386 --> 00:19:45,436 And I think Abraham had over the years developed the knowledge that he needed 385 00:19:45,436 --> 00:19:50,586 to have faith in God, um, to, to be able to trust God through this ordeal. 386 00:19:50,966 --> 00:19:55,576 Um, you know, he even gets to a point where, you know, in Hebrews we learn 387 00:19:55,666 --> 00:20:01,546 in Hebrews 11 17 through 19 it says by faith, Abraham, when God tested 388 00:20:01,546 --> 00:20:03,536 him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. 389 00:20:04,151 --> 00:20:08,271 He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and 390 00:20:08,301 --> 00:20:12,251 only son even though God had said to him, it is through Isaac that 391 00:20:12,251 --> 00:20:14,311 your offspring will be reckoned. 392 00:20:14,821 --> 00:20:20,241 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead and so in a manner of speaking 393 00:20:20,241 --> 00:20:22,701 he did receive Isaac back from death. 394 00:20:23,391 --> 00:20:26,411 So Abraham had to get, Abraham had to get to that point though. 395 00:20:26,411 --> 00:20:30,326 He had to get to a point where he could embrace the promise And where 396 00:20:30,326 --> 00:20:33,916 he could reason that God could bring back Isaac from the dead. 397 00:20:33,926 --> 00:20:38,066 He can raise the dead, so therefore, it, it could, he could 398 00:20:38,066 --> 00:20:39,326 help him through this journey. 399 00:20:39,366 --> 00:20:43,146 But, I think that wasn't always the case. 400 00:20:43,216 --> 00:20:47,566 Um, and so God uses, also, tests to help our faith. 401 00:20:47,596 --> 00:20:52,106 I think God helped, um, Abraham with his faith through this. 402 00:20:52,186 --> 00:20:59,111 Uh, you know, in, in, you know, When we read, he, um, he tells them this command 403 00:20:59,111 --> 00:21:00,931 and then he, Abraham goes and does it. 404 00:21:00,991 --> 00:21:05,801 And then after God repeats, the angel of the Lord repeats the promise. 405 00:21:06,151 --> 00:21:11,031 And we see actually throughout Abraham's journey, God was repeating the promise. 406 00:21:11,321 --> 00:21:15,291 But typically we see that he would tell, he would repeat the promise 407 00:21:15,381 --> 00:21:16,941 as he asked him to do something. 408 00:21:16,941 --> 00:21:22,031 So when he first told him, hey leave your country, leave your family, and go to this 409 00:21:22,081 --> 00:21:24,796 unknown place, I'm going to bless you. 410 00:21:24,826 --> 00:21:26,796 I'm going to give you this, this, and this and that. 411 00:21:26,806 --> 00:21:31,256 Like, so he gives him the promise as he's calling him to this, uh, task. 412 00:21:31,546 --> 00:21:36,636 But this time the promises is not told to Abraham until after. 413 00:21:36,656 --> 00:21:40,606 And I think that's, you know, God uses this for our own faith. 414 00:21:40,606 --> 00:21:42,436 And then God didn't forget the promise. 415 00:21:42,496 --> 00:21:44,696 I don't think God was holding out on the promise. 416 00:21:44,746 --> 00:21:51,806 I think this, hearing the promise after he went through this gave, Abraham, a new 417 00:21:51,816 --> 00:21:54,286 level of confidence, a new level of faith. 418 00:21:54,566 --> 00:21:57,846 And I think, um, that's what he does for us. 419 00:21:57,856 --> 00:22:01,236 Like sometimes we need to hear the promise before, you know, before 420 00:22:01,236 --> 00:22:05,116 we go out and obedience, but sometimes we have to go through it. 421 00:22:05,176 --> 00:22:09,456 We have to obey and we have to see what God does for us 422 00:22:09,466 --> 00:22:11,356 to, um, have greater faith. 423 00:22:11,491 --> 00:22:16,571 Marcel: And then 424 00:22:18,651 --> 00:22:22,641 also, not only do we, we, we see this, but I think we see something about 425 00:22:22,651 --> 00:22:27,471 God as well is that God will provide that's clear from the text there. 426 00:22:27,471 --> 00:22:32,361 And in fact, we go back, uh, in the text there and it says in Genesis chapter 22 427 00:22:32,361 --> 00:22:34,791 verse 16 again, he called that place. 428 00:22:34,821 --> 00:22:37,301 This is where the Lord will provide. 429 00:22:37,711 --> 00:22:39,001 And so we learn something about God. 430 00:22:39,031 --> 00:22:40,471 We learned that's who God is. 431 00:22:41,011 --> 00:22:42,231 That's his character. 432 00:22:42,531 --> 00:22:48,171 He is the one who promises, but he is the one who fulfills his promise. 433 00:22:48,241 --> 00:22:50,891 And God will provide when we are in need. 434 00:22:51,341 --> 00:22:56,351 God will provide, uh, the strength when we feel like we don't have enough 435 00:22:56,581 --> 00:22:59,321 to fulfill his call to sacrifice. 436 00:23:00,061 --> 00:23:04,531 God will provide a way when we're tempted by sin and evil or demonic forces. 437 00:23:05,021 --> 00:23:09,301 God will provide resources when we have none left. 438 00:23:09,871 --> 00:23:13,511 God provides the wisdom for handling situations or relationships. 439 00:23:14,101 --> 00:23:16,901 God provides peace when there's anxiety. 440 00:23:17,321 --> 00:23:20,611 God provides hope when we're discouraged. 441 00:23:21,071 --> 00:23:24,231 God provides love when we're hurt. 442 00:23:24,701 --> 00:23:28,091 God provides relief when we're under pressure. 443 00:23:28,771 --> 00:23:36,221 But if we, if and when we trust and obey, it will be provided 444 00:23:37,131 --> 00:23:38,421 because that's who he is. 445 00:23:38,781 --> 00:23:41,941 He is the God who will provide. 446 00:23:41,951 --> 00:23:43,411 Karina want to share a little more about that. 447 00:23:45,491 --> 00:23:49,481 Karina: Yes, I think the biggest thing that I saw was God 448 00:23:49,481 --> 00:23:52,191 provides sacrificial love for us. 449 00:23:52,251 --> 00:23:57,071 Um, you know, I remember, um, I don't know if I saw this on someone's 450 00:23:57,591 --> 00:24:01,511 Facebook comments or someone said it, but I remember someone saying 451 00:24:01,511 --> 00:24:06,331 that they couldn't worship a God who would ask this of their follower. 452 00:24:06,661 --> 00:24:10,681 Um, and I, and I, But I, I get it. 453 00:24:10,681 --> 00:24:14,601 I get the sentiment because this was a very difficult request 454 00:24:14,641 --> 00:24:16,191 that God asked of Abraham. 455 00:24:16,201 --> 00:24:21,241 Like, I think the, you know, even just thinking about the 456 00:24:21,731 --> 00:24:23,981 process of this sacrifice. 457 00:24:24,131 --> 00:24:29,121 You know, to offer a sacrifice, an animal, you would cut their throat 458 00:24:29,171 --> 00:24:32,711 and then cut it up into pieces and then burn it on the altar. 459 00:24:32,781 --> 00:24:38,151 Like, That is what God was asking him to do with his one and only son, Isaac. 460 00:24:38,221 --> 00:24:41,191 Like that seems severe. 461 00:24:41,981 --> 00:24:46,441 Um, but I also think Abraham had a different view of this command than we do. 462 00:24:46,441 --> 00:24:48,701 Like we don't have human sacrifices. 463 00:24:48,791 --> 00:24:54,011 Um, and you know, that's not what, you know, is around us. 464 00:24:54,061 --> 00:24:57,961 But for Abraham, it was around him and the pagan nations around him. 465 00:24:57,961 --> 00:24:58,681 That's what they did. 466 00:24:58,681 --> 00:25:00,151 They offered human sacrifices. 467 00:25:00,151 --> 00:25:03,711 So I also think that, Abraham probably had a different view, like, okay, well, 468 00:25:03,901 --> 00:25:09,021 these other pagan gods ask this of their, um, that's what the other people do. 469 00:25:09,051 --> 00:25:12,821 So, I guess it makes sense, it's in the realm of possibility, that 470 00:25:12,851 --> 00:25:15,341 God, the true God, would ask this. 471 00:25:15,431 --> 00:25:21,251 Um, and he didn't have the Bible to, to tell him otherwise, or to know later 472 00:25:21,251 --> 00:25:23,751 that, you know, this was forbidden by God. 473 00:25:24,051 --> 00:25:27,481 Um, but it was still a big request, and this is not to minimize 474 00:25:27,481 --> 00:25:29,491 what God was asking of Abraham. 475 00:25:29,886 --> 00:25:36,596 I think, um, the difference though, the reason why I can worship this God is 476 00:25:36,596 --> 00:25:41,666 because God did ask this of Abraham, but he didn't make him go through with it. 477 00:25:42,056 --> 00:25:48,756 And the plan was always for God to be the one to provide and to show us the 478 00:25:48,756 --> 00:25:51,526 extent of his love through his sacrifice. 479 00:25:51,616 --> 00:25:55,916 I think, um, God isn't a God who asks and expects this of us. 480 00:25:55,926 --> 00:25:56,206 He is. 481 00:25:56,546 --> 00:26:01,386 The God who takes the initiative to make this type of sacrifice for us. 482 00:26:01,516 --> 00:26:05,886 You know, in, um, in Genesis we see that God provided a ram as a 483 00:26:05,886 --> 00:26:08,716 substitute sacrifice in place of Isaac. 484 00:26:08,936 --> 00:26:13,076 Um, and fulfilled Abraham's obligation through that, through the ram. 485 00:26:13,316 --> 00:26:16,786 Um, but years later we know now that God would offer his, his 486 00:26:16,846 --> 00:26:21,116 only son as a sacrifice for us and fulfilling our obligation. 487 00:26:22,046 --> 00:26:27,246 Um, Abraham didn't have to sacrifice Isaac and Isaac didn't have to die, just like 488 00:26:27,256 --> 00:26:29,586 we don't have to be punished for our sins. 489 00:26:30,346 --> 00:26:41,006 Um, in, uh, Genesis 22 verse 2, um, it, sorry, uh, it says, uh, 490 00:26:41,006 --> 00:26:45,846 Then God said, take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, 491 00:26:45,906 --> 00:26:47,376 and go to the region of Moriah. 492 00:26:47,386 --> 00:26:49,246 Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering. 493 00:26:49,711 --> 00:26:50,451 on a mountain. 494 00:26:50,501 --> 00:26:51,441 I will show you. 495 00:26:51,981 --> 00:26:58,281 But in john 3 16 through 17, it says, for God so loved the world 496 00:26:58,491 --> 00:27:03,151 that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall 497 00:27:03,151 --> 00:27:05,251 not perish but have eternal life. 498 00:27:05,391 --> 00:27:08,751 For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, 499 00:27:08,821 --> 00:27:11,241 but to save the world through him. 500 00:27:11,931 --> 00:27:14,111 And this is the God that we serve. 501 00:27:14,181 --> 00:27:18,261 We serve the God who Blitz the expectation like he tells Abraham 502 00:27:18,261 --> 00:27:19,581 do this and I'll bless you. 503 00:27:20,001 --> 00:27:22,811 Um, but he doesn't allow Abraham to go through with it. 504 00:27:23,101 --> 00:27:27,921 Instead, God takes the initiative and offers his son as the sacrifice 505 00:27:27,921 --> 00:27:29,381 necessary for eternal life. 506 00:27:29,391 --> 00:27:33,771 So he says, I'm going to do this sacrifice and I'm going to give you eternal life. 507 00:27:33,791 --> 00:27:36,311 Like I'm going to give you eternal life. 508 00:27:36,421 --> 00:27:41,031 Um, but I'm going to do the hard part and that's, that's God's love. 509 00:27:41,051 --> 00:27:43,981 That's, he provides the sacrificial love that we need. 510 00:27:44,721 --> 00:27:45,071 Marcel: Amen. 511 00:27:45,211 --> 00:27:45,761 Amen. 512 00:27:45,961 --> 00:27:46,301 Amen. 513 00:27:47,091 --> 00:27:47,461 Amen. 514 00:27:49,041 --> 00:27:54,541 And so as we close out, uh, want to give some action steps here to really 515 00:27:54,541 --> 00:27:56,851 allow God to minister to us here. 516 00:27:56,851 --> 00:27:59,271 And so this week, here are the action steps. 517 00:27:59,271 --> 00:28:02,991 Number one, review Genesis chapter 22 for yourself. 518 00:28:03,441 --> 00:28:08,511 Go ahead and go over the scriptures and and read the story again for yourself. 519 00:28:08,521 --> 00:28:12,051 But then two, here's what I ask you to do is to answer the following. 520 00:28:12,741 --> 00:28:15,801 How should I view the test in my life? 521 00:28:16,691 --> 00:28:20,271 How should I view the test in my life? 522 00:28:20,271 --> 00:28:24,021 And then to follow it up with what does it look like to obey 523 00:28:24,051 --> 00:28:26,101 the Lord who provides this week. 524 00:28:26,691 --> 00:28:32,461 So this week, what will it look like to obey the Lord who provides and 525 00:28:32,461 --> 00:28:36,671 I believe that the Holy Spirit will minister to you and I and so that 526 00:28:36,671 --> 00:28:38,611 we can have the right perspective. 527 00:28:39,031 --> 00:28:40,801 So that leads us to the right faith. 528 00:28:41,256 --> 00:28:44,966 That helps us to have the right heart and therefore make the right choices 529 00:28:45,176 --> 00:28:47,876 that are aligned with God's will. 530 00:28:48,286 --> 00:28:52,266 And so as we conclude our journey of faith, it includes tests. 531 00:28:52,706 --> 00:28:56,566 And some are just life and some are designed by God. 532 00:28:56,576 --> 00:28:59,836 But God knows us and he tests us individually. 533 00:29:00,236 --> 00:29:03,756 And the same God who tests is the same God who provides. 534 00:29:04,076 --> 00:29:05,576 Our God will provide. 535 00:29:05,576 --> 00:29:06,496 He provides love. 536 00:29:06,826 --> 00:29:10,266 And through Jesus, he provides eternal life. 537 00:29:10,266 --> 00:29:14,206 And so we must decide to trust God's character and promises 538 00:29:14,476 --> 00:29:17,306 and obey his call and word. 539 00:29:17,316 --> 00:29:20,956 Let's close out in Genesis chapter 22, verse 14. 540 00:29:21,066 --> 00:29:23,136 So Abraham called that place. 541 00:29:23,406 --> 00:29:27,936 The Lord will provide until this day, it is said on the mountain 542 00:29:27,936 --> 00:29:30,816 of the Lord, it will be provided. 543 00:29:30,826 --> 00:29:34,726 Brothers and sisters, I pray that you and I will pass the ultimate test. 544 00:29:34,826 --> 00:29:35,096 Amen. 545 00:29:35,171 --> 00:29:36,074 Amen. 546 00:29:36,074 --> 00:29:36,976 Amen.