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Victory Sermon Series: Imitating Our Father

the big idea:

An invaluable gift for the believer is the blessing of a "spiritual father." For some that spiritual father is the patriarch in the family. For others the spiritual father may be a pastor or a mentor within the church. A true spiritual father has a deep faith, nurtured through constant use of Word and sacrament, seasoned through the struggles and trials of life. A true spiritual father teaches, encourages, rebukes and exhorts with a tender heart of compassion because he knows the joys, the struggles, the trials and the dangers of life from firsthand experience.

The Scriptures cite Abraham as the spiritual father of all who believe. Starting with Father's Day and running through the end of July we will retrace Abraham's spiritual faith-walk (and sometimes faith-stumble) gleaning some incredibly relevant lessons for our own spiritual journeys.

the breakdown:

June 21 (Father's Day): Great Faith and Great Failings

Abraham's faith life had an incredible beginning. Called by God's grace out of an idolatrous family, asked to leave his home and extended family, Abraham started out for the land of Canaan and a whole new life. What an incredible display of faith! And yet, when this newfound faith was put to the test, Abraham didn't fair so well. Sound familiar?
Scriptures: Hebrews 11:8-10; John 8:31-41
Sermon Text: Genesis 12

June 28: Great Faith Blesses Others - Guest Preacher, Phil Kiecker

When Abraham's nephew Lot found himself in a bad place, Abraham was quick to come to his rescue. In fact, Abraham's faith, lived out in a life of generosity and sacrifice, brought great blessing to Lot on a number of occasions. How is your faith a blessing to those around you?
Scriptures: Acts 16:25-34
Sermon Text: Genesis 13-14

July 5: Great Faith Needs Feeding

Because God is God and we are not, the Lord asks us to trust his Word even when what he says seems impossible. For Abraham God's Word was the promise of a son, an heir, from his own aged and decrepit body. The Lord, who understands our "struggle of faith," came to Abraham again and again to feed his faith. How is the Lord seeking to feed your faith?
Scriptures: Hebrews 11:11-12; Mark 9:14-27
Sermon Text: Genesis 15

July 12: Great Faith Prays for Others

Great faith displays a heart after God's own heart. When Abraham hears of the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, his heart cries out to the Lord for mercy and compassion. He knows that God wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Does your heart of faith cry out to the Lord for the salvation of those around you?
Scriptures: James 5:13-20; Matthew 5:43-48
Sermon Text: Genesis 18 and 19

July 19: Great Faith Becomes Greater Through Exercise

We live in an age that understands the importance of exercise to remain physically and emotionally healthy. Great faith also requires exercise. In his love for Abraham, the Lord exercised his faith by asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. There, Abraham learned by experience how, on the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided. How is our gracious Lord exercising your faith?
Scriptures: Hebrews 11:17-19; Hebrews 12:4-13; Luke 22:31-34
Sermon Text: Genesis 22

July 26: Great Faith Leaves A Legacy

In a world of upside down priorities, great faith sees that the most important legacy we can leave our children is not wealth and status in this life, but the security of an eternal relationship with our Savior Jesus. Abraham takes great pains to make sure his son finds a God-fearing wife. What kind of legacy are you leaving for your children?
Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:10-17; Matthew 18:1-9
Sermon Text: Genesis 24