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Hebrews 6:13-20 · Providence Baptist Church - Sermons

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Please take out your copy of God's Word and turn to Hebrews chapter 6.
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Our text for this morning is Hebrews chapter 6 verses 13 through 20.
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Before I read them for our benefit, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's Word to us.
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It was written for His glory and our good, and so we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands.
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We begin in verse 13 of chapter 6.
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For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying,
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Surely I will bless you and multiply you.
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And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.
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For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
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So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath.
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So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie,
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we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
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We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.
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A hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
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where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf,
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having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
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Now, let me remind you in brief who it is this letter is addressed to.
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Most likely a group of Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews,
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as this book is written in the most lavish, wonderful Greek in all the New Testament.
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Likely living on the outskirts of Rome.
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And we know that this church had suffered.
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And they had suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ.
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The aim of the writer of this letter is to encourage them to press on.
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To not give up.
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And they're being tempted to go back to Judaism.
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To their old way of worshiping God.
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Believing it could have been sufficient.
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And it doesn't come with suffering.
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Maybe we should go that way.
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And the author of Hebrews is saying,
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No.
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Christ is more excellent.
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He's better than.
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Pay attention to this new covenant.
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And press on in it.
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As we were discussing what we ought to preach through next.
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And we're thinking about a number of books of the Bible.
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Hebrews kept coming up.
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As we're finding ourselves in a day.
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Where it is getting increasingly more uncomfortable.
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To be a Christ follower.
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I think this is going to go on.
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And if you spend even a little bit of time on social media.
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And somebody might say something that to me is so uncontroversial.
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You'll find the way that it flares up disagreement with people.
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In the most unhelpful.
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In the most unhelpful of ways.
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I am continually shocked at the vitriol.
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Against the really good positions of God for us in our world.
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As we continue to contend for the Bible.
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And God's good and kind commands to man.
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You're going to be continually hated for it.
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And we shouldn't be surprised by this.
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Paul reminds Timothy that all those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
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So if it's not already here.
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If you've not already experienced this.
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If you're going to remain faithful to Christ.
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You are going to meet with rejection from the world.
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So we need to learn these lessons.
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And maybe we're walking in them already.
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Or maybe they're merely preparing us for a future day.
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But none of us should have this lost on us today.
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Now our text this morning is picking up thematically something the author of Hebrews began.
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Back at the end of chapter 4.
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Chapter 4 verses 14 through 16.
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We were encouraged.
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Since then we have a great high priest.
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Who has passed through the heavens.
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Jesus the son of God.
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Let us hold fast our confession.
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For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.
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But one who in every respect has been tempted as we are.
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Yet without sin.
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Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.
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That we may receive mercy.
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And find grace to help in time of need.
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So he's been beginning to make this case.
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Jesus is this more excellent.
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This better high priest.
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And he has suffered just as we suffer.
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He's been tempted as we are tempted.
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And because of who he is.
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And who he is to us.
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We can have a great confidence in him.
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To weather these storms.
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At the beginning of chapter 5.
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The author of Hebrews speaks to the origination.
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Of Jesus' priesthood.
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Citing Psalm chapter 2 verse 7.
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And Psalm 110 verse 4.
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He then tells us in chapter 5 verse 10.
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That Jesus was designated by God.
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Psalm 2 7.
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A high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
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Psalm 110 and verse 4.
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So we have the priestly lineage of Jesus introduced.
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And then the author of Hebrews.
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Seems to take a moment.
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Sort of a moment off to the side.
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To rebuke them.
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For being dull of hearing.
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Chapter 5 verse 11.
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And exhorting them not to become sluggish.
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Or dull in their acting.
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Chapter 6 and verse 12.
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Note that in chapter 5 verse 11.
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The author says about this.
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We have much to say.
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He has just introduced this idea of Jesus.
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Being in the lineage.
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Of this forever priest king.
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Melchizedek.
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Which we're going to talk a lot about.
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Over the next three weeks.
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Get ready for me to say Melchizedek.
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A lot.
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Over the rest of the month.
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He's just introduced this idea.
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And he says about this.
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We have much to say.
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And it is hard to explain.
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Since you.
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Have become dull.
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Of hearing.
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So.
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What this.
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Is he merely referring to.
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Jesus.
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As this priest king.
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When he's talking about.
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The great confidence.
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We have.
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Because.
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Jesus Christ.
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Is this priest king.
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Right.
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He's a better priest.
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He's a more.
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Excellent priest.
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He's not a Levitical priest.
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He is a Melchizedekian priest.
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And it.
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Brought me such great joy.
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To have that.
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Spell checked.
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And be wrong.
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Melchizedekian.
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Is a word.
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Our text today.
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Is bringing us.
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Back.
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To this point.
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As the author of Hebrews.
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Has stepped to the side.
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To say.
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Right.
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You need to go on.
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In maturity.
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You need to grow up.
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We should be able.
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To talk about these things.
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And have you understand.
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These things.
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So press on.
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In your.
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Knowledge.
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And then he gets back to.
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Presenting this idea.
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Of Jesus.
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As this greater priest.
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Hebrews chapter 6.
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Verse 11.
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And 12.
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He writes.
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And we desire.
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Each one of you.
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To show the same.
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Earnestness.
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To have the full assurance.
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Of hope.
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Until the end.
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Right.
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We want all of you.
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To be confident.
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Right.
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That you are in.
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Christ.
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So that you may not be sluggish.
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But imitators.
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Of those.
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Who through faith.
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And patience.
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Inherit the promises.
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I told you last week.
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That the author of Hebrews.
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Is setting us up.
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For chapter 11.
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And that grand list.
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Of the faithful.
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Who have gone.
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Before.
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Saying.
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Be imitators.
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Of them.
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Who by faith.
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And patience.
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Inherit.
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The promise.
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But in the immediate context.
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He is speaking.
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Of the faith.
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Of Abraham.
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This letter.
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The original audience.
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Would have had no need.
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To be reminded.
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Of Abraham's story.
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It would have been.
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Very fresh.
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In their mind.
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They would have been.
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Extremely.
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Familiar.
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With him.
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As a patriarch.
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And all of the things.
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That happened to him.
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And his great faith.
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And his patience.
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In those matters.
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But I think.
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That we will be well served.
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In considering.
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Abraham's faith.
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To have a bit of an overview.
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Of his life.
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So.
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We're meant.
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To be imitators.
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Of.
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And the author of Hebrews.
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Is now going to talk about.
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This faith.
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Where God swears.
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On himself.
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And makes an oath.
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And we need to think a bit.
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About this faith.
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And patience.
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Of Abraham.
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So.
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Let's do that a bit.
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You're welcome to flip with me.
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If you want to.
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But I'll try to keep you.
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On board.
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In the book of Genesis.
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God calls.
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Abram.
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He's called at this time.
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In Genesis chapter 12.
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Verses 1 through 4.
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Where we read.
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Now the Lord said to Abram.
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Go from your country.
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And your kindred.
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And your father's house.
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To the land.
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That I will show you.
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And I will make of you.
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A great nation.
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I will bless you.
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And make your name great.
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So that you will be a blessing.
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I will bless those who bless you.
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And him who dishonors you.
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I will curse.
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And in you.
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All the families of the earth.
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Shall be blessed.
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So Abram went.
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As the Lord had told him.
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And Lot.
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His nephew.
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Went with him.
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Abram was 75 years old.
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When he departed.
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From Haran.
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So he's sent to a new place.
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With a promise.
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So Abram.
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This is extreme overview.
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Abram travels to Canaan.
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Because of a famine.
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He moves to Egypt.
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He's then kicked out of Egypt.
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Because he did some.
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Inappropriate things with his wife.
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Gave his wife away.
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He then goes to the Negev.
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Dwells there.
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Separates from Lot.
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They've got so much possession.
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That they divide up.
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And separate.
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He then rescues Lot.
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Who's taken captive.
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By four kings.
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He then meets the priest.
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King Melchizedek.
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Which are text.
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References.
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And in all of this.
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About ten years have passed.
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Since God made the promises.
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Of Genesis chapter 12.
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And then God.
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In his kindness.
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Comes to Abraham.
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So all these events have happened.
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Right.
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It's been about ten years.
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How is it.
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Oh Lord.
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I imagine Abram saying.
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That you will make of me a great nation.
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I've gathered great possession.
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How will you make of me.
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A great nation.
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Ten years.
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I just ask you to put yourself.
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In his shoes.
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And try to think about.
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What that would feel like for you.
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Some of you have.
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Problems waiting ten days.
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For something you believe the Lord.
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Is going to do for you.
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But he is now.
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By faith.
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With some faithfulness mixed in.
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Been waiting ten years.
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God in his kindness.
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Comes.
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To Abram.
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We can read of this.
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In Genesis chapter 15.
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Verse one and following.
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After these things.
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My.
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Fast summary of them.
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The word of the Lord.
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Came to Abram.
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In a vision.
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Fear not Abram.
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I am your shield.
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Your reward.
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Shall be very great.
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But Abram said.
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Oh Lord God.
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What will you give me.
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For I continue.
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Childless.
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And the heir of my house.
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Is Eleazar of Damascus.
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And Abram said.
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Behold.
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You have given me.
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No offspring.
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And a member of my household.
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Will be my heir.
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And behold.
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The word of the Lord.
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Came to him.
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This man.
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Shall not.
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Be your heir.
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Your very own son.
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Shall be your heir.
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And he brought him outside.
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And said.
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Look toward heaven.
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And number the stars.
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If you were able to number them.
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Then he said to him.
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So.
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Shall your offspring.
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Be.
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And then.
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Verse six.
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And he believed the Lord.
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And he.
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God.
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Counted it to him.
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Abram.
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As righteousness.
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Chapter 15.
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Goes on to speak of God's.
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Ratification.
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Of.
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The covenant.
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He follows the form of.
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Covenants that were made.
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By.
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Men.
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He asked that Abram would.
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Get a heifer.
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A female goat.
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A ram.
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A turtle dove.
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And a.
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Young pigeon.
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And these animals are divided.
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They are torn in two.
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And laid out.
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In rows on the ground.
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Except for the birds.
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And I'm not sure why.
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If you know why.
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Please come tell me.
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But the others are laid out.
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On the ground.
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And in human.
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Covenant ratification.
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Both parties would walk between.
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Those animals.
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That were rent in two.
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And what they were saying is.
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If I don't keep my part of this covenant.
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May it be to me.
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As it's been to these.
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Animals.
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Right.
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That I would be.
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Torn in.
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Two.
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But God doesn't allow.
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Abram.
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To participate.
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In this covenant ratification.
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But he himself.
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Passes through.
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In a vision.
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As a smoking fire pot.
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And a flaming.
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Torch.
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Draws back on the imagery.
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Of God.
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Draws forward to the imagery.
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Excuse me.
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Of God leading his people.
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Out.
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Smoking fire pillar.
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And flaming.
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Pillar.
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This covenant.
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Was all.
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Of God's.
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Doing.
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He is saying.
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I will bring it to pass.
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I will do it.
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I will be faithful.
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To this covenant.
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Even if.
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You are.
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Unfaithful.
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To this covenant.
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Will happen.
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Because I have.
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Said it.
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So.
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Now.
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It is not.
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Until.
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Chapter.
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Twenty.
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One.
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That a son is born.
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To Abraham's.
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Wife.
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Sarah.
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Isaac was born.
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Twenty.
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Five.
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Years.
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After God's.
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Original.
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Command.
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And promise.
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In Genesis.
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Twelve.
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He's 75.
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When he's called to go.
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He's a hundred years old.
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When Isaac.
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Is born.
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It has been.
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Twenty.
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Five.
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Years.
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Of.
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Faith.
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And patience.
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Of him looking.
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Toward.
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This.
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Promise.
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Of God.
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This is what the author of Hebrews.
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Is drawing their minds.
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Back to.
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Imitate him.
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Twenty.
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Five.
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Years.
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Of waiting.
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Waiting.
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For this thing.
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To come to pass.
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And then.
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A most curious thing.
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Happens.
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In chapter.
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Twenty.
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God tests Abraham's faith.
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By asking him.
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To sacrifice.
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Isaac.
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To him.
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Genesis chapter.
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Twenty.
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And verse.
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Two.
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God said.
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Take your son.
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Your only son.
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Isaac.
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Whom you love.
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And go to the land.
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Of Moriah.
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And offer him there.
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As a burnt offering.
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On one of the mountains.
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Of which.
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I shall tell you.
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So his.
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Progeny.
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His.
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One son.
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His only son.
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Right.
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His.
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Hope.
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That this promise.
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Would come true.
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Twenty.
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Five.
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Years.
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Of waiting.
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He's beginning to see it happen.
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And then God says.
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Sacrifice him.
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To me.
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How could Abraham.
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Do.
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Such a thing.
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How could he.
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Fathom.
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Having that kind of faith.
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To still believe God's promise.
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To do this.
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Thing.
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Beloved.
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We are not obedient.
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In this way.
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But we should be.
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We are sluggish.
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In our acting.
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When we consider.
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Abraham's faith.
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In this matter.
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How.
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Was he able.
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To do this.
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When we get a clue.
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From the text.
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Genesis chapter twenty.
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Two.
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Verses four and five.
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Says.
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On the third day.
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Abraham lifted up his eyes.
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And saw the place.
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From afar.
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The mountain.
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That God had told him.
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To go to.
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Then Abraham said.
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To his young men.
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Stay here.
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With the donkey.
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I and the boy.
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Will go over there.
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And worship.
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And I don't think.
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He's lying.
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And come.
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Again.
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To you.
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Abraham had the power.
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To tell his servants.
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To stay.
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I'm going to sacrifice.
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My son.
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You can't do anything.
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About that.
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But he doesn't.
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Stay here.
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With the donkey.
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I and the boy.
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Will go over there.
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And worship.
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And come again.
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We.
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Will come again.
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To you.
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He knew somehow.
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The promise.
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And believing the promise.
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Would come through.
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His son.
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Would still.
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Be fulfilled.
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And the.
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Author of Hebrews.
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Writes to this.
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Chapter eleven.
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Verse seventeen.
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And following.
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By faith.
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Abraham.
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When he was tested.
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Offered up Isaac.
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And he who had received.
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The promises.
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Was in the act.
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Of offering up.
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His only son.
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Of whom.
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It was said.
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Through Isaac.
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Shall your offspring.
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Be named.
18:14
He considered.
18:15
That God.
18:16
Was able.
18:16
Even to raise him.
18:17
From the dead.
18:19
From which.
18:20
Figuratively speaking.
18:22
He did.
18:23
Receive him back.
18:25
So Abraham.
18:26
Knew.
18:26
That God.
18:27
Was going to be good.
18:28
To his word.
18:30
So he goes through.
18:31
The whole process.
18:33
Right.
18:33
And we get no record.
18:34
Of a struggle.
18:35
From Isaac.
18:36
I've got to believe.
18:37
Isaac.
18:38
Isaac.
18:38
Had a measure of faith.
18:40
Father.
18:40
What are you doing?
18:42
What about the promise of God?
18:44
Isn't that supposed to come through me?
18:45
Yes son.
18:46
It will come.
18:47
It's been said.
18:48
That it would come.
18:49
Through you.
18:50
And.
18:50
Isaac.
18:51
Allows himself to be bound.
18:52
Allows himself to be put.
18:54
On the altar.
18:54
This is my.
18:56
Imagination.
18:57
Of the matter.
18:59
And as the.
19:00
Dagger is raised.
19:02
We know.
19:03
That God.
19:03
God spared.
19:04
Isaac.
19:05
By providing a ram.
19:07
To die.
19:07
In his stead.
19:09
Right.
19:09
We are familiar.
19:10
With this part of the story.
19:11
At least I hope.
19:12
That we are.
19:13
But do you know.
19:15
How this episode.
19:16
Ends.
19:18
God speaks.
19:19
And this is what.
19:21
He said.
19:21
Genesis chapter 2.
19:22
Verse 16.
19:23
And following.
19:24
By myself.
19:27
I have sworn.
19:28
Declares the Lord.
19:29
Because you have done this.
19:31
And have not withheld your son.
19:33
Your only son.
19:35
I will surely bless you.
19:36
And I will surely multiply your offspring.
19:38
As the stars of the heaven.
19:39
And as the sand that is on the seashore.
19:41
And your offspring shall possess.
19:43
The gate.
19:44
Of his enemies.
19:45
And in your offspring.
19:47
Shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
19:49
Because you have obeyed.
19:52
My voice.
19:52
And this has everything to do.
19:55
With our text.
19:56
Today.
19:58
The writer of Hebrews.
19:59
Is addressing.
20:01
Abraham's life of faith.
20:02
Generally.
20:04
But this is the episode.
20:06
That the writer of Hebrews.
20:07
Is addressing.
20:08
Specifically.
20:10
In fact.
20:10
The writer of Hebrews.
20:11
Is citing.
20:12
Genesis chapter 22.
20:13
Verse 17.
20:15
In.
20:16
Hebrews chapter 6.
20:17
Verse.
20:18
14.
20:20
Right.
20:20
He says.
20:21
Surely.
20:22
I will bless you.
20:23
And multiply you.
20:25
In verse.
20:26
14.
20:27
So then here again.
20:28
Verse 13.
20:30
For when God made a promise.
20:31
To Abraham.
20:33
Since he had no one greater.
20:35
By whom to swear.
20:36
He swore.
20:37
By himself.
20:39
Because God.
20:40
Has.
20:42
Promised.
20:43
We can have.
20:44
Unshakeable.
20:45
Faith.
20:46
Immovable.
20:48
Faith.
20:48
Faith.
20:50
And then verse 15.
20:52
And thus Abraham.
20:53
Having.
20:54
Patiently.
20:55
Waited.
20:57
Obtained.
20:58
The promise.
21:01
Realized.
21:02
The promise.
21:04
James.
21:05
Writes to this.
21:06
In James.
21:06
Chapter 2.
21:07
Verse 21 and 22.
21:08
Was not Abraham.
21:09
Our father.
21:10
Justified.
21:11
By works.
21:11
When he offered up.
21:12
His son Isaac.
21:13
On the altar.
21:16
You see that faith.
21:16
Was active.
21:17
Along with his works.
21:18
And faith.
21:19
Was completed.
21:21
By his works.
21:22
He showed himself.
21:23
Faithful.
21:24
And he.
21:26
Obtained.
21:27
The promise.
21:28
So the author of Hebrews.
21:29
Is writing to this.
21:31
Beleaguered church.
21:32
This tired.
21:33
Exhausted.
21:33
Worn out church.
21:34
A church that had suffered.
21:36
And would.
21:37
Suffer.
21:38
More.
21:39
And he's saying.
21:40
Imitate.
21:41
Imitate.
21:42
This faith.
21:43
And patience.
21:44
Like.
21:44
Look to the promise.
21:46
To the reward.
21:48
And he gives them.
21:49
Two.
21:50
Things we have.
21:53
In order to be able to do that.
21:55
First.
21:57
We have.
21:58
God's.
21:59
Word.
22:00
We have.
22:01
God's.
22:03
Word.
22:04
Verse 16.
22:05
And following.
22:06
For people swear by something greater.
22:08
Than.
22:09
Themselves.
22:10
And in all.
22:11
All their disputes.
22:12
An oath.
22:13
Is final.
22:13
For confirmation.
22:15
So God.
22:16
Right.
22:17
In order to.
22:18
Make.
22:19
An oath.
22:19
Trustworthy.
22:21
Right.
22:21
He swears upon.
22:23
Something.
22:25
Greater.
22:26
Than himself.
22:27
He can't.
22:27
There is.
22:28
Nothing.
22:29
Greater.
22:29
Than.
22:30
Him.
22:32
The reason.
22:33
That human.
22:33
Oaths.
22:34
Were.
22:34
And are.
22:35
Often.
22:35
Used.
22:35
Today.
22:36
To end.
22:37
Disputes.
22:38
Is because of the sinfulness.
22:40
Of human speech.
22:40
We are not.
22:41
Naturally.
22:42
Very.
22:43
Trustworthy.
22:45
In ancient culture.
22:46
People would swear.
22:47
On something.
22:48
Greater.
22:48
Than.
22:49
Themselves.
22:50
So they would.
22:51
Swear on.
22:52
The temple.
22:52
They would swear on.
22:54
Caesar.
22:55
They would.
22:56
Appeal.
22:56
To something.
22:57
Outside.
22:57
Of.
22:59
Themselves.
23:00
And amongst the Jews.
23:01
The greatest.
23:02
Oath.
23:02
That could be given.
23:03
Will be.
23:04
One sworn.
23:05
On the name.
23:06
Of God.
23:07
God.
23:07
This is because.
23:09
They were afraid.
23:09
Of transgressing.
23:11
The third commandment.
23:12
To not misuse.
23:14
The name of God.
23:15
So if.
23:16
A Jew.
23:16
Wanted to totally.
23:17
Put a dispute.
23:18
Like.
23:19
Listen.
23:19
Believe me.
23:21
He or she.
23:22
Would swear.
23:22
On God.
23:23
Himself.
23:25
Which is exactly.
23:26
What God.
23:27
Does here.
23:28
People swear.
23:29
By something.
23:29
Greater than themselves.
23:30
And in all their disputes.
23:32
An oath.
23:32
Is final.
23:34
For confirmation.
23:35
Verse 17.
23:36
So when God.
23:37
Desired to show.
23:37
More convincingly.
23:38
To the heirs.
23:39
Of the promise.
23:40
The unchangeable.
23:40
Character.
23:41
Of his purpose.
23:43
He guaranteed it.
23:44
With an oath.
23:46
So that by two.
23:47
Unchangeable things.
23:48
In which it is impossible.
23:49
For God to lie.
23:51
We who have fled.
23:52
For refuge.
23:53
Might have strong.
23:54
Encouragement.
23:54
To hold fast.
23:56
To the hope.
23:56
Set before us.
23:58
So two.
23:59
Unchangeable.
23:59
Things.
24:00
God himself.
24:03
His person.
24:04
His character.
24:05
There is nothing higher.
24:06
By which.
24:07
He could.
24:08
Swear.
24:09
And his oath.
24:10
His word.
24:12
Right?
24:12
In which.
24:13
It is impossible.
24:15
For God.
24:16
To lie.
24:18
So those of us.
24:19
Who have.
24:20
Fled for refuge.
24:21
Are running away.
24:23
From sin.
24:24
And the condemnation.
24:25
Of it.
24:26
And have.
24:26
Fled to God.
24:28
In Christ.
24:29
Have.
24:30
Strong.
24:31
Encouragement.
24:33
To hold fast.
24:33
To hang in.
24:35
To not give up.
24:37
Because of the hope.
24:39
Set before us.
24:40
Right?
24:41
The hope.
24:41
Of realized promise.
24:43
We have a confidence.
24:44
That it will.
24:45
Be.
24:46
Realized.
24:48
This is why Jesus.
24:49
Has the confidence.
24:50
To pray.
24:51
In John chapter 17.
24:52
And verse 17.
24:54
Sanctify them.
24:56
In the truth.
24:57
Your word.
24:59
Is truth.
25:00
Faith.
25:01
On your bulletin.
25:03
John Trapp.
25:03
Who was a.
25:04
17th century.
25:05
Anglican.
25:06
If I'm.
25:07
I'm remembering that correctly.
25:09
Said this.
25:10
It is the nature of faith.
25:11
To believe God.
25:12
Upon his bare word.
25:14
God has said something.
25:16
Faith believes that thing.
25:18
It is the nature of faith.
25:19
To believe God.
25:20
Upon his bare word.
25:22
It will not be.
25:24
Saith.
25:24
Since.
25:25
It cannot be.
25:27
Saith.
25:28
Reason.
25:28
It both can.
25:30
And will be.
25:32
Saith faith.
25:33
For I.
25:34
Have a promise.
25:37
God's word.
25:39
Reveals to us.
25:41
His loving kindness.
25:42
Toward us.
25:44
And it speaks.
25:45
Greatly.
25:46
Of his purpose.
25:47
For his people.
25:49
We ought to take it up.
25:50
And we ought to.
25:51
Know it.
25:52
If you don't have a.
25:54
Confident foundation.
25:55
On which to set your salvation.
25:56
You need to be.
25:57
In his word.
25:59
You need to be.
26:00
Studying it.
26:01
What does it have to say.
26:03
For you.
26:04
And.
26:05
For us.
26:06
We have.
26:07
God's.
26:08
Word.
26:10
Secondly.
26:11
We have.
26:12
God's.
26:13
Anchor.
26:14
We have.
26:15
God's.
26:17
Anchor.
26:18
I feel like.
26:18
We've.
26:19
Referenced.
26:20
These two verses.
26:21
More than any other.
26:22
In the book of Hebrews.
26:22
As we've been studying.
26:23
Elsewhere.
26:24
In it.
26:25
So here we.
26:26
Have finally come.
26:27
To verses 19.
26:28
And.
26:29
20.
26:30
I have a feeling.
26:30
We're going to reference.
26:31
Back to it.
26:31
Quite a bit.
26:32
As well.
26:33
He uses this.
26:34
Beautiful imagery.
26:36
We have this.
26:37
As a sure.
26:39
And.
26:40
Steadfast.
26:41
Anchor.
26:42
Of the soul.
26:43
A confident.
26:45
Anchor.
26:45
An immovable.
26:46
Anchor.
26:47
Of the soul.
26:49
A hope.
26:50
That enters.
26:51
Into the inner place.
26:52
Behind the curtain.
26:55
Where Jesus is gone.
26:56
As a forerunner.
26:57
On our behalf.
26:58
Having become.
26:59
A high priest.
27:00
Forever.
27:01
After the order.
27:02
Of Melchizedek.
27:04
An anchor.
27:05
Is the lifeline.
27:07
Of a ship.
27:09
Right.
27:09
It holds it firm.
27:10
In the shelter.
27:11
Of a bay.
27:11
And it steadies it.
27:13
On a storm.
27:14
Tossed.
27:15
Sea.
27:16
Right.
27:16
A ship.
27:17
Is safe.
27:18
Because it has.
27:20
An anchor.
27:20
And Jesus.
27:22
Is God's.
27:24
Anchor.
27:25
And he's given.
27:26
To us.
27:28
Jesus is the surety.
27:29
Of all.
27:30
The promises.
27:32
Of God.
27:33
Paul tells us in.
27:34
Second Corinthians.
27:35
Chapter one.
27:36
Verse twenty.
27:37
For all the promises.
27:39
Of God.
27:40
Find their yes.
27:41
In Jesus Christ.
27:43
That is wise.
27:44
Through him.
27:45
That we utter.
27:45
Our amen.
27:46
To God.
27:47
For his glory.
27:48
Right.
27:48
By we have confidence.
27:50
As we pray.
27:51
God's will.
27:52
Because the promises.
27:53
Of God.
27:54
Find their yes.
27:56
In Jesus Christ.
27:59
Now.
28:01
The author of Hebrews.
28:01
Here speaks.
28:02
Again.
28:04
Of something.
28:04
That his original audience.
28:05
Would have been.
28:06
Extremely familiar with.
28:07
And we may.
28:08
Not be quite.
28:09
As.
28:10
Familiar with.
28:11
If you've been here.
28:12
Long.
28:13
We've talked about.
28:14
The temple.
28:15
The tabernacle.
28:16
And the temple.
28:16
And the way that it was arranged.
28:18
With.
28:18
A series of.
28:20
Courts.
28:21
And in the inner part of the temple.
28:24
There was a place called the.
28:24
Holy place.
28:26
For the worship of God.
28:27
And then inside of that.
28:28
There was a.
28:29
Much smaller place.
28:30
Called the.
28:31
Holy.
28:31
Of holies.
28:32
This is the place that contained.
28:33
The ark of the covenant.
28:35
This is the place where.
28:36
Only once a year.
28:37
The high priest.
28:37
And only the high priest.
28:39
Would enter.
28:40
And make.
28:41
Atoning sacrifice.
28:42
On the day of atonement.
28:43
For the people.
28:44
Of Israel.
28:45
Right.
28:45
This.
28:46
This was the significant place.
28:47
Where God's glory.
28:50
Dwelt.
28:50
He dwelt.
28:51
Amongst his people.
28:52
But separate.
28:54
From them.
28:55
And in the temple.
28:56
There was a massive.
28:58
Curtain hung.
28:59
A heavy.
29:00
Curtain.
29:01
That was hung.
29:02
Light.
29:02
Didn't get through.
29:03
This curtain.
29:04
It was.
29:05
A significant.
29:07
Separation.
29:08
From.
29:09
God's people.
29:10
Levitical priesthood.
29:12
And himself.
29:13
So this one day a year.
29:15
High priest.
29:17
Would go in.
29:18
To this place.
29:20
And it is.
29:22
Massively significant.
29:24
That when Jesus died on the cross.
29:26
We read in Matthew chapter 27.
29:28
And verse 51.
29:30
And behold.
29:31
The curtain of the temple.
29:33
Was torn.
29:34
In two.
29:35
From top to bottom.
29:36
Right.
29:36
No man accomplished.
29:38
This.
29:39
Right.
29:39
God himself.
29:40
Tore.
29:41
The curtain.
29:42
And the earth shook.
29:43
And the rocks.
29:45
Were split.
29:47
Right.
29:48
Jesus.
29:49
Through his death.
29:50
And his resurrection.
29:52
Has gone in before.
29:54
He's gone as a forerunner.
29:56
As a better priest.
29:58
Right.
29:58
A high priest forever.
30:00
After the order of.
30:01
Melchizedek.
30:02
He has entered.
30:03
Into God's.
30:05
Presence.
30:07
Serving on our behalf.
30:08
Interceding on our behalf.
30:09
As a priest.
30:10
And he himself.
30:12
Being the atoning.
30:13
Sacrifice.
30:15
That washes away the sins.
30:16
Of God's people.
30:19
This is massively.
30:21
Significant.
30:22
And there.
30:23
Is where he is.
30:24
Our anchor.
30:25
At the right hand.
30:27
Of God.
30:27
The author of Hebrews.
30:28
Has said this.
30:29
Hebrews chapter 1.
30:30
In verse 3.
30:31
Jesus Christ.
30:32
Is the radiance of the glory of God.
30:33
And the exact imprint.
30:34
Of his nature.
30:35
And he upholds the universe.
30:36
By the word of his power.
30:37
After making purification.
30:39
For sins.
30:41
He sat down.
30:42
At the right hand.
30:44
Of the majesty.
30:45
On high.
30:47
It's a massive significance.
30:49
That we have.
30:50
Jesus.
30:51
As a priest.
30:52
Why would we ever want to go back.
30:54
To serving God.
30:55
Through the Levitical priesthood.
30:57
Would be the original.
30:58
Audience's response.
31:00
Why would we ever.
31:02
Go.
31:03
That way.
31:04
When we have.
31:05
The way.
31:05
Of Christ.
31:07
The sure.
31:08
And steadfast.
31:10
Anchor.
31:12
And the only sensible answer.
31:14
Is we wouldn't.
31:16
Why would we do.
31:17
Such.
31:18
A thing.
31:19
We have.
31:20
Such.
31:20
A hope.
31:22
For the promise.
31:25
And here's the.
31:26
Further.
31:27
Astounding.
31:28
Thing.
31:30
And Paul writes.
31:30
In Ephesians chapter 2.
31:32
Verses 4 through 6.
31:34
The memory work.
31:34
For the children.
31:35
God being rich.
31:37
In mercy.
31:39
Because of the great love.
31:40
With which he loved us.
31:41
Even when we were dead.
31:42
In our trespasses.
31:44
Made us alive.
31:45
Together.
31:46
With Christ.
31:47
By grace.
31:48
You have been saved.
31:49
Verse 6.
31:50
And raised us up with him.
31:52
And seated us.
31:53
With him.
31:54
In the heavenly places.
31:56
In.
31:57
Christ.
31:58
Jesus.
31:59
Jesus.
32:00
We have all the.
32:02
Benefit.
32:02
Of God's.
32:03
Presence.
32:04
Because Jesus Christ.
32:05
Sits in his presence.
32:07
And Paul says.
32:07
And we are sitting.
32:09
There.
32:10
With him.
32:13
So we live in this.
32:14
Interesting tension.
32:15
In our day.
32:18
Between the kingdom of God.
32:20
Not yet.
32:21
Realized.
32:22
Us being fully.
32:23
Drawn up into the presence.
32:24
Of God.
32:25
Not yet.
32:26
Realized.
32:27
But because of the sacrificial work of Christ.
32:29
It has already been.
32:31
Actualized.
32:33
It's not yet realized.
32:34
But it's already.
32:37
Actualized.
32:38
Right.
32:38
And the author of Hebrews.
32:39
Is making this case.
32:41
Back in chapter 4.
32:42
We have such.
32:44
Confidence.
32:45
To go.
32:46
To the throne of grace.
32:48
And receive help.
32:50
In time of need.
32:51
That we would be.
32:52
Faithful.
32:53
And patient.
32:55
Perseverers.
32:55
To the end.
32:58
So we have.
33:00
God's word.
33:01
And we have.
33:03
If you've placed your faith.
33:04
In Christ.
33:05
You have him.
33:06
As.
33:07
Your anchor.
33:10
And this is what.
33:11
The author of Hebrews.
33:12
Is writing about.
33:13
Chapter 6.
33:14
Verse 11 and 12.
33:16
And we desire.
33:16
Each one of you.
33:18
To show the same.
33:19
Earnestness.
33:19
To have the full.
33:20
Assurance of hope.
33:21
Until the end.
33:23
So that you may not be sluggish.
33:24
But imitators of those.
33:25
Who through faith.
33:27
And patience.
33:28
Inherit.
33:29
The promises.
33:32
We are not.
33:33
Saved.
33:35
By works.
33:37
We're saved.
33:38
By faith.
33:40
But that faith.
33:41
Is a faith.
33:42
That.
33:43
Works.
33:43
This assurance.
33:46
That we're meant to have.
33:48
Is an assurance.
33:49
That we do in fact.
33:51
Have the word of God.
33:52
And we do in fact.
33:53
Have Christ.
33:53
As our.
33:55
Anchor.
33:55
So don't be sluggish.
33:57
Pick up the promises.
33:59
Of God.
34:00
Know that you are steady.
34:02
Because you are Christ.
34:03
And press on.
34:05
Press on.
34:06
In knowing him.
34:07
And serving him.
34:07
And loving him.
34:08
Showing yourself.
34:10
To be.
34:11
His sons.
34:12
And his daughters.
34:14
This is what's being encouraged.
34:16
All.
34:17
Along the way.
34:18
Through.
34:18
This book.
34:19
And I'm really.
34:20
Really glad.
34:21
That we've been saying this.
34:22
For many years.
34:22
And we're going to keep on saying it.
34:24
Because it is so.
34:25
Important.
34:26
For.
34:27
Our souls.
34:28
That we would be those.
34:30
That would have.
34:30
Immovable faith.
34:32
In who.
34:33
Our God.
34:34
Is.
34:35
We're to have.
34:36
Faith.
34:37
Like a child.
34:38
But we are not.
34:39
To have childlike faith.
34:40
Faith.
34:41
Faith like a child.
34:43
But we are to be.
34:43
Growing up.
34:46
Into Christ.
34:48
This past Monday.
34:49
I.
34:50
Hesitated to share the story with you.
34:51
Because it.
34:52
Shows me to be a bad father.
34:53
But.
34:54
I think it helps make.
34:56
The point.
34:57
This past Monday.
34:59
Which is typically our family day.
35:01
Sam.
35:01
My wife and I.
35:02
Took.
35:03
Our three boys.
35:04
To the Tallulah River.
35:06
Way up north.
35:07
Near Clayton.
35:07
Where the water is shallow.
35:09
And fun to play in.
35:10
With kids.
35:11
And.
35:12
There was this island.
35:13
In the middle of the river.
35:15
And most of the current.
35:16
Went around one side.
35:17
And we had brought.
35:18
An inflatable pool toy.
35:20
Alligator.
35:20
With us.
35:21
To float around.
35:22
And goof off with.
35:23
In the water.
35:24
And there was a bit of.
35:25
Bit of current.
35:27
It was like.
35:28
A foot and a half deep.
35:29
Wasn't all that deep.
35:30
But it had.
35:31
Was moving quick.
35:32
In this one spot.
35:33
And then it mellowed out.
35:35
Fairly quickly.
35:36
After that.
35:37
And so.
35:38
My nine year old.
35:40
Cade.
35:41
Tested it out.
35:42
Jumped on.
35:43
Rode down.
35:44
Woo hoo.
35:45
Good fun.
35:47
Judah.
35:48
A seven year old.
35:49
Followed him.
35:50
Also had a good time.
35:51
And then Silas.
35:52
My three year old.
35:53
Who has to do everything.
35:54
His brothers do.
35:55
Was totally down.
35:56
For a turn.
35:58
And.
35:58
We had.
35:59
What's called a puddle jumper.
36:00
Parents.
36:00
You know.
36:01
What I'm talking about.
36:02
With us.
36:03
But.
36:03
We did not put it on him.
36:06
Because why?
36:06
There's a big float.
36:07
And it's got handles.
36:09
Well.
36:10
Silas is a champ.
36:11
So he.
36:12
Rode down.
36:13
That current.
36:14
Four or five times.
36:15
Throughout the afternoon.
36:16
And I would get him going.
36:17
And then I would run along the bank.
36:19
Next to him.
36:20
In case anything went wrong.
36:21
I'd be ready to.
36:22
Jump out there with him.
36:23
When the last time.
36:24
We had said.
36:24
Okay.
36:25
Last time guys.
36:25
We're going to pack up.
36:26
We got to get going.
36:27
We got to get back down.
36:29
South.
36:30
Silas.
36:31
In his excitement.
36:31
For the last time.
36:32
I'm holding the thing.
36:33
And he jumped on it.
36:34
And he jumped.
36:35
Exuberantly.
36:37
And went off the far side of it.
36:39
So.
36:40
I'm standing on the.
36:41
Calmer water side.
36:42
He's standing.
36:42
Again.
36:43
It's like halfway up my shins.
36:44
It's not extremely deep.
36:45
But for a three year old.
36:46
Current.
36:46
Of that depth.
36:47
Is kind of a big deal.
36:48
And he went.
36:49
Head down.
36:50
Face.
36:50
Face down in.
36:52
And this little rapid.
36:53
That was right there.
36:54
Turned him sideways.
36:55
As I'm chunking the alligator.
36:57
And I'm going after him.
36:58
Trying not to fall.
36:59
Because I want to get to him.
37:00
And it rolls him over.
37:02
And I can see the panic on his face.
37:04
Of.
37:04
My head's underwater.
37:05
And.
37:06
I can't get my head above water.
37:07
I see his little arms.
37:08
Trying to go down.
37:08
And reach something.
37:10
And it was scary.
37:11
It was.
37:12
Frightening.
37:13
As this current.
37:14
Is starting to carry him away.
37:16
From me.
37:16
And my wife is now.
37:18
Screaming.
37:18
From the bank.
37:19
Which.
37:20
Women is not helpful.
37:22
It does not speed.
37:22
A man's brain up.
37:25
If anything.
37:25
It makes us more panicky.
37:27
But I'm trying to just get to him.
37:29
As quickly as I can.
37:30
And try not to slip.
37:30
The thing going through my mind.
37:31
Is don't fall.
37:32
Because then you can't get to him.
37:34
And so finally.
37:35
I was within a body's length of him.
37:36
And I just dove.
37:37
I just did a full on.
37:38
Dive.
37:39
For him.
37:40
And put my.
37:41
Hand under his head.
37:42
And grabbed his leg.
37:43
So he couldn't get away.
37:44
And got him up above the water.
37:45
I stood up.
37:46
I mean.
37:46
I stood up in this current.
37:47
It really wasn't moving.
37:48
That quickly.
37:50
But I just had to stand there with him.
37:51
It was scary.
37:52
So he cried a little.
37:53
No water was in his lungs.
37:54
It went fine.
37:57
Put his head on my shoulder.
37:59
We composed ourselves.
38:01
And we walked up out of the water.
38:04
So I'm telling you all this to say.
38:07
I think most children.
38:09
I think our first two children.
38:11
Would have been done for the day.
38:12
They would have been like.
38:13
Not.
38:14
I'm good.
38:14
Right.
38:15
My head went underwater.
38:16
I almost got swept away from dad.
38:18
God.
38:19
He heroically saved me.
38:21
But still.
38:21
That was tragic.
38:24
That was tragic.
38:25
I don't want to do it again.
38:27
But Silas got his head on my shoulder.
38:29
And we had arranged for one more turn for Judah.
38:32
So Judah said.
38:33
Dad.
38:33
Is it my turn now?
38:35
And Silas' head snapped up.
38:37
And he said.
38:37
He said.
38:38
No.
38:38
It's still my turn.
38:39
It's still my turn.
38:39
And I couldn't believe it.
38:45
Sam said.
38:46
I think very wisely.
38:47
She goes.
38:47
You probably ought to let him.
38:48
So it's not a trauma to him.
38:51
And we did.
38:52
Very carefully.
38:53
Got him.
38:53
Got him back on.
38:55
And let him float down.
38:57
And I've just been thinking about it this week.
38:59
Of course.
38:59
I was thinking about it a lot.
39:00
Just as a major dad fail.
39:04
But also.
39:05
By the end of the day.
39:07
He had almost altogether forgotten about it.
39:10
I think I was still processing it.
39:12
So I brought it up.
39:13
Hey buddy.
39:13
You fell in the water today.
39:14
Didn't you?
39:14
And he went.
39:16
Yeah.
39:20
But it illustrated to me.
39:23
The kind of faith we should have in our father.
39:25
Who doesn't do dumb dad fail things.
39:30
If we are ever swept in current.
39:32
It's because he knows it's good for us.
39:34
And he places us there.
39:36
And he is so ready and quick.
39:38
To also rescue us from those places in which he puts us.
39:44
But the way that Silas was just so willing to get back in the mix.
39:49
Right?
39:50
To press on.
39:51
To not have his confidence in me shaken.
39:54
I'm the one that put him back out there.
39:57
I'm the one that got him out of the water at the end.
39:59
He didn't ask for mom to do it.
40:00
He let me do it.
40:04
We're to have faith like a child.
40:07
But not childlike faith.
40:11
And this is the encouragement.
40:12
This is the pressing all along.
40:14
Because we have God's word.
40:17
His sure promise to us.
40:20
And we have Christ.
40:21
Right?
40:22
As the confirmation of his promise.
40:26
As the anchor of our souls.
40:30
So in closing.
40:31
I want to read to you.
40:32
A verse and a chorus from a hymn.
40:35
Called My Anchor Holds.
40:36
By Daniel B.
40:38
Towner.
40:38
This may come up in our songs.
40:42
Sometime soon.
40:44
He wrote.
40:45
I can feel the anchor fast.
40:49
As I meet each sudden blast.
40:52
And the cable though unseen.
40:55
Bears the heavy strain between.
40:59
Through the storm I safely ride.
41:02
Till the turning of the tide.
41:05
And it holds.
41:07
My anchor holds.
41:09
Blow your wildest then O Gale.
41:12
On my bark so small and frail.
41:16
By his grace.
41:17
I shall not fail.
41:19
For my anchor holds.
41:21
My anchor holds.
41:23
Let's pray together.