“Abraham’s Faith-righteousness”

May 25, 2014 Rom 4(1-5,10-12,19-25)   Play AUDIO (32 kbps mp3)

FASCINATED WITH THE FADING, OR AWAITING THE AWESOME?

•    “I’ll tell you how to get what you really want...”
•    news flash: claim your inheritance from forefather - “heir of the world”
•    righteousness: right relationship with the One who counts most
•    faith = the only thing that counts

BEWARE BOASTING: OUR WORKS - OR GOD’S - THE FOCUS?

•    human works earn the right to boast
•    legacy of law / works: sin, death
•    God foremost Worker: life to dead, bringing into existence
•    hallmark accomplishment: raising Christ for our right-wising

HITCHED TO THE RIGHT HORSE: FAITH COUNTS

•    when stuck, don’t waste time with a garden tractor
•    Abraham’s faith credited to him as righteousness
•    faith itself a gift, not our achievement
•    faith affirms God’s character, makes Him look good
•    faith means by which Christ’s credit is tallied to our account
•    by sheer grace; not based on performance - so guaranteed

MEET YOUR FAITH-FATHER

•    do you have a ‘surprise’ father?
•    Abraham father of all who believe - Jew and Gentile
•    as Abraham’s seed, we are heirs: especially of God’s Spirit
•    how did Abraham believe?
•    against all hope; without weakening in his faith
•    didn’t waver through unbelief; was fully persuaded that God had power
•    earthquake brought joy not fear to woman who knew her God