Thursday, May 25, 2006, Part Two

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).

IDEA: God calls us to leave the old life to go with Him to something new.

PURPOSE: To help listeners be aware that when God calls us to Himself, He also calls us away from other things that matter to us.

We talk about left-brain and right-brain thinking. What in the world is that?

How legitimate is it to use your imagination when you read the Bible?

I. Hebrews 11:8 declares, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place he would receive for an inheritance."

This is spelled out in Genesis 12:1-3: "Now the Lord had said to Abram, 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' "

This passage is often known as "The Call." When you think about "call," what comes to your mind?

What do you think it was like for Abraham to respond to that call? 

The Bible makes it seem as if he did it without much thought, but if you use your right brain, what could have gone on?

Imagine Abraham explaining his call to Sarah.

They had no children, and to be a nation, you need kids.

Abraham is 75 and Sarah is past menopause.

Imagine two of Abraham's servants hearing about this call.

They won't argue with Abraham, but they will have to pack up and go where they know not. 

Ur of Chaldees was a difficult place to leave; it was extremely attractive.

II. Abraham had many reasons not to respond to that call.