Two types of religions exist. The first is a “do-it-yourself” approach. The second approach is on Jesus. Abraham tried to mix the two. From his experience we learn two lessons:

1. The two approaches can’t co-exist (8-14)
2. You often have to come to the end of your rope to learn to lean on Jesus (15-21)

Preacher: Rev. Richard A. Brennan
Text: Genesis 21:1-7
Title: The Birth of Laughter

An examination of Abraham and Sarah’s experience shows how joy-born laughter is acquired.

1. God provides it by keeping promises (1-3; 5-7)

2. God provides it through His Son (4)

Abraham’s failure teaches two lessons about repeated failures at your point of vulnerability.

1. Sin has no expiration date (1-2; 9-13)
2. Sin cannot overcome God’s grace (3-8; 14-18)

A study of the account of Sodom’s destruction shows that God’s treatment of those who are doomed and those who are spared will be completely just.

1. God’s death sentence is based on indisputable evidence (1-11)

2. Believers escape condemnation but reap what they sow (12-38).

A society that loses its ability to distinguish between right and wrong is on the skids. Can anything avert disaster? Two truths taught in the account of the destruction of Sodom provide insight to answer this question.

1. Societies are accountable to God (20-22).

2. The presence of Christians is the key to averting disaster (23-33)

Two primary thoughts from this passage show the amazing way God works.

1.  God invariably puts in place circumstances which make the fulfillment of His purposes impossible. (10-13)

2.  Nothing is too hard for the Lord. (14-15)

God reaches out to befriend you in the same four ways He befriended Abraham:

1. He seeks you out (1)
2. He accommodates Himself to you (2)
3. He offers companionship (3-8)
4. He concerns Himself with your heartaches (9-15)

For you to live a fruitful life:

1. God’s commitment is to unite His life with your life (1-8; 15-22)
2. Your commitment must be to make Him Lord in your experience (9-14; 23-27)

¹ After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” … ⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” ⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look up to the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ⁶ Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.

Preacher: Rev. Richard A. Brennan
Title: “Unbelieving Believers”
Text: Genesis 15:1-6

There are two good reasons to be so confident in God’s Word that you can bank on it.

1. God’s essential nature (1).
2. God’s demonstrated capability (2-6).