Follow The Leader

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Have you ever played, “follow the leader”? It was fun when we were kids.

But it can be more rewarding today if we follow the right leader.

Heb 11:8-10

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

It is remarkable that Abraham did not acquire any right in Canaan, except that of a burying place; he didn’t build a house in Canaan; his faith showed him that Canaan was only a type and pledge of a better country, and he kept that better country continually in view, he was contented to dwell in tents, without any fixed habitation.

Abraham knew that this world could not offer any permanent residence for an immortal mind, (Have you got the mind of Christ?), he looked for that heavenly city of which God is the architect and owner; he lost sight of earth, that he might keep heaven in view. And everyone who are partakers of his faith possess the same spirit, walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing.

The Message Heb 11:8-10

8 By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. 9 By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. 10 Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations — the City designed and built by God.

Could following Abraham lead us to the city of God?

1. By faith Abraham, when he was called

It all begins with “The call”.

Every person is called but we also know that every person will not answer the call.

And the call is into an experience that I couldn’t have imagined in a million years.

I imagined the Christian life to be filled with do’s and don’ts without any excitement or fun, just somber and dull. Weird friends.

We can imagine the happiness and secure feeling that money could bring.

You can imagine the benefits of intelligence.

You can imagine what being beautiful would be like.

Our imagination is the largest nation in the world, but you could never imagine the immensity, or volume, or level of joy that Jesus Christ could bring into your life.

And God has called everyone to Him to experience His love for them.

And what an honor that God would call you, call me.

Listen to the voice of God calling to us this morning out of the Scriptures..

Rom 1:7

I’m calling you... to be saints: (Holy people)

1 Cor 1:9

I’m calling you...... unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Cor 7:15

I’m calling you...... to peace.

Gal 1:6

I’m calling you..... into the grace of Christ

Gal 5:13

I’m calling you.... unto liberty;

1 Thess 2:12

I’m calling you...... unto (my) kingdom and glory.

1 Thess 4:7

I’m calling you..... unto holiness. (godliness, Christ-like)

2 Tim 1:9

I’m calling you..... with an holy calling,

1 Peter 2:9

I’m calling you...... out of darkness into (my) marvellous light:

1 Peter 5:10

I’m calling you..... unto (my) eternal glory by Christ Jesus,

2 Peter 1:3

I’m calling you.... to glory and virtue: (To be morally pure)

And when we get to heaven;

Rev 17:14

and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

2. Abraham was called to go out into a place.

I want you to know that God is calling you and I to a place.

And friend, it is a good place.

God wants to provide for you a place free from the enslaving habits that only destroys lives.

God wants to provide for you a home and life free of confusion and confrontation and hatefulness.

God wants to provide for you where you can experience His love, forgiveness, peace and healing for the mind, soul and body.

God wants to provide for you a place where you enter into worship and praise to the one who gave His life for you. A place to get involved with people who genuinely care for you and love you.

More important, God has called you to a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.

Its a place that you will never want to leave.