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.
3. By faith Abraham obeyed.
This journey and to receive the promises of God begins with a, "yes".
Yes, I will accept you as Savior and make you Lord of my life.
Yes, I will obey your Word.
Yes, I will apply your Word to my life.
We ought to lift our hearts and hands to God and say,
"The world can’t come close to offering what you have to offer Lord so,
Yes, I accept your love, forgiveness, peace, deliverance, healing, and your blessings on my life."
4. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,
By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, but he lived as a stranger.
Friends, this world is not your home, your just passing through, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge in it at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary lives here as God helps you, practicing the way you may live when you get to your home in heaven.
God’s calling is beyond this world.
James 4:4
…whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
If you are flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way.
So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good
"Don’t connect with people of this world who will pollute you.
God is saying this morning, "I want you all for myself".
I’ll be a Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me."
5. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Abraham was always looking forward and we must also.
Luke 9:62
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Phil 3:14
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Cor 4:18
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Tim 4:7-9
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Did Abraham find his city? O yes!
You will to if you follow him.
1. Answer the call.
2. Get in the place that God is calling you too.
3. Obey by saying yes to God’s will for your life.
4. Forsake your old life and develop your new one in Jesus.
5. Keep moving forward to a closer relationship with Christ.
"No procrastination. No backward looks.
Heaven is going to be a wonderful place.
