Trouble in the Middle East

Where have we been?

1. Abraham and Sarah believed God, and wanted to help God accomplish the promise, Genesis 15 & 16

2. Hagar and Ishmael are heard and seen by God. A nation will come from them because they were of Abraham's seed. Genesis 21:13

3. Our faith should be like Abraham's. 

Romans 4:13-25

"...believing God gives life from the dead...contrary to hope, in hope believed...not being weak in faith...did not consider his own body already dead...did not waver at the promise...was strengthened in faith...fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to perform..."

Descendants of Abraham

John 8:31-59

Vs. 37 True descendants do not reject Jesus.

Vs. 39 True descendants do the works (faith) of Abraham.

Vs. 42 If God is your "Father," you love Jesus.

Vs. 44 Descendants of Abraham can follow Satan.

Vs. 56 Abraham "rejoiced" to see the Christ come. 

Vs. 58 Before Abraham was, "I AM."

Reasonable conclusion: Being "flesh" descendant of Abraham has no spiritual advantage if Christ is rejected. 

Galatians 3:16-19

Vs. 16 "Christ" is "the seed" promised to Abraham.

Vs. 17-21 The "law" did not work against the promise made to Abraham. The law was added until "the seed" was come. 

Vs 22 The "promise" given by the "faith of" Christ. 

Vs. 24 The law is "tutor"/"schoolmaster" leading us to Christ.

Vs. 26-28 ALL = "Jew," "Greek," "bond," "free," "male," "female," are "one in Christ Jesus."

Vs. 29 "...If you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise."

Galatians 3:22 (KJV / Youngs literal)

"...that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe."

• The sinner's faith is imperfect.

• Christ's faith is perfect and accomplished our salvation.

• "Faith only" saves only if one is referring to the faith of Jesus. [my faith merits nothing]

Hebrews 5:7-10

The faith/obedience of Jesus became the "author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."