May 13, 2018

Faith and Patience

Pastor: Ben Muresan Series: Hebrews: Christ Is Superior Topic: Hebrews Scripture: Hebrews 11:11–12

First Reading: Genesis 17:15-18:15

Second Reading: Romans 4:13-5:11

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:11-12

In Genesis 11:30, we are introduced to Abraham and Sarah (who were then known as Abram and Sarai), and we read that she was barren; she had no child. This little detail provides some context to the extraordinary promises that God made to Abraham in Genesis 12, promises that focus on a vast land and numerous descendants. Humanly speaking, the fulfillment of both of these promises seemed impossible, especially the one about Abraham and Sarah having “descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore” (Hebrews 11:12). Both Abraham and Sarah understood the extraordinary nature of what God was promising. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” (Genesis 18:10). And even Abraham fell on his face and laughed, saying to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” (Genesis 17:17). Yet despite the seeming impossibility, God demonstrated his power and his faithfulness in the birth of Isaac. The fact that Abraham was one hundred years old and Sarah was well past the age of childbearing did not impede the fulfillment of what God had promised. God promised and it came to pass just as he said. His Word is sure.

other sermons in this series