Bible Biography - ABRAHAM

Genesis 11:26 - 25:10; Acts 7:2-8.

A descendant of Shem and son of Terah, who was born in Ur of the Chaldees about 2030 BC. Known as Abram (father of high and windy places) he was renamed Abraham (father of many nations) (Genesis 17:5) prior to the birth of Isaac. Known as a friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7) he left Ur at the command of God (Genesis 12:1). He was told to leave his kindred, but he took with him his father Terah and his nephew Lot. He settled for a while in Haran (the dried up place) until his father died (Genesis 11:32).

Entering the promised land he graciously allowed his nephew Lot to have the choicest grazing land for his cattle (Genesis 13:8-11) and was instrumental in releasing Lot from the spoils of the kings who attacked Sodom (Genesis 14). Abraham's faith was tested by worry in Genesis 15 and he took his future into his own hands with the birth of Ishmael through Hagar the maidservant (Genesis 16). After both Abraham and Sarah were past the age of child-bearing,

Abraham was told he would have a son Isaac (laughter) (Genesis 18:10-15). Isaac was born (Genesis 21:2) and grew up to his adolescence. Abraham was told to sacrifice his miracle child Isaac (Genesis 22:2). Isaac bore the wood up Mt Moriah and was about to be killed when Abraham's faith was confirmed by the provision of the ram in a thicket (Genesis 22:10-13). Abraham died at the age of 175 (Genesis 25:7) and was buried in Mamre (Genesis 25:9).

Abraham's faith is seen in many areas of his life:

a) He left the security of Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 11:32).

b) He went to a new land (Genesis 12:1-3).

c) His first act was to build an altar (Genesis 12:8).

d) He trusted God for provision (Genesis 13:8,9,18).

e) Abraham pursued Lot and rescued him even though he had only 318 men under arms (Genesis 14:14).

f) Abraham used faith to resist fear and doubt (Genesis 15:5-6).

g) He had faith that provision would be made for Isaac (Genesis 22:8).

h) He recognized that God had provided (Jehovah Jireh) (Genesis 22:14).

i) He had faith that a bride would be miraculously provided for Isaac from his own people (Genesis 24:3,4).

a) The whole process of the Christian life starts and depends on faith (Romans 3:28).

b) It takes faith to become a missionary (Genesis 12:4; Hebrews 11:8).

c) Abraham's faith caused him to put God first (Genesis 12:8; Hebrews 11:10).

d) Faith in God is reflected in a gracious attitude (Galatians 5:23).

e) Faith provides courage in time of danger, especially in relation to war (Psalm 18:39).

f) Knowledge of the Scriptures, doctrines and the principles applied by faith are a cure for worry (Genesis 15:6; Psalm 43:5).

g) Even in hopeless situations, God provides. Faith seeks and causes comfort in those who are in great difficulty (Psalm 18:6).

h) Faith looks to God as the great provider for His children (Matthew 6:26).

i) Faith is the only acceptable form of relationship between man and God as it is the only form of perception which has no human merit (Romans 3:27).

j) Faith gives confidence in one's future and the future of one's family (Deuteronomy 5:10).

k) With faith everything is possible (Matthew 17:20).