cover of episode Abraham and the Growth of Faith

Abraham and the Growth of Faith

2025/4/14
logo of podcast Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

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Chapters
This chapter explores Abraham's life as a paragon of faith across three major religions. It introduces three principles behind Abraham's ability to overcome challenges: hearing God's call, obeying that call, and focusing on a future with God.
  • Abraham is a central figure of faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
  • Three principles of Abraham's faith: hearing God's call, obeying God's call, and looking to the city with foundations.
  • Abraham faced numerous crises throughout his life, yet he mastered the circumstances instead of being controlled by them.

Shownotes Transcript

There’s one guy who is so preeminently an example of a life of faith that three religions look to him as the paragon of faith. That guy’s name is Abraham. 

Here’s the story of Abraham’s life: God said, “Get out!” Abraham said, “Where?” God said, “I’ll tell you later. Just go.” The Lord said, “I will give you this land.” Abraham said, “When?” God said, “I’ll tell you later. Just wander around in tents.” The Lord said, “I will give you a son.” Abraham said, “How?” God said, “I’ll tell you later. Just wait around.” The Lord said, “Slay your son.” Abraham said, “Why?” God said, “I’ll tell you later. Just walk up the hill with him.” If you read the whole narrative, you’ll find that he fell down a number of times. But every time Abraham masters the situation. 

In the face of it, the circumstances didn’t master Abraham. How? Three principles: 1) he heard the call of God, 2) he obeyed the call of God, and 3) he looked to the city with foundations.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on October 23, 1994. Series: The Nature of Faith. Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-16.

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