Jeff StriteJeff Stritehttp://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=127712

The Abraham FactorThe Abraham Factor

A third grader once wrote a homework A third grader once wrote a homework assignment where he was supposed to assignment where he was supposed to

"Explain God.""Explain God."

"One of God’s main jobs is "One of God’s main jobs is making people. He makes making people. He makes

them to replace the ones that them to replace the ones that die so there will be enough die so there will be enough

people to take care of things people to take care of things on earth.on earth.

He doesn’t make grown-ups, He doesn’t make grown-ups, just babies. I think because just babies. I think because

they are smaller and easier to they are smaller and easier to make. That way, He doesn’t make. That way, He doesn’t have to take up His valuable have to take up His valuable time teaching them to talk time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave and walk. He can just leave

that to mothers and fathers.that to mothers and fathers.

God sees everything and hears God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere, everything and is everywhere, which keeps Him pretty busy. which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn’t go wasting So you shouldn’t go wasting His time by going over your His time by going over your mom and dad’s head asking mom and dad’s head asking for something they said you for something they said you

couldn’t have.couldn’t have.

You should always go to Church You should always go to Church on Sunday because it makes on Sunday because it makes

God happy and if there’s God happy and if there’s anybody you want to make anybody you want to make

happy, it’s God. happy, it’s God. Don’t skip church to do Don’t skip church to do

something you think will be something you think will be more fun like going to the more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong! And, beach. This is wrong! And,

besides, the sun doesn’t come besides, the sun doesn’t come out at the beach until noon out at the beach until noon

anyway.anyway.

If you don’t believe in God - besides If you don’t believe in God - besides being an atheist - you will be very being an atheist - you will be very lonely because your parents can’t lonely because your parents can’t go everywhere with you, like to go everywhere with you, like to

camp, but God can.camp, but God can.It is good to know He’s around you It is good to know He’s around you when you’re scared in the dark or when you’re scared in the dark or when you can’t swim very good when you can’t swim very good

and you get thrown into real deep and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.water by big kids.

But you shouldn’t just always But you shouldn’t just always think of what God can do for think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here you. I figure God put me here

and He can take me back and He can take me back anytime He pleases. And anytime He pleases. And

that’s why I believe in God.“that’s why I believe in God.“(source: Brian Mavis, quoting Danny Dutton, (source: Brian Mavis, quoting Danny Dutton,

age 8, from Chula Vista, California)age 8, from Chula Vista, California)

There were several other parts of this There were several other parts of this 3rd grader’s paper that I didn’t read to 3rd grader’s paper that I didn’t read to

you, but the one thing that came you, but the one thing that came through this boy’s explanation of who through this boy’s explanation of who

God was,God was,was this:was this:

This little boy believed inThis little boy believed ina personal God.a personal God.

His God makes people.His God makes people.And He listens to them.And He listens to them.

His God is nearby when you’re His God is nearby when you’re frightened or lonely.frightened or lonely.

This is God who cares for you.This is God who cares for you.

Dr. Rubel Shelley, a well-known leader in the Dr. Rubel Shelley, a well-known leader in the Church of Christ, once quoted a Gallup poll Church of Christ, once quoted a Gallup poll

about the way Americans visualize God.about the way Americans visualize God.· Some people saw an angry, critical God who · Some people saw an angry, critical God who

was waiting to punish people (about half of was waiting to punish people (about half of those interviewed)those interviewed)

· Others visualized Him as a distant deity, not · Others visualized Him as a distant deity, not really interested in what happened to them. really interested in what happened to them.

· But about 1/4th of Americans thought · But about 1/4th of Americans thought about God as a benevolent, caring about God as a benevolent, caring

Father who wants a relationship with Father who wants a relationship with them.them.

(Based on “Values and Beliefs of the American Public." (Based on “Values and Beliefs of the American Public." A survey done on behalf of Baylor University by the Gallup Organization.)A survey done on behalf of Baylor University by the Gallup Organization.)

That last group believedThat last group believedin a God whoin a God who

∙ listened to them,listened to them,∙ cared about them,cared about them,∙ who was nearby when they were who was nearby when they were

frightened or lonely. frightened or lonely.

And THAT’S the kind of God the Bible And THAT’S the kind of God the Bible tells us about.tells us about.

In the 12th chapter of Genesis, we In the 12th chapter of Genesis, we read about one of the most dramatic read about one of the most dramatic relationships any man has ever had relationships any man has ever had

with God. with God.

A little over a fourth of Genesis is dedicated A little over a fourth of Genesis is dedicated to telling Abraham’s story. And much of to telling Abraham’s story. And much of the rest of the Old Testament testifies to the rest of the Old Testament testifies to

his importance (it’s always Abraham, his importance (it’s always Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). And the reason Isaac, and Jacob). And the reason

Abraham is so important to the people of Abraham is so important to the people of Old Testament is because God began His Old Testament is because God began His

covenant with Israel thru him. covenant with Israel thru him.

Now, this relationship that God had with Now, this relationship that God had with Abraham was very unique because Abraham was very unique because

Abraham wasn’t what you and I would Abraham wasn’t what you and I would call a “great man”. call a “great man”.

He didn’t really deserve all this He didn’t really deserve all this attention from God. attention from God.

· Abraham didn’t have any followers or disciples.· Abraham didn’t have any followers or disciples.· He didn’t write any books that we know of.· He didn’t write any books that we know of.· He wasn’t a great teacher or politician or · He wasn’t a great teacher or politician or

warrior.warrior.· He didn’t even technically begin a “religion”.· He didn’t even technically begin a “religion”.

In fact, the only real claim to fame Abraham In fact, the only real claim to fame Abraham really had was that God chose him… and really had was that God chose him… and

made special promises to him in Genesis 12. made special promises to him in Genesis 12.

Genesis 12:1Genesis 12:1 NET Now the LORD said to Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go out from your country, Abram, "Go out from your country,

your relatives, and your father's your relatives, and your father's household to the land that I will show household to the land that I will show

you.you. 22 Then I will make you into a Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, so that you will make your name great, so that you

will exemplify divine blessing.will exemplify divine blessing.

33 I will bless those who bless you, but I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must the one who treats you lightly I must

curse, and all the families of the earth curse, and all the families of the earth will bless one another by your name." will bless one another by your name." 44 So Abram left, just as the LORD had So Abram left, just as the LORD had told him to do, and Lot went with him. told him to do, and Lot went with him. (Now Abram was 75 years old when (Now Abram was 75 years old when

he departed from Haran.)he departed from Haran.)

55 And Abram took his wife Sarai, his And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions nephew Lot, and all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they they had acquired in Haran, and they

left for the land of Canaan. They left for the land of Canaan. They entered the land of Canaan.entered the land of Canaan.

66 Abram traveled through the land as far Abram traveled through the land as far as the oak tree of Moreh at Shechem. as the oak tree of Moreh at Shechem. (At that time the Canaanites were in (At that time the Canaanites were in the land.) the land.) 77 The LORD appeared to The LORD appeared to

Abram and said, "To your descendants Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So Abram built an I will give this land." So Abram built an

altar there to the LORD, who had altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.appeared to him.

What were those promises?What were those promises?1. I will make you into a great nation.1. I will make you into a great nation.2. I will make your name great, and you will 2. I will make your name great, and you will

be a blessing.be a blessing.3. I will bless those who bless you, and 3. I will bless those who bless you, and

whoever curses you I will curse.whoever curses you I will curse.4. All peoples on earth will be blessed 4. All peoples on earth will be blessed

through you.through you.5. And - To your offspring I will give this 5. And - To your offspring I will give this

land. land.

What God was telling Abraham was:What God was telling Abraham was:I want a relationship with you.I want a relationship with you.

I want to be there for you. I want to be there for you. To listen to you.To listen to you.

I want to walk beside you.I want to walk beside you.I want to be there when life gets lonely I want to be there when life gets lonely

and frightening. and frightening.

And – more than that – God was promising And – more than that – God was promising to make Abraham such a great man that to make Abraham such a great man that

he would even effect the lives of his he would even effect the lives of his children, his grandchildren - even the children, his grandchildren - even the

entire world. entire world. To this day, each of the great Western To this day, each of the great Western

Religions - Judaism, Islam and Religions - Judaism, Islam and Christianity - all trace their roots to this Christianity - all trace their roots to this

one man. one man.

So, the first question that came into my So, the first question that came into my mind was this:mind was this:

Why?Why?Why pick out a fairly obscure man like Why pick out a fairly obscure man like Abraham to give all these blessings Abraham to give all these blessings

to? to?

Like I said earlier, he wasn’t a man of Like I said earlier, he wasn’t a man of great accomplishments.great accomplishments.

He wasn’t a man of renown and He wasn’t a man of renown and power.power.

As far as we can tell, he was probably As far as we can tell, he was probably an older, moderately successful an older, moderately successful

herdsman that may have lived with his herdsman that may have lived with his dad! dad!

Why on earth would God choose THIS Why on earth would God choose THIS man?man?

There were probably other men – There were probably other men – younger, more skilled and influential. younger, more skilled and influential.

Why choose Abraham? Why choose Abraham?

The only reason that makes any sense The only reason that makes any sense is that God saw what was in is that God saw what was in

Abraham’s heart. God knew his Abraham’s heart. God knew his potential.potential.

As God later told the prophet Samuel: As God later told the prophet Samuel: 1 Samuel 16:7b1 Samuel 16:7b NET People look on the People look on the outward appearance, but the LORD outward appearance, but the LORD

looks at the heart."looks at the heart."

Last week, we talked about how God Last week, we talked about how God has has "also set eternity in the hearts of "also set eternity in the hearts of

men;."men;." ((Eccl. 3:11Eccl. 3:11))God placed inside of each of our God placed inside of each of our

hearts a “God shaped” hole that only hearts a “God shaped” hole that only He could fill. He placed inside of He could fill. He placed inside of

people a hunger that only He could people a hunger that only He could satisfy. satisfy.

And that emptiness, that hunger, is one And that emptiness, that hunger, is one of the main reasons that so many of the main reasons that so many

people are dissatisfied with the lives people are dissatisfied with the lives they live and the world they live in. they live and the world they live in.

And this passage about AbramAnd this passage about Abramin Genesis 12 is meant toin Genesis 12 is meant to

teach us that,teach us that,that dissatisfaction with life –that dissatisfaction with life –

that hunger within us –that hunger within us –can only be satisfied when we have a can only be satisfied when we have a

relationship with God. relationship with God.

Isaiah 55:1Isaiah 55:1 NIV Come, all you who are Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. money and without cost. 22 Why spend Why spend money on what is not bread, and your money on what is not bread, and your

labor on what does not satisfy?labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. richest of fare. 33 Give ear and come to Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with will make an everlasting covenant with

you, my faithful love promised to you, my faithful love promised to David.David.

An An everlasting covenant everlasting covenant - That - That everlasting covenant of grace and everlasting covenant of grace and

peace which I made with Abraham, peace which I made with Abraham, and his seed.and his seed.

Of David - Even that covenant which Of David - Even that covenant which was made first with Abraham, and was made first with Abraham, and then with David, concerning those then with David, concerning those

glorious and sure blessings which God glorious and sure blessings which God hath promised to his people, one and hath promised to his people, one and the chief of which was giving Christ to the chief of which was giving Christ to die for their sins. David here seems to die for their sins. David here seems to be put for the son of David. (Wesley) be put for the son of David. (Wesley)

Come to God.Come to God.Listen to Him.Listen to Him.

Do this and He can give you that Do this and He can give you that which will satisfy and fill your soul. If which will satisfy and fill your soul. If you do this, He’ll make a covenant you do this, He’ll make a covenant

with you– He’ll establish a relationship with you– He’ll establish a relationship with you. with you.

That’s what happened with Abraham.That’s what happened with Abraham.There was a hunger within him that only There was a hunger within him that only

God could fulfill.God could fulfill.There was a need for a relationship that There was a need for a relationship that

only God could supply.only God could supply.Thus, when God approached him, Thus, when God approached him,

Abraham was ready to make a decision to Abraham was ready to make a decision to follow God wherever God wanted to lead follow God wherever God wanted to lead

him. him.

When God said to him: When God said to him: "Leave your "Leave your country, your people and your father’s country, your people and your father’s

household and go to the land I will show household and go to the land I will show you…”you…” Abraham simply packed up his Abraham simply packed up his

tent… and he left.tent… and he left.There’s no discussion. There’s no discussion. There’s no argument. There’s no argument. There’s no excuses.There’s no excuses.

When God says go… Abraham leaves. When God says go… Abraham leaves.

Now, contrast that with how another great Now, contrast that with how another great man in Scripture dealt with a similar offer man in Scripture dealt with a similar offer

from God.from God.In the book of Exodus God appears to In the book of Exodus God appears to

Moses in a burning bush. God speaks to Moses in a burning bush. God speaks to him and says: him and says: I want you to go down to I want you to go down to

Egypt and lead my people out of slavery.Egypt and lead my people out of slavery.

How does Moses respond? He makes How does Moses respond? He makes excuses: excuses:

He asks He asks “Who am I to do this?“Who am I to do this?“What if they don’t listen to me?”“What if they don’t listen to me?”

“I can’t talk well enough”“I can’t talk well enough”

God answers every question Moses God answers every question Moses asks, and every objection he raises. asks, and every objection he raises. Finally, Moses gives up the pretense Finally, Moses gives up the pretense and comes right out and says and comes right out and says Exodus Exodus 4:134:13 NET But Moses said, "O my Lord, But Moses said, "O my Lord, please send anyone else whom you please send anyone else whom you wish to send!"wish to send!" That was how Moses That was how Moses

responded to God. responded to God.

BUT NOT Abraham.BUT NOT Abraham.Abraham didn’t argue.Abraham didn’t argue.

He didn’t offer excuses.He didn’t offer excuses.And he didn’t do those things, because And he didn’t do those things, because

inside of him - in Abraham’s heart - there inside of him - in Abraham’s heart - there was a hunger only God could satisfy. was a hunger only God could satisfy. And so… when God offered, Abraham And so… when God offered, Abraham

jumped at the chance. jumped at the chance.

Now, God had had close relationships with other Now, God had had close relationships with other people before Abraham came along.people before Abraham came along.

· There was Adam and Eve. God gave them a There was Adam and Eve. God gave them a wonderful place. He cared for them, and wonderful place. He cared for them, and listened to them, and walked with them in the listened to them, and walked with them in the Garden.Garden.

· Then there was Enoch. He walked closely with Then there was Enoch. He walked closely with God for 300 years…God for 300 years…

· And, of course, there was Noah whom God And, of course, there was Noah whom God entrusted with building the Ark. entrusted with building the Ark.

But if you took all the verses in Genesis But if you took all the verses in Genesis that were dedicated to those folks – to that were dedicated to those folks – to Adam & Eve and Enoch and Noah - Adam & Eve and Enoch and Noah -

and put them all together… you and put them all together… you wouldn’t have ½ the amount of wouldn’t have ½ the amount of

attention spent on them as was on attention spent on them as was on Abraham.Abraham.

Why would that be? Why would that be?

I believe God spent so much time telling I believe God spent so much time telling us about Abraham because He us about Abraham because He

wanted to showcase something with wanted to showcase something with THIS man.THIS man.

With Abraham, God was beginning to do With Abraham, God was beginning to do something new. something new.

He was making a covenant (a contract) He was making a covenant (a contract) with this man. A covenant that was to with this man. A covenant that was to be the foundation of everything else be the foundation of everything else God intended to do… including His God intended to do… including His ultimate sending of Jesus to pay the ultimate sending of Jesus to pay the

price for our sins. price for our sins.

God was beginning a religion – right here in God was beginning a religion – right here in Gen. 12 – with Abraham as the Gen. 12 – with Abraham as the

cornerstonecornerstoneNow, many of the world’s religions have Now, many of the world’s religions have

often begun by great teachers: often begun by great teachers: Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius etc.Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius etc.

But those are religions that were based on But those are religions that were based on the teachings of mere mortals. the teachings of mere mortals.

When God began His religion He didn’t When God began His religion He didn’t center it on some great body of center it on some great body of doctrine or on a great teacher. doctrine or on a great teacher.

Abraham was never noted for being a Abraham was never noted for being a prophet or a preacher or teacher. prophet or a preacher or teacher.

Abraham’s only claim to fame was that Abraham’s only claim to fame was that he walked with God. he walked with God.

And you see that’s what God wanted us to And you see that’s what God wanted us to understand.understand.

His “religion” (that He was starting with His “religion” (that He was starting with Abraham) was a religion based upon a Abraham) was a religion based upon a

“relationship”. And if we look real close at “relationship”. And if we look real close at this relationship that God established with this relationship that God established with

Abram we can better understand what Abram we can better understand what God wants to do with us. God wants to do with us.

SO, what does God want us to see in this SO, what does God want us to see in this story of Abraham?story of Abraham?

1st – He wants us to see what kind of 1st – He wants us to see what kind of relationship He wants with us. He wants to relationship He wants with us. He wants to

bless us.bless us.You and I are valuable to Him.You and I are valuable to Him.

We have value - not because we’re We have value - not because we’re accomplished, the rich or successful - but accomplished, the rich or successful - but

because we are made in His image. because we are made in His image.

Families have a refrigerator in their Families have a refrigerator in their home. But you can’t hardly see the home. But you can’t hardly see the

door on that refrigerator because it’s door on that refrigerator because it’s covered with pictures of kids. You covered with pictures of kids. You could try to solve that problem by could try to solve that problem by

painting the walls of the kitchen with painting the walls of the kitchen with metallic paint so that those pictures metallic paint so that those pictures

can be put there… but that won’t work.can be put there… but that won’t work.

The door will still be covered with The door will still be covered with pictures of children. There’s no picture pictures of children. There’s no picture

of Mom & Dad there– just the kids. of Mom & Dad there– just the kids. Those pictures are there because Those pictures are there because those children are valuable to us. those children are valuable to us.

Those kids are made in your image Those kids are made in your image and you love them. and you love them.

Now, imagine – if you will – a humungous Now, imagine – if you will – a humungous refrigerator sitting up there in heaven. And refrigerator sitting up there in heaven. And

if you’re a Christian – your picture is on if you’re a Christian – your picture is on that refrigerator someplace. Your picture that refrigerator someplace. Your picture is there BECAUSE you are valuable to is there BECAUSE you are valuable to

God.God.He loves you. You’re made in His image. He loves you. You’re made in His image.

In fact, God is so serious about blessing In fact, God is so serious about blessing you that He gets a little upset when you that He gets a little upset when

others don’t bless you.others don’t bless you.God tells Abraham: God tells Abraham: Genesis 12:3Genesis 12:3 NET I I

will bless those who bless you, but the will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must one who treats you lightly I must

curse, and all the families of the earth curse, and all the families of the earth will bless one another by your name."will bless one another by your name."

Someone once said that this promise Someone once said that this promise was only for Abraham. That person was only for Abraham. That person

tried to argue that only Abraham had tried to argue that only Abraham had been promised that those who blessed been promised that those who blessed him would be blessed and those who him would be blessed and those who would curse him would be cursed. would curse him would be cursed.

That offended one man because he was That offended one man because he was certain that this promise was for him, certain that this promise was for him, just as it had been for the man who just as it had been for the man who argued that point. So he set out to argued that point. So he set out to

prove that he was right. prove that he was right. And he did. And he did.

Jesus said: Jesus said: Matthew 10:42Matthew 10:42 GW I can I can guarantee this truth: Whoever gives guarantee this truth: Whoever gives any of my humble followers a cup of any of my humble followers a cup of cold water because that person is my cold water because that person is my disciple will certainly never lose his disciple will certainly never lose his

reward.“reward.“In other words: God promises to bless In other words: God promises to bless

those who bless you. those who bless you.

Then Paul tells the Christians in Then Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica: Thessalonica:

2 Thessalonians 1:62 Thessalonians 1:6 CEV It is only right for It is only right for God to punish everyone who is God to punish everyone who is

causing you trouble,causing you trouble,What’s he saying? God will curse those What’s he saying? God will curse those

who curse you. who curse you.

Now I find great comfort in that. I am Now I find great comfort in that. I am pleased that God is that focused on pleased that God is that focused on my needs. He cares so much for you my needs. He cares so much for you and I that He will reward people who and I that He will reward people who watch out for us… and He will deal watch out for us… and He will deal

harshly with folks that hurt us. harshly with folks that hurt us.

God wants us blessed.God wants us blessed.In fact He goes so far as to say: In fact He goes so far as to say:

Romans 8:32Romans 8:32 NET Indeed, he who did not Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up spare his own Son, but gave him up

for us all — how will he not also, along for us all — how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?with him, freely give us all things?

But it doesn’t stop there.But it doesn’t stop there.Just as God told Abraham that all the Just as God told Abraham that all the peoples of the earth would be blessed peoples of the earth would be blessed

thru him - so also, God intends everyone thru him - so also, God intends everyone you meet to be blessed thru you.you meet to be blessed thru you.

God wants to bless your children, your God wants to bless your children, your grandchildren, yourgrandchildren, your

co-workers, your neighbors… co-workers, your neighbors…

They all should be effected by the They all should be effected by the relationship you have with God to the relationship you have with God to the point where everything you DO should point where everything you DO should

make them think about God.make them think about God.

Jesus said: Jesus said: Matthew 5:16Matthew 5:16 NET In the same In the same way, let your light shine before people, way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds so that they can see your good deeds

and give honor to your Father in and give honor to your Father in heaven.heaven.

And if - by your love, joy, peace, patience, And if - by your love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, etc (by the fruit that God’s goodness, etc (by the fruit that God’s

Spirit develops in your life) - if by this fruit, Spirit develops in your life) - if by this fruit, these folks begin looking to God it will these folks begin looking to God it will ultimately lead to their wanting God for ultimately lead to their wanting God for

their Father as well.their Father as well.GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOU.GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOU.

And He wants to bless others thru you. And He wants to bless others thru you.

The 2nd thing God wanted us to see in this The 2nd thing God wanted us to see in this relationship with Abraham was this: He relationship with Abraham was this: He

wants a response from us.wants a response from us.It’s not enough for us to merely “have It’s not enough for us to merely “have

eternity in our hearts” and WANT God in eternity in our hearts” and WANT God in our lives.our lives.

It’s not enough for us to see the blessings It’s not enough for us to see the blessings God offers and WANT those blessings for God offers and WANT those blessings for

our lives.our lives.It’s not enough! It’s not enough!

Before Abraham could lay hold of those Before Abraham could lay hold of those blessings, he had to make a decision. blessings, he had to make a decision. Genesis 12:1Genesis 12:1 NET Now the LORD said to Now the LORD said to

Abram, "Go out from your country, Abram, "Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father's your relatives, and your father's

household to the land that I will show household to the land that I will show you.you.

THEN He told him about the blessings.THEN He told him about the blessings.Make a choice Abram!Make a choice Abram!

I can give you your heart’s desire - but I can give you your heart’s desire - but you’ve got to make a choice.you’ve got to make a choice.

You’ve got to make up your mind to leave You’ve got to make up your mind to leave who you’ve been.who you’ve been.

You’ve got to leave where you’ve been.You’ve got to leave where you’ve been.You’ve got to leave how you’ve lived. You’ve got to leave how you’ve lived.

You’ve got to make up your mind to go You’ve got to make up your mind to go where I want you to go.where I want you to go.

To live where I want you to liveTo live where I want you to liveTo live how I want you to live.To live how I want you to live.

But you’ve got to leave the old life But you’ve got to leave the old life behind. behind.

I hear there’s a toll booth at the Golden I hear there’s a toll booth at the Golden Gate Bridge.Gate Bridge.

Every once in a while, people get to that Every once in a while, people get to that booth and they don’t have any money.booth and they don’t have any money.

They can’t turn around and they can’t go They can’t turn around and they can’t go ahead.ahead.

There are cars lined up behind them and There are cars lined up behind them and they’ve got to make a choice. they’ve got to make a choice.

The toll booth operators there have a The toll booth operators there have a policy:policy:

If you don’t have any money, you can If you don’t have any money, you can still cross the bridge - as long as you still cross the bridge - as long as you leave behind something that has a leave behind something that has a

value which exceeds the price of the value which exceeds the price of the toll. toll.

Drivers have left such items as Drivers have left such items as · a can of motor oil, · a can of motor oil,

· a frying pan, · a frying pan, · a set of silverware, · a set of silverware,

· a new book, · a new book, · cassettes and CDs. · cassettes and CDs.

· Wedding bands are often left at the · Wedding bands are often left at the tollbooth - mostly by men. tollbooth - mostly by men.

· One elderly gentleman left his · One elderly gentleman left his dentures and returned the next day to dentures and returned the next day to

redeem them. redeem them. · The owner of a diamond wristwatch · The owner of a diamond wristwatch valued at $7000 left it for the toll but valued at $7000 left it for the toll but

never returned to claim it. never returned to claim it.

In order to get to the other side, they In order to get to the other side, they had to leave something behind.had to leave something behind.

And God tells us the same thing is true And God tells us the same thing is true of salvation. of salvation.

In order to get to other side, we’ve got In order to get to other side, we’ve got leave EVERYTHING of all our old life leave EVERYTHING of all our old life

behind.behind.As Jesus said: As Jesus said: Mark 8:36Mark 8:36 NET For what For what

benefit is it for a person to gain the benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life?whole world, yet forfeit his life?

Luke 18:18Luke 18:18 NET NET Now a certain ruler asked Now a certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to him, "Good teacher, what must I do to

inherit eternal life?"inherit eternal life?" 1919 Jesus said to him, Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is "Why do you call me good? No one is

good except God alone.good except God alone. 2020 You know the You know the commandments: 'commandments: 'Do not commit Do not commit

adultery, do not murder, do not steal, adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your do not give false testimony, honor your

father and motherfather and mother.' ".' "

2121 The man replied, "I have The man replied, "I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws

since my youth." since my youth." 2222 When Jesus heard When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still this, he said to him, "One thing you still

lack. Sell all that you have and give lack. Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will the money to the poor, and you will

have treasure in heaven. Then come, have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."follow me."

2323 But when the man heard this he became But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy. very sad, for he was extremely wealthy.

2424 When Jesus noticed this, he said, When Jesus noticed this, he said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the "How hard it is for the rich to enter the

kingdom of God! kingdom of God! 2525 In fact, it is easier for In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle a camel to go through the eye of a needle

than for a rich person to enter the than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."kingdom of God."

2626 Those who heard this said, "Then Those who heard this said, "Then who can be saved?" who can be saved?" 2727 He replied, He replied,

"What is impossible for mere humans "What is impossible for mere humans is possible for God." is possible for God." 2828 And Peter said, And Peter said, "Look, we have left everything we own "Look, we have left everything we own

to follow you!"to follow you!"

2929 Then Jesus said to them, "I tell you Then Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left the truth, there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of God's kingdom children for the sake of God's kingdom

3030 who will not receive many times who will not receive many times more in this age — and in the age to more in this age — and in the age to

come, eternal life."come, eternal life."

What is it we are holding on to? Is there What is it we are holding on to? Is there some part of your life, maybe it doesn’t some part of your life, maybe it doesn’t

seem like a big deal to you, but you seem like a big deal to you, but you haven’t let go so it can be replaced haven’t let go so it can be replaced

with service to The Lord? Remember with service to The Lord? Remember how he condemned the church at how he condemned the church at

Laodicea? Laodicea?

Revelation 3:15Revelation 3:15 NET NET 'I know your deeds, 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish

you were either cold or hot!you were either cold or hot! 1616 So So because you are lukewarm, and because you are lukewarm, and

neither hot nor cold, I am going to neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth!vomit you out of my mouth!

Jesus demandsJesus demandsALLALL oror NOTHING!!NOTHING!!