Whether you heard the message from Sunday or are part of one of our “What’s Next” groups at Venture, here’s a way for you to go deeper.
this week's next steps
I will memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:15
I will trust Jesus with my call
I will read Genesis 13-14 and 18-19 in preparation for next week.
THIS WEEK'S STUDY
The story of Abraham's call is a powerful reminder that faith often requires us to step into the unknown. God's command to Abraham to leave his homeland was not accompanied by a detailed explanation or a roadmap. Instead, it was a call to trust in the divine promise, even when the path ahead was uncertain. Like Abraham, we may face moments in our lives when God calls us to step out in faith, leaving behind the familiar and embracing a new direction. In these moments, we may not fully understand the reasons or the destination, but we are invited to trust in God's guidance and provision.
Abraham's journey also highlights the reality of human imperfection. Despite his faith, Abraham experienced moments of doubt and made mistakes along the way. He hesitated to fully obey God's command, taking his father and nephew with him instead of completely separating from his past. He even resorted to deception in Egypt, fearing for his safety. Yet, God's grace and faithfulness remained steadfast. Abraham's story encourages us to acknowledge our own shortcomings and to recognize that even in our moments of weakness, God's purposes can still be fulfilled. Our faith is not dependent on our perfection but on God's unwavering love and faithfulness.
Abraham's journey also highlights the reality of human imperfection. Despite his faith, Abraham experienced moments of doubt and made mistakes along the way. He hesitated to fully obey God's command, taking his father and nephew with him instead of completely separating from his past. He even resorted to deception in Egypt, fearing for his safety. Yet, God's grace and faithfulness remained steadfast. Abraham's story encourages us to acknowledge our own shortcomings and to recognize that even in our moments of weakness, God's purposes can still be fulfilled. Our faith is not dependent on our perfection but on God's unwavering love and faithfulness.
Questions to Consider
- In what ways might God be calling you to step out in faith and leave behind the familiar?
- Can you recall personal examples of times when you have experienced God's call to step out of your comfort zone?
- In what ways does Abraham's story resonate with your own experiences of doubt and imperfection?
- How can God's grace and faithfulness offer you hope and encouragement in your moments of weakness?
- What does it mean for you to be a blessing to others, as God commanded Abraham?
Resources for Study
Recommended Reading:
The NIV Application Commentary Genesis by John H. Walton
The Beast that Crouches at the Door by David Forman
The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God by Lee Strobel
Genesis: A Commentary by Bruce Waltke
Genesis: A Parsha Companion by David Forman
Life Lessons from Genesis: Book of Beginnings by Max Lucado
The Beast that Crouches at the Door by David Forman
The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God by Lee Strobel
Genesis: A Commentary by Bruce Waltke
Genesis: A Parsha Companion by David Forman
Life Lessons from Genesis: Book of Beginnings by Max Lucado