The King Is Coming - Week 1

Week 1 Recap:

Faith in God's Promises - A Journey of Expectation

Introduction
Faith is more than believing in the existence of God; it’s about trusting that God is who He says He is and that He will fulfill His promises. This journey of faith, rooted in scripture and sustained by the Holy Spirit, connects us to God's eternal covenant—a promise of blessing for all who trust in Him. Let’s explore how the story of Abraham demonstrates God's faithfulness and challenges us to live expectantly, holding onto the promises of Christ.

Faith as More Than Belief: Faith transcends mere acknowledgment of God’s existence. True faith is believing in God as revealed in the Bible—Yahweh, made known through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This belief involves trust in God's character and His promises. As demonstrated in baptism and salvation, faith is not just intellectual assent but active trust in God’s plan and provision. Without this trust, the fullness of God’s promise remains out of reach.

Abraham's Call: The Birth of a Covenant: Genesis 12 introduces us to Abraham, a wealthy man called by God to leave everything familiar and embark on a journey of faith. God promised to make Abraham into a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to the world. This covenant wasn’t limited to Abraham’s bloodline but extended to all who believe in God’s promises. Abraham’s faith, marked by obedience, set the foundation for a multinational, multiethnic community united by trust in God.

The Weight of God's Promises: God’s covenant with Abraham carried profound implications: the formation of nations, blessings for all people, and the eventual arrival of Jesus Christ. Despite Abraham’s mistakes, God’s promises remained steadfast. This reveals a vital truth for us today: God's faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but on His unchanging character. Whether in moments of certainty or struggle, we are called to trust God's plan and timing.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Covenant: Through Jesus, the promises made to Abraham find their ultimate fulfillment. Hebrews 13 emphasizes the everlasting covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. This covenant is not confined by time or ethnicity; it’s available to everyone who believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior. In Jesus, we find the blessings of salvation, peace, and eternal life, all stemming from the promise given to Abraham.

Living in Expectant Faith: Advent reminds us of the tension between promise and fulfillment. Like Abraham awaiting Isaac, we too live in expectation—trusting God amidst life’s struggles. Paul, in Galatians 3, affirms that the blessings of Abraham extend to all through Christ, the promised Seed. This call to live expectantly challenges us to trust God even when His promises seem delayed, knowing that His faithfulness never wavers.

Closing: Clinging to God's Faithfulness
Faith is not without challenges. Life’s hardships may test our trust, but Abraham’s story and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus remind us that God is faithful. Whether in moments of joy or trial, we hold onto the certainty that the God who kept His promises to Abraham will also fulfill His promises to us. As we journey through Advent and beyond, may our faith be marked by trust, obedience, and the hopeful expectation of God's continued work in our lives.

In this season of reflection and waiting, let us find assurance in the everlasting covenant of God—a promise fulfilled in Christ and extended to all who believe.