Isaac Embodied Faith. What About His Family?

Isaac went with his father to the top of the mountain to sacrifice to God.  He asked him as to where the lamb was, as they took no animal with them. Abraham replied, “God will provide.”   Content with his father’s reply, Isaac climbed the mountain to the altar willingly.  He prepared the wood for the fire.  Then, amazingly; he allowed his father to bind him and lay him upon the altar.  We often speak of Abraham’s faith; but, look at that of Isaac as well.  Yet, years later when we consider his family; one cannot help but wonder what happened that his sons and wife faltered so in their obedience toward God and their faith.

Was Isaac so at peace with his own faith that somehow, he failed to share it with his family? Redeemed on that mountaintop by God’s providing the sacrifice, did he fail to tell his family of God’s wrath against sin?  Before Esau and Jacob were born, God told Rebekah that “two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).  Instead of trusting God to fulfill this promise His way, Rebekah schemed a plan of deception against her husband.  Oh yes, she had waited many years for God to fulfill this promise; however, now she decided to take matters into her own hands.

So, two questions arise.  Is it ever right to sin against God by lying to “help God” accomplish or fulfill a promise?  Of course not, that is absurd. First of all, God does not need our help.  Secondly, deception and lying is an abomination against God, Himself who is the Truth.

Isaac and his Family

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When God Says Go-I Traveled Far

Each time that God said, “go”; I wondered what legacy I left behind.  When people think of me, will they see God.  I traveled far. Although, I am weary of travel, starting over;  my heart knows I must go again.  So many things to get down.  Many questions with no answer.  Yet, I know God goes before and has a perfect plan etched out by His Hand of Love.

 

I’d Traveled Far

I’d traveled far across this land

Unto the eastern shore

Uncertain of what God had planned

Alone, I stood once more

I’d heard Him bid for me to go

Twas all I needed know

 

And then I saw, as time did pass

His plan begin unfold

I had been placed within His class

To learn His love untold

And as I saw His Glory Shine

His joy, His love now mine

 

I met dear friends along this way

That helped me as I grew

And others stumbling blocks did lay

God used to guide me too

That I might see His Grace His might

With Christ my guiding light

 

And Now I know that I must go

To leave these all behind

I wonder if my life did show

A Glimpse of God’s dear mind

And did my life His Glory shine

Within this mirror of mine

 

Oh, Lord I have this one request

When memories of me rise

That they might see how I was blessed

Your Grace my greatest prize

You took this broken, selfish heart

To fill Your Love Impart

 

So, can you Lord, use all I’ve done

Though blend of good and bad

To point them Lord to your dear son

His Grace, His Love did clad

A simple person such as I

With righteousness on High

When God Says Go

For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward.   Isaiah 52:12

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Isaiah 41:10

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

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Latest Release

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Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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How to Find the Faith of Abraham for Righteousness

The Bible tells us that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3, Genesis 15:6).  Does that mean that Abraham always got things right along the faith walk?  Certainly not.  We only have to read his story to discover how often he failed.  Yet, every step of the way, God grew his faith.  It was a great act of faith, that Abraham left his comfortable life to go into Canaan to begin with.

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So, Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him (Genesis 12:1-4).

Abraham left his family, his comfort, and the gods they worshipped to go into an unknown land where God had sent him.  God had promised that he would make of him a great nation, make his name great, and thereby to bless the world through him.  Many men had wanted selfishly to gain all this.  Would Abraham see the fulfillment of all these promises in his lifetime?  Certainly not; but, from his seed would come the Savior of the World and God is yet to fulfill all of His promises to Abraham still in the future.  Where has God asked you to go? Has He asked you in faith to believe Him, to leave everything to follow Him into the unknown?

LEARNING TO TRUST GOD IN FAITH

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Which Way Do You Go When Facing a Crossroad?

It has been eight years since I first began this website.  Over those years, I have studied a lot about how to manage it.  Also, I have spent a lot; trying to keep it running.  Learning how to keep it safe from cyber attacks.  This has been a labor of love.  Never have I considered the cost; although, they have risen throughout the years.  I never turned to advertising; because, I could not maintain control of what was advertised.  When facing malware, I purchased security.  Desiring to spread the gospel of Christ to the world, I pay for translation apps.  My goal? To reach others for Christ. Now, I face a crossroad. The cost continues to rise and I must decide whether to continue to keep this site or not. So, facing a crossroad; I turn to God and seek His guidance.

FACING A CROSSROAD

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What About Works in the Life of the Believer?

Over the course of the last week, we have looked at some of the theological differences between those who proclaim themselves Calvinists and those who call themselves Arminian.  Today we shall look at works, then conclude with ideas concerning free will.  Does God’s Sovereignty preclude His giving free will to mankind?  Or could it be, in His Sovereignty and Wisdom; He did just that.

Works

Calvin: “Although justification is free, sanctification becomes the believer’s response of gratitude. No one can embrace the grace of the gospel, but he must depart from the error of his former life, enter into the right way, and devote all his attention to the exercise of repentance.” (Bromiley, Historical Theology, 238).

Arminian:  One can lose their salvation.  (Enns, Theology, 486).

The entire book of Galatians addresses this issue of works, justification is by grace through faith; then, sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer.  Our only part is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ- “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), abiding in Him for life giving sap (John 15:6-10).  The more we learn of Him, the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we desire to please Him in all that we do.  For some, that takes a lifetime of the Spirit revealing and burning away the chaff one bit at a time.

Yet, God’s promises are:

Continue reading “What About Works in the Life of the Believer?”