1. Abraham: The Father of Biblical Faith
These stories take place in historical times.
Setting is a period about 4000 years ago— B.C.

2. A. The Call of Abram and God’s Promise
1. Through Abram and Sarai’s descendents—God would establish a nation; a blessing for the world through which he would save the world.
2. The Israelites (Abraham) descend from an group in the Near East called Semites.

3. 4. Abram willing to believe in the one true God.
3. God tells Abram to go to a land “that I will show you.”
4. Abram willing to believe in the one true God.
5. Abram was humble and willing to listen to God’s call.
*Read GN 12:1-9

4. B. Count the Stars If You Can
1. God promises Abram his descendents will outnumber the stars.
*Read GN 15:1-6
C. An Alternative Plan: Hagar
1. Sarai suggests a concubine: Ishmael=father of Arab people.
*Read GN 16:1-16

5. D. The Sign of the Covenant
1. God tells Abram Circumcision will be the sign of the Covenant between God and Abram’s people.
2. Circumcision will identify Abram’s people as God’s people.
3. Abram’s name is changed to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah.

6. E. Visited By Strangers
1. Three strangers (representing God) visit Abraham and receive hospitality.
2. One talks of Sarah having a son by the next year;
repeating the promise of
God that Abraham will
be a father of nations.

7. F. Pleading with God
1. God tells Abraham of his plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great sins.
2. Abraham pleads with God to show mercy because Lot lives in Sodom. God agrees to
save Lot and his family.
*Read GN 18:16-33; 19:1-29

8. G. Enter Isaac, Exit Ishmael
1. Isaac is born to Sarah—Hagar and Ishmael are expelled but are saved by God.

9. 2. Biblical Heroes are imperfect people
2. Biblical Heroes are imperfect people. In spite of their faults God is still able to make them a light for the world. Being chosen does not mean being more worthy.
H. Abraham’s Sacrifice
1. Abraham’s Test—sacrifice Isaac.
2. Point of the story is Abraham’s faithfulness to God.
*Read GN 22:1-19

10. Sacrifice of Sons:

11. I. Isaac and Rebekah:
Best Biblical Romance
1. Abraham buries Sarah in a field which is in the promised land.
2. Abraham instructs a steward to find a wife for Isaac—Rebekah
*Read GN 24:1-67