1. Welcome to the assembly of the Vegas Drive Church of Christ! Please silence electronic devices

2. Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

3. What is this series about? An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities

4. Outline (Galatians 3:8-9) The faith of Abraham The blessings of having faith like Abraham The cursed life: pursuing works-based salvation The challenge for us: to trust as Abraham did

5. The faith of Abraham (Romans 4:16-22) in the promise of an inheritance (Gen. 12:1-4) He obeyed by going where directed (Heb. 11:8-10) He obeyed by offering a sacrifice (Gen. 15:7-10) in the promise of an heir (Gen. 15:1-6) He obeyed by having relations with his wife (Rom. 4:18-22) in the covenant of circumcision (Gen. 17) He obeyed by being circumcised (Gen. 17:23,27) in God’s power to resurrect the dead (Heb. 11:17-19) He obeyed by sacrificing Isaac (Gen. 22:1-3,9-10) He was justified by obedience (James 2:21-24) His faith was reckoned (credited to him) as righteousness

6. The blessings of having faith like Abraham (Gal. 3:9) Righteousness is credited to believers (Rom. 4:11, 23-24) The spiritual inheritance is for those of faith(Rom. 4:16) By faith we gain peace with God (Rom. 5:1) Abraham’s blessing is offered to Gentiles (Gal. 3:14) We access his blessings in Jesus (Gal. 3:14) In death, the faithful are carried to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22) We have hope because of God’s promise and oath to Abraham (Heb. 6:16-19) “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29)

7. The cursed life: faithless, works-based salvation The Galatians had a problem with it (Gal. 3:1-5) Can’t be justified by works of Law of Moses (Gal. 2:16) The curse of the Law of Moses Cursed to vain pursuit of perfection by works (Gal. 3:10) Cursed as a lawbreaker for one violation (Jms. 2:10-11) Children of the bondwoman shall be cast out (Gal. 4:28- 31) They are severed from Christ, fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4) In death, the faithless are cast into torment (Luke 16:23) Impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6)

8. The challenge for us: to trust and obey as Abraham did “In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed” (Ps. 22:4-5) Study God’s Word to grow your faith (Rom. 10:17) Live and act with faith in God’s promises of forgiveness, resurrection, and eternal life “follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham” (Rom. 4:12)

9. Summary Abraham: the friend of God, our model of faith If we have faith like Abraham, we are blessed with Him The cursed life: those who pursue salvation by works of the Law of Moses, or any other method, rather than by faith in Jesus Our challenge: to trust and obey as Abraham did “So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer” (Gal. 3:9)

10. Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36

11. Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly