2. Roots: Abraham The Pioneer

4. Genesis 12.1-4a 1 Now the L ORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

5. Genesis 12.1-4a 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram went, as the L ORD had told him,

7. Marks of a Pioneer… 1.Pioneers don’t confuse risk and faith. 2.Pioneers are consumed by God, rather than concerned w/ change. 3.Pioneers see change as a chance for growth. 4.Pioneers finish well.

9. So what is so significant about Abraham in Jesus’ life? 1.Abraham’s lineage further establishes Jesus’ humanity.

11. Implications of the humanity of Jesus… 1.It was not some outsider to the human race who died on the cross, He was one of us, therefore, he could truly offer a sacrifice on our behalf. 2.Jesus can truly sympathize with and intercede for us. 3.Jesus expresses the original nature of humanity prior to Adam and Eve’s sin. 4.Jesus expresses a God who is near.