The Call of Abraham

David explains the significance of the call of Abraham as part of our God's multicoloured wisdom series

Speaker:	David Taylor
Series:	God's Multicoloured Wisdom
Date:	27th Sep, 2026
Download:	The Call of Abraham
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Sermon notes:	PDF The Call of Abraham The Call of Abraham Genesis 11:27–12:9 God’s Way Back The sermon explores the call of Abram (later Abraham) as the beginning of God’s plan to  restore humanity to Himself. After the Fall, the flood and Babel, God called Abraham to leave his country, family and familiar surroundings and go to a land God would show him. God promised: “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This shows that God’s plan was never only for one nation. Through Abraham, and ultimately through Jesus, God’s blessing would reach all nations. Chosen by Grace Abraham was not chosen because he was perfect or deserving. He came from a background of idolatry, was childless, and was already 75 when God called him. Yet God stepped into his life and gave him a purpose. Abraham reminds us that God uses imperfect people. His calling is an example of grace — God’s favour is not something we earn. As Paul says, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” A Man of Faith and Obedience Abraham responded to God’s call by trusting and obeying. He didn't know the whole journey or where it would lead, but he took God at His word. The sermon compares this to reaching a crossroads. We may not always know which way to go, but God's Word and prayer help us find our direction. Abraham built altars and called upon the Lord. His faith wasn't simply something he believed; it shaped the way he lived. Faith leads to obedience. A Blessing to All Nations Abraham's story points forward to God's ultimate plan in Jesus and the cross. Israel was chosen to carry God's revelation and bring forward the Messiah, but the purpose was always that all nations would be blessed. The gospel therefore breaks down barriers between nations, cultures and people. No nation is more important or more deserving than another. Letting God’s Light ShineThe sermon finishes with the picture of Gideon's jars of clay. When the jars were broken, the light inside became visible. Paul describes believers as carrying God's treasure in “jars of clay.” Our weakness doesn't stop God from using us. He can work through ordinary, imperfect people so that His light can be seen. Key Message God calls imperfect people by grace, asks us to respond in faith and obedience, and uses us to bring His blessing and light to all nations.

   

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Or choose Series God's Multicoloured Wisdom The Gateway Church Non series sermon Hall of Mirrors Mark's Gospel The Gift Exchange Holy Moments Created for Connection Non series sermon Five Alive The Kingdom of God Battle for the Mind Good King, Bad King This is us Summer Sundays 2023 Colossians - rooted and established Livestreams I am sayings Angelic Encounters Parables - stories with purpose Run the race The Glorious Church Proverbs - wisdom that works Vision Sermons R.O.A.D. Map Oh Holy Night Coming back to the heart of worship Getting Fruity The discipline of Intimacy Ezra Acts - Mission:Possible 2 Peter 1 Peter Life Groups Relational Mission - A Way of Life 2 Corinthians Join the adventure... Meals with Jesus in Luke Jesus gives us... Jesus takes away... 1 Corinthians There is hope Isaiah - God saves sinners The Gospel of John The Big Picture

Or choose Speaker Adam Dixon Alvin Confesor Amie Lymer Andrew Holland Andy King Andy Moyle Andy Richards Ann Robles Ariel Merry Bene Wadieh Cameron Mathers Darryl Mallet David Blacklock David Taylor David Wadieh Debs Ikwuagwu Domi Bernardin Graham Maddison Hannah Woods Ifeoluwa Omidiji Janet Moyle Jean Holland Jenny King Jerole Jacob Jon Beardon Julie Hayes Karen Kircher Kate Odediran Kathleen Blacklock Katie Mathers Kay Taylor Kees Kees Vonk Linda Bernard Linda Hongsha Lisa Pyatt Maria Rinaldo Marshal Schaitel Marshall Schaitel Martin Woods Matt Pyatt Michelle Confesor Mike Ikwuagwu Moy Omidiji Naomi Kendall Neena Kore Norman Blows Omadachi Oganyani Omadachi Oganyi Paige Marrett Pastor Mindaugus Palionis Pat Amos Phil Moore Pranalini Pardeshi Rend Collective Roi Abary Sarah Confesor Sarah Vonk Seb Njingo Seun Omidiji Simon Walker Sonja Stojanovic Stef Liston Swapnil Pardeshi Tammy Dixon Tobi Odediran Warren Mathers

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The Call of Abraham

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Next

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Feeling manipulated – some reported wished they hadn't voted the way they did

Fear > Manipulation > Anger

Minister into that later

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Sovereign Lord
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Mission aligned with God's mission
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– for relationship with God Gen 3:8
Marred by sin – God given us all free choice, not robots. Relationship based on control not a relationship
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Gen 11 continued sin and pride led to Babel – separation of languages

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Gen 12:1-3 God's plan becomes evident
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Now have the power to do it
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Response
1) Anger, fear of feeling manipulated – bad things, bad taste in the mouth, oppressive. Freedom!
2) Looking in today – hopefully got to see a glorious vision of God's people the church. Something to buy into!
i) Start following Jesus
ii) Start helping to build!
3) Go out – love God, love your neighbour – leavers, retainers, foreigners and Linnets!