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.