The Christian's Journey - 5

Introduction: When you make a promise, who is it that sees to it that you keep it? The person to whom you made the promise or you? You do, and they simply believe you and trust you to keep your word.

Beersheba

• Text: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

1. The Account:
• Genesis 21:22-33, 26:26-33, Judges 20:1
2. The Details: means "well of oath"
• Seven wells are located here.
• Water is excellent, lilies and crocuses abound.
• Both Abraham and Isaac entered into a compact with Abimelech here.
• Abraham planted a tree (grove) here-the tamarisk, a long living, hardwood with long clustering evergreen leaves-a type of the ever-enduring grace of the faithful, covenant-keeping God.
• Was the last place God repeated His promise regarding making a great nation from Abraham and his descendants.
• Was the usual way of designating the whole Promised Land (from Dan to Beersheba)
• Located between the Southern end of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
3. The Application

          Claiming or Believing? Claim - (not once in the Bible)

• To demand by or as by virtue of a right; demand as a right or a due.
• To assert and demand the recognition of a right, title, etc
• To make or file a claim

           Believe

• To have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.
• To have faith or confidence in the truth. . .
• To have conviction that a person or a thing is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation.
• To suppose or assume; understand.

      4. The Recommendations: Regarding believing God's promises

• God's promises to care for His purposes. (2 Pet 1:4)
• God's promises should cause us to clean up and live righteously and holy. (2 Cor 7:1)
• God's promises (even when we don't see them) separates us from the world (Heb 11:13)
• We have great examples of those who believe God's promises; therefore, we should be busy about His work. (Heb 6:12)

Conclusion:    Psalms 105:42

   When we learn of God's promises, we simply believe. This belief affects our behavior, our life. We don't take God to task about His promises, but let Him prove Himself, and your faith will be rewarded.

GB Essie