Title: Finally Entered the Land of Canaan
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Finally he entered the land of Canaan. (Genesis 12:5-9)
Dear saints! Abraham left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan, the land God instructed him, and headed north along the Euphrates River, where he came and stayed in Haran. Abraham rose again from Haran and headed for Canaan. Abraham made the second decision of faith. Abraham finally entered into poverty in the promised land that God had instructed him to do. This morning, I would like to share grace with you under the title of this sermon. “Finally entered the land of Canaan.”
I. Condition of the land of Canaan
Abraham gave up everything and arrived in the land of Canaan after a thousand years of hard work. It was only by believing in God and obeying His Word. Then, shouldn't a wonderful and wonderful thing be waiting for Abraham like this? However, the situation in the land of Canaan was the exact opposite. Abraham came to the land of Canaan, unpacked his luggage in Shechem, and tried to settle down. Verse 6, “Then the Canaanites dwelt in the land.” He was never friendly with Abraham. Abraham could not even pitch his tent without the permission of this Canaanite. This is the reality of Abraham entering the land of Canaan. There is a deep and great will of God here. In order not to be too engrossed in real life, to live a life that does our best, and above all, to live only dependent on God. The life of God's children in this world today is like the life of Abraham in the land of Canaan.
So, did Abraham only suffer? no. Abraham was greatly blessed. Verse 7: “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” Abraham was afraid. I was anxious. But God appeared. Abraham was greatly comforted. Abraham never perished. God blessed us, protected us, and was with us. Finally took possession of the land. They formed a great nation, their name became great, and they became the source of happiness. Dear all! There are difficult times, difficult times, and hardships in our faith life today. But the same God who was with Abraham is with us today. God's children do not perish. It will eventually take over the land. Your name will become great and you will become a source of blessings.
II. living in the tent
Abraham lived in tents in the land of Canaan. Abraham's living conditions were completely different. In my hometown of Ur, Chaldea, I lived in a two- and three-story brick house. But when they entered the land of Canaan, they lived in tents. Abraham refused. You could build and live in a luxurious mansion. But I lived in tents all my life. Why did you live in a tent? In Genesis 23:4, Abraham describes himself to the Hittites as ‘I am a sojourner and a sojourner among you’. Abraham lived as a foreigner, sojourner, and sojourner in the land of Canaan. People live under the illusion that life is eternal. This is the ignorance and foolishness of life. Dear all! What is the wisdom of saints? To know that this world is a stranger. That is why I live as a spiritual stranger.
The spiritual traveler longs for his homeland. Although our bodies live on this earth, our hearts should always live longing for our hometown, heaven.
The Spirit Traveler doesn't pay too much attention to the way it passes. The world we live in now is not a place to live forever. Just because you are happy, happy, successful, and happy in this world, you must not forget that you are a stranger. Also, there is nothing to be discouraged because life in the world is difficult, difficult, tiring, painful, and infirm. It's not forever. Because this world is a stranger.
The spiritual traveler lives and prepares to return home. Even though Jews are scattered around the world, they are always ready to return to their homeland.
Dear all! We are spiritual strangers. We must always be prepared to go to our hometown of heaven at any time, so that we can always be prepared to stand before the Lord whenever the Lord calls us to come.
III. Altar-building life
Verses 7 and 8 say that Abraham built an altar to the Lord. Isn't it the most absolutely necessary for human beings to live? But Abraham built an altar before he had a house to dwell in. He placed the altar in the most important place in his life. And Abraham continued to build altars. He built altars wherever he went. So, what is the New Testament meaning of this altar? Romans 12:1 ‘This is your spiritual worship’ The altar was built and slaughtered and sacrificed cattle and sheep, but the altar was changed to worship after Jesus’ crucifixion.
Abraham built an altar as an expression of thanksgiving. I built an altar with a grateful heart because I was so grateful for choosing, calling, guiding, and giving the promise of blessing among many people. Everyone! I hope you will worship with a grateful heart for the grace you have received.
Abraham built an altar for today's victory. Abraham entered Canaan and lived a victorious life despite the difficult circumstances. Where did the victorious power, the victorious energy come from? Abraham was supplied through the altar. Dear all! Where can we get the power to win in this world? Through worship, God meets you, heals you, gives you new strength, gives you wisdom, and gives you victory. Therefore, it is necessary to fully worship. What is the most important thing in your life of faith? volunteer! It's important. But more important than service is worship. Worship is the first thing a Christian should do. If you fail in worship, your life of faith will fail. If you fail in your life of faith, your life will fail.
John 4:23 “The hour is coming and is now, when those who truly worship the Father will worship in spirit and truth, and the Father is looking for those who worship him like this.” God is looking for worshipers. Why? To give grace, to bless, to live a glorious life of victory.
Dear all! I pray that your worship life will be victorious. So, I pray that your life of faith will be victorious.