This week, Pastor Chris challenges us to step out of comfort and live by faith, just as Abraham did when he followed God without knowing where the journey would lead. By trusting God’s promises, Abraham crossed the lines of the unknown, the impossible, the future, and the pull of the world, demonstrating a life anchored in hope beyond present circumstances. His example calls us to fix our hearts on God’s eternal promises, courageously pursuing a heavenly homeland rather than settling for the temporary security of this world.
“A ship in the harbor is safe—but that’s not what ships are built for.”
Abraham stepped over the: Line of the Unknown
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Genesis 12:1–4 (ESV)
1 Now the Lord 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. 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 Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Hebrews 11:9 (ESV)
9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.
Acts 7:5 (ESV)
5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child.
Hebrews 11:10 (ESV)
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
“Great lives are trained by great promises.” Joseph Parker
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Abraham stepped over the: Line of the Impossible
Hebrews 11:11–12 (ESV)
By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
“I will do as much as I can, says one. Any fool can do that. He that believes in Christ does what he cannot do, attempts the impossible, and performs it.” Spurgeon
Matthew 17:20 (ESV)
20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
“We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities.” Pogo the Philosopher
Abraham stepped over the: Line of the Future
Hebrews 11:13–14 (ESV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
“There is no success without sacrifice. If you succeed without sacrifice it is because someone has suffered before you. If you sacrifice without success it is because someone will succeed after.” Adoniram Judson
“Where is our treasure? Is it on earth, or in heaven? What are we doing? What is the aim of our lives? Are we just living to accumulate money, or to get a position in the world for our children? Or, are we trying to secure those treasures, which we can safely lay up in heaven, becoming rich toward God?” D.L. Moody
Abraham stepped over the: Line of Pull of the World
Hebrews 11:15–16 (NLT)
15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Philippians 3:19–20 (ESV)
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 4:6–8 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Matthew 6:21 (MSG)
21 It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
Discussion Questions:
- According to Proverbs 3:5–6, what does it practically mean to trust God instead of leaning on our own understanding?
- Can you share a time when you saw God work in a situation that seemed beyond your ability?
- How does focusing on eternity change the way we live today?
- What are practical ways we can set our minds on things above during a busy week?
Application Questions:
- Which of the four lines are you personally being challenged to cross right now?
- The Unknown
- The Impossible
- The Future
- The Pull of the World
- What is one step of faith you feel God may be asking you to take this week?