Encounter the Truth

Jonathan Griffiths

The Cost of Self-Reliance, Part 1

June 21, 2021

Abram and Sarai knew the promise of God, but grew impatient with God’s timeline, not seeing how the promise could be fulfilled. They took matters into their own hands to further God’s agenda—and the results were disastrous. In this messy incident, we see the cost of sinful self-reliance and the abundant grace of God.

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Where can we find TRUE stability? Learn more in your FREE PDF download from Encounter the Truth Ministries about finding your stability with God.

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Just as Jesus called the apostles to be shrewd in their day, he calls us to be shrewd in ours—careful with our words, sensitive to our context. But at the same time, we don’t manipulate or compromise the message. By his help, we are to go out as his agents, innocent as doves, trusting his Word, trusting his power, trusting his provision, and leaving the work of judgment to him for the final day.
June 20, 2021
When Abraham could not see the way forward for the fulfilment of the plans and purposes of God, the Lord reaffirmed the covenant and taught Abraham that he—the Lord—was his shield of protection and the substance and source of his reward. The promise-making and promise-keeping God is faithful and all-sufficient for his people.
June 18, 2021
When Abraham could not see the way forward for the fulfilment of the plans and purposes of God, the Lord reaffirmed the covenant and taught Abraham that he—the Lord—was his shield of protection and the substance and source of his reward. The promise-making and promise-keeping God is faithful and all-sufficient for his people.
June 17, 2021
The covenant blessing of God does not spare God’s people the experience of battling enemy forces, but it does guarantee their ultimate victory. Added to this, in a remarkable event (the encounter with Melchizedek) God adds renewed blessing, while pointing forward to the One who will fulfil the covenant promises in a day to come.
June 16, 2021
The covenant blessing of God does not spare God’s people the experience of battling enemy forces, but it does guarantee their ultimate victory. Added to this, in a remarkable event (the encounter with Melchizedek) God adds renewed blessing, while pointing forward to the One who will fulfil the covenant promises in a day to come.
June 15, 2021
As Abraham begins to enter into the blessings of God in terms of land and goods and people, we see a godly spirit of generosity come through (and perhaps we see the start of a contrast with Lot). The blessing of God is meant to make his people a blessing to others.
June 14, 2021
Jesus has shown that the Kingdom message is life-transforming and thoroughly wonderful. He sees that the world is ready for the message and, out of compassion, he wants them to receive it. But the need is simply this: workers to spread the good news.
June 13, 2021
As Abraham begins to enter into the blessings of God in terms of land and goods and people, we see a godly spirit of generosity come through (and perhaps we see the start of a contrast with Lot). The blessing of God is meant to make his people a blessing to others.
June 11, 2021
Here is the foundational promise of God, fulfilled in Jesus and the gospel. It all comes from God and his initiative. Abraham is the recipient, as we are recipients in Christ. This blessing is meant to go to the world—and so our missionary mandate is found here. The folly of Abraham here reminds us that the blessing rests on grace and not merit.
June 10, 2021
Here is the foundational promise of God, fulfilled in Jesus and the gospel. It all comes from God and his initiative. Abraham is the recipient, as we are recipients in Christ. This blessing is meant to go to the world—and so our missionary mandate is found here. The folly of Abraham here reminds us that the blessing rests on grace and not merit.
June 9, 2021
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Featured Offer

Free Resource | Clinging to the Rock in the Storms of Life
Where can we find TRUE stability? Learn more in your FREE PDF download from Encounter the Truth Ministries about finding your stability with God.

About Encounter the Truth

Through faithful teaching of the Scriptures, Encounter the Truth seeks to facilitate encounters with the truth of God’s Word—and ultimately, with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Truth that came down from heaven. Our prayer is that those who do not yet know Jesus will come to a saving knowledge of the truth, that believers will be established in the truth, and that, through this, local churches will be strengthened.

About Jonathan Griffiths

Jonathan Griffiths serves as Lead Pastor of the Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada, sits on the Council of the Gospel Coalition Canada, and gives leadership to the Timothy Trust, which exists to promote expository Bible ministry. He loves to train and mentor developing leaders for gospel ministry. Jonathan studied theology at the University of Oxford and completed his Ph.D. on Hebrews at the University of Cambridge. He takes a keen interest in current affairs, not least politics and economics. He and his wife, Gemma, have three children.

Contact Encounter the Truth with Jonathan Griffiths

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