By Faith Abraham
Based on a sermon by Bobby Stafford, Church of Christ at Granby, MO

The Example of Faith
When we think of the word “faith,” few names stand out more than Abraham. He is the central figure of faith in the Old Testament and is prominently featured in Hebrews 11—the “Hall of Faith.” Abraham’s life demonstrates a kind of faith that obeys, trusts, and perseveres even in the face of the unknown. Hebrews 11:8–10 tells us that “by faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out... not knowing where he was going.” His was not a passive belief, but an active, obedient faith that trusted God’s promises.

Called to Leave the Familiar
In Genesis 12, God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and everything familiar to journey to a land he had never seen. God’s command was a challenge—a test—to see if Abraham would not only believe but also obey. Abraham responded immediately and decisively. He didn’t argue, negotiate, or hesitate. He trusted God's word and obeyed. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 6:17 calls Christians to “come out from among them and be separate.” Just as Abraham was called to leave his worldly ties behind, so too are we called to leave behind worldly passions and follow God in faith.

Faith That Obeys
God made three promises to Abraham: to make a great nation from his seed, to bless all nations through his lineage, and to give him a land of promise. Abraham acted on these promises without knowing how they would be fulfilled. His faith was not partial or uncertain—it was full and confident. Romans 4:17–21 explains that Abraham did not waver in unbelief but was “fully convinced” that God would do what He promised. This is the kind of faith that pleases God: one that hears His word, trusts in His promises, and obeys without hesitation.

Faith That Acts Despite Uncertainty
Abraham didn’t know where he was going, but he knew the One who called him. He wasn’t afraid, because he trusted God’s intentions. Even when the fulfillment of God’s promises seemed impossible—like having a child at nearly 100 years old—Abraham believed. Though he did not live to see all the promises fulfilled, he taught his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob to trust in God. This generational faith is a powerful example to us: faith must be lived and passed down. True faith does not need to see—it needs to obey.

Saving Faith Is Obedient Faith
The kind of faith that saves is one that acts. James 2 makes it clear that “faith without works is dead.” Abraham’s faith was alive and powerful because it was obedient. If he had believed but refused to leave his homeland, he would not have received the blessing. Likewise, today, salvation comes not by mere belief alone, but by belief that obeys. Acts 2:38 commands believers to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. This isn’t about the water itself—it’s about trusting in God’s promise that He will cleanse us when we obey.

Looking for a Heavenly City
Abraham’s reward was more than earthly land. Hebrews 11:10 says, “He waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Abraham believed in an afterlife. He looked beyond this world to the heavenly Jerusalem described in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21. That eternal city is promised to those who obey. Abraham wasn’t focused on building a life here—he was living as a pilgrim, a sojourner, looking for a better country. Hebrews 13:14 reminds us, “Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.”

Faith in God’s Promises Today
Like Abraham, many today struggle to believe what seems impossible—especially when it comes to salvation. People scoff at baptism, asking how water could save. But the power is not in the water; it’s in God’s promise. 1 Peter 3:21 clearly says baptism now saves us—not because the water is magical, but because it is where obedient faith meets God’s promise. Without that faith, baptism is just getting wet. With faith, it’s the moment sins are washed away, and a new life begins.

The Call of Christ
Jesus calls us today just as God called Abraham: to come out from the world, leave sin behind, and follow Him. He’s not calling us to a physical land, but to a spiritual journey—a life of faith, obedience, and hope. He calls us to be separate, to walk as strangers in this world, and to long for the heavenly city. If we truly believe God, we will obey. If we want the faith of Abraham, we must act like Abraham—trust and obey. That is the faith that saves.

Sermon Outline: By Faith Abraham

• Introduction
  • Abraham: the supreme example of faith in the Old Testament
  • Hebrews 11 introduces Abraham's obedience
• I. Abraham Was Called to Leave (Genesis 12)
  • God's challenge: leave family and country
  • Abraham’s immediate and decisive obedience
• II. A Faith That Obeys (Hebrews 11:8–10; Romans 4)
  • Abraham believed God's promises
  • He acted without knowing the details
• III. A Faith That Persists
  • Abraham did not see all promises fulfilled
  • He passed down his faith to Isaac and Jacob
• IV. A Faith That Looks Forward (Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 13:14)
  • His hope was the heavenly city
  • He trusted in eternal life with God
• V. Saving Faith Requires Obedience (James 2; Acts 2:38)
  • Faith without works is dead
  • Baptism is an act of faith, not superstition
• Conclusion
  • Jesus calls us to leave the world and follow Him
  • True faith obeys and leads to salvation

Bible References

• Hebrews 11:8–10
• Genesis 12:1–5
• 2 Corinthians 6:17
• Romans 4:17–21
• James 2:20–24
• Hebrews 12:22
• Hebrews 13:14
• Revelation 21:10
• Revelation 22:14
• 1 Peter 3:21
• Acts 2:38