Week 101 - Free Weekend Program for Children

Date : 26 July, 2025

Text : Genesis 15:8–21

Theme : Faith and Assurance

God made everlasting promises to Abraham. As we studied in verse 6, Abraham believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. Yet, in verse 8, Abraham asks, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”

His question does not come from disbelief but from a natural human longing for assurance and for better understanding. Similarly, Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Instead of being consumed by anxiety, doubt, or confusion, like Abraham, we must learn to turn to God in prayer with our questions and uncertainties (Philippians 4:6).

Faith doesn’t erase fear or uncertainty; rather, it gives us the strength to trust God’s promises despite our feelings, and to act on His Word. In response to Abraham’s prayer, God graciously gave him clear instructions in verse 9, followed by a profound and symbolic covenant ritual in verse 10. This covenant points us to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (Hebrews 9:14).

Like Abraham, we may wonder, “How can I be sure of my inheritance in heaven? How can I know my sins are forgiven? How can I be certain of eternal life?” The answer is: by faith—trusting in the shed blood of Christ. As 1 John 5:13 assures us, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Our confidence rests in the finished work of Christ, and God has given us the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of this promise (2 Corinthians 1:22).

However, real faith is not without opposition. In verse 11, “birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.” This carries a deep lesson for us. These birds represent the distractive thoughts, doubts, temptations, trials, and false teachings that seek to steal our confidence in God’s Word. Just as Abraham drove them away, we must also actively resist such attack (James 47). As Paul writes, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5); “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!” Hebrews 10:35

Today, fears of evil forces—such as sorcery, soothsaying, star-gazing, necromancy, and witchcraft—loom large in Nigeria, even within many churches. There are constant arguments and deep anxieties that these supposed powers can manipulate destinies, cause irreparable harm, and even bring about “untimely death.”

In the prevailing mindset, no accident, sickness, or death is seen as natural or timely. Many believe that lives and destinies are continually cut short by the manipulations of the evil one and his agents. As a result, people feel compelled to seek refuge through self-proclaimed prophets , sorcerers, and endless cycles of dreams, useless visions, fasting and strict rules—often driven by fear and marked by financial and spiritual extortion.

But as Christians, we know that God is sovereign over all things. “The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth…” (Daniel 4:17). In Psalm 139:16, the Holy Spirit reveals our true reality through the words of the psalmist “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed”

God does not share His power with any being—whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth. “In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete. He is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:10). That ends the argument.

In Christ, we have rest (Hebrews 4). Just as Abraham fell into a deep sleep in verse 12, we rest in the finished work of Christ. Yet, this rest does not mean the absence of suffering. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Faith does not shield us from trials—it guarantees them. God’s promises do not exempt us from hardship. In fact, they often include it. As Paul wrote, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Any teaching that claims the Christian life is free from difficulty, suffering and hardship is false.

God told Abraham that his descendants would endure 400 years of slavery and mistreatment in a foreign land, but He also promised their deliverance and blessing. Similarly, as Christians, we go through seasons of delay, hardship, and mystery. We experience both internal battles—pride, envy, jealousy, laziness—and external hardships—sickness, hunger, lack, and even death. But through it all, God promises to preserve our souls and give us victory, even through death.

God’s timing is perfect. He is patient, even with the wicked, until their sin reaches its full measure. This shows that His justice and mercy are never in conflict—they are both revealed in His covenant plan.

For us who believe in Christ, God’s promises are unshakable and eternal. Our inheritance is secure and incorruptible (1 Peter 1:4), and it is received through faith. As we face trials and difficulties, we are called to “consider it pure joy” because “the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–4).

God has promised to drive out every enemy of our souls. And when our time on earth is complete, as He has ordained, His covenant promises will continue to be fulfilled through the preaching of the gospel, calling His chosen ones to Himself.

“Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with His blood—equip you with all you need for doing His will…” (Hebrews 13:20–21).

Amen.

May God bless us richly!

Continue to pray for us. Both the children and we, the teachers, are growing in the light of the knowledge of God’s glory revealed in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)

We’re having an incredible time in the gospel—you don’t need the cruel falsehoods that are spreading like wildfire and devouring eternal souls. If you’re in Abuja, feel free to join us at GSS Karu every Thursday and Sunday at 5 p.m.

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