In this message, Pastor Robinson uses Abraham’s call in Genesis 12 to illustrate “Two Choices Every Believer Must Make”: first, the foundational decision between heaven and hell; and second, the daily choice between pursuing earthly comforts or heavenly purposes.

1. Embracing God’s Call in Faith

• God commands Abram to leave everything familiar—his country, family, and security—and go to “a land that I will show thee” (Gen 12:1). This highlights that true faith requires trusting God’s direction even without knowing all the details.
• Abram’s obedience (at age 75) models how God often gives us only a general sense of direction; our task is to step out, and He provides clarity as we go.

2. The Heart of Faith over Perfection

• All of Scripture—including examples like Abraham—is recorded for our learning and warning (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11). Every servant of God is flawed, yet God values faithfulness over flawlessness.
• Faith is active: genuine belief produces works (James 2:17). Abram’s departure and altar-building demonstrate faith that moves, not mere mental assent.

3. Trials, Temptations, and Faith’s Testing

• After arriving in Canaan, Abram builds an altar where God reaffirms the promise (Gen 12:7). Yet famine strikes, and Abram flees to Egypt—choosing earth’s provision over God’s promise.
• Fear and self-reliance creep in: Abram misrepresents Sarai as his sister (Gen 12:11–13), setting off a chain of deceit, divine judgment on Pharaoh, and costly reproach.

4. Repentance and Restoration

• Abram leaves Egypt “sadder yet wiser” (Gen 13:1–4), returning to Bethel where he first worshipped and again calls on the Lord’s name. When we stray, true repentance brings us back to where God first met us.
• Restored obedience paves the way for further blessings; Abram’s heart realigns with God’s will.

5. The Two Choices Defined

1. Heaven vs. Hell: The foundational decision of salvation—placing Christ at the center of our eternity.
2. Heaven vs. Earth: The ongoing choice of pursuing eternal values over temporal comforts. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33).

6. Living by Heavenly Citizenship

• Earthly trials (“fiery trials” in 1 Peter 4:12–13) refine our faith, revealing God’s glory through our weaknesses. Just as Abram endured famines and moral tests, believers today are called to trust God’s provision and purposes.
• Yielding (not merely surrendering) to God’s will involves daily humility—denying self, taking up our cross (Luke 9:23), and following Christ even when it costs comfort, possessions, or relationships.

Application & Invitation

• Examine: When “famines” hit your life—financial strain, relationship conflict, spiritual dryness—will you trust God’s promise or run to “Egypt” for temporary relief?
• Commit: If you’ve drifted, return to the “Bethel” of your first devotion. Repentance and worship restore your clarity of purpose.
• Choose: Heaven first. Earth second. Let every decision reflect heavenly values, confident that “the God who calls you is faithful” (1 Thess 5:24).