Sure, you’re getting a ton of descendants, but first, a quick power nap. It’s all part of the package. God’s Got Your Back (And Your Reward, Apparently).
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements A Warm Welcome to You
Hey, friends! What a joy it is to gather with you today—whether you’re here in person or joining us online, I’m so glad you’re part of our church family. You know, Genesis 15:1 says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Isn’t that incredible? God’s speaking to us today, just like He did to Abram, reminding us that He’s with us, protecting us, and offering us the greatest gift—Himself! So, come on in, grab a seat, and let’s open our hearts to what He has for us today.
Church Announcements and Updates
Here’s what’s happening in our community—because growing together is what we’re all about!
- Upcoming Event: Family Fun Night – Mark your calendars for next Friday, March 14th, at 6:00 PM! We’re hosting a night of games, food, and laughter right here at the church. Bring your kids, your neighbors—everyone’s welcome!
- Community Update: Food Drive – We’re collecting non-perishable items all month to support our local pantry. Drop off your donations in the lobby and let’s show God’s love to our neighbors in need.
- Small Groups Kickoff – Want to grow deeper in faith with friends? Our spring small groups start this Wednesday, March 12th. Sign up online or at the welcome desk—we’d love to have you join us!
Section 2. Call to Worship Focusing Our Hearts on God
Friends, let’s take a moment to turn our eyes toward the One who made us, loves us, and calls us His own. Genesis 15:1 invites us to hear God’s voice: “Do not be afraid… I am your shield, your very great reward.” Let’s respond to that promise with a simple hymn—how about we sing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” together? As we lift our voices, let’s celebrate the God who never lets us down.
- Responsive Call – Leader: “God is our shield!”
- Congregation: “And our very great reward!”
Section 3. Opening Prayer A Prayer to Begin
Heavenly Father, we’re so grateful to be here today, wrapped in Your love and surrounded by this amazing family of faith. You told Abram not to be afraid because You were his shield and reward—and Lord, we need that same assurance today. Calm our worries, lift our spirits, and help us feel Your presence as we worship You. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and follow where You lead. We love You, Lord, and we’re excited to see what You have for us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship Lifting Our Voices Together
What a blessing it is to sing praises to God with you all! Our worship team is leading us today with a mix of songs—some new ones like “Way Maker” and classics like “Amazing Grace.” Whether you’re clapping along or just soaking it in, this time is all about lifting our hearts to God. He’s worthy of every note, every word, because He’s the One who gives us life and hope. So let’s adore Him together!
- Song Focus – Adoration and gratitude for God’s faithfulness.
Section 5. Scripture Reading Introduction to Genesis 15:1-12
Friends, today we’re diving into a moment when God spoke directly to Abram—Genesis 15:1-12. This is a story about trust, promises, and a God who shows up when we need Him most. Let’s see what it says.
The Events in Genesis 15:1-12
Abram’s been following God, but he’s got questions—big ones! He’s wondering about the promise of a family, since he still doesn’t have a son. God meets him right there in that doubt, speaking words of comfort: “Don’t be afraid, I’m your shield, your reward.” Then God takes him outside, points to the stars, and says, “That’s how big your family will be!” Abram believes, and God counts it as righteousness. It’s a beautiful picture of faith meeting God’s faithfulness.
Genesis 15:1-12 (NIV)
1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”
5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
7 He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”
8 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”
9 So the Lord said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.”
10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half.
11 Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Lord, we come to You today like Abram, sometimes full of questions, sometimes unsure of what’s ahead. Thank You for being our shield when life feels overwhelming and our reward when we feel empty. We lift up those in our church family who need Your comfort—those facing fear, waiting for promises, or just needing a touch of Your peace. Help us trust You like Abram did, believing Your words even when we can’t see the whole picture. Be with our world, too, bringing hope where it’s needed most. We’re leaning on You, Lord. Amen.
Congregational Prayer Response
- Leader: “Lord, You are our shield and our very great reward.”
- Congregation: “We believe You, and we trust Your promises.”
Section 7. Offering The Joy of Giving
Friends, giving isn’t just about money—it’s an act of worship, a way to say “Thank You, God, for all You’ve done.” When we bring our tithes and offerings, we’re trusting Him with our resources, just like Abram trusted Him with his future. It’s a chance to honor God and join in what He’s doing here and beyond.
Prayer of Thanks
Lord, we’re so grateful for the chance to give back to You. Bless these offerings, small and large, as acts of worship from hearts that love You. Use them to spread Your hope and build Your kingdom. Thank You for being our provider and our reward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music Introduction to Special Music
Before we dive into the full message, our worship team has a treat for us—a beautiful rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” Let it wash over you and lift your spirit as we prepare to hear God’s Word.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Want to go deeper? The complete sermon, “Trusting God’s Promises,” is packed with practical tools to help you grow in faith every day—straight from Genesis 15.
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Bible Study:
Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:1-12
What Was God’s Wildest Promise to a Doubter.
Could This Change Your Faith Forever?
Ever wonder what happens when God whispers a promise so big it sounds crazy—and you actually believe it? One guy did, and it flipped his world upside down. Stick around, because this ancient secret might just unlock the faith you’ve been chasing.
Abram’s Starlit Leap of Faith!
Picture this: Abram’s sitting in the dark, the kind of dark that presses in heavy when life’s not adding up. He’s old, childless, and staring at a promise from God that feels more like a taunt than a lifeline. “A great nation? Yeah, right,” he mutters, kicking the dirt. He’s been faithful, sure—left his home, followed God into the unknown—but now? Now he’s got questions. Big ones. “Lord, I don’t even have a son. What’s the deal?”
Then God does something wild. He doesn’t scold Abram or dodge the doubt. He grabs him by the hand, pulls him outside, and points to the sky. “Look up,” God says, voice steady as the stars. “Count ‘em if you can. That’s your family—too big to number.” Abram’s jaw drops. No charts, no proof, just stars and a voice. And here’s the kicker: Abram believes. Not because it makes sense—honestly, it doesn’t—but because he trusts the One saying it. That trust? God calls it righteousness. A dusty nomad, wrestling with doubt, becomes the father of faith under a sky full of impossible.
Now, lean in close, because this isn’t just Abram’s story—it’s ours. We’ve all got our “no way” moments, those dreams or hopes we’ve buried because they feel too big. But what if God’s standing there, pointing at your stars, asking you to trust Him anyway? That’s where the real journey begins—not with answers, but with a connection to the One who keeps His word.
Unlock the Faith-Building Toolkit You Didn’t Know You Needed”
Hey, let’s make this simple. You’ve just tasted a story that’s sparked something in you—maybe hope, maybe curiosity, maybe a nudge to grow deeper in faith. Imagine having a whole sermon package built around Genesis 15:1-12, crafted with love to stir hearts and spark spiritual growth—yours, your family’s, or your congregation’s. We’re talking a ready-to-share message, outline, and practical tools to help you trust God’s wild promises, just like Abram did.
Here’s the deal: Your donation—whatever feels right to you—grabs you instant access to this “Shielded by Faith” sermon. It’s not about the money; it’s about keeping this ministry alive so we can keep pouring out content that lights up souls. Buy the Sermon or Give $5, $50, or whatever God puts on your heart, and you’ll get:
- Expository Outline – Breaks down Genesis 15:1-12 with clarity and heart.
- The Full Sermon – Every word, dripping with warmth and purpose, ready to inspire.
- Growth Tools – Simple Questions to take your faith from doubt to daring trust.
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Behind the Scenes
Every word here was written with a heart full of love for God and a deep desire to lift you up. You’ve felt the warmth of that welcome, the clarity of the message, and the pull of a story that’s more than words—it’s a bridge to Him. Picture sharing this with your people, watching their faith catch fire, their hope ignite. That’s what your support makes possible. Thanks for being part of it, friend!
