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Hear From the Prophets

The lessons of this course record the life-changing experiences of eight of God’s prophets. Careful study of this course and obedience to the words of the prophets will help you know how to submit to God.

The Need for the Call

After the flood Noah built an altar to God. Undoubtedly he and his family worshipped God and meant to do His will at the beginning. But the condition of sin still had control in the generations following the flood. They were weak and unable to resist temptations. They rejected God. They felt a need in their hearts to worship, however, because all human beings have this need. Soon they began to worship the moon and idols which they made.

It seemed that the creation of God would be destroyed again because of the wickedness of mankind. But here and there on the earth were a few who remembered and understood the truth of the one Creator God. Abraham was one of those who believed in God. He refused to worship idols, even though his father did so.

God would not allow the people of the earth to be without hope. Even when they sinned, He was filled with mercy and compassion. He had a plan to guide people away from idols and show them the way of truth. His plan was to choose one man as a leader who would do God’s will and bring blessing to all mankind.

God saw that Abraham refused to worship the idols of his people. “Leave your country and your people,” God said. He wanted Abraham to get away from the evil and the idolatry and begin a new group of faithful followers of God.

Abraham traveled from Ur of the Chaldeans into the land of Haran, along with his father and other relatives. But still there were idols among them. God spoke to him again saying, “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”

You see, it was necessary for Abraham to leave the place of sinful influence. When you live with such influence all about you it is difficult to keep your mind and heart separated. The weakness of man and the condition of sin cause people to follow the ways of others, sometimes even when they feel that it is wrong to do so. God wanted Abraham to break completely with the past and devote himself only to carrying out the plan of God.

The purpose of this was to make of Abraham a channel through which blessing might come to millions of people. Of course, when God chooses to work through a person, He chooses one who is willing to Abraham-He Was the Friend of God obey Him. Abraham was not among the infidels. He refused to bow down to idols or to stroke them. He looked up to heaven, not to worship the moon, but to give honor to the one true God, the Creator of the universe. Abraham was a friend to God and God wanted him to lead His people.

For You To Do

Answer the following questions in a few words.

  1. Why did people return to sinful ways after the flood?
  2. Why did the people worship idols?
  3. What did God do?
  4. Why was it necessary for Abraham to leave his people?

 

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