THE SEVEN SEPARATIONS OF ABRAHAM II

November 10, 2019

Pastor Carolyn Sissom

My message today is identifying our faith walk of New Beginnings with Abraham.  He made seven critical decisions in his lifetime which brought him into seven separations.   

After the 7^th separation (from Isaac) in Genesis 22, God revealed Himself to Abraham as JEHOVAH-JIRAH (“Jehovah will see and PROVIDE’).   There is a complete unlimited provision without any further requirements awaiting those who make the seven separations of Abraham.

The inheritance of the believer is incorruptible. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (1 Peter 2:4).

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I can say as a testimony of the faithfulness of God and His Great Grace, that in His awesome presence, He brought me through each one of these separations.  The separations will always be a risk to your comfort zone, natural affections, understanding, and limitations.  Each separation will require an altar of surrender.  I count it all joy!

When the Lord brought our marriage into order, He said, “Carolyn build me an altar of worship and put upon it all my rights and righteous indignation.” 

What then are these seven separations that if we will walk as Abraham did will bring us into this great inheritance.

1. Country.  – Immediate local and surroundings.  All that is familiar and comfortable.  That which restricts you and prevents you from walking with God.  A land that is governed by teachings and traditions that say you can go so far but no further.

Each separation in my life was preceded by a change of country.  The home of my childhood was Missouri.  We moved first to Memphis then to Baton Rouge with my husband’s job.  It was a time for me to grow up.   The Lord separated me into the wilderness by sending us to Houma, La.  When we returned to Baton Rouge, he called me out of my denominational church and separated me out to start a church.   From Baton Rouge he sent me to Texas to start another church.

2. Kindred – Genesis 12:1: This deals with our natural and spiritual family.  Our father’s house is a strong tie.  The land of our nativity (the church, system, or doctrine under which we were born) keeps many from pleasing God. Family members want you to stand in the land of Ur of the Chaldees.

When the Lord called me to Pastor, Prophet Teale told me that I would have to start the church without my family, but they would come in and help me.  That did not happen until we started the church in Texas, but yes, my family has supported me and helped me. 

Ur of Chaldees was an advanced culture.  It was a Samarian city with an elaborate and advanced system of writing, math, astronomical and astrology, a mature comprehensive religious organization.  In short a very cultured and sophisticated society.  (Social acceptance and favor)

Abraham grew up in the midst of idolatry. God dealt with Abraham in Sovereign Grace.  There was nothing whatever in the object of His choice which commended him to God.  There was nothing in Abraham that merited God’s esteem.  The call of Abram shows us the starting-point of the life of Faith and redeeming Grace.   

After he left the land of the Ur of Chaldees he pitched his tent between Bethel (house of God on the West and Ai ( a heap of ruins) on the East.  As he journeyed toward the promise, before him lay the house of God.  Behind him lay the old life in Ur, a heap of ruins.  Here he dwelt in a tent (the pilgrim life) and the Altar (dependency on and worship of God). 

3. Egypt –  (Gen. 12: 10-21).  In thanks giving we leave Egypt, which speaks to us of the World and all that is in it.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  The place of bondage and servitude.  I was working at the Louisiana National Bank on Plank Road.  We had established the branch in a trailer.  The Bank was a building a new building.  I had worked hard to help establish that branch.  The Lord spoke to me, “Carolyn you will never work in the new building.”   At the time, I was pregnant with my second child.  She was born with a nerve injury.  I got on my knees and told the LORD if he would heal my baby’s arm, I would give Him the rest of my life.  Three days later we were transferred to Houma, La.  That was my wilderness experience when the Lord took me out of Egypt.
4. LOT - (Gen 13:11)  Lot speaks of the carnal ones who walk with us.  They want God’s presents but not His presence.  They are along for the ride, desiring only the benefits but despising the responsibility of the birthright.  Abraham they are a monkey on your back.
5. A Desire to Get Wealth – (Gen. 14: 21-24) this is most critical.  God will never bestow an unlimited provision upon those who love money (1 Tim. 6:10).  The man/woman of faith cannot be bought.  He/she is under exclusive contract to Jehovah as the bond slave of Christ.  He/she will not become the possession of another.
6. Ishmael – (Gen. 17:18; 21: 9-14)   this speaks to us of the product of the flesh.  A man-made attempt to bring forth the promise of God.  The old nature is a wild ass nature, the fruit of human wisdom and human strength.  Ishmael was the product of Sarah’s head and Abraham’s loins.  Ishmael was a good idea.  He is the 6^th separation of Abraham’s walk, and six the number of man. 
7. Isaac – (Gen. 22: 1-14)  this is the ultimate test.  The promise had become a reality.  Abraham had held it in his arms and watched it grow.  Now God demands that which He loves.  Do we love the promise of God more than the God of the promise?  This is worship in its purest sense.

When the Lord asked us to leave behind our beloved Little White Church, He spoke to me, “Carolyn do you love me as much as you loved Don when you left everything and followed Him?”

Then What of Our Inheritance?

1. We have been made worthy and fit to partake of it. (Col. 1: 12-13)
2. It is Light (Col. 1: 12-13).
3. It is in the heavenlies (Realm of the spirit) (Eph. 1:3;2:1-6)\
4. It is to be revealed in the last time.
5. It is the divine nature made available through the promises.
6. It is revealed through the five-fold ministry, especially the Apostle and the Prophet.
7. The Pentecostal experience of the Holy Ghost Baptisms is the key and the door to our possession, for it is the earnest (pledge) fore-taste, down-payment, (guarantee) of our full inheritance.

Carolyn Sissom, Pastor

Eastgate Ministries Church

Scripture from K.J.V. – I entered into the labors of Principles of Present Truth of Genesis by: Kelly Varner.  Comments, testimony and conclusions are my own and not meant to reflect the views of those from whom I gleaned.

Abraham was the friend of God.  Chapters 11-22 is the account of his mistakes as well as his journey of Faith that placed him in the Hebrews Hall of Fame. 

Hebrews 11:8-10:  By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and make is God.

Separation brings Revelation which leads to Worship.  Abraham would make a separation, and then Jehovah would speak to him, prompting Abraham to build an altar and worship.

Carolyn Sissom, Pastor

Eastgate Ministries Church

www.eastgateministries.com

Scripture from K.J.V. – From message preached 7/26/05 and Principles of Present Truth on Genesis by Kelly Varner.