The Righteousness, Grace, and Love of God in the Face of Certain Judgment

Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message #92

TEXT: Genesis 18:16-33

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to negotiate with God? In the ancient middle east, when a man went to a merchant to buy something that he wanted, such as a horse, or some tools, he did not go to the merchant expecting a price tag on the item he wanted to buy. Instead, he would ask the merchant for his price, which normally would be very high, and then, the buyer would say he was only willing to pay a price that was very low. At that point, the merchant would lower his price little by little, and the buyer would raise his price little by little until they finally agreed on a price fixed somewhere in the middle. This process called "negotiation" or "bargaining" or "haggling" still happens today. God has blessed me in my young life to give four cars away. However, one time I tried to sell a car and I asked for my high price, and he told me that he did not want to hurt my feelings. So I knew that I was not a good negotiator.

Our passage today tells us about a man named Abraham who carried on a similar process with God. However, Abraham was negotiating with God for something far more valuable than any material product. He was negotiating with God for human souls if you will.

+ Plus listen to Andrae Crouch singing "The Lord is My Light" and MercyMe singing "Love of God"