1. Abraham, the Friend of God (18)

Abraham is given this special title in 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; and James 2:23; and he is the only person in the Bible to have it. Jesus called Lazarus His friend (John 11:11), and He calls “friends” all who believe on Him and obey Him (15:13-15). As His friends, we can share His love and fellowship, and we can know His will. “If we are beset by an unseen foe,” wrote Vance Havner, “we are also befriended by an Unseen Friend. Great is our adversary but greater is our Ally.”

Friendship involves ministry, and in this chapter you will find Abraham ministering in three different areas: to the Lord (Gen. 18:1-8), to his home (vv. 9-15), and to a lost world (vv. 16-33).