God’s Promises – unconditional and conditional

It is always good to be together, praising and worshiping the One Who has changed our lives and helped us through so many challenges. There were prayers, especially for those sick and bereaved, and Bible readings, etc.

We looked at Genesis 12, where the Lord appeared to Abraham and promised that he and his ancestors would be given the land now called Israel. We considered the fact that the promises of God fall largely into two categories – unconditional and conditional. Examples of unconditional promises are – 

Genesis 9:11. The Noahic covenant. Regardless of how people behave, the Lord will not destroy the earth with a flood. He puts the rainbow in the sky as a reminder.

2 Samuel 7:16. Through David’s kingly line, the Messiah will come and establish an eternal kingdom. Matthew 28:20. He will be with us until the end of the age. Acts 1:11. He will return.

But there are conditional promises, and it is important for new and young Christians especially, to realise this. In not understanding this, young Christians can become disappointed and feel disillusioned. There are many examples, but we looked particularly at Matthew 6:33. Seek first the kingdom. All needs will be met if we seek the kingdom first.

God is gracious, and tends to look after us anyway. But as a promise, it is conditional. I can testify to this. It is particularly true with time and money. Spending time in prayer, and giving to God’s work and charity will not automatically see needs met. That is not necessarily putting the kingdom first. For me, putting him first is an act of gratitude for what he has done, and so it is willing, happily engaged in, etc. And it usually starts with seeing what he has done for us on the cross, eternally, with gratitude for that. And then we start to see more and more, as our relationship grows. For me, this cottage and more blessing than I could have imagined some years ago.

In general terms, seek to put the Lord first in all things, and you will find that he looks after you. You do not have to spend so long in Bible reading and prayer, you do not have to keep Sunday free from anything that is not spiritual – or Saturday – you do not have to give one tenth of your income, you do not have to witness every day – we are FREE! But we put him first. The promise that He will look after us in all things is conditional upon us putting Him first – ’Seek first the kingdom’.

What other conditional promises? Here are some examples –

Romans 10:9 Confess and believe with your heart….

John 15:14 – you are my friends if you do all I have commanded.

Wendy L led us in breaking bread together.

We meet in Frettenham next Sunday morning. Lunch as per the WhatsApp group info during the week.