Born of human attempt or BORN of GOD

The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of his promise. (Galatians 4:3, 23 NLT)

Our works can be born from our own human attempt or born of God as His own fulfillment. Especially in ministry or in God's works, many and much have been born in human attempt outside God's time and grace. It may appear on the surface as good. After all, Ishmael was dearly adored by Abraham. In fact, Abraham wanted God to fulfill the promise through Ishmael. But God would have none of man's work to mix with His holiness.

So Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants as an everlasting covenant. (Genesis 17:18-19 NLT)

Many may have started out with their own strength and dreams but we must cast out what is our own human attempt and we must humbled ourselves and be willing to start over even though much time may have passed.

Many churches are born from human attempt and strength. Many churches are Ishmael churches. Ishmael was part of Abraham's family but the inheritance did not belong to him nor his descendants. A church may have been born from human strength and attempt and God may still use them since they are still part of His family. But the promise will be fulfilled through Issac. All things born of flesh will fail or wither away. This is one reason why churches end up shutting down. They were born by human attempt and never got right with God.

Ishmael was born naturally when Abraham and Sarai were able too in their years. Issac was born supernaturally through the Holy Spirit when they were very old and when it looked impossible. We must be in a church and ministry born by the Spirit of God. We must be led by the Spirit for HE is leading us to our inheritance.

Glory to God
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church