{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Houston's First Baptist Church","title":"Go Away From God","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1815,"description":"In this sermon the preacher examines the story of Abraham’s journey to Egypt as a warning about what it means to turn away from God. Beginning with Genesis 12:7‑13, he recounts how Abraham, after receiving promises of land and blessing, faced a famine and chose to seek physical provision in Egypt rather than trusting God’s provision. The speaker argues that this “going down” represents a spiritual descent, illustrating a loss of faith, holiness, self‑lessness, honesty, and influence. He traces Abraham’s rationalizations and deceit, showing how fear and selfishness led him to lie about Sarah, inviting divine judgment and worldly rebuke.\n\nThe message then broadens the lesson to the life of the church and the nation, warning that when believers or societies abandon trust in God and rely on their own resources, they become fearful, cowardly, and vulnerable to ridicule. The preacher urges listeners to live by faith, honesty, and self‑respect, emphasizing that true strength comes from dependence on God even amid trials. He concludes with a prayer for integrity, faithfulness, and a witness that points others to Christ rather than drawing them away.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/o5yzRQYlXr9ParDz0W15WXJmDEyj_QNDo8tzYNqSRoc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wN2Ew/Yjg4MTI1YTdmNDVi/Mjc2NWZiNDkwYTBi/OTU4MS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}