A Foundation for November | 1 Peter 2:4-10
In 1 Peter 2:4-10, the early church leader Peter encourages the scattered early believers. These men and women were being rejected by society at large. Peter doesn’t tell them to reclaim society, but to come to Christ, focusing on building his kingdom. We are not to align ourselves with the world’s powers, but heaven’s powers. This seems irrational to many but Jesus’ way will always prove true. Align yourself with Christ the Cornerstone. #NoFearNovember Links: – Pew Research Study – Map…
No Fear November | Philippians 4:6-8
It seems like everyone is afraid this election year. In Philippians 4:6-8, an early Christian named Paul tells us we don’t have to be afraid of anything. The ruler in his time was an emperor named Nero who over the course of his reign murdered lots of people, but Paul was not afraid. Fear leads to two responses: 1) flight or 2) fight, neither of which is loving our neighbor as God intends. If you have a relationship with God,…
Grace: Givers & Receivers | Genesis 50:15-21
In the short exchange between Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 50:15-21 we get a glimpse into the hearts of both a GIVER and RECEIVER of GRACE. Today we will try to look at GRACE through the “eyes” of Joseph – one who gives grace and forgiveness to sinners. We will also look at GRACE through the “eyes” of Joseph’s brothers, sinners in need of receiving grace and forgiveness. What is Grace? Simply put, it is God’s free and unmerited favor…
Genesis is a Rescue Story | Genesis 49:8-12
What is the book of Genesis about? Genesis is a rescue story. This sermon summarizes and re-tells the whole-story of Genesis and how it connects to the big story of the Bible. Genesis 49:8-12 tells us Judah was a sinful man who experienced repentance and grace. God chose his line to bring the savior king Jesus Christ, our rescuer.
How To Fix A Broken Relationship | Genesis 42:1-46:30
Genesis 42:1-46:30 gives us hope that any broken relationship, no matter how bad, can be made new. Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery, but he had to give them a chance to repent. Judah’s true repentance leads to deeply satisfying healing between Joseph and his family. Even the one who didn’t think any good could come out of his own hurt, Joseph’s father Jacob, experiences new life. This is a picture of the gospel and what it…
Through All The Years | Genesis 41:1-57
In Genesis 41:1-57, Pharaoh has two dreams that predict both good years and bad years are coming. He can’t interpret these dreams, but soon discovers a young Hebrew man who can, Joseph. Joseph successfully interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and is promoted to the second highest office in all of Egypt. God brought Joseph through years of trial so that he could lead Egypt through years of hardship. God gives us good and bad years to help others and bless us. *Please…
No Matter The Circumstances | Genesis 39:1-23
In Genesis 39:1-23, Joseph is lead by God into circumstances that don’t seem to make sense. As as a youth, he is sold into slavery by his brothers, and then taken to Egypt and sold to the captain of the guard, a man named Potiphar. At first, things seem to go well for Joseph, but Potiphar’s wife tries to tempt and trap him. Life get’s worse for Joseph before it get’s better. He does the right thing but is condemned…
God Uses It For Good | Genesis 37:1-36
In Genesis 37:1-36, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery.
God Tests Our Faith | Genesis 22:1-19
In Genesis 22:1-19, God tests Abraham to see what matters most to him. He calls on him to offer up his son, Isaac, as a whole burnt offering. God also calls us into times of testing, asking us to give him what we care about most. We pass this test like Abraham, through faith and obedience. God tests us to give us deep faith. Like the free-water diver William Trubridge goes for record breaking dives into deep darkness and crushing pressures, so…
A Conditional Sign of Unconditional Grace | Genesis 17
We all need to experience unconditional grace. In Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:1-21 God promises Abram unconditional grace in the form of a covenant. What is a covenant? A covenant is an elected, family-like relationship of obligation, under divine sanction. Or more simply defined, a promise where God is involved. God promises Abram a place, people and presence which are all fulfilled in Jesus Christ. God gives a sign of unconditional grace to every believer. In Genesis 17 God gives the covenant…
Faith Counted As Righteousness | Genesis 15:1-21
Genesis 15:1-21 is about God’s covenant with the patriarch Abram. God made Abram a promise that he would be father of a great nation. An amazing promise considering he and Sarai’s age when that promise was made. This message discusses how Abram’s belief in God’s promises was counted as righteousness. You will discover that right here in the Old Testament are the words that are the foundation of the theology of the New Testament. God’s covenant was not dependent on any action by…
God’s Cosmic Plan | Genesis 13:1-14:24
Old Testament stories like Abram and Lot separating or the battle of the 9 kings in the plain of Jordan are interesting and exciting, but what are we as Christians supposed to get from them? This week’s message explains how these stories and the mysterious King Melkizedek from Genesis 13:1-14:24 set up a plot line that takes 2000 years to be fully revealed to us. It’s all part of God’s eternal cosmic plan that centers on Jesus, our King, our Priest.