Podcasts about god genesis

Scripture: Genesis 19 Key Takeaways: + The Spiritual Condition of Sodom Ezekiel 16:49 + The Spiritual Condition of Lot Hebrews 11:8-10 + The judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah is a dress rehearsal for a future and greater judgment Jude 1:7 Luke 17:26-35 Romans 5:8-10 Matthew 11:20-24 + Judgement begins with the household of God 1 Peter 4:14-19 1 John 2:15-17 “Sin is never at a stay; if we do not retreat from it, we shall advance in it.” – Puritan Writer “But we can guess why He is delaying. He wants to give us the chance to join His side freely. God will invade...When that happens it is the end of the world. When the author walks on to the stage, the play is over. God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on his side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like and dream and something else - something it never entered your head to conceive - comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left. For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing; it will be the time when we discover which side we have really chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity.

This sermon from Genesis 14 examines Abram's response to war and crisis, highlighting three key characteristics of a true man or woman of God. When Abram's nephew Lot was captured by a coalition of four powerful kings who had defeated five local kingdoms including Sodom and Gomorrah, Abram faced a moment of decision. The message emphasizes that while any Christian can praise God during good times, it takes genuine faith to glorify God during chaos and warfare. Through Abram's example, we see that authentic believers take responsibility when others won't, recognize that victory comes from God alone, and reject the world's compromising offers. The sermon challenges Christians to engage in spiritual warfare across multiple fronts: fighting for family, defending the unborn, standing for truth against relativism and deception, and rescuing lost souls. Like Abram who was prepared, activated, and executed his mission, believers must be ready to stand firm in their convictions and refuse the subtle compromises that the world offers in exchange for allegiance.⁠CLICK ME: Sermon Outline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIKTOK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠

October 26, 2025 | Watch and Listen Today! The post Genesis: Wrestling with God | Genesis 32 appeared first on Christ Point Church.

We Who Wrestle With God? Genesis 32:22-32 Speaker: Dr. Weston Brown Series: Genesis More info @ covenantshreveport.org

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 Key Takeaways: + God is a comprehensive judge + God is a just judge Genesis 15:6 Psalm 32:1 + God is a merciful judge Isaiah 53:11- 12 Hebrews 7:25 John 15:15-16

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 Key Takeaways: + God is a comprehensive judge + God is a just judge Genesis 15:6 Psalm 32:1 + God is a merciful judge Isaiah 53:11- 12 Hebrews 7:25 John 15:15-16

Christians understand that God is faithful to His promises. But do we also understand that some of His promises include His promise to judge? Join pastor Aubrey Perea as he teaches on the The Faithful Judgement of God.

Dr Thurman Hayes Jr. Preaching on Genesis 5:1-6:8 Sunday October 19, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Suffolk, VA.

Support the show

Genesis 35:7-15

Scripture: Genesis 17 Key Takeaways: + Revelation The revelation of God's character to us is the answer for all the struggles in us. The revelation of God's character to us always requires a response from us. + Promise + Expectations + A Sign Sign and Seal Cleansing and Consecration Jeremiah 4:4 Jeremiah 6:10 Jeremiah 9:25-26 Deuteronomy 10:16 Deuteronomy 30:6 Ezekiel 36:25–27 Hebrews 8:7–11 Matthew 26:26–28 Colossians 2:11–14 Galatians 3:7–8

"The Test of Departure"Genesis 21:8-21The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, GodPastor Nate ClarkeOctober 5, 2025How to VOTE BIBLICALLY - highlighting Virginia's proposed Constitutional amendments on Abortion & Marriage https://youtu.be/Y8z8xTFsOn8How should Christians respond to wickedness in the world? https://youtu.be/2OJUIM9YRwAShould Christians pay attention to POLITICS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak82aD16r04Have you heard the news about the FUTURE of Oasis Church?https://www.oasischurch.online/futureSERMON NOTES:- Genesis 21:8-21- The Test of Departure- Salvation from God- Genesis 21:12-14- Galatians 4:22-23- Galatians 4:28-31- Galatians 5:24- Romans 8:3-4- Trust in God- Genesis 21:12- Genesis 21:14- Ishmael:     - Loved by Abraham     - Produced by Abraham     - Assurance for Abraham (back up plan)- Walking by faith is being willing to part with anything that God says to let go of- Luke 9:59-62- Matthew 19:29- The provision of God- Genesis 21:13- Genesis 21:14- Genesis 21:15-16- Genesis 21:17-19- “Believer, though all things are apparently against you, rest assured that God has made a reservation on your behalf; in the rolls of your grief there is a saving clause. Somehow He will deliver you, and somewhere He will provide for you. Your rescue may come from a very unexpected source, but help will definitely come in your extremity, and you will magnify the name of the Lord. If men do not feed you, ravens will; and if the earth does not yield wheat, heaven will drop mana.” Charles SpurgeonOasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Henrico on the north side of Richmond, VA.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/Website: https://oasischurch.onlineOasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

Introduction – When People Don't Approve of You Rainey began her message with a story from her college years — a painful and funny one about rejection. She told how she dated a grad student named Noah who was brilliant, popular, and part of an elite, intellectual friend group. When she went to dinner to meet his friends, she knew she was being evaluated — an “audition dinner.” When asked about Kant's Critique of Judgment, all she could say was, “I think Kant is really good. Art also, very good. So to sum up, I am pro.” It didn't go well. Shortly after, Noah broke up with her, saying she “wasn't smart enough” and that she'd be more comfortable with someone “her speed.” It was humiliating. She had been evaluated and found lacking. Rainey then drew the connection: this kind of rejection happens to all of us. We don't always fit in. Sometimes we're not chosen, we're overlooked, or we're compared unfavorably to others — the sibling the parents brag about, the colleague the students prefer, the church that people leave for. She said, “There's no use pretending everyone will love you. That's not true. The Gospel has to be good news even when people don't like us.” If our sense of worth depends on impressing others, we become weak, reactive, and easily crushed. To show how dangerous this is, Rainey turned to Scripture. ⸻ 1. The Danger of Insecurity (Matthew 14:1–11) She read the story of Herod and John the Baptist: “Herod was greatly distressed, but because of his oath and his dinner guests, he ordered that John be beheaded…” (Matthew 14:9) Rainey highlighted that Herod didn't kill John out of hatred. He killed him out of insecurity. He wanted to look strong in front of his guests. He cared more about their approval than what was right. She said, “If Herod hadn't been so desperate for them to think he was strong, he'd have been free to ask, ‘What is right?' Instead, he asked, ‘What do they want to see?'” That's what insecurity does. When we tie our worth to others' opinions, we become unable to do what's right. We can only do what others want to see. It's a position of terrible weakness. Then she brought it home: “If I link my worth to your approval, I can't be a person who obeys God. I can only be a person who performs for you.” That's why we need good news for the insecure heart. ⸻ 2. Imago Dei – You Are Made in the Image of God Rainey's first idea for finding freedom from insecurity is the biblical truth of the Imago Dei — that every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). She described how all beauty and goodness in creation point to God: “The heavens declare the glory of God; day after day they pour forth speech.” – Psalm 19:1–2 Mountains, oceans, sunsets — they all reflect something of His glory. But humans are unique because we don't just reflect His glory — we resemble Him. She said, “God used His own fingers to carve the lines of your face. He held your cheeks and said, ‘Yes, that's just right.'” We are designed to show the world something of what God is like — each of us in a slightly different way. To despise yourself or wish to be someone else is to insult the Artist who made you. “The one who carved your bones is not wishing you were more like your sister.” It's beneath your dignity, Rainey said, to let your worth swing back and forth with every opinion. Your worth is not determined by the crowd — it's anchored in the Creator. Then she turned to the Third Commandment, often translated “Do not take the Lord's name in vain.” She explained that the Hebrew verb nasa means “to carry.” So the command really says: “Do not carry the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) In other words: “You carry My name. Represent Me well.” If we treat people as though they don't matter, we misrepresent the God who made them. When we devalue others, we carry His name badly — we show the world a false picture of Him. So, what are we called to show the world? Rainey told the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 — an abused, pregnant, runaway slave who meets God in the desert. God sees her, comforts her, and promises a future. In response, she names Him: “You are El Roi — the God Who Sees Me.” And Rainey said, “That's who He still is. To people no one else sees, He is the God who sees.” That's our calling as image bearers: not to impress others, but to see others as He does. The highest calling is not to be admired — it's to notice the forgotten, to look into someone's eyes and say with our presence, ‘God has not forgotten you.' When we do that — whether as a doctor, teacher, parent, or neighbor — we reveal the God who sees. That's the stable foundation of our worth: not impressing people, but bearing His image. ⸻ 3. The Gospel According to You Rainey's second major idea was that God isn't wishing you were more like anyone else — because He designed you to tell the story of His goodness in a unique way. She illustrated this through the four Gospels:     •    Matthew, the tax collector, wrote to show that Jesus fulfilled every prophecy — the precise, orderly Gospel for those who care about facts and fulfillment.     •    Mark, reflecting Peter's voice, wrote fast and action-packed — the soldier's Gospel for people who value power and results.     •    Luke, the doctor, wrote a polished, reasoned account — the intellectual's Gospel, highlighting compassion, reason, and human dignity.     •    John, the emotional “son of thunder,” wrote the love letter Gospel — passionate, personal, and poetic. Each one tells the same story of Jesus, but from a different angle. None could replace the others. Together, they give us a fuller picture of who Jesus is. Then Rainey made her point: “To celebrate Him fully, we need all four voices. And to celebrate Him even more fully, we need yours too.” She said, “The Gospel according to Coleton is that God can save anyone, even the people no one expects. The Gospel according to Rainey is that He's the reason nature is beautiful and ethics matter. And yours will sound different still — and that's exactly the point.” Each of us is meant to tell the world how Jesus has been good news to us. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” – Psalm 107:2 God doesn't need more copies of the same person. He needs each of us to reveal a facet of His beauty that no one else can. ⸻ 4. Loaves and Fishes – You Are Enough for God to Use Finally, Rainey turned to her last idea: You are not enough — but you are enough when given to Jesus. She said, “Please don't hear me saying, ‘Believe in yourself because you are enough.' You aren't. I'm not either.” We cannot heal trauma, fix the world, or even make our loved ones wise or successful. We feel inadequate because we are inadequate. But, she said, “You are enough the way loaves and fishes were enough.” When a boy handed Jesus his meager lunch, Jesus made it feed thousands. The bread and fish weren't enough — until they were surrendered. In the same way, when we offer our homes, our talents, our dinners, our time — however small — Jesus multiplies it into something eternal. Rainey shared that she often prays before people come to her home for dinner: “Lord, take this lasagna and somehow receive glory from it.” That's how our lives work. Not because we're impressive, but because when we hand what we have to Him, He uses it to show His goodness. ⸻ 5. Closing Blessing and Prayer Rainey ended with this charge and blessing: “In an ocean of opinions, you do not have to audition for your worth. And don't make anyone else audition for theirs.” Walk in the dignity of an image bearer. Tell the Gospel according to you. And when you feel your not-enoughness, hand it to Jesus like loaves and fish — He will make it enough. She closed by praying that the Spirit would free us from comparison and insecurity, and send us out to be people who see others as God sees them. “Lord Jesus, thank You that You were unmoved by the crowd's opinion. Set our faces toward You. Free us from the tyranny of competition, and send us to the lonely, the overlooked, and the left-out — not to compete but to bless.” ⸻ Discussion Questions     1.    Where are you most tempted to “audition” for approval? What does it look like to find your worth in how others see you?     2.    How does the truth of being made in the Imago Dei change how you see yourself — and how you treat others?     3.    Which “Gospel voice” do you most relate to — Matthew's precision, Mark's action, Luke's compassion, or John's love? What might “the gospel according to you” sound like?     4.    What “loaves and fishes” could you offer to Jesus this week? (Something small you can surrender for His glory.)     5.    Who around you might need to be “seen”? How could you bear God's image to them by communicating, “God sees you”?

A Sunday morning sermon by Mike Godzwa. Have you ever watched someone work a loom? For thousands of years, diverse peoples and cultures have created clothing and tapestries using looms. These looms make it possible to weave vertical warp and horizontal weft threads. It's mesmerizing to watch. And it doesn't even have to be fast to be impressive. All it takes is one attempt to work a loom—like a novice musician attempting their first chords—to realize how impressive a skilled artisan truly is. When we view the Torah as a single tapestry, we recognize the designs of the exodus already woven in from the beginning. Long before we arrived at the first chapters of Exodus, we foresaw the pain and persecution of Israel interlaced with the compassionate character of God (Genesis 15). This, of course, flies in the face of our preferred view of life. We struggle to see the love of God in the midst of our suffering. We knot up trying to see how the warp of our experiences—good and bad—are sewn into place by the weft of God's presence. When we read the book of Exodus with Genesis in mind, as we see the warp of Israel's suffering our eyes should immediately start anticipating the weft of God's redeeming power for His people.  The tapestry of time and space reveals our loving God who compassionately moves toward His image bearers. This is not a utopian, unrealistic revelation. On this loom, we see the reality of human suffering and the Red Sea parted (Exodus 14). On this loom, we see the firepot of God's presence making a covenant with Abram and the burning bush before Moses (Genesis 15; Exodus 3).  Friend, looking at this Torah tapestry, we begin to recognize the patterns present in our own lives. Today, where does God want you to see the weft of His presence passing through the warp of your experience?

MESSAGE | Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "Delivered Up According to the Plan of God" Genesis 45:1-28 1 | Joseph's Revelation (45:1-15) 2 | Pharaoh's Resourcing (45:16-24) 3 | Jacob's Revival (45: 25-28)

What happens when we doubt God? Maybe we doubt His power or His goodness. Maybe our lives are lived sinfully in doubt of a God who is worthy of all our worship. In this episode, we will explore the text of Genesis 18 and how Abraham struggles with doubt. We will look at how God is gracious even when we are not faithful. The outline will be Tension - Text - Takeaway.#genesis #genesis18 #Oldtestament #podcast #biblestudy

In this message, Pastor Chris Donald teaches that “Do not murder” is more than avoiding physical violence—it's about valuing life because every person carries the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Murder is an assault against God Himself, but Jesus raises the standard by addressing the heart behind it: anger, bitterness, and hatred (Matthew 5:21–22). Radical love transforms us from taking life to giving life, from cursing to blessing. Pastor Chris reminds us that life is sacred, abortion is murder, and the Church must stand for the innocent and voiceless. True obedience flows not from legalism, but from radical love for God and people.

This week, we'll be studying Genesis 13:1-18 under the theme “The Pursuit of Goods, Good, and God.” Lot chased what looked like paradise, but ended up near ruin. Abram chose God over goods and found blessing beyond measure.Series Summary: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we'll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God's design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We'll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

Today, we'll be in Genesis 32:24 looking at how battles can lead to blessings…“This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.” Genesis 32:24Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer, and connect the people of God to the mission and purpose of God. The Heart Truth podcast is just one way we seek to accomplish our mission online and you can help us by leaving reviews on your podcast platform of choice or by sharing these devotions with someone you know.To let us know how we can pray for you or to find out more about Ridgecrest, take a minute to fill out our Connection Card linked below. https://my.rbcdothan.org/connectioncardIf you'd like to receive our daily devotionals in your inbox, sign up HERE free of charge: https://mailchi.mp/4bcc8628406b/daily-heart-truth-devotionsThe Journey Podcast:Substack: https://thejourneypodcast.substack.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey/id1785079800 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syXQWFX6IhTZjeJsHWxtM?si=c4c7397b153248f6Ridgecrest Sermons podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ridgecrest-baptist-church-sermons/id1517442154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ir5YcahI8G2SiIjrycB8W?si=0bc532b4f72c4facFind us online Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgecrestDothanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecrestbaptist/profilecard/?igsh=MWRrZHZwdXprYzhwZw==YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rbcdothanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rbcdothan?_t=ZP-8wfPSkVSuYo&_r=1Our website https://www.rbcdothan.org • ⁃ WATCH LIVE Sunday and Wednesday: https://rbcdothan.online.church

Because of the heinous crime committed against Charlie Kirk, cold blooded murder, many people are divided on whether his murderer should receive the death penalty. Utah is a state that upholds capital punishment for certain crimes. According to God, there are actually two reasons for the death penalty  The first reason is because man is God's highest creation, and we are an image bearer of God (Genesis 1:26). To murder a person, who is made in the image of God, is in essence to slap God in the face, dishonor, and sin directly against God. Listen as Bill and Annette provide biblical insight in regard to capitol punishment and what God has said in His word. For more information about Bill Wiese and Soul Choice Ministries please visit us at: https://soulchoiceministries.org/  You can find more of Bill's teachings at: BillWieseTV-YouTube

Genesis 31:27-42

Genesis 31:1-16

Made in the Image of God Genesis 1:26-2:3 Pastor Phil Rushton

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Todaywe move on to Ephesians 2:4-9. When we looked at verse 1-3, we see ourselves assinners. Paul points out what our sin nature is, what our sin condition is.What is the tragic consequence of sin in our hearts and lives. We are dead intrespasses and sin. Paul teaches us we're disobedient because of that and weare the sons and children of disobedience. We're depraved. We fulfill the lustof the flesh. We do what comes naturally. And then we also are doomed. We'rechildren of wrath. The wrath of God already abides upon us outside of JesusChrist. That's the condition that we're in. That's the work of sin in our life. Thenthere is God's judgment on sin. God's decree on sin is death “Then when lusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. And sin when it is finished, it alwaysbrings forth death” (James 1:15). “The wages of sin is death…”(Romans 6:23). God told Adam, “The day you eat of the fruit of the tree, youshall surely die”. That's the result of sin. It's death. That's what'shappening in the world today. When sin runs rampant and when people aren'tcoming to Christ and being saved. Only the life that we can have in Christ andthe life that gives us a new nature, the nature of God Himself, the Holy Spiritliving within us, can change that. We don't need reformation, we needtransformation! (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Ilove the very two words of verse 4! “But God”. First, we see our sincondition (vv. 1-3), but thank God we immediately have a “But God”. Readverses 4-9 again: “But God who is rich in mercy..."“ButGod”. Didyou know that over 46 times you read in the Scriptures that phrase, “But God”.Things are bad, sin abounds, evil is everywhere, “But God”. Joseph wassold into Egypt as a slave by his brothers. But he told them, “It was notyou who sent me here, but God…” (Genesis 45:8).  In Genesis 50:20 he went on to tell them, "Youmeant it for evil, but God meant it for good." My friend, when youbring in God, everything changes. You see, sin seems to rule, “But God”. Ilove the many “But God” verses you find in the Bible. After describingthe future judgment of the wicked, the Psalmist declares: “But God willredeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me” (Psalm49:15). Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart fail, but God is thestrength of my life."  In 2Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat was facing an army that you couldn't evennumber. He was fearful, but he called a fast, fell on his knees, and prayed.And in 2 Chronicles 20:15, the prophet told him, "The battle is notyours, but God's."  Ilove the “But God” in these verses: “For scarcely for a righteous man will onedie; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But Goddemonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners,Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8). Yes, “The wages of sin is death butthe gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans6:23).  Aren'tyou thankful for the “Buts” in the Bible? They make all the difference,especially when you focus on God. Paul first focuses on us as sinners in thefirst verses, but now he focuses on God. And with God, I tell you, we havehope. Tomorrow we're going to talk about how God is rich in His mercy. He'srich in His grace. He's full of love because He is love. But today, I trustthat you will look to Jesus and know that He is your only hope of salvation ifyou're without Christ.  Today,I'm convinced that we are seeing God doing some great things across thiscountry. The message of the Gospel is being preached from places we would neverhave imagined a few years ago. And the Gospel tells us, “But God”! God lovesus. He cares for us. He's provided a way of salvation. And I tell you today, Hewill save you and anyone who comes to Him by faith and humility. 

Kyle Olson

Kara Hackert, Director of Children & Family Ministries

God shows you what he's like—his eternal power and divine nature—by what he has made so that you can know him.

On Sunday morning, we continued our sermon series in Genesis with chapter 38. In this chapter we see the death of two of Judah's sons, sexual immorality, and the birth of twins. While a peculiar moment in redemptive history, we see Christ in it. We hope this sermon blesses you in the Lord. Originally September 14th, 2025. Hank Atchison. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.

This sermon centers on God's perception of humanity's hearts and the resulting divine grief over widespread corruption, as depicted in Genesis 6. The speaker emphasizes that God's standards of good and evil transcend human subjective feelings and cultural norms, asserting that God alone accurately judges the intentions of the heart. Despite overwhelming wickedness, the narrative highlights Noah finding favor (grace) with God due to his faith and obedience, offering a solitary point of hope amidst impending judgment. The sermon concludes by linking this ancient account to the modern need for repentance and faith in Jesus, who is presented as the ultimate absorber of God's just wrath against sin.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram more info colonialkc.org

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Jason Turner, Director of Congregational Engagement

What does it really mean to be made in the image of God? In this series, Imago Dei, Greg and Nathan dive into one of the most foundational truths of the Bible: that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–27). But what does that actually mean? How does it shape our identity, purpose, and relationships? Through honest conversation and practical insight, they tackle key questions like: How are humans different from animals and angels? What's the difference between being like God and being God? What does the image of God say about our worth—even in a broken world? How does it affect the way we relate to others, steward creation, and find our purpose? And how does Jesus show us what it really means to live as true image-bearers? Whether you're new to theology or looking for a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ, this episode lays the groundwork for a powerful journey through the doctrine of the Imago Dei. Subscribe now and join Greg and Nathan as they explore what it means to be human, made in the image of God.

Rachel Klooster & Billy Heschl

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Yesterdays podcast… wow, I am so rusty that I forgot to give the application at the end… If you were listening you were probably like… great story… but what about it?    God IS at the true center, but man is the Subject - the central focus of God's dealings,  covenants,  redemption,  Salvation And all of creation     1. Man as the Crown of Creation In Genesis 1, God creates everything else (light, land, plants, animals) in preparation for mankind. Man alone is made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:26–27), setting humanity apart with dignity, responsibility, and eternal purpose.   C.S. Lewis: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” From The Weight of Glory. Lewis emphasizes the eternal significance and divine dignity of every human being.       2. The Fall of Man Brings the Central Problem The story of sin (Genesis 3) revolves around mankind's choice. All of Scripture unfolds as God's response to man's fall — judgment, mercy, covenants, law, prophecy, and redemption.   3. God's Covenants Are Made With Man Noah, Abraham, Moses, David — all receive covenants that are not just about them but about mankind's destiny. Each covenant progressively points to how God will restore man to Himself.   4. The Law and Prophets Were Given for Man's Guidance The Law was given to teach man holiness, reveal sin, and point toward the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). The prophets consistently address man's rebellion, calling him back to God.   5. Christ Took on Humanity for Man's Salvation The Incarnation is God becoming man (John 1:14), placing mankind at the heart of redemption's story. Jesus is called the “Son of Man” over 80 times, highlighting His role as the perfect representative of humanity.   When I was in 8th grade I remember understanding how important a play was when my coach who had no pads on went through the drills to show us.    6. The Cross Was for Man's Redemption The central event of Scripture is the death and resurrection of Christ — entirely for the salvation of mankind (Romans 5:8). The cross demonstrates God's love for man while satisfying His justice.   7. The Church Is Composed of Redeemed Men and Women The Church is the body and bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27). God's plan is centered on transforming human lives into Christ's image and using them for His mission.   8. The Holy Spirit Indwells Man God's Spirit lives in believers, making man the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). This shows that the Bible's story is not just about man being saved but about man becoming the very dwelling place of God.   9. Man Will Reign With Christ Revelation 5:10 says believers will “reign on the earth.” God's original intent in Eden (dominion over creation) will be fully restored — man will rule with Christ in righteousness.   10. The Eternal State Is Focused on Man's Fellowship With God The climax of the Bible's story is Revelation 21–22, where redeemed humanity dwells with God forever: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Heaven and earth are renewed specifically for man to live in perfect fellowship with his Creator.   It can be said ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS, BUT JESUS IS ALL ABOUT US/MANKIND!      Gen. 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.   A.W. Tozer: “The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man.” From The Pursuit of God.

Justin Paul Lawrence