Podcasts about in genesis

Ever had a spiritual faceplant you wish you could undo? You’re not alone. Abraham—yep, the father of our faith—blew it in a big way. But grace didn’t give up on him, and it won’t give up on you either. Key Takeaways Grace Offers Do-Overs – Even when we fail, God’s mercy meets us with a fresh start (Lamentations 3:22-23). Abraham Messed Up Too – He let fear rule and threw his wife under the proverbial camel. Still, God didn’t cancel him—He called him back. Return to the Altar – After failing in Egypt, Abraham went back to where he first encountered God (Genesis 13:4). Returning to God is always the right next step. Failure Isn’t Final – Your spiritual missteps don’t have to define your story. In Christ, shame doesn’t stick—redemption does. Join the Conversation What “altar” do you need to return to? What would it look like for you to start over today with God's grace in view? Share your thoughts with us using #LifeaudioNetwork and let others be encouraged by your journey. You’re not too far gone. God’s mercy says, “Let’s try again—together.”

In Genesis 39, Joseph arrives in Egypt and is sold as a slave. But despite these challenging circumstances, God is orchestrating every step of Joseph's story. What connections can be made from Joseph's life to your life? Is your life just another random ride on a roller coaster?  What are four rock-solid realities that you can always count on? (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 3)   

In Genesis 45:4-10 Joseph shows how to respond to suffering and circumstances. By rejecting cynicism, he locates his purpose by believing true things about his circumstances and his God.           From May 25, 2025--Want to get connected to Coastway Church?Visit https://coastwaychurch.com/im-new--Find us online at:Website: https://coastwaychurch.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/coastwaychurchInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/coastwaychurch

At the darkest moment in human history, God gave the first glimpse of the gospel. In Genesis 3:20–24, we see Adam's response of faith, God's gracious provision of a covering, and a guarded way that points to Jesus Christ.This sermon explores how fig leaves, substitutionary sacrifice, and banishment from Eden all foreshadow the cross of Christ and the righteousness we receive through faith. Discover how this often-overlooked passage reveals the heart of the gospel and transforms how we live today.

In this episode, we crack open something most believers have never even noticed: In Genesis 2:12, God says the gold of the land was “good.” Wait, what? Before money was minted, before greed and shame twisted its meaning, God placed gold in Eden... and He called it good. That same word—“good”—used for trees, land, animals, and all creation. Money wasn't cursed. It was created by God and called "good". We dive into: The 8 times gold is mentioned in Genesis—and why that number matters. Why gold is incorruptible (literally) and what that symbolizes. How Abraham's wealth wasn't just allowed—it was celebrated. The surprising truth about opulence and what God really designed money for. Why your discomfort with money might not be holy… it might be unhealed.   Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Tracy unpacks practical ways to help your kids tell the truth—showing how honesty builds trust, honors God, and shapes godly character.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Teaching Kids to Tell the TruthLying is making an untrue statement with the intent to deceive and gain some advantage. As parents, it's crucial to address this issue from a spiritual perspective because lying is part of our sin nature (Romans 3:23). The Bible mentions lying between 155-180 times, depending on the translation, highlighting its significance in God's eyes.Why Do Kids Lie?Children lie for various reasons, including:To meet a need – They want something, like a cookie on the counter, and lying seems like an easy way to get it.To avoid trouble – They fear consequences, like breaking something and blaming a sibling.For attention – They exaggerate or fabricate stories to impress others.God's Perspective on LyingLying started at the beginning of time. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve tried to deceive God by hiding after they sinned. This shows that dishonesty is deeply ingrained in human nature.God takes lying seriously, and so should we as parents. The Bible explicitly warns against it:Leviticus 19:11 – "Do not steal. Do not deceive or cheat one another."Proverbs 6:16-19 – "There are six things that the Lord hates… a lying tongue, a false witness who breathes out lies..."One of the 10 commandments “not to bear false witness”Lying damages relationships, erodes trust, and goes against God's nature. As parents, our goal is to train our children to value truthfulness and recognize the long-term consequences of dishonesty.How to Train Kids to Be Honest1. Model TruthfulnessChildren learn by example. If they see parents lying—whether about small things like “I'm not home” when avoiding a call or exaggerating stories—they will assume dishonesty is acceptable.2. Create a Safe Environment for HonestyEncourage open conversations where your child feels safe to tell the truth without immediate harsh consequences. Family discussions and Bible-based resources help cultivate this environment.3. Explain How Lying Hurts OthersHelp children understand that lying damages relationships:Breaks trust – When someone lies, others find it difficult to rely on them.Hurts feelings – Lies can cause emotional pain to family and friends.Makes life uncertain – Example: If parents didn't follow through on picking up their child from school, it would create insecurity.4. Be Gracious But ClearDon't overreact when a child confesses. Instead, affirm their honesty while addressing the wrongdoing.Deliver appropriate consequences without anger, explaining that lost trust leads to fewer...

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Johnny Zacchio Question Timestamps: Ava, email (2:21) - Was Satan the first to sin or Adam? Josh, email (3:17) - What is a practical way to get closer to God? Pamela, NY (6:22) - Why did Jesus wait four days to resurrect Lazarus? When did we start taking our sabbath on Sunday rather than Saturday? Polo, YouTube (11:10) - What can you say about the supremacy of Jesus through the book of Hebrews? Karen, VA (13:25) - Have you heard of the crucible conference? Nelson, NJ (16:40) - Were people stoned for adultery? Is the Enduring Word commentary correct in its description of the levitical law? Was it rare for people to get stoned for adultery? William, YouTube (21:08) - What do you do if you can?t find a church that preaches the truth? Lightwalker607, YouTube (23:20) - In Genesis 2:25, why would Adam and Eve be ashamed if they were created naked? Steve, email (26:20) - How can I know if I?m being legalistic in my obedience to the Lord? Deborah, caller (35:31) - How is it legalistic to abide by treating the sabbath as a day of rest? Elizabeth, MA (44:01) - Why did Jesus rise on the third day, when the Jews thought the spirit stuck with the body until the fourth day? Ed, NJ (46:21) - My friend asks me ?why would God send me to hell when I was born gay?? Did the archangel Gabriel choke Muhammad? Karen, FL (52:34) - What chapter should I start with in reading the Bible? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

At the age of fifty-one, Ynes Mexia (1870-1938) decided to study botany, enrolling as a college freshman. Over her thirteen-year career, she traveled across Central and South America, discovering five hundred new species of plants. She’s not alone in her quest. Scientists discover nearly two thousand new plants each year. In Genesis 1, God took a formless, empty, and dark earth (v. 2) and created a place full of abundance. On the third day, God separated the waters to create dry land and began making it hospitable for humans by having “the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit” (v. 11). These were seed-bearing plants and fruit trees from which we could eat. God didn’t create just one type of fruit tree but an abundance. God isn’t only the Creator (v. 1); He’s also creative. He enjoys making different types of plants and animals and stars. If God cared only about giving us food, He could have made just one kind of seed-bearing plant. But God is extravagant and never does things in half measures. God’s abundance isn’t limited to His creation. He’s also generous with His grace. As Paul said, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14). As with God’s creation, His grace is more than we need and offered with us in mind.

In Genesis 22, we have one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament - Abraham sacrificing Isaac. The Lord calls Abraham to Moriah; he embarks on a three-day journey, and we see the Lord as faithful as always. We hope this sermon blesses you in the Lord. Originally May 18th, 2025. Hank Atchison. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.

The Bible begins with a garden, and it ends with a garden. In the first garden, Adam and Eve sinned and what they received and what we inherited was a curse. To Eve and all her daughters, God said: I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth, in pain you shall deliver children; yet your desire will be for your husband, and he shall rule over you (Gen. 3:16). To Adam and all his sons, God said: Cursed is the ground because of you; with hard labor you shall eat from it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; yet you shall eat the plants of the field; by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, until you return to the ground, because from it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Gen. 3:1719). Essentially, what the curse would produce for them was the kind of suffering that sticks. What do I mean by characterizing the curse with the kind of pain that sticks with you? If you have ever suffered from nerve pain, you know from experience the kind of pain I am talking about. There are some prescription medications that can help numb you to the pain, but nerve pain is very difficult to treat. If you have had sciatica, any form of back pain, a pinched nerve, or anything of that nature, you have experienced the kind of pain that sticks. Sometime ago I read a quote from someone who said, Our first parents bit into the forbidden fruit and our teeth have ached ever since. That person was not referring to the kind of ache you might experience when you bit into something cold or hard, no... the kind of ache is the one I experienced after having all four impacted wisdom teeth taken out of my jaw in my late 20s. The curse has left us with a kind of aching that sticks and is with us until our final breath, and it is this ache that leaves us with tears. Tears over our broken world, tears over a relationship, tears over wayward children, tears over the hurt and damage caused by parents, tears over the problems sin causes in our world and to our own selves. The House that Adam and Eve Had Adam and Eve enjoyed the presence of God in a Garden that was not at all dissimilar to the tabernacle the Israelites set up and tore down as they journeyed in the wilderness, nor was it unlike the temple Solomon built after Davids death. The tabernacle and temple were designed as a model to reflect Eden as the house of the Lord. What Adam and Eve had in the garden was a gift from God that included the presence of God; In his excellent book, The Warrior Savior, Owen Strachan wrote of Eden, From the start, God sought faithfulness on the part of his people through testing. He gave them a forest-garden overflowing with beauty and gladness, trees spilling unblemished fruit, but he also gave them a prohibitionone delivered under the starkest terms: death from disobedience.[1] The tabernacle and the temple served to remind Gods people not only of the beauty of Eden but the promise that His people would one day be where He is... in His presence. So, when David wrote the last line in Psalm 23, it was the promise of God to restore what was lost in Eden that he had his heart and eyes set upon. To be in the house of the Lord is to be with the Lord. David does not have a building in mind here, but to be in the presence of God. The house of the Lord is not a structure but wherever it is that He dwells. What made the loss of Eden so devastating and catastrophic was not Adam and Eves expulsion from the garden, but that they were driven away from the presence of God. In other words, what made Eden home was the presence of God not the other things that were a part of Edens beauty. Before Adam and Eve were driven outside of the garden, God cursed the snake and promised the first couple that things would not stay cursed because He would send a Deliverer to reverse the curse of sin. The serpent entered Gods house (the Garden) and enticed Eve and her husband to doubt God and question both His goodness and faithfulness! In the garden the crafty and cunning snake spoke: Has God really said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden? Eve replied: From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die (Gen. 3:23). The serpent then went in for the strike: You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil (Gen. 3:45). Adam and Eve succumbed to Satans temptation and bit into the forbidden fruit, but that is not how the story ends! God found the couple and He spoke to the great serpent what is a promise to all mankind: And I will make enemies of you and the woman, and of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise Him on the heel (Gen. 3:15). Strachan observes: In Genesis 3, the snake spoke first. But the snake did not have the last word in Eden, just as the devil will not have the last word in history. Strachan continues: When God shows up, the hiding stops, and justice rolls down.... the God who comes to earth is not only pursuing a mission of justice. This God is, even more, about to unleash a great rolling flood of mercy.[2] It is the promise of a better Eden through the promise of a snake-stomping redeemer that David had in mind when he wrote: Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, and my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever (v. 6). Who can guide me, who can restore me, who will keep me, who will bless me, and who is it that loves me? It is the Lord of the 23rd Psalm and He will lead me to the place where I will be able to see Him face-to-face in His house forever. The House that We are Promised We have seen over and over again throughout this series that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is Jesus the Good Shepherd, for He said of Himself: I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (John 10:14-15). The serpent is a thief, and Jesus said of him: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). The 23rd Psalm is the promise of the abundant life that can only be experienced through the good shepherd. The abundant life includes the table He has prepared before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). The abundant life is to have His favor in the form of the oil He has anointed my head with and the cup he has placed in my hand that is overflowing with His blessing! This is what Paul meant when he wrote Ephesians 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ... The cup of Gods favor is Ephesians 1:7, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace. Now, think again what it is that the 23rd Psalm is saying to those of us who have been found by the good shepherd. The good shepherd leads me: The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. The good shepherd restores me: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. The good shepherd keeps me: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. The good shepherd blesses me: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. The good shepherd loves me: Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, and my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. What does this all mean? There are no green pastures or quiet waters without Jesus leading you. There is no restoration for your soul or the righteousness you need apart from Jesus as your guide. There is no walking THROUGH the valley of deep darkness apart from Jesus keeping and guarding you. There is no blessing and treasuring of God upon you without Jesus. Finally, there is no goodness, faithfulness, and a better Eden apart from the God who loved you so much that He sent His one and only Son! Why did David long to dwell in the house of the Lord? What is it that makes heaven great? For what reasons does the promise of a better Eden outweigh all the sorrows of this world? These questions have nothing to do with the place and location of the house of the Lord, heaven, a new and better Eden, but everything to do with the One who is in the House David longed to dwell, heaven, and the new and better Eden. When Jesus prayed hours before His crucifixion, He prayed this: Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). This is one of the reasons Jesus assured His disciples: In My Fathers house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be (John 14:23). For David, the blessing of being in the house of the Lord forever was that he would be with the Good Shepherd forever. In his commentary on Psalm 23, James Johnston commented on this very point: Take away the people and a house becomes a sad and empty place. The joy of Heaven is not mansions or streets of gold. Jesus is the joy of Heaven. It will be home because he is there.[3] The Better House that David Longed For For starters, what we know from verse six is that it is certainly ours, which means that without any doubt, for those of us whose shepherd is Jesus, our dwelling will be with him. How long will our dwelling be with Him? The answer is simple: Forever. What is the House that we will dwell in forever, besides the fact that it is the Lords house? It is the restoration of what was lost in the first Eden, but better! It is the city that Davids great, great, great grandfather longed to receive, for we are told from the book of Hebrews: By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:810). Abraham was looking for a city not made with human hands because he longed for the same thing David longed for in Psalm 23:6. The house of the Lord is the city that belongs to the Christian: For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come (Heb. 13:14). We will receive the city we are looking and longing for when God makes all things new once and for all. It is the thing that Paul wrote about in Romans eight, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Rom. 8:1821) The house of the Lord that David was looking forward to spending forever in is a resurrected and redeemed earth free from the curse of sin. The Bible is full of images describing what it will be like to live in a resurrected earth free of the curse of sin. In Revelation 21, we are told that when God does make all things new and we inherit the city He has promised us, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away (Rev. 21:4). On that day, we will see God face to face in the same way that Adam and Eve did; here is what we are told in Revelation 21:3, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them... God will wipe away our tears because there will be no curse to cause them ever again. The new earth will be like the Garden of Eden but better; it will also be like heaven today, but better. We will enjoy physical bodies and a physical planet where the veil that shields our complete interaction of all that is spiritual will be pulled back. We will walk with angels; enjoy a full and perfect creation that will include trees, mountains, and rivers. There will be one City the City of God where we will be able to go in and out. We will run through the forests, climb mountains, eat amazing food, run barefoot through the prairies, enjoy the light of something more powerful and radiant than the sun. We will dwell on a new earth that will never again know the cold of night, but the light of a day illuminated by the Glory of God. But understand this: none of it will be worth it if our Triune God is not there! Listen, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever because of the certainty of His goodness and faithfulness that pursues His sheep. [1] Owen Strachan, The Warrior Savior (Phillipsburg, NY: PR Publishing; 2024), 3. [2] Ibid., 6-7. [3] James A. Johnston, Preaching the Word: The Psalms: Rejoice, the Lord Is KingPsalms 1 to 41, ed. R. Kent Hughes, vol. 1, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015), 251.

In Genesis 39, we see Joseph faced with intense temptation. He is alone, far from home, and seemingly without consequences. Yet Joseph refuses to compromise. He resists the seduction of Potiphar's wife, choosing to flee rather than fall. This sermon explores three biblical principles for resisting temptation: knowing God's standard ahead of time, not flirting with sin, and being willing to flee when necessary. But even for those that have given into temptation, there is mercy at the cross of The post Genesis 39 – Joseph and Temptation appeared first on Island Pond Baptist Church.

Marriage is one of the most significant relationships we will ever experience, shaping our lives more than any other. While there are countless resources and advice available on how to build a strong marriage, the most profound wisdom still comes from Gods original design in Scripture. In Genesis 2:24, we see the foundational principle: A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. This journey of two becoming one is not a moment but a lifelong processa marathon, not a sprint. Its a continual walk through mountains and valleys, joys and sorrows, as we learn to grow together in unity.

By Patrick McKee - In this sermon Patrick McKee looks at two temptations by Satan recorded in the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see his tempting Eve where he was successful. In Matthew 4 we see his attempt to temp Jesus where he failed. Patrick shows us that Eve failed because she followed the pattern in James 1:13-15 that

Sarah, the beloved wife of Abraham and matriarch of the covenant, dies at 127 years old. In Genesis 23, Abraham mourns and honors her life—not by returning to Mesopotamia, but by purchasing a burial site in the land of Canaan. His negotiation with the Hittites and acquisition of the cave of Machpelah marks more than a family burial—it's a faithful declaration that this land, promised by God, is truly home. This chapter may seem like a quiet interlude, but it resounds with themes of faith, permanence, and the future hope of resurrection.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 23.  To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.ourredeemerstl.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

What happens when a city no longer blushes at its own sin—when darkness becomes not just tolerated but celebrated? In Genesis 19, angels arrive in Sodom, and what follows is one of the most sobering accounts in all of Scripture. But it's not just a story of fire and brimstone—it's also about God, in His mercy, snatching the hesitant from judgment, and a God who saves even when His people falter. Yet, we're also given dire warnings about disobeying God's will.  The Rev. Kevin Yoakum, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Riverview, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 19.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

We continue our series about the Jewish foundations of the Christian faith. Your discussion questions this week are: Discussion Questions 1. What does the Hebrew word “Barukh” reveal about how God defines blessing? 2. In Genesis 12:1–3, what does it mean that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through” Abraham? How does Jesus fulfill that? 3. How does the way Jesus describes "blessed" people in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) challenge our cultural view of what it means to live the good life? 4. How has the church historically misunderstood or mistreated the Jewish people? 5. Were you aware of how deeply antisemitism has been rooted in Christian history? How does that affect your perspective today? 6. Why is it important to remember that Jesus was Jewish—and how might that change the way we read the Bible? 7. What does it look like to “bless" the Jewish people in practical, everyday terms? 8. How can we stand against antisemitism in our own communities—both subtle and overt forms? 9. Is it possible to support the Jewish people and still speak critically about the actions of modern political Israel? How do we walk that line faithfully and lovingly? 10. Who in your life could you reach out to, listen to, or serve this week as a way of living out God's blessing?

In Genesis 25:19-26 the Jacob narrative begins. At the beginning of each story about a patriarch in Genesis we see some form of revelation from God that governs our understanding of the whole. What is the basic message of the Jacob narrative? Salvation is by grace alone according to God's inscrutable predestination.

In Genesis 16, Hagar discovers the God who sees her. Happy Mother's Day!

"What the first Adam lost in the garden, the last Adam restored at the cross." In Genesis 3, man loses everything—paradise, purpose, and peace. But on Resurrection Sunday, Jesus didn't just defeat death; He reversed the curse. Through powerful parallels between Adam and Christ, this message reveals how Jesus restored access to life, broke the power of sin, and redeemed all that was lost. You are not cursed—you are cursed no more.

In Genesis 22, Abraham is tested in a shocking way, yet he responds with faith: “We will worship and then we will come back.” When you're tested, will you trust that He will come through?

In Genesis 2, we zoom in on the beauty and intimacy of God's design for life in the Garden of Eden. In this episode of Rooted Together, we explore how the Creator forms man from dust, breathes life into him, and places him in a paradise filled with purpose, boundaries, and blessings. We also dive deep into the first human relationship—the creation of woman—and God's foundational design for marriage, work, and worship.#GenesisBibleStudy#RootedTogetherPodcast#BibleTeaching#ChristianPodcast#Genesis2#GardenOfEden#CreationStory#BiblicalMarriage#MadeInGodsImage#ChristianLiving#FaithBasedPodcast#GodsDesign#ScriptureStudy#BibleTruth#WorkAndWorship#GodsWordSpeaks#IdentityInChrist#PurposeDrivenLife#MarriageGodsWay#BeginningAndKing

People fail to keep their promises, but that's never true of God. It's never too difficult, distant, or expensive for God. He always keeps His promises. In Genesis 18:1-15, we're reminded of this truth. 

In Genesis 24:1-67 Abraham sends out his servant to find a wife for Isaac. There are a number of practical things we can learn from this about how to look for a spouse biblically. Pastor Grasso explains what these are along with the importance of pursuing a spouse in a godly way. Ultimately, the church is greatly helped when it is filled with godly couples starting families.

We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God.

We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God.

In Genesis, in chapter 2, God makes clear through Moses that not only was there gold in the beginning, but that gold was GOOD!This subject is important considering the world wide monetary reset in process. As Christians, it's important to understand that Gold has been a currency and store of value since "THE BEGINNING".Please SUBSCRIBE to our channel as a free way to support our efforts.Check out our community at www.StevenGarofalo.ComBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reason-for-truth--2774396/support.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/30/25), Hank answers the following questions:I am confused about Matthew 24:29, which talks about immediately after the tribulation, but in Matthew 24:31 refers to the trumpet call and the angels gathering the elect. Wouldn't this be the elect coming from heaven instead of Earth? James - Richmond, VA (0:48)How are we supposed to pray? What does it mean to pray “on Earth as it is in heaven”? Dawn - Layton, UT (5:06)In Genesis 6:1-4, are the “Sons of God” angels that had relations with the “daughters of men”? Oscar - Springdale, AR (8:48)I've struggled with sexual sin. A friend suggested that I am suffering from encounters with incubus and succubus demons. Are these real demonic beings? Darwin - St. Louis, MO (15:12)Is it ok to tithe to an organization instead of a church? Matt - Augusta, ME (17:55)Do you think that Scripture is designed in such a way that those who choose to reject it will find reason to do so? Joe - Robbinsville, NJ (21:06)Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church a cult, and do they line up with Galatians 1:7-9? Myron - Leland, NC (23:53)

Presented by Lauren Stibgen Have your dreams and ideas ever impacted you at work? Or maybe how much positive attention you receive from a boss? Either way, big ideas and favor from up top can often intimidate others, and it can sometimes leave you feeling easily dismissed, disposable by your peers. One of the greatest leaders in all of Israel's history had dreams of his greatness. His name was Joseph. One could argue he should have had a little more emotional intelligence than to share such a bold dream with his jealous brothers, but it was all part of God's plan to have Joseph save Israel. In Genesis 37 we learn Joseph was loved by Jacob more than any of his other brothers. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him (Genesis 37:4). On top of the favoritism shown to Joseph by his father, he shared his dreams which indicated that his brothers, mother, and father would one day bow down to him. In Genesis 37:11, we learn his brothers are jealous of him. Following these dreams, we learn Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers and bring back information on their well-being. This is when the jealousy gets the best of his brothers. First, they contemplate killing Joseph. Then, they find more benefit in selling him into slavery. Moreover, they faked his death and told poor Jacob he had died by an animal attack. The story of what happens to Joseph continues in Genesis 38-46. Being disposed of by his jealous brothers wasn't the end of his hardship. However, we see God had great plans for him. When the famine was bad, his brothers set out to Egypt for food. Joseph, now overseeing all of Pharoah's kingdom, saved his brothers and father from starvation. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Genesis 45:7). Clearly, God chose Joseph to be a leader. He placed dreams in Joseph's mind that perhaps gave him hope during some of the worst trials we could ever imagine. To his brothers, he was disposable. For God's plans, he was not. Being in leadership as a trusted advisor is a coveted position that can often lead to isolation and attack from peers and even subordinates. Jealousy and covetousness creep in and peers at work soon can work against you. This can lead to feelings of being thrown away or disposed of. In these times, trust that the Lord may be bringing you closer to him, and into a new position for his glory.

*** Hebrew, Not Greek*** - Referring to my concordance reference Have you ever reached a point where you quietly laugh—not out loud, but in your heart—at the idea that God could still do what He promised? Sarah did. In Genesis 18, when God promised Abraham a son, Sarah laughed in disbelief. But God responded not with anger—but with a gentle, powerful question: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This video is for the weary, the cynical, and the ones afraid to hope again. God sees your doubt—but He also invites you to remember who He is.

Due to technical difficulties this past Sunday, the first few minutes of the sermon were not recorded. To help catch you up to speed, here's a brief summary of what was missed at the beginning of the podcast."This morning, we begin a new series on relationships by focusing on friendship. Following our celebration of Jesus' resurrection last week, we're asking: if the resurrection truly transforms everything, how does it change our everyday lives and relationships right now? Over the next four weeks, we'll explore how the gospel—the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection—transforms our friendships, marriages, parenting, and neighboring. Today, we see that we were made for friendship. In Genesis 2, God creates Adam and places him in a good, flourishing garden, yet declares it “not good” for man to be alone. God's solution is to create Eve, emphasizing that humans are fundamentally relational beings, reflecting the relational nature of God himself, who exists eternally in community as Trinity. Friendship, therefore, is not an optional extra; it's central to human flourishing. Friendship is part of our design and necessary for true joy. However, the biblical story also shows that sin fractured both our relationship with God and with one another, introducing shame and conflict into our friendships. Yet, through the resurrection, Jesus offers restoration for these broken relationships."April 27, 2025 | Nick Harsh

In Genesis 24:1-67 Abraham sends his servant out to find a wife for Isaac. He is not to look for a wife for Isaac from Canaan but from Abraham's family. This story is significant in the overall narrative of Genesis because Genesis as a whole focuses on a particular lineage which ultimately culminates in the Messiah. In order for this lineage to continue, Isaac needs a wife. The servant runs into Rebekah at a well, beginning a theme that we see a number of times in the OT, ultimately culminating in Christ himself meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

In this sermon, Pastor Jess Miller introduces us to the book we will be studying in our series, A Journey Through Genesis. In the book of Genesis, God is making known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel (Psa. 103:7). Genesis is a book of beginnings, and without it, much of our Bibles would make little sense. In Genesis, we have not only the history of Israel, but church history, as we the church find our roots here.

In Genesis 7:1–3 God modifies his earlier instructions from 6:19–20. This simple modification highlights truths about God's character and about the priority of worship.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

April 26, 2025 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26Daily Lectionary: Exodus 19:1-25; Hebrews 13:1-21“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Adam really messed things up for us. He had the perfect life. He had dominion over everything. He had the perfect wife in Eve and the perfect relationship with God. Everything was perfect. God even declared it to be “Very Good” at the end of Genesis chapter 1. Yet, in Genesis chapter 3, we read about the Fall of man. It isn't Adam, though, who is doing the initial eating. It is Eve who is speaking to the serpent. It is Eve who takes from the tree. Adam gets the blame. Rightfully so, as it was Adam whom God spoke to about eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, not Eve. Adam was with Eve while the dialogue between the serpent and Eve transpired. He was questioning the validity of God's command regarding eating the forbidden fruit. Did God speak the truth when He said, “You will surely die?” Let's do a little beta-testing with Eve and see if she will die when she eats from the tree. She didn't die right there from Adam's perspective.  Man did die. Man lost the image of God. In Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve are confronted by God, and the curses are delivered to the serpent, to Eve, and to Adam. Adam's curse is death. You will die. Through Adam's selfish act of failing to be a faithful groom, death is ushered into all mankind. No longer did they have the image of God. Sin now separated them from their creator. On account of Adam, we will all die. Our hearts will stop beating. Our lungs will no longer receive air. Our minds will be silent. We will die. The consequence of sin is death.As Paul writes to the church at Corinth, he reminds them that their hope is not in their wisdom and understanding of the things of this world. He points the church back to Christ. In Christ, the world is reconciled to God. No longer are we separated but we are reunited with our creator through Jesus. In your Baptism, you have been reconciled to God. No longer does God look down upon us and see our sin and our deadliness. He sees Christ and His robe of righteousness over us. He sees all the works of Christ upon us. He sees us through Jesus. Sin still exists. Death is still coming upon us. In Christ, we are given the sure and certain hope that all is conquered. In our Baptisms, we are in Christ, and if we are in Christ, we are alive. His resurrection is our resurrection. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What these sacrifices promised From a God who sought to bless, Came at last a second Adam Priest and King of Righteousness; Son of God incarnate Savior, Son of Man both Christ and Lord, Who in naked shame would offer On the cross His blood outpoured. (LSB 572:3)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family — it’s a gift, a challenge, and sometimes a complicated mix of both. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown reflects on the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37:3-4, unpacking how even the most dysfunctional family situations can be met with grace, wisdom, and faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with family tension, painful words, or unresolved conflict, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to help you navigate those tough relationships. ✨ Key Takeaways

The flood has passed. Noah and his family walk into a world washed clean. In Genesis 9, God speaks with grace and authority. He blesses Noah, reaffirms his first command for fruitfulness, and establishes a covenant with every living creature. The rainbow becomes a lasting sign of God's promise never to destroy the earth by flood again. Yet even in this new beginning, sin is not far away. Today we hear of God's mercy, human weakness, and a covenant that points forward to a greater promise still to come.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 9.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In “Dark Sayings,” I explore how internalized racism destroyed my mother's family. This psychological process, woven out of Hellenistic pluralism and anti-Scriptural platitudes about the so-called “Melting Pot,” reveals how systemic racism operates not only externally but within the immigrant's self-conception.Internalized racism is more insidious than the inferiority complex from which it stems. Eventually, the immigrant—the stranger in a foreign land—overcomes fear by adopting the personality of the oppressor.“You shouldn't give your children Arabic names, Marc.”“Stop listening to Arabic music, Marc.”“You need to assimilate into this culture, Marc.”“If you love the Middle East so much, Marc, why don't you live there?”The last one is my favorite. It reveals the speaker's true heart. They might as well say, “Go back to Africa, Marc.”My father is from Africa. Is Africa a punishment?Internalized racism explains why people from the West Bank see themselves as superior to people from Gaza. It's why Arab Christians often identify with white Western Christians against their Muslim brothers. It's why immigrants and minorities across backgrounds look up to those who marginalize them.This concept of “Stockholm Syndrome” reflects a fundamental truth about the human condition. The privileged and underprivileged who perpetuate internalized racism share something profoundly disturbing in common: both reject the God of Abraham, trusting not in him as King, but in themselves.Ironically, Pharaoh (or Caesar) is not their king, as they profess in John's Gospel, but merely their locum tenens — their temporary substitute. They view themselves as the true sovereigns. This explains their enthusiasm for elections; they delight in proclaiming their chosen figurehead by acclamation: creatus imperator.They “create” (creāre) him. They “make” him. They “elect” him. They “bring him into being” and then they control him—but they can't control the God who speaks out of the whirlwind.Providence, habibi, is rougher than a corncob. She'll slap you sideways even if you're careful.Though “internalized racism” isn't a Scriptural term, it's rooted in biblical notions of cowardice; in the absolute fear of the power of death and deep anxiety about what might happen if Jesus alienates the “wrong people” in Decapolis. God forbid he offend those “nice white people.” Very bad for business.Consider the disciples.What a bunch of cowardly, misguided fools. One almost wonders why Jesus didn't let his Father finish what he began with the storm at sea.Oops! I am starting to sound like Jonah. See, there are no good guys!This week, I discuss Luke 8:25.Show Notesβουλή (boulē) / מ-כ-ר (meem-kaf-resh) / م-ك-ر (mīm-kāf-rāʾ)Purposeful plan, will, counsel. يَمْكُرُ (yamkurū) to plan, scheme, plot. מכר (makar) to sell. For example, Joseph being sold by his brothers (מָכְרוּ māḵərū Genesis 37:28).“But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's plan (τὴν βουλὴν τοῦ θεοῦ tēn boulēn tou theou) for themselves, not having been baptized by John.” (Luke 7:30)“For thus says the Lord: ‘You have sold yourselves (נִמְכַּרְתֶּם nimkartem) for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.'” (Isaiah 52:3)“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the Lord, “Who execute a plan, but not mine, and make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, in order to add sin to sin.” (Isaiah 30:1)“And [remember] when those who did not believe made plans (يَمْكُرُ yamkuru) against you to restrain you, or kill you, or expel you. And they make plans (ۚ وَيَمْكُرُونَ wa yamkuruna), but God makes plans (وَيَمْكُرُ wa yamkuru) — and God is the best of planners (الْمَاكِرِينَ al-makirin).” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:30)πίστις (pistis) / אֱמֶת (ʾemet), from the root א-מ-ן (aleph-mem-nun), אָמֵן (ʾāmēn), and أمين (amīn)The root א-מ-ן (aleph-mem-nun) is functional with إيمان (īmān, “faith”) and آمن (āmana, “he trusted”), reflecting the biblical Hebrew concepts of trust, faithfulness, and reliability.Under the influence of Hellenism (Judaeo-Christianism), אֱמֶת (ʾemet) is misinterpreted by neoplatonists as “truth,” as if it were a philosophical abstraction. Here, the wisdom of George Carlin comes to mind:“I leave symbols to the symbol-minded.”The God of Abraham is not a “symbol,” let alone a pagan effigy—he is our trustworthy Master. Saying “amin” does not indicate agreement with an idea; it reflects placement of trust in the trustworthy Master.φοβέω (phobeō) / י-ר-א (yod-resh-aleph) / و-ر-ي (wāw–rāʼ–yāʼ)Fear, fearful, or feared. وَأَرَى (waʾara) — “to frighten someone.”“Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God ( יְרֵ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ yerēʾʹ ʾělō·hîmʹ ), since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”” (Genesis 22:10–14)In the Qur'an, وَأَرَى (waʾara) is linked to divine signs intended to cause fear. Concerning the Lukan reference, Abraham is shown (أَرَى arā) a terrifying thing:“And when he reached the age of striving with him, [Abraham] said: ‘O my son, indeed I see (أَرَى arā) in a dream that I am sacrificing you.” (Qur'an 37:102)In Genesis 22, Abraham also sees (וַיַּרְא wayyárʾ) the ram caught in the thicket, and “fears God” (ירא אלהים yirē ʾelohim) through his obedience.θαυμάζω (thaumazō) / ת-מ-ה (taw-meem-he)The disciples encountered God on Mount Zion, were filled with terror, panicked, and fled:“They saw it, then they were amazed (תָּמָ֑הוּ tā·māʹ·hû); They were terrified, they fled in alarm.” (Psalm 48:5)In Ecclesiastes, after a reminder to “fear God,” a warning: don't be shocked by institutional oppression. Corruption and injustice are standard and forever entrenched — officials monitor one another, but the system will always fail. “Reform” is a word found only on the lips of the self-righteous:“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to hear rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil….For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fea...

Look around at society today and it's easy to see the corruption of sin. Each day it feels like the world is going further and further off the rails. Violence is rising, truth is ignored, and faith seems like a relic. But what if I told you this was nothing new? When you see faithlessness and violence rising and believers experiencing mockery and increasing persecution, know that none of this is surprising to God. In Genesis 7 we continue the account of Noah and the flood. God promised a flood in judgment—and now it's raining. This isn't just ancient history. It's a wake-up call that sin and disobedience rightly draw God's wrath, but even amid judgement God shows grace.  The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 7.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In Genesis 18, God appears to Abraham and reveals His plan to bring about the birth of Isaac, even in the face of impossible circumstances. Abraham's hospitality and response to God's message show his deep faith, even as he questions God's plans. In this episode, Dr. John walks us through the encounter, highlighting the importance of trust in God's timing and the assurance that His promises will be fulfilled, even when it seems unlikely.Confident Faith: In this 4-week series on Genesis 18-25, Dr. John Neufeld looks at the life of Abraham and unpacks the topic of faith. How is faith formed? How does faith mature? And how can faith help us trust in what God has promised, even though we can't see it yet?

In Genesis 43, Jacob and his sons are forced into uncertainty as God leads them back to Egypt for food in the midst of the famine. We are going to enter into uncertainty with Jacob and his boys in chapter 43 and I want to show you two realities about this chapter:God will put you in Uncertain Circumstances (1-15)God is in control of Uncertain Circumstances (16-34)

A Sermon for Good Friday St. John 19 by William Klock Every year, reading the passion narratives over the course of Holy Week, I always find myself at some point, at least for a little while, pondering Pontius Pilate.  If we read the Jewish historians Philo and Josephus, they leave us with the impression that Pilate held the Jews and their religion in disdain and relished any opportunity they gave him to exercise his military authority.  But then we read about him in the Gospels and we see a tired and exasperated government official who seems to just want to keep the peace.  These people for whom he has no great love and even less patience have arrested Jesus.  They can't legally execute him themselves, so they drag him before Pilate.  On the one hand Pilate has no interest in crucifying Jesus.  He doesn't like these people and he doesn't want to do their dirty work.  But he's also finding the whole situation a pain in the neck.  He was there to keep Caesar's peace and the Jews weren't making it easy for him.  And so he had Jesus brought to him and he asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?”  And Jesus responded, “Are you asking because you're interested or because that's what you've heard people say about me?”  And Pilate responds, “Am I a Jew?  Why should I care if you're King of the Jews or not?  It's your skin on the line.  Your own people—your own priests!—arrested you and handed you over to me.  I'm giving you a chance to explain yourself.  So what do you have to say?” Jesus goes on to explain in those well-known (and often misunderstood words), “My kingdom is not from this world.  If it were, my disciples would have taken up arms to save me from the soldiers of the high priest.”  And Pilate, confused and getting annoyed asks, “So are you a king or not?”  And Jesus responded, “You're the one calling me a king.  I was born for this.  I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”  And we can hear the annoyance and the exasperation in Pilate's famous answer, “What is truth?”  And with that he went back out to address the Judeans.  He didn't understand what Jesus was saying, but that didn't mean Jesus was guilty.  Pilate went out and told them as much.  It was usual for the governor to free a Jewish prisoner at Passover, so Pilate offered them a choice: Jesus or Barabbas.  Barabbas was a monster.  Surely they'd choose Jesus, because they certainly didn't want Barabbas out of prison.  For that matter, Pilate didn't want Barabbas out of prison!  But, no, to Pilates' great surprise, they shouted out for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.  Pilate gave up.  He symbolically washed his hands and declared to the people, this is on you, not me.  And they took Jesus off to die. Just like Pilate, people have been stumbling over these words of Jesus for two thousand years.  People hear him say that his kingdom is not from or not of this world and they then say to us, “Well, then leave me alone.  Go worship in your church and leave the rest of us be.  Enjoy your pie in the sky when you die.”  Even Christians have misunderstood this to mean that we should disengage from the world.  But that's not it at all.  Jesus' kingdom may not be from this world, but it is most certainly for this world.  It's the only hope this world has.  It's what Jesus means when he tells us to pray “on earth as it is in heaven”—to look forward to, to hope for, and to pray for that day when God has set his creation to rights, when earth and heaven and God and man are back together as they—as we—should be.  As he created it all and us in the beginning.  This is what Jesus bore witness to and it's what we, forgiven and washed and filled with his Spirit are called not only to pray for but to witness to the world and the people around us.  It's that kingdom that comes not by the sword—which is the only kind of kingdom Pilate could think of.  Instead, it's the kingdom that comes by the love we saw last night as Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and then washed their feet.  It's the kingdom that we see coming today, on Good Friday, as Jesus goes to the cross. On Good Friday, at the cross, all the great stories of the love of God come together in one place.  As John tells us the story of Good Friday, he brings all these other stories together.  There's Psalm 22 and Psalm 69 and there's Isaiah and Zechariah, and there's the Passover lamb whose bones were not broken and it all points us to the big story of the God of Israel and his people and his love for them—a love that was meant to be, through them, for everyone and for all of creation.  They were his agents for challenging the power of evil in the world, for being light in the darkness.  And, of course, as we read the Old Testament, we see that their story—not very surprisingly—their story got stuck in the very problem for which it was supposed to be an answer—the great problem of rebellion and sin.  And yet, Israel's failure was God's opportunity to announce his love once again.  He would be faithful to his people.  He would send his Messiah and his Messiah would fulfil his purposes for the world. Think of that bigger story.  Going back almost to the beginning we're told about the men of Babel and their tower.  They'd lost all knowledge of their creator.  They grasped at divinity themselves, reaching towards heaven.  God confused their languages.  There's that “What is truth?” question all the way back there!  And there, in the midst of deep darkness, just as the human race seems well and truly and utterly lost, God shows up to make himself known to Abraham and to announce that through Abraham and his family, he will make himself known to the world.  A glimmer of light in the darkness.  And then that family winds up enslaved in Egypt, so the Lord sends Moses to confront Pharaoh and to lead his people out of bondage—and Passover happens.  There are centuries of ups and downs for Israel, but each time things go bad, the Lord sends a deliverer.  And then finally he gives Israel a king—Saul—and the Philistines kill him.  So the Lord raises up the lowly shepherd, David, who establishes a great kingdom and the Lord promises him a future heir who will be God's own son and who will rule forever and ever.  And then more centuries of ups and downs, of faithfulness and failure—mostly failure—until Babylon brings Israel down in shame and takes her off into exile.  And when Israel is at her lowest, shamed and disgraced, that's when the Lord points to her through the Prophet and declares: Behold, my servant.  And he gives the Prophet Daniel, sitting in the shame of exile, a vision: the great empires rise from the sea, but over them all the Lord exalts the son of man as their judge. And, Brothers and Sisters, this story echoes all through our Good Friday Gospel today.  We see Rome, another of those imperial monsters rising from the sea.  And Rome does what Rome did best, brutally killing a rebel king.  John shows us Pilate as he brings Jesus out to the people the day before Passover and announced, “Behold your king!”  But those Sadducee priests didn't want a Messiah any more than they wanted a resurrection.  In fact, they didn't want a Messiah so much that they shouted out the unthinkable, “We have no king but Caesar!”  John shows us Babel and Egypt and Philistia and Babylon at their worst and then he shows us the seed of Abraham, the one greater than Moses, the son of David, the servant of the Lord and declares, “Behold the man!  Behold your king!” And yet, for all it seems that Rome and the Sadducees are out of control, they never really are.  As in Daniel's vision, the beasts rise from the sea and they rage, but the God of Israel never ceases to be sovereign.  Even in their evil, the beasts of empire serve his purpose.  So, ironically, it's Pilate the Roman governor, the man cynical of the very idea of truth, who in God's providence, declares the truth to the people as he announces to them, “Here is your king!”  Even as the priests protest his placard on the cross, Pilate again stands firm on the truth, insisting, “What I have written, I have written.”  John powerfully reminds us that even this cynical, self-serving servant of Caesar will serve the Lord's purposes.  Jesus had said to Pilate, “You have no authority over me unless it is given to you from above.”  So Rome does what Rome does best.  It mocks and it kills and yet, in doing that, it providentially serves God's purposes and proves the point that the God of Abraham and Moses and David does not fight the battle against evil with the weapons of the world, but with love.  Everyone that day thought that Caesar had won.  The devils were dancing with joy that Friday.  And yet Caesar and the priests and the devils all played right into God's hand.  As evil rose to its full height, as it was concentrated all in one place, God won the victory against it on Good Friday. At the cross, God's project to set his creation to rights is finally accomplished.  This why John opens his Gospel with those powerful echoes of Genesis.  In Genesis we read that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  John echoes those words as he tells us that in the beginning was the word and the word became flesh and dwelt amongst us—bringing heaven and earth back together.  All through John there are these creation themes.  There's light and darkness.  There's the seed that will bear fruit and multiply.  And now on Friday, the sixth day of the week, the day when God crowned his work of creation with the creation of man to rule his new world, John shows us Pilate bringing out Jesus, robed in purple and wearing a crown of thorns, and he declares to the people, “Behold the man!”  Jesus is the true image of God and the world is so mired in rebellion and sin that God's own people, confronted with the image of God in Jesus can only shout out, “Crucify him!”  The people who prayed for the return of the Lord to his temple, turned their eyes away when he did return and demanded his death.  They were so mired in darkness that they couldn't bear the light. And yet the love of God marched sovereignly on—to the cross.  At the end of the sixth day in Genesis, God finished his work and now on this sixth day in John's Gospel we hear Jesus announce that “It is finished” as he takes his last breath.  It was finished.  His work was accomplished.  Humanity was forgiven and creation was healed.  Evil had risen to its full height, giving the love of God the opportunity to rise even higher on the cross.  Of course, no one understood that on Friday.  It would take the resurrection, in which Jesus was vindicated by his Father, in which his victory was brought out into the light for everyone to see, it would take that before they would know and understand and believe.  But on the cross, as Jesus breathed his last and slumped, hanging on those nails, it was finished.  Once and for all.  A full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of Israel, for the sins of all of the nations—for the sins of the whole world.  A sacrifice that would finally heal the breach and bring an answer to our prayer: on earth as it is in heaven. And now, Brothers and Sisters, you and I stand gathered at the foot of the cross, confronted by the very image of God and by his amazing love.  Here is the man who represents what we were created to be in the beginning and what, if we will only commit ourselves to him, God will make us to be.  Here is our King, who has inaugurated his kingdom—this new creation, this world set to rights, a world founded on love—and not the world's idea of love, but the love defined by the story of God and his people and by Jesus' sacrificed for us on the cross.  Here we're confronted by the King and his kingdom and by a vision of the world set to rights.  What will we do?  We are so often stuck in the kingdom of Caesar.  We put our trust in Caesar's sword and in Caesar's coins—even in Caesar's gods.  Like those Sadducee priests who were so dead set on holding on to what they had, that they declared the unthinkable, that they declared the very thing they knew so well was false: “We have no king but Caesar.”  And John reminds us today that whatever power Caesar may have, has been given to him by God and to fulfil his purposes, not Caesar's.  Brothers and Sisters, let go of Caesar and take hold of Jesus.  Let go everything else and take hold of the love of God made manifest at the cross. Good Friday reminds us.  We look up to the cross and we see Jesus.  Behold the man.  Behold the king.  He is the image of God and as we look in his face we see the God who loved his people, who loved the world so much, that he gave his own son that we might be forgiven and set to rights and welcomed back into his fellowship—who sent his son not to condemn, but to save.  Here is the good shepherd who lays down his own life for his sheep out of love.  Here is the one who shows the greatest love we can ever know as he lays down his life for his friends.  Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them to the uttermost.  This love we see at the cross is the very love that shone so brightly out of the darkness at the very moment when we thought the light had been overcome.  This is the love that redeems and renews us, but even more important than that, this is the love that glorifies the God who is love. And so, Brothers and Sisters, this Good Friday, be transformed by this love.  Our brother and our king has given his life and by that love he gives us life and hope and a lens through which we should, more and more each day, see every part of our lives and every part of the world.  This is the love that forgives our sins and heals our hurts.  This is the love that is making creation new and that, one day, will wipe away our tears.  This is the love that we, as Jesus' people, manifest to the world.  This is the truth we witness for the sake of the world and to the glory of God.

The fall didn't end at the garden gate. Sin followed humanity into the next generation, and its consequences turned deadly. In Genesis 4, we meet two brothers. One offers his best to the Lord in faith. The other offers his sacrifice unworthily. One is received. The other is warned to do good and seek to please God. And when that warning is ignored, the first human blood is spilled in anger. But this isn't just a story about jealousy or murder, it's about worship, faith, repentance, and the mercy of a God who still speaks to sinners. Even in judgment, He marks Cain. Not to punish, but to preserve (at least for a time).  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 4.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Hosts Vincent Fernandez and Pastor Tim Hamilton Question Timestamps: Email (2:39) - What are your thoughts on Netflix casting Meryl Streep Aslan in the upcoming Narnia series? Email (6:05) - What would be a modern version of “washing each others' feet?” Email (9:37) - How do I know if God is telling me to do something? What if I don't want to do it? Colten, TX (16:24) - How do I humble myself and give glory to God for selfless things that I do? Is it sinful to think God isn't hearing my prayers? Michael, Facebook (22:53) - What does Acts 2:38 mean? Email (28:31) - Do you think God has an opinion about pineapple on pizza? Michelle, TX (33:35) - Will some Christians be left behind during the Rapture? TJ, FL (36:29) - How many children did Solomon have? Phil, NJ (39:51) - Is there any way to get assurance that my mother, who has dementia, really has accepted Jesus? Email (45:27) - Are we in sin for using instruments in our church worship services? Email (48:59) - In Genesis, it says we are “made in the image of God,” what does that mean? Michael, FL (52:52) - Where did the bunny and eggs come from relating to the celebration of Easter? Isn't it supposed to be about Jesus? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Teacher: Josh Fortney. Today, we kick off our Easter series, Back to the Garden, a new series that begins in Eden and leads us toward the cross and the empty tomb. In Genesis, we see the world as it was meant to be—marked by peace, purpose, and an unbroken relationship with God. But the moment sin entered the story, everything fractured. We feel that same brokenness today—in our relationships, in our work, in our world. On Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus didn't come just to improve our lives—He came to restore what was lost. His journey into Jerusalem marked the beginning of restoration. This week, we'll see how the ache we carry is actually a longing to return to the Garden—a longing that only Jesus can fulfill. Join us as we look back at what we were made for, confront the reality of where we are, and look forward with hope to what Jesus came to restore. Enjoyed the message? Rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Want more information about CityBridge Community Church? DM us @citybridgecc or email us at info@citybridgechurch.org. You can grab the Sermon Notes from this message here: https://www.citybridgechurch.org/messages Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's message by subscribing to your favorite podcast app.

In Genesis 23:1-20; 25:7-11 we read of Abraham purchasing a piece of land for a burial for Sarah. Then he himself dies and is buried in this place. This is significant because this is the only piece of land in Canaan that Abraham ever owned even though God had promised to give him the land. When, then, will Abraham receive what was promised? In the resurrection.

In Genesis 35 we have the “and back again” portion of Jacob's journey. He comes back to where he started. Jacob's journey back to Bethel marks the end of a larger story that had begun two decades ago. Everything that happened in between is now culminating in this place as God speaks to Jacob. At long last Jacob keeps his promise and God reaffirmed his covenant to him, changing his name from Jacob to Israel. This signifies the initial stages of a kingdom over which God will rule.

This past Sunday, we continued pt. 3 in the Create series with Eric's teaching on "The Image of God". In Genesis 1:26-27, we learn that humans are made in God's image and likeness. The Hebrew terms for "image" (Tzelem) and "likeness" (Demut) show that while we're not divine like God, we do resemble Him in qualities like reason, creativity, relational capacity, moral awareness, and the ability to make decisions. Every person, regardless of background, has inherent worth because of this divine likeness—something that's central to the Christian worldview.Given that humanity is created in God's image, humans share in God's creative nature. Artists, musicians, writers, and creators are reflecting God's creativity when they create works that bring beauty, truth, and life into the world. Through creativity, people are invited to reflect the nature of the Creator, engaging in acts of imagination and innovation that also speak to God's beauty and order.“Artists in the last century have been functioning in society to reveal brokenness; in this century, can they lead the way toward reconnection, reconciliation and reintegration?”-Makoto Fujimura, Culture Care For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

In Genesis 50, we see the final chapter of two lives—Jacob and Joseph—but not the end of their story. When Jacob dies in Egypt, Joseph honors his father's dying wish: to be buried in the land of Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Leah. This act of faith signals something profound—Jacob didn't want his bones to remain in Egypt, the land of temporary provision. He wanted to rest in the land God had promised—a land tied to covenant, kingdom, and resurrection hope. Later in the chapter, Joseph makes a similar request: "God will surely come to your aid, and you must carry my bones up from this place" (Genesis 50:25). Though he had power and position in Egypt, Joseph didn't see Egypt as home. He believed God's promises and looked forward to a greater inheritance. This isn't just about geography. It's a prophetic declaration: the people of God were never meant to settle for Egypt—a symbol of the world and temporary comfort. The patriarchs were looking forward to a better country (Hebrews 11:13–16), and their burial decisions reflected that hope. The Cave of Machpelah in Canaan served as a signpost of faith: It was the first piece of the promised land legally owned by Abraham. It symbolized a physical, future resurrection in the land God promised. It was a down payment on the coming Kingdom of God. The question we must ask today is this: Where are you putting your "bones"? Are you investing your life in Egypt—the temporary pleasures and securities of this world—or in the unshakable promises of God's Kingdom? Just like Joseph, we may live in Egypt now—but our hearts, our hope, and even our legacy should be rooted in the land of promise.

In Genesis 50, we see the final chapter of two lives—Jacob and Joseph—but not the end of their story. When Jacob dies in Egypt, Joseph honors his father's dying wish: to be buried in the land of Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Leah. This act of faith signals something profound—Jacob didn't want his bones to remain in Egypt, the land of temporary provision. He wanted to rest in the land God had promised—a land tied to covenant, kingdom, and resurrection hope. Later in the chapter, Joseph makes a similar request: "God will surely come to your aid, and you must carry my bones up from this place" (Genesis 50:25). Though he had power and position in Egypt, Joseph didn't see Egypt as home. He believed God's promises and looked forward to a greater inheritance. This isn't just about geography. It's a prophetic declaration: the people of God were never meant to settle for Egypt—a symbol of the world and temporary comfort. The patriarchs were looking forward to a better country (Hebrews 11:13–16), and their burial decisions reflected that hope. The Cave of Machpelah in Canaan served as a signpost of faith: It was the first piece of the promised land legally owned by Abraham. It symbolized a physical, future resurrection in the land God promised. It was a down payment on the coming Kingdom of God. The question we must ask today is this: Where are you putting your "bones"? Are you investing your life in Egypt—the temporary pleasures and securities of this world—or in the unshakable promises of God's Kingdom? Just like Joseph, we may live in Egypt now—but our hearts, our hope, and even our legacy should be rooted in the land of promise.

Our world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we'll make the cut. It's not surprising, then, that “the performance plan” shows up in the realm of religion as well. Religion could be defined as: a system of beliefs, rituals, and behaviors by which a person can be made right with God. It is an attempt to make the ultimate cut.This “performance plan” approach is what Paul is warning about in Philippians 3. “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh…” (vs.2-3)In order to understand what Paul is talking about, we have to go back to the story of Abraham found in Genesis 17. There God makes a covenant with Abraham. In essence, “I will be your God and you and the descendants I give you will be my people.” Then God chose circumcision as the outward sign of this covenant. Circumcision became the symbol of man's need to be cleansed from sin at the most basic point of his identity. But from the very beginning, this outward act was secondary to something of far greater importance: an inward belief. In Genesis 15:6 we read that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Faith came first – then the symbolic action.  The problem is that all too quickly the Jewish people came to believe that to get right with God all a man had to do was to be circumcised, bypassing the heart change altogether.But making the cut and getting on God's team has never been a matter of performance. It is a matter of turning to Him in faith, confessing your sinfulness and receiving His forgiveness.  In the N.T. this became clearer. Jesus came to replace the old system, giving His life to offer access to not only God's team but to God's very family. And He offered that to one and all as a free gift received by faith.Enter the Apostle Paul – or Saul as he was formerly known. He had not only been taught this misunderstood performance plan, he had become its greatest proponent.  In fact, he was so committed to it that he had sought to snuff out the Jesus movement.   And then one day, he encountered Jesus who offered Him grace, forgiving him and freeing him from the need to perform. Paul never got over that and devoted the rest of his life to sharing this good news.He would go from town to town, planting communities of Jesus-followers. After getting these churches grounded, Paul would head off to a new city to continue spreading the gospel. Now, many of these new believers were Gentiles – uncircumcised non-Jews. And after Paul left, often a group of people called “Judaizers” would come in behind him and tell these young non-Jewish believers that in order to truly be saved, they had to become Jews. More specifically, they had to be circumcised. In other words, faith alone wasn't enough. They had to jump through the hoops of the performance plan. When Paul heard about this, he came unglued! This is what he was confronting in Phil. 3:2. He says, “Do you want to compare performance? My pedigree, degrees, and zeal are second to none. Yet all of that is utter garbage because it didn't deal with my heart. Only Jesus can do that.”Are you still depending on the performance plan to be made right with God? Text: Philippians 3:2-9 Originally recorded on October 26, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN