Podcasts about Ishmael

Boundless | Fifth Sunday in Lent What happens when we discover that God's compassion extends far beyond the people we expect? In this sermon, we explore the often-overlooked story of Hagar and Ishmael, a story of abandonment in the wilderness and the God who hears the cry of the forgotten. Again and again throughout Scripture, God's mercy reaches beyond the boundaries humans create. Through the story of Hagar and Jesus' welcome of children, this message invites us to consider what it means for the church to embody the boundless compassion of God in a world marked by suffering, injustice, and division.

Genesis chapter 16 and parts of 17, focusing on the dysfunctional family dynamics of Abraham and Sarah, and the establishment of the covenant of circumcision. Key Takeaways: Consequences of Fear-Based Decisions: (2:51-3:40) Bro. Matthew emphasizes that Abram and Sarai made decisions based on fear rather than faith, leading to Hagar conceiving a child with Abram and causing intense family tension. God's Mercy to Hagar: (10:50-14:35) Even in a bad situation, God shows mercy to Hagar, promising to multiply her descendants (Ishmael) and revealing Himself as "the God who sees." Covenant of Circumcision: (17:00-20:00) God reaffirms His covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham (father of many nations) and instituting circumcision as a physical sign of the covenant on the eighth day. Circumcision of the Heart: (30:04-34:50) Citing Romans and Galatians, Bro. Matthew explains that physical circumcision is not enough; true righteousness comes from a circumcised heart—faith working through love, not legalism. Immediate Obedience: (25:50-28:20) Abraham demonstrates immediate obedience to God's command regarding circumcision.  

He Is Series Day #3 El Roi (The God Who Sees Me) Genesis 16:13 “So she named the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are El-roi'; for she said, ‘Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” Today, we are talking about El Roi, the God who sees me. This verse is part of a longer conversation that an angel of the Lord had with Hagar. Let me briefly fill you in on the story of Hagar. The Lord promised Abram and Sarai that they would have a child. Actually, He promised that Abram would be the father of nations and his descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky. Yet Abram and Sarai had no children, and they were both well past the typical baby-making years. It had been over 10 years since God promised that they would have a child. Sarai got tired of waiting for God, and so she convinced Abram to take her Egyptian slave girl as his wife. He went into her, and she conceived a son. Sarai thought once she had a child, she would be happy. However, after the slave girl became pregnant with Abram's child, she looked with contempt at her mistress. She got mad and dealt harshly with Hagar, and so Hagar ran away. This is where the conversation happens. Genesis 16:12-13 “The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.”  The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.” And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Now you have conceived and shall bear a son; you shall call him Ishmael, for the Lord has given heed to your affliction. He shall be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone, and everyone's hand against him; and he shall live at odds with all his kin.” So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El-roi”; for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” What I want to focus on today is that God sees you. Some of us really need to hear that today. God sees you in whatever situation you are in. God saw Hagar. She was not one of the chosen people. She was a slave girl from Egypt. She was asked to marry her mistress's husband and to have a baby for them. She was doing as she was told, and yet afterwards she was acting as if she was better than her mistress, and so her mistress was treating her badly. I can imagine how unfair that felt to Hagar. She did as she was told, and now she was being unfairly treated. Has this ever happened to you? You followed directions, you did what your boss wanted you to do, and then it didn't turn out the way he or she wanted, and now he or she is mad at you? Did you ever feel like God was calling you to do something, and you obeyed, and then it felt like you were being punished for it? I wonder if Paul and Silas felt like this when they were captured, beaten, and thrown in jail for proclaiming the Word of the Lord? They were doing what God called them to do, and yet they were still put in jail. God sent an angel to talk with Hagar and to let her know that God sees her. He sees her and her situation. God let her know that he would greatly multiply her offspring. She could not believe that God not only saw her but also cared enough to send an angel to interact with her, and that she would live through the encounter. God saw her in this mess. God sees you in your mess, too. He sees you in an impossible relationship. He sees you trying to do whatever you can to pay your bills, even though you have no money. He sees you trying to parent your children even though you are overwhelmed. He sees you in your illness, desperately praying for a healing. God sees you! Let's go back to the example I gave of Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown in jail even though they were doing what God called them to do. God saw them in jail. He saw them in their situation, and he created an earthquake that shook the building so much that all the prison doors opened. Paul and Silas were free. What situation do you need God to come and free you from? Whatever the situation is, God sees you! If you are struggling right now. If you feel abandoned by God and wonder if he even sees you, or hears your prayers, know that He does!! He sees you right where you are, and He loves you! He loves you just as you are right now. He doesn't need you to change first. He doesn't need you to be different before He loves you. He loves you truly and completely just as you are now. He isn't waiting for you to be healed to love you. He isn't waiting for you to be anger-free to love you. He isn't waiting for you to be free of all your addictions for Him to love you. He loves you, just for being you, the real you. God sees the real you. Not the you that you pretend to be. Not the you that looks perfect in all your photos. Not the you that you want everyone else to see. He sees the real you. He sees all the places where you are pretending. He sees all the broken places. He sees all the hurt and betrayal you have gone through. He sees things about us that we can't even see. The other thing that God sees is how much we have grown. He sees how much we have changed. He sees all the progress we have made. Often, we don't notice it. We are hard on ourselves. We only see the negative. God sees it all. He sees the good, the bad, and the ugly, and He loves us anyway! Dear El Roi, I ask you to bless everyone who is listening to this episode today. Lord, thank you for seeing us. Help us to see ourselves the way you see us. Help us to see the beautiful things about us that you see. Help us to know in our hearts that you have not abandoned us, that you do see us! Help us to believe that there is nowhere we can go, and nothing we can do that will prevent you from seeing us. We love you, Lord, and we ask this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! God is on your side, and we are both rooting for you! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in September 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “You have been set aside to act upon my will. I have set you apart. Believe it.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Crossroads Church Podcast

As we dive deeper into our current sermon series through Galatians (UNCHAINED), we discuss the importance of guarding against the works of the flesh, being aware of contagious and contentious ideologies. We also give some historical perspective to what we find in Galatians 4 in regards to both Isaac and Ishmael.

Crossroads Church Podcast

Daily Dose of Hope March 10, 2026   Scripture: Romans 4   Prayer:  Almighty Father, You always know what is best for us.  Thank you for that.  We are sorry for the ways that we resist.  Help us to want what you want for us.  Help us to want to be patient, to want to be kind, to want to be obedient.  Conform our will, Lord, In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through Paul's letters chronologically.  Just for review, we have read Galatians, I and II Thessalonians, I and II Corinthians, and now we are in Romans.    Today's reading is Romans 4.  This is an interesting chapter.  Paul clearly wants his Jewish listeners to know that justification by faith is not a new concept, but there is actually a precedent in the Old Testament.  Likewise, he wants his Gentile listeners to know that they have a rich spiritual heritage when they believe in Jesus, as the Old Testament attests to this salvation.  Paul highlights Abraham and David, two great men of faith, to demonstrate that even under the old covenant, people were saved by faith rather than by works.   Paul discusses Abraham's faith. Abraham believed, against all hope and even though it was a crazy thought, that he would become a father in his old age and even become the father of many nations.  Sarah was something like 100 years old.  This was not a reasonable thing to believe!  Despite some mishaps along the way (think Hagar and Ishmael), Abraham had faith that God would do what God said he would do.  It was Abraham's faith, rather than his adherence to the law (works), that God credited him as righteous.    It is also our faith, specifically our faith in Jesus Christ and belief that he died for our sins and was resurrected, that God credits us as righteous.  To be righteous means to be in right standing with God.  Let's be clear.  We are not righteous at all on our own merit.  Rather, because of Jesus, we are credited as righteous.  We essentially get to hang on Jesus' righteousness coattails, and I am so very glad for it!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Crossroads Church Podcast

“Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” — Genesis 21:18 God is faithful beyond our ability to think or imagine.Some years earlier, Sarah (formerly Sarai) had come up with a plan to produce an heir for Abraham (formerly Abram). Her scheme was outside of God's plan (Genesis 16-17), but she decided to try it anyway. She gave her servant, Hagar, to Abram to see if she could have a child for her. Hagar conceived, and her child was named Ishmael. At first, Sarah saw the birth of Ishmael as a good thing, but that became a threat when her own son, Isaac, was born. So Sarah decided to remove that threat. Despite the protests of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. They wandered aimlessly in the desert, but God provided for them and promised to raise up Ishmael into a nation also.Have you ever tried to limit God's faithfulness to include only certain people or those who act in a certain way? In the Bible, God shows that his plans and purposes go beyond our expectations.At many funerals I have conducted over the years, I have often stated this biblical truth: “God is more faithful and just than we can ever imagine.” This can be a comfort to people who wonder about God and may also fear for their loved ones who have died. In such moments I often think of a teenager (Ishmael) and his distraught mother, who found that God was with them—in ways beyond our imagining. Lord, thank you for your surprising faithfulness and care. Open our eyes to the ways you are continually at work in our lives —and far beyond. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What happens when we stop waiting on God and try to take control ourselves?In the story of Sarah and Abraham, impatience led to a decision that still echoes through history. Like them, we often want answers and solutions now. But God's way is often the waiting way—and His best work happens in the waiting.When we surrender our “Ishmael moments”—the messes we create in our own strength—God offers His “Isaac promise.” Like Abraham, you are blessed to be a blessing. Every day we hear two voices: our own desires and God's still, small voice. Which will you follow?What are you waiting for today? Trust that God is working—even while you wait.

Is obedience to God just about what you do—or about who you become in the process? How can following God's mysterious leading transform your character and leadership?

As Moses concludes the story of Abraham's life, we learn about another wife of Abraham through whom God gave more children to Abraham, even as Isaac remained the child of promise. Upon Abraham's death at the age of 175, Isaac and Ishmael join together to bury their father in the Promised Land in the same place Abraham had previously buried Sarah. Before telling us the continued story of Isaac, Moses gives further information on the family of Ishmael. Even though Abraham has now died, the line of the Promised Christ continues.  Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 25:1-18.  To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembjmo.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Isaac's birth and the subsequent exile of Ishmael and Hagar, highlighting the complex emotions and divine intervention within this narrative. We also discuss how God's promises extend to all, even in situations of perceived abandonment and hardship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Isaac's Birth00:46 Ishmael's Exile and God's Promise02:02 Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness03:36 God's Providence Amidst Hardship

Jesus modeled a lifestyle of living constantly in the anointing. Let us do the same, and not fall out of the anointing as Abraham did when he created an Ishmael.I choose to be anointed!Read more here.Support the show

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Those searching for an eternal companion can learn valuable lessons from the story of Isaac and Rebekah.(04:18) “He shall send his angel before thee to help” in Genesis 24.20.(06:47) A caution: The Lord may have not chosen one particular person to be your spouse.(09:16) The servant's test of how to choose an eternal companion. If you are looking for a 3-3 marriage, be a 3!(23:05) Four ways to read the text, with three important lenses. The temple symbolism of Rebekah at the well.(30:17) Abraham marries Keturah after the death of Sarah.(33:15) The sons of Ishmael and their “castles” in Genesis 25.12-18.(34:50) Abraham died and was gathered to his people. These verses echo eternal truths regarding the reunification of families in the Spirit World after death.(38:38) Rebekah and Isaac have twins named Jacob and Esau. These men represent two nations.(45:51) Esau is the progenitor of the Edomites.(49:20) Esau sells the birthright in Genesis 25.29-34. Esau's tears remind us to not despise the blessings within our reach.(57:46) The people of the covenant always seek sacred places to commune with God.(1:03:13) The literal reading (peshat) of Genesis 27.1-40 with 4 points of emphasis from the Institute Manual.(1:10:27) Patterns, types, and figures may provide deeper meaning to Genesis 27. Reading this text with an allegorical (remez) and sacred temple approach (sod).(1:21:36) The three fold structure of the creation and the three Patriarchs may increase our understanding of temple symbolism and show us Rebekah's essential purpose in this story.(1:31:10) We can accept the responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant by sharing the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jacob's story emphasizes the importance of keeping the covenant in the family first.(1:36:46) The geopolitical situation between Judah and Israel may have influenced the text.(1:38:29) The Book of Mormon teaches that when we treat family like the enemy, we open the door to the real enemy.(1:39:42) “Jacob's Ladder” can be viewed as a heavenly vision of the Lord. Bethel as a representation of modern-day temples.(1:47:56) Jacob meets Rachel at a well. The matriarchs are often associated with water.(1:50:02) Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah first since she is the older sister. He then marries Rachel, but serves 7 years for her because he loves her. The challenges of plural marriage.(1:53:47) The image of opening a mother's womb as a manifestation of heavenly power. The sanctity of life is very important to God.(1:58:30) The names of the children of Israel are puns that expose the rivalry between the sisters Rachel and Leah.(2:06:20) Faith in God includes faith in his timing, even for righteous desires. God remembered Rachel and he will remember you.(2:09:11) The Lord (or an angel) tells Jacob to leave Haran. Jacob and Laban hold a contest regarding the fertility of their flocks. Rachel hides Laban's “household gods.”(2:14:41) Jacob's reconciliation with Laban through a covenant.(2:18:38) Jacob asks God for a blessing to endure well and reconcile with Esau in Genesis 32. Jacob wrestles with a “man” or God. A comparison between Jacob's wrestle in Genesis and Enos' wrestle in the Book of Mormon.(2:25:06) Jacob's name is changed to Israel, which can mean “let God prevail.” We also receive a new name when we become followers of Christ and in other times of our lives. The symbol of the embrace. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 361 | Genesis 24-33, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 2-8) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

Eve Harow shares thoughts about birthdays, travels around Israel and treasuring the moments as the word ‘predictable' leaves the room entirely. The meaningful months of Adar and Ramadan coincide this year; is the battle of Israel and Ishmael going to finally play out? Photo Caption: Eve at Joshua's Altar on Mount Eival on her 65th birthday

Today we see the breadth of God's grace and are reminded of how blessed we are as recipients of His special, saving grace.

Tommy Mello hosts a Super Bowl day episode of The Home Service Expert with Ismael Valdez, founder of VE and NextGen (Anaheim), discussing how to scale home service businesses through disciplined marketing, sales process mastery, and operational execution. Ishmael explains how he would evaluate investing in a $20M company by first assessing the energy and leadership of the C-suite/upper management, then reviewing data systems like CRM/ServiceTitan and financials, contrasting this with smaller $4 - $5M owner-driven businesses. They discuss the importance of competitiveness, infrastructure, and recruiting, and Tommy's focus on lead generation and funnel math (booking rate, cancellations, conversion rate), including capacity planning, overstaffing with outbound to fill boards, and lowering cancellations driven by response time. Ishmael emphasizes three core departments: marketing, sales, and operations/customer fulfillment, and argues many operators underperform in marketing and sales. 00:00 The Importance of Client Empowerment 06:03 Marketing as the Foundation of Success 11:53 Managing Seasonality in Business 14:59 Investment Strategies Post-Exit 22:28 Creative Financing and Collaboration 31:14 Market Entry Strategies and Performance Metrics 36:27 Marketing and Brand Recognition 39:06 Sales Techniques and Customer Engagement 49:19 The Power of Personal Branding 55:16 Sales Strategies and Growth Goals

The LORD keeps the promise He has been repeating for twenty-five years when Isaac is conceived and born to Abraham and Sarah. Although Isaac's name does recall his parents' laughter at God's promises, his name also serves as a reminder of the joy at God's gift. After Isaac is weaned, conflict arises when Sarah sees Ishmael laughing. The LORD tells Abraham that it is right to send Ishmael away because the LORD will name Abraham's offspring through Isaac. Still, the LORD takes care of Hagar and Ishmael and keeps the promise He made concerning Ishmael previously.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 21:1-21.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

MESSAGE SUMMARY Learning to Trust God with the Desires of My Heart By Patricia Hudson, M.S. 1) Opening prayer and purpose of the message Patricia opens by thanking God for the day and asking Him to help her speak words that are “seeds”—words that will touch hearts and produce fruit in the lives of both in-person listeners and livestream viewers. Her prayer emphasizes that God's work is corporate and individual: He is speaking to the whole church, but also to each person's specific life, struggles, and calling. She thanks Dr. Bryan Hudson for the opportunity to minister, connecting her message to the church's yearlong focus: “Delight in the Lord, desires of the heart fulfilled.” She references an earlier teaching (Dec. 28) titled “Joy is Delight, Bent for God,” which becomes the foundation for how she develops Psalm 37:4. 2) Starting with the Day 4 devotional: Delight means “bent” With Pastor Hudson's permission, Patricia begins by reading the Day 4 devotional, “Delight in the Lord.” The devotional's key idea is that: God reshapes desires before He fulfills them. “Delight” biblically means to take pleasure in, to incline toward, or to bend. What we delight in is revealed by what pulls us, shapes us, motivates us, and “bends” us—either positively or negatively. This introduces a crucial lens for the entire sermon: delight is not a feeling only—it is a direction. Delight means your inner life is being shaped, inclined, and formed. She stresses that because “to delight is to be bent,” we must pay attention to our desires and discern whether they come from God or from something else. As we delight in the Lord—His character, presence, and promises—God forms us into a “shape” that pleases Him. 3) Relational, not transactional: God gives transformed desires Patricia repeats a major refrain: life with God is relational, not transactional. In other words, Psalm 37:4 is not a “deal” where people delight so God gives a wishlist. Instead: Delighting in God reshapes the heart. What God fulfills is not merely personal ambition, but desires that have been transformed by relationship with Him. She quotes Pastor Hudson's idea that what comes from being “bent” through relationship with God is being granted, bestowed, and entrusted with genuine heart desires. She also highlights another phrase: Jesus refines, aligns, and “calibrates” the heart, so what we increasingly desire reflects God's will. 4) The “bend” metaphor: transformation can be uncomfortable Patricia explains why “bend” matters to her: bending changes shape, and bending is not always comfortable. Depending on age, bending can be easier or harder, but the point is spiritual: Being bent toward God may not feel easy, and the shape we start with may not be the shape we end with, because God is bending us for His purposes. This becomes a pastoral encouragement: discomfort does not mean God is absent—it can mean God is shaping you. 5) The guiding questions: where do desires come from? Patricia invites the Holy Spirit to guide listeners through several reflective questions: What (or who) is the source of my desire? Are there desires of the soul (mind, will, emotions) and desires of the flesh? (Yes—but they are different.) Is “desire” the same as “desires of the heart”? Do desires of the heart come from God? Are heart desires only meant to bless me—or also to bless others? Her direction is clear: this teaching is not merely about getting what we want, but about understanding purpose. 6) Word study: “desires of the heart” as petition flowing from delight Patricia introduces a word study to emphasize that Psalm 37:4 is specific. She explains that the Hebrew term she's focusing on carries the sense of: a heartfelt plea, a request, a petition toward God. She says this word appears only twice in the Old Testament (Psalm 20:5 and Psalm 37:4), which for her underscores that the phrase is purposeful and weighty. Her takeaway: true desires of the heart become petitions God is willing to satisfy when they arise from delight in Him. So she urges people to watch how they use the word “desire”—because we can want many things, but “desires of the heart” in this sense are the kind that rise out of communion with God. 7) Continual desires: God isn't done with you One of her most encouraging points is that the “desires of the heart” concept implies something ongoing—not finished, continual. That excites her because it speaks directly to people who wonder, especially later in life, “Lord, is there still more?” Her answer is yes: as you continue delighting in the Lord, God continues shaping desires and giving zeal and passion to finish your race and fulfill purpose—regardless of age. 8) Abraham and Sarah: a case study in trust, waiting, and purpose Patricia then turns to Abraham and Sarah to show how this works in real life. She frames their story as a living example of learning to trust God with heart desires. a) Genesis 12 — Called to go without knowing God calls Abram to leave his country and go to a land God will show him. Patricia imagines the human reactions: “Where are we going? What are we going to do? Are you serious?” Yet Abram trusts God and goes—at 75 years old, emphasizing again that it is never too late for purpose. b) Genesis 15 — God promises an heir Abram voices concern: “What good are blessings if I have no son?” God responds with the promise of a son and descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram believes, and God counts it as righteousness. c) Genesis 16 — Sarah tries to “help God” Patricia highlights the emotional realism: Sarah is barren, years pass, hope fades, frustration grows. She calls it a picture of what people still do today: desperate people do desperate things. Sarah proposes Hagar as a workaround, and Ishmael is born. Patricia emphasizes that human solutions can create complications and conflict—because it wasn't God's plan. d) Genesis 17 — God reiterates: “I said what I said” This becomes one of Patricia's repeated phrases: God reaffirms His promise. He changes Abram and Sarai's names to Abraham and Sarah, and specifies that Sarah will bear the promised son Isaac. Her point: God has not changed the original promise, even though time passed and mistakes were made. e) Genesis 21 — Isaac is born after 25 years Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90—a 25-year wait from the initial promise. Patricia contrasts this with how impatient people can be: we pray today and struggle to wait even days. But she stresses: waiting is not empty time—something is happening in us. God is preparing people to carry what He promised. She states it plainly: circumstances don't change the promise, and delays don't cancel God's purpose when we remain delighted in Him. 9) Genesis 22 — The test: will you trust God with what you love most? After Isaac arrives—the heart's desire—God tests Abraham: offer Isaac. Patricia frames this as the ultimate picture of her theme: Will you obey God with the desire of your heart? Can you trust the Giver even with the gift? Abraham prepares to obey, declaring in faith that God will provide. God stops him and provides a ram. Then God reaffirms the covenant again: blessing, descendants, and worldwide impact through Abraham's offspring. Patricia's conclusion from this scene: Abraham learned trust over time, and the test revealed where his heart truly rested—in God, not merely the promise. 10) Bigger than personal blessing: prophetic purpose fulfilled in Christ Patricia then lifts the story to its larger meaning: Abraham's longing for an heir was not only personal—it was prophetic. Through Isaac's line comes Jesus Christ. God's promise that Abraham's seed would bless the nations finds fulfillment in Christ. She reads from Romans 4 to emphasize that Abraham's faith was recorded for our benefit, so believers today can trust that God keeps His promises and counts faith as righteousness through Christ. 11) Modern illustrations: “the this” and “the that,” and purpose that blesses others Patricia brings the message into contemporary life through two examples: a) Jan Mitchell's testimony (Jan. 18) She shares Jan's lesson: “You need the this to get to the that.” The journey (“the this”) may be uncomfortable, but it is often necessary for what God intends (“the that”). Patricia highlights the idea that if God gave some things immediately, they would bless only in the moment—but God's goal may be larger: overflow for the world, not just private relief. b) Ophelia Wellington and Freetown Village Patricia describes how a desire to teach African-American history grew into Freetown Village, reaching over one million people through programs. Her point: God can take a desire and unfold it into a life purpose that touches generations. There are “bumps, bends, drop-offs,” but purpose matures through perseverance and trust. 12) Closing invitation: partner with God, don't perform for God Patricia closes by returning to Pastor Hudson's framing: as we delight in Him, we will see the desires of our heart fulfilled. She calls the congregation to accept God's invitation: trust Him do good dwell in the land feed on His faithfulness delight in the Lord commit your way to Him And she clarifies: these are not fleshly works to earn something; we are laborers together with God.     

Are you exhausted from trying to force things to happen in your own strength? Discover how your greatest breakthrough is actually waiting for you to face your fears and start wrestling with God.  In this message by Elliott Warren, we explore why we often try to fulfill God's promises through our own works—just like Abraham did with Ishmael—and why that ultimately limits what God wants to do in our lives. You'll learn the profound difference between casual prayer and the persistent, fervent prayer that truly gets results. By looking at the life-changing story of Jacob wrestling with God, this sermon will equip you to stop striving, let go of what isn't meant for you, and cling to God for your true blessing.  If you're tired of running and ready for a transformation, this message is for you. 00:00:00 - Introduction: Finding Victory in Daily Struggles  00:08:37 - Why God Transforms Us Through Encounters  00:16:20 - The Breakthrough Hiding Behind Your Fears  00:24:25 - The Power of Fervent, Persistent Prayer  00:27:57 - What It Really Means to Wrestle With God  00:46:00 - Stop Trying to Force It: The Lesson of Ishmael  00:53:30 - The Danger of Attaching Your Heart to the Wrong Thing  00:58:08 - How to Let Go and Trust God's Plan If this message encouraged you, please subscribe to our channel and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! #sermon #church #faith #Jesus #christianity #trustinggod #lettinggo #spiritualbreakthrough #wrestlingwithgod #overcomingfear #stopstriving #faithjourney #findingpurpose #christianmotivation #surrender Welcome to the official channel of Cross Culture Global, the digital-first media ministry of Cross Culture Church, led by Pastor Elliott Warren. We believe following Jesus isn't a Sunday tradition—it's a radical way of living in today's world. Our mission is to move beyond motivation to deliver profound biblical teaching with raw, real-life application. We dive deep into the complex and often "off-limits" topics that matter most. What you'll find here: Raw Truth: Deep biblical insights for a today's culture. Global Community: A virtual-first community reaching every corner of the earth. crossculturechurch.com  crossculturechurch.com/give  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TKYUWdiK0N204bF6b4U4w TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crosscultureglobal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossCultureGlobal/

“A Tale of Two Covenants” - a lesson on the story of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, which illustrates the fundamental distinction between life under the law and life in grace. Music: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Lyrics by John Fawcett. Performed by “Crimson Covenant.” Copyright ©TobyLogsdon, 2026

The passage from Galatians 4:21–31 presents a profound theological argument rooted in the story of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, to illustrate the fundamental distinction between life under the law and life in grace. Paul uses this narrative allegorically to show that spiritual identity is not determined by physical descent or human effort, but by faith in God's promise—making believers children of the free woman, Sarah, and heirs of the covenant of grace, not of the covenant of works represented by Hagar and Mount Sinai. The contrast between the two covenants underscores that true freedom comes not through adherence to religious rituals or moral performance, but through faith in Christ alone, and those who seek to add works to salvation are spiritually aligned with Ishmael, the son of the flesh, and thus remain in bondage. The passage warns that such legalism inevitably leads to persecution of those who live by faith, and calls for decisive separation from false teachings, emphasizing that the church must uphold doctrinal purity and that all believers, regardless of background, are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, called to live in the confidence of God's finished work, not their own. This message is both a call to stand firm in gospel freedom and a solemn reminder that eternal inheritance belongs only to those born of the Spirit through faith in Christ.

We learn, from Gen 17, the way that the sign of the covenant relates to the covenant itself. God uses the sign to strengthen our faith, and He honors His sign by taking it seriously. So, we should take the sign seriously, both in being diligent to apply it and meditate upon it, and in taking to heart the hope and comfort of it. The lesson centers on the theological significance of signs and seals—particularly circumcision in Abraham's life and baptism in the lives of believers—as divine means of strengthening faith and reinforcing God's covenant promises. Drawing from Romans 4 and Genesis 17, it emphasizes that these sacraments are not magical rituals but meaningful signs and seals that reinforce faith in God's power to give life to the dead and call into existence what does not yet exist. The narrative traces Abraham's journey from unbelief, marked by the birth of Ishmael through human effort, to renewed faith at age 99, when God reaffirms His covenant and institutes circumcision as a sign and seal of the faith already credited to Abraham. The lesson warns against both the superstitious use of the sacraments and the neglect of their spiritual significance, affirming that their true power lies not in the ritual but in God Himself, Who uses them. It applies this truth to Christian parenting, highlighting how baptism serves as a seal of God's promise to save children by the same grace, through the same faith, that saved their parents.

Get the notes!Understanding Our Inheritance: The Two Covenants of Galatians 4In the life of every believer, there is a fundamental question that must be answered: Are you living by your own effort, or by the power of God's promise? In the Apostle Paul's masterful exposition in Galatians 4:21-31, he takes us back to the book of Genesis to settle this question once and for all. By contrasting the lives of Hagar and Sarah, Paul reveals the radical difference between a life of religious bondage and a life of spiritual freedom.The Flesh vs. The PromiseThe narrative of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, is more than ancient history—it is a spiritual blueprint.The Way of the Flesh: Represented by Hagar and Ishmael, this path relies on human “conniving” and effort to achieve God's approval. It is the path of the Law, given at Mount Sinai, which leads only to bondage.The Way of the Spirit: Represented by Sarah and Isaac, this path relies on a supernatural miracle. Isaac was born not because Abraham was strong, but because God was faithful to His Promise.As children of the “Jerusalem above,” believers today are not under the thumb of legalistic rules. We are heirs to a kingdom, born of the Spirit, and justified by faith in the singular Seed: Jesus Christ.Introducing: The Galatians 4 Comprehensive Study SuiteTo help you dive deeper into these truths, we have packaged a complete set of professional study resources. Whether you are a pastor preparing a sermon series or a student of the Word seeking clarity, this package is designed to move you from the “yoke of bondage” into the “liberty of the Spirit.”What's Inside the Package:Master Outline: A professional, publication-ready breakdown of the text without the “first-person” commentary.Teacher & Student Guides: Annotated guides for instructors and interactive handouts for students to facilitate high-level discussion.Comprehensive Assessment: A 10-question quiz designed to test for theological mastery.Detailed Answer Sheet: A scriptural key that explains the “why” behind every answer, reinforcing the doctrine of Grace.Secure Your Inheritance TodayDon't let the “son of the bondwoman” dictate your standing with God. Understand your identity as a child of the free woman.[Explore the Product Page & Download the Full Suite]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of these chapters.(02:05) Abraham's prophetic call and the symbolism of the mighty tree with sacred associations.(13:26) “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”(14:00) Hebrew word play with laugh, rejoice, and Isaac's name. Doubts and hopes are tied together in this story.(16:36) Abraham bargains with the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah to be saved because he knows the mercy of God.(23:25) The story of Sodom and Gomorrah also portrays God's justice.(24:34) Lot makes efforts to save his family from destruction in Genesis 19.(29:33) Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom cost him his family.(33:41) The troubling narrative of Lot's two daughters and the cave in Genesis 19.30-38.(38:22) Beauty for ashes in Isaiah 61.3. Through tragic experiences, beauty can come to pass. Your origin story is not who you are.(41:48) Genesis 20 is a triplet of the same story. This chapter introduces the Elohist's narrative, a source text most likely related to Lehi's Brass Plates text.(43:04) The long-promised day finally comes and Isaac is born. We should trust and have faith in promises that take time to be fulfilled. The Song of Sarah.(44:57) Hagar and Ishmael are cast out of Abraham's household and they wander in the wilderness. Their water runs out and God shows her a well of water. God helps us, but also wants us to do all we can.(55:22) Complexities, gaps, and anachronisms in Genesis 21. A covenant, a sacred well, and a tree at Beer-sheba are illustrations of temple imagery, connecting the Patriarchs to figures of the temple and visionary experiences.(58:41) The burial of Sarah in Genesis 23. Different ways to read Abraham's “mourning” and “weeping” for Sarah.(1:03:00) The Lord asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac upon Mount Moriah, the foundation stone, Jerusalem's most sacred ground.(1:06:47) We are here to be tested. We will have trials of faith equal to Abraham's.(1:11:05) Isaac is an excellent type of Jesus Christ. Elder Melvin J. Ballard shares his feelings regarding Heavenly Father sacrificing his Son. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 360 | Genesis 18-23, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 23-March 1) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

Hosted by Pastor Josh SorensenCalvary Live is an outreach ministry of GraceFM at Calvary Church in Aurora, ColoradoIf you like what you hear on Calvary Live – don't forget to follow us, and share it with your friends and family!

Message by Kerrie Bunnell, recorded live February 15, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.The Stranger SeenGod sees and hears the ones who are pushed out. God's vision for belonging is bigger, broader, more expansive than we imagine.Read Genesis 12:10-16 - How might this experience have impacted Sarai?When you read Hagar's story with Sarai's experience in mind, how do you understand Sarai's behavior?Why do you think God tells Hagar to go back and endure suffering “under Sarai's hand”? What reaction does this stir in you?What emotion do you sense in Hagar's response to being seen? (16:13)When have you felt seen by God or another person? What response did it move in you?In Genesis 21, God tells Abraham to listen to Sarah and send out Ishmael and his mother. God assures Abraham that God will provide for Ishmael. How have you seen God work through self -protective choices you have made that may have caused harm to others?What transformation do you see in Hagar in verses 21:15-21? What agency is she given?Read Lev 19:33-34. How does the law of Moses address Hagar's story?Genesis 161 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had not given birth to any children, but she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from having children, please sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have a family by her.” Abram did what Sarai told him.3 So after Abram had lived in Canaan for ten years, Sarai, Abram's wife, gave Hagar, her Egyptian servant, to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. Once Hagar realized she was pregnant, she despised Sarai. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You have brought this wrong on me! I gave my servant into your embrace, but when she realized that she was pregnant, she despised me. May the Lord judge between you and me!”6 Abram said to Sarai, “Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai.7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring of water in the wilderness—the spring that is along the road to Shur. 8 He said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She replied, “I'm running away from my mistress, Sarai.”9 Then the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority. 10 I will greatly multiply your descendants,” the angel of the Lord added, “so that they will be too numerous to count.” 11 Then the angel of the Lord said to her,“You are now pregnantand are about to give birth to a son.You are to name him Ishmael,for the Lord has heard your painful groans.12 He will be a wild donkey of a man.He will be hostile to everyone,and everyone will be hostile to him.He will live away from his brothers.”13 So Hagar named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen one who sees me!” 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. (It is located between Kadesh and Bered.)15 So Hagar gave birth to Abram's son, whom Abram named Ishmael. 16 (Now Abram was 86 years old when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.)

After losing his bowling hand (and his dignity) to a vengeful scheme, washed-up pro Roy Munson survives on cheap booze and a comb-over that deserves its own zip code. His luck turns when he discovers Ishmael, an Amish bowling prodigy with a killer hook and zero world experience. The duo embarks on a road trip to Reno, dodging angry landlords and "milking" accidental bulls to reach a million-dollar showdown. To win, Roy must out-hustle his sleazy arch-nemesis, Ernie "Big Ern" McCracken.

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

“Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi.” — Genesis 25:11 Hagar had once found deliverance there and Ishmael had drank from the water so graciously revealed by the God who liveth and seeth the sons of men; but this was a merely casual visit, such as worldlings pay to the Lord in times of need, when […]

Epstein Files, Occult Darkness, Prophetic Counterfeits, and the Coming Isaac Movement | KIB 518 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description  In Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode 518, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake address why the growing exposure of evil—especially surrounding the Epstein scandal and systemic corruption—helps the Body of Messiah understand the seriousness of Mystery Babylon and the coming realities described in Revelation. They also warn believers to move slowly when engaging disturbing material, to stay anchored in Scripture, and to avoid becoming spiritually destabilized by darkness-focused "research." Dr. Lake emphasizes a necessary Word + Spirit balance—because when believers abandon Scripture in favor of experiences, visions, or "prophetic spectacle," they become vulnerable to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4). The episode tackles: why Revelation's judgments are righteous in light of hidden, institutional evil the danger of "Christianized" occult practices (e.g., astral projection rebranded as "getting in the spirit") how God tests His people through signs and wonders (Deuteronomy 13) why much of the modern prophetic movement shows Gnostic-like patterns R.T. Kendall's warning that the charismatic movement became an "Ishmael," and that an "Isaac" is coming—greater, purified, and grounded in truth encouragement for believers waiting on prophetic words: God gives the target, then transforms us to walk in it Prayer: for victims to receive justice and healing, for the Church to regain biblical discernment, and for God to release the coming "Isaac" move of God—marked by holiness, truth, and the presence of the Spirit. ➡️ Stay informed and empowered: www.KingdomIntelligenceBriefing.com

Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God's plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot's wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced. Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah's protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord's watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac's birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God's word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham's household, they are seen as recipients of God's mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah's death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God's promises.

Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God's plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot's wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced. Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah's protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord's watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac's birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God's word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham's household, they are seen as recipients of God's mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah's death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God's promises.

DEFENDANT: Herman Melville  EVIDENCE: Melville Estate Pinot Noir SCENE OF THE CRIME: Santa Rita Hills, and the Big Blue Sea -- Hey friend — pour yourself a glass and come sit with us. In this episode Judge Topher and Judge Rachel finally introduce themselves (yes, really) and then proceed to hijack a $75 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, talk glassware, sniff cherries, sage, pepper and a little eucalyptus, and declare that yes: this bottle is absolutely worth the fuss.   We wander from tasting notes (garnet color, plums, violets, forest-floor complexity) to winery vibes — estate-grown, sustainable farming, family stories — then slip into full literary chaos as we roast, admire, and gently disembowel Herman Melville. Expect idle mutiny, a ridiculous cross‑examination quiz, surprising Melville facts (Mocha Dick!), and the sacred power of the line "Call me Ishmael."   There's a lot of laughing, a little spilled wine, a bonus boxed-Pinot for scientific — ahem, comparative — purposes, and lots of off‑topic delights: antique store finds, dog shenanigans (Hermes is a star), and the kind of tangents you only get when two people drink nice wine and refuse to act like sober adults.   By the end we deliver our verdict: not guilty — this Pinot is a winner. Whether you're here for the wine geekery, the Melville deep dive, or just to feel like you're in the room with two pals roasting each other and solving the mysteries of the sea, this episode's for you. Tell us your White Whale (or your favorite Pinot) — we'll trade you a story and maybe some podcast swag if you're brave.

Genesis 161 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her,“Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son.You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction.12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him,and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

Genesis 21 reveals how God's blessings can sometimes create unexpected burdens in our lives. When Sarah saw Ishmael persecuting Isaac at a celebration, she recognized threats to identity, inheritance, and security that required painful action. Abraham faced heartbreak when God confirmed he must send away Hagar and Ishmael, yet God provided comfort, truth, and renewed promises. In the wilderness, when death seemed certain, God heard their cries and opened Hagar's eyes to see provision that was already there. This story teaches us that God sees our hidden struggles, knows our inner conflicts, and hears our desperate prayers, but His blessings often come through painful obedience rather than comfortable circumstances.⁠CLICK ME: Sermon Outline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIKTOK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thirteen years after Ishmael's birth, the LORD appears to Abram with the news that the birth of the promised child is imminent. The LORD gives both Abram and Sarai new names; they will now be called Abraham and Sarah. As a sign of the covenant the LORD has made with Abraham, the LORD gives Abraham and his descendants circumcision as a reminder that the promised child comes through God's action. Although Abraham laughs at God's promise and suggests Ishmael could be his heir, the LORD confirms that Sarah will bear the son whose name will recall Abraham's laughter. Abraham puts his faith in God's promise into action by receiving circumcision along with his whole household.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 17:1-24.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant include preservation, protection, priesthood, power, a place, and posterity.(09:20) The responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant is to make Christ's name known to the world and help all to obtain priesthood and temple blessings.(19:29) The Lord places Abraham and his posterity, Israel, in the center of the world. Our challenge is to influence the world without being influenced by the world.(29:51) Abraham and Sarah experience “The Hero's Journey.” Sarah's combat with Pharaoh is similar to Eve's battle with the serpent.(39:01) Abraham grants the superior land to Lot. We should be generous with others as was Abraham.(40:32) Anachronisms in Genesis 14 are clues as to when it was written.(43:20) Melchizedek has largely been removed from the Hebrew Bible, but was on the Brass Plates. Melchizedek is a type of Jesus Christ.(49:57) Abraham and Sarah both gave God the benefit of the doubt in regard to his promise of having seed. Like them, we should do all we can to ensure the Lord's promises are fulfilled.(52:49) The ritual cutting of sacrificial animals in Genesis 15 relates to ancient covenant making.(57:53) Abraham's visionary experience included both light and darkness.(1:01:04) The Lord tells Sarai to choose Hagar to bring forth Ishmael. The word used for bringing forth children relates to the idea of “building.”(1:05:40) Circumcision is a token or sign of the covenant given to Abraham.(1:07:04) How El Shaddai (the Almighty God) can be read as a representation of our Divine Mother in Heaven, with blessings connected to children and life. The historical evolution of Israel's view of the nature of God. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 359 | Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 16-22) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

When Sarai sees that she remains barren, she tells Abram to have a child with her maidservant Hagar. If human wisdom thought this would help God keep His Word, the opposite proves true. Abram's family life quickly experiences harm as Hagar runs away. Yet the LORD is quick to find Hagar. He calls her back to Abram's household and makes a promise to Hagar's son. Ishmael's birth to Abram stands as a witness to God's faithfulness in the midst of human unfaithfulness.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 16:1-16.  To learn more about Immanuel in Roswell, visit immanuelroswell.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

In Genesis 21-22, Abraham is confronted with two devastating tests that strip him of the illusion that he can hold everything together by his own effort: first releasing Ishmael into the wilderness, and then placing Isaac on the altar. In both moments, Abraham must accept that faithfulness to God means limiting his control, enduring misunderstanding, and relinquishing even legitimate loves. As he obeys, God proves Himself faithful-not only sustaining Ishmael apart from Abraham's provision, but revealing a ram prepared in advance to spare Isaac. The passage teaches that useful, mature faith withholds nothing from God, accepts short-term relational cost, and ultimately gains a clearer vision of divine provision, pointing beyond Abraham to the greater substitute God Himself would one day provide.

Mitch and Faolan journey into the compromised Megastrucutre in search of the missing Ishmael. At the same time, Ishmael and Feste follow a trail of inexplicable violence to an end more horrifying than either of them could have imagined. Music: Three Chain Links - Magic Hour Kevin MacLeod - Shadowlands 2 - Bridge Naoya Sakamata - Vermilion Pt. 2 - Dark Piano Version Daniel Birch - Breathe Daniel Birch - This Could All be Gone Tomorrow Alexander Nakarada - Fantasy Motion Sergey Cheremisinov - Breath of Death: Part 1 Sergey Cheremisinov - Dybbuk's White Eyes Alexander Nakarada - Apocalypse Blues Alexander Nakarada - Jack the Lumberer Alexander Nakarada - Pseudo Josh Woodward - Fight the Sea (Instrumental Version) Daniel Birch - Kalimba and Feedback Sergey Cheremisinov - Breath of Death: Part 2 Sergey Cheremisinov - Just Run Director's Note: The ORPHEUS Protocol is supported by our generous backers on Patreon: Visit http://www.patreon.com/orpheusprotocol for details. If you enjoy The ORPHEUS Protocol, please consider dropping us a review on iTunes. This is the best way for us to reach a broader audience. The ORPHEUS Protocol releases Monday, provided no community medical emergencies have taken Rob too much away from their desk.  5424

Send a textThe Apostle Paul continues his correction in this letter to the churches in Galatia now comparing the life of freedom in Christ verses the life in subjection to the Law of Moses to Ishmael and Isaac the sons of Abraham.  

When most Christians read the story of Abram, Sarai, Hagar, and Ishmael, Hagar is seen as having a small role in a story that ultimately is not about her. However, upon a closer reading, Hagar plays a central role in God's unfolding relationship with Abram and his family. Hagar's story of survival, hope, and redemption mirrors the experiences of many Black, Indigenous, and Other women of Color in America. www.TheLoftLA.org

A person is being consistently critical of my children. How should I approach this situation? What is the main thing God wants us to know and do in the Christian life? You inspired me to share Christ with someone! Who was Ishmael? Who were his descendants? What's the big takeaway? What is the doctrine of Balaam that believers are warned about in Revelation 2? What are your thoughts on finding God's will for your life? How can I know that I'm praying (and living) with the right motives?

Mitch and Faolan huddle with a most unlikely ally, in order to set their collective sights on a path toward Muninn's defeat. Meanwhile, Ishmael goes to church. Music: Three Chain Links - Magic Hour Matty M - A Shapeless DreamMatty M - Shrouded in Mist Matty M - The VoidDark Fantasy Studio - The CryptDark Fantasy Studio - CommunicationBlack Juggernaut - Black MirrorJosh Woodward - Lafayette (Instrumental)Synth Kid - Far From Home Three Chain Links - Portals Rafael Krux - Horror Mystery Natus - Cure Director's Note: The ORPHEUS Protocol is supported by our generous backers on Patreon: Visit http://www.patreon.com/orpheusprotocol for details. If you enjoy The ORPHEUS Protocol, please consider dropping us a review on iTunes. This is the best way for us to reach a broader audience. The ORPHEUS Protocol releases Monday, provided no community medical emergencies have taken Rob too much away from their desk. 

In this Bible Story, after decades of waiting, Abraham and Sarah have a son named Isaac. Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the wilderness and God saves them. This story is inspired by Genesis 21:8-21. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 21:22 from the King James Version. Episode 15: The promised son Isaac is finally born! In joy, Abraham and Sarah laugh over the amazement of their situation. And when the boy is old enough to be weaned, Abraham gives a feast in his honor! However, Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, is displeased, causing strife between Sarah and Ishmael, leading to Hagar and her son being sent away. But, even in their exile, God would not abandon them. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fr. Mike reads Genesis 20-21, Job 9-10, and Proverbs 2:6-8 and shows us how we can strive for holiness, even in the midst of sin and suffering. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.