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He was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. — Hebrews 11:9-10 A pilgrim is someone who travels to a place where they long to be. Following a kind of calling, they might journey to a sacred place where they can worship. Or they might move around, ever seeking a place to call home. Followers of Jesus are pilgrims who are called to live for God as they travel through life on their way to their eternal home. The Bible tells about a pilgrim named Abraham, who followed God's call to go and live in a land that God would show him. God led Abraham to the land of Canaan, where he pitched his tent and worshiped the Lord (Genesis 12:1-8). Yet Abraham lived as a stranger and foreigner in that land. His security was not in a plot of land but in the plan of God. He envisioned an eternal city, to which he spent a lifetime traveling. Abraham lived as a pilgrim rather than as a permanent settler. Walking by faith rather than by sight, he modeled what it means to follow the Lord. A pilgrim is different from a settler. Pilgrims never feel totally comfortable with the values and lifestyles of their surrounding cultures. They are careful not to drive their stakes too deeply into the ground. They live with a holy detachment, careful not to hold on to places or things so tightly that they can't go on without them. Pilgrims also regularly long for home. In other words, they live with eternal aspirations, not simply earthly ones. Lord, help us to live in a such a way that we long for heaven but also aim to represent you here each day. Amen.
Message from Dave Hatcher on April 6, 2025
Message from Dave Hatcher on April 6, 2025
Our sermon series through Genesis continued yesterday in chapter 18. Abraham received a visit from the Lord, and He reaffirmed his promise- Sarah will bear a child. Regardless of our inability, the Lord is able. We hope this sermon blesses you in the Lord. Originally March 30th, 2025. Dolan Davis. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.
God tells Abraham and Sarah they will have a child even though they are too old
Sermon on Genesis 25:19-34 titled The Autonomy of the LORD. It was preached by Pastor Brian Hough on January 26hth 2025 at Manhattan Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Manhattan, Kansas. You can learn more at ManhattanPres.com
God has great plans for you and your family. God can do more IN your family, FOR your family and THROUGH your family than you can imagine. A family that knows God and chooses to serve Him wholeheartedly has exponential potential to influence not only churches and communities but also nations and generations for good and for God. We live in a world today that is so self-centred, and even Christians and churches can become very me-centred. The idea that families matter is constantly ridiculed as old fashioned, yet it is the very break up of families that is at the root of so many problems in society, whether in the form of depression, crime, or social and economic disadvantages. Of course, God loves each individual and has personal blessings and plans for each one of us. But we must understand how much the Bible focuses on a much bigger picture of building the best families and family lines in every generation, even in the face of so much previous family dysfunction and trouble. The God of the Bible is often known as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because He is a God who made great family promises to them and to their descendants: promises that also apply to us when we follow Jesus. Galatians 3:29 says: ‘If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.' So, what does this mean for your family, whether you are a two parent or one parent or even a no parent family? 1. Your family can be blessed in every generation (Genesis 12:1-2; Genesis 17:6-8; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:12-14; Genesis 20; Genesis 26:7; Matthew 1) 2. Your family must choose to serve God in in every generation (Genesis 15:5-6; Genesis 17:1,9; Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 26:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Joshua 24:15) 3. Your family can be a great blessing in every generation (Genesis 12:2; Genesis 28:14; Nehemiah 3:12; Ezra 1:5) Apply 1. Your family can be blessed in every generation. The first and foundational book of the Bible is Genesis where we read of God making and repeating His promises of continued family blessing to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-2; Genesis 17:6-8; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:12-14). In short God wants to bless your family no matter how much trouble or dysfunction there has been in your family. If you doubt this, consider some of the problems encountered in Abraham's family and line. Abraham was willing to risk other men sleeping with his wife to save his own life (Genesis 20:2) and his son Isaac did the same (Genesis 26:7). Also, Abraham's wife Sarah told her husband he should sleep with the family maid to have a surrogate child for her, then Isaac's wife deceived him so that her favourite son would get his blessing, and the deceived son Esau was so made he vowed to kill his brother Jacob. Jacob fled for his life and proceeded to deceive pretty much everyone he came in contact with. Two of his sons killed the man who had raped their sister and then wiped out all the men of his town. Ten of Jacob's 12 sons were so jealous of their brother Joseph that they beat him up and sold as a slave. Violence, sexual sin, lying and cheating - this was what this family was like. Yet God had mercy on this family. God helped and blessed this family. From this family Joseph grew up to save his family and nation and many other nations from a great famine. From this family came Israel's greatest King, David, who himself was an adulterer and murderer, and if you read Matthew 1 you will see that it was from this family that One came who would bless all families on earth: the Messiah Jesus Christ. This tells us that God can rescue and restore any family. God can raise up great and godly leaders even if the rest of the family is far from God. There is hope for you. There is hope for your family. It's not too late. It's not too far gone. Even in families which have been dysfunctional for generations, God can suddenly raise up great leaders like Joseph and Josiah in Abraham's family line. Also the Bible shows that although you may have come from a far from Christian family, and you may have messed up yourself, God can get you married into a line of blessing. This is what happened with Rahab the former prostitute and Ruth from a family of idol worshippers. 2. Your family must choose to serve God in in every generation. God wants to bless families but each family needs to be shaped by those who choose to follow the Lord (Genesis 15:5-6; Genesis 17:1,9). This means that we must believe God's word. You need to believe as Abram believed that your family has a destiny. You must live in faith, not fear, for your family, your children and grandchildren, or great grandchildren (Hebrews 11:21). Today there are so many forces at work to pervert, undermine and destroy people, particularly vulnerable children and young people, yet despite all this we must not give way to worry and doubt. For God has another way for us to live, and that is the way of faith. By faith in God's word, we will see a new generation raised up for God: a generation that will experience great deliverance. Also, you need to live in obedience to God's word (Genesis 26:4-5). We need to choose to obey God by training our children in the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). Basically, parents, or a parent, have to train and shape children and decide what goes and what doesn't go in your family even if it is acceptable with other families. When the Israelites were faced with idol worship in Canaan, Joshua made his own position very clear (Joshua 24:15). This was a decision and a determination. If you want your children to be given fully to God, make sure that you lead the way. It is important that children are dedicated to the Lord at an early age. This marks them for God from the beginning of their lives. If you have not done this, you need to do it. As the children grow older renew your vows of dedication as a whole family. Great things can flow from this decision. 3. Your family can be a great blessing in every generation (Genesis 12:2; Genesis 28:14). All through the history of the Israelites, we see that it was through dedicated families that the blessings flowed. Families helped to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:12). Families helped rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:5). Families were at the core of the small group that Christianity was founded on - there were three sets of brothers in the 12 of Jesus: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Matthew and James. Matthew and James may also have been cousins of Jesus. Families have shaped the church and history: the Wesley family in the 18th century; William and Catherine Booth in the 19th century. And families are at the forefront of Christian advance today. God is touching nations through families such as the Castellanos family, the Joel Osteen family, and many others here today. And who knows what God will do when you and your family are fully committed to Him? Today we need more distinctively Christian families. Today choose to believe that God wants to make your family and every family great. For this is how we can strengthen the church and shape the world.
God has great plans for you and your family. God can do more IN your family, FOR your family and THROUGH your family than you can imagine. A family that knows God and chooses to serve Him wholeheartedly has exponential potential to influence not only churches and communities but also nations and generations for good and for God. We live in a world today that is so self-centred, and even Christians and churches can become very me-centred. The idea that families matter is constantly ridiculed as old fashioned, yet it is the very break up of families that is at the root of so many problems in society, whether in the form of depression, crime, or social and economic disadvantages. Of course, God loves each individual and has personal blessings and plans for each one of us. But we must understand how much the Bible focuses on a much bigger picture of building the best families and family lines in every generation, even in the face of so much previous family dysfunction and trouble. The God of the Bible is often known as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because He is a God who made great family promises to them and to their descendants: promises that also apply to us when we follow Jesus. Galatians 3:29 says: ‘If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.' So, what does this mean for your family, whether you are a two parent or one parent or even a no parent family? 1. Your family can be blessed in every generation (Genesis 12:1-2; Genesis 17:6-8; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:12-14; Genesis 20; Genesis 26:7; Matthew 1) 2. Your family must choose to serve God in in every generation (Genesis 15:5-6; Genesis 17:1,9; Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 26:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Joshua 24:15) 3. Your family can be a great blessing in every generation (Genesis 12:2; Genesis 28:14; Nehemiah 3:12; Ezra 1:5) Apply 1. Your family can be blessed in every generation. The first and foundational book of the Bible is Genesis where we read of God making and repeating His promises of continued family blessing to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-2; Genesis 17:6-8; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:12-14). In short God wants to bless your family no matter how much trouble or dysfunction there has been in your family. If you doubt this, consider some of the problems encountered in Abraham's family and line. Abraham was willing to risk other men sleeping with his wife to save his own life (Genesis 20:2) and his son Isaac did the same (Genesis 26:7). Also, Abraham's wife Sarah told her husband he should sleep with the family maid to have a surrogate child for her, then Isaac's wife deceived him so that her favourite son would get his blessing, and the deceived son Esau was so made he vowed to kill his brother Jacob. Jacob fled for his life and proceeded to deceive pretty much everyone he came in contact with. Two of his sons killed the man who had raped their sister and then wiped out all the men of his town. Ten of Jacob's 12 sons were so jealous of their brother Joseph that they beat him up and sold as a slave. Violence, sexual sin, lying and cheating - this was what this family was like. Yet God had mercy on this family. God helped and blessed this family. From this family Joseph grew up to save his family and nation and many other nations from a great famine. From this family came Israel's greatest King, David, who himself was an adulterer and murderer, and if you read Matthew 1 you will see that it was from this family that One came who would bless all families on earth: the Messiah Jesus Christ. This tells us that God can rescue and restore any family. God can raise up great and godly leaders even if the rest of the family is far from God. There is hope for you. There is hope for your family. It's not too late. It's not too far gone. Even in families which have been dysfunctional for generations, God can suddenly raise up great leaders like Joseph and Josiah in Abraham's family line. Also the Bible shows that although you may have come from a far from Christian family, and you may have messed up yourself, God can get you married into a line of blessing. This is what happened with Rahab the former prostitute and Ruth from a family of idol worshippers. 2. Your family must choose to serve God in in every generation. God wants to bless families but each family needs to be shaped by those who choose to follow the Lord (Genesis 15:5-6; Genesis 17:1,9). This means that we must believe God's word. You need to believe as Abram believed that your family has a destiny. You must live in faith, not fear, for your family, your children and grandchildren, or great grandchildren (Hebrews 11:21). Today there are so many forces at work to pervert, undermine and destroy people, particularly vulnerable children and young people, yet despite all this we must not give way to worry and doubt. For God has another way for us to live, and that is the way of faith. By faith in God's word, we will see a new generation raised up for God: a generation that will experience great deliverance. Also, you need to live in obedience to God's word (Genesis 26:4-5). We need to choose to obey God by training our children in the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). Basically, parents, or a parent, have to train and shape children and decide what goes and what doesn't go in your family even if it is acceptable with other families. When the Israelites were faced with idol worship in Canaan, Joshua made his own position very clear (Joshua 24:15). This was a decision and a determination. If you want your children to be given fully to God, make sure that you lead the way. It is important that children are dedicated to the Lord at an early age. This marks them for God from the beginning of their lives. If you have not done this, you need to do it. As the children grow older renew your vows of dedication as a whole family. Great things can flow from this decision. 3. Your family can be a great blessing in every generation (Genesis 12:2; Genesis 28:14). All through the history of the Israelites, we see that it was through dedicated families that the blessings flowed. Families helped to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:12). Families helped rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:5). Families were at the core of the small group that Christianity was founded on - there were three sets of brothers in the 12 of Jesus: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Matthew and James. Matthew and James may also have been cousins of Jesus. Families have shaped the church and history: the Wesley family in the 18th century; William and Catherine Booth in the 19th century. And families are at the forefront of Christian advance today. God is touching nations through families such as the Castellanos family, the Joel Osteen family, and many others here today. And who knows what God will do when you and your family are fully committed to Him? Today we need more distinctively Christian families. Today choose to believe that God wants to make your family and every family great. For this is how we can strengthen the church and shape the world.
On Sunday morning, we saw the establishing of the Noahic covenant. In His kindness, the Lord declares, to man and the earth, that he will never destroy the entire earth with water. As a reminder, he puts the rainbow in the sky. The rainbow has always been a reminder of the Lord's kindness and faithfulness. We hope this sermon blesses you in the Lord. Originally November 10th, 2024. Hank Atchison. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.
Series: Chaos to CovenantTitle: "Are you calling on the name of the Lord?"Scripture: Genesis 6:1-8 & 4:26Gen 4:19-26; 5:1-2Bottom line: The Way of Seth (and Jesus) is to walk with him. We walk with him by calling on and seeking him by grace through faith each day.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONIn the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) epic tale, there are two opposing forces at work--the way of Sauron who wants to enslave all of middle earth and the way of freedom that is very generically portrayed as some Providential power of good. This is not unlike many epic tales of good versus evil. This flows from the early pages of Genesis where we see it displayed as the way of Cain (evil) and the way of Seth (good, hope, prophecy).Genesis 3-5 is not unlike the new Amazon Prime series called the Rings of Power (ROP) which serves as the prequel to the LOTR epic. The ROP sets the stage for the tremendous evil storm coming in and through Sauron which is where the LOTR begins.Throughout the story (LOTR), the main characters Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn all seem to have this unified belief that Providence (my word, not Tolkien's) is at work on their behalf (or that they are working on Providence's behalf), though Tolkien works with super subtly to avoid anything close to an allegory. The true story of Noah and the Ark and the flood (which we'll begin next week) is being set up even now. The tremendous wickedness across the planet at the time of Genesis 6 is unprecedented. And like in the LOTR series, there will be those who seek to rearrange their entire lives around seeking the favor of God, pleasing God, and seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness.What does it mean to "Call on the name of the Lord?"I think it's a posture of humility rooted in the conviction that we need God more than air. A conviction that causes us to arrange/rearrange our lives around his priorities. This is what we see the characters in LOTR do. This is what I see scripture repeatedly calling us to do. It's more than praying, though it is praying. It is earnestly seeking his word, his ways, his will and his wisdom with the intention of putting it into practice daily. It is surrendering your life to the One who saved yours.Are you calling on the name of the Lord daily?Are you seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness daily?Are you finding favor with the Lord daily?Are you pleasing God by believing that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him?Are you surrendering all to Him today?CONTEXTSpiraling from the fall into more and more evil, the Way of Cain is dominating the world stage while they Way of Seth is a mere remnant of people. They don't have much of God's word to live on. They don't have the ways of God spelled out to them. They are in need of lights in the darkness.But they do have a prophecy. A word from the Lord. (Gen 3:15)After seeing the Way of Cain summarized in Cain's evil genealogy, it's followed by the Way of Seth and his genealogy. Adam and Eve are still alive and watching this unfold with I can't imagine how much guilt and anguish over what they've done. The only thing keeping them alive and sane is the hope in the few words of God in Genesis 3:15, "And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers (Jesus); he will crush your head, and you will strike his heal (at the cross)."At the beginning of Seth's genealogy, as Chris mentioned last week, we see God reminding us of how he created us--in his image. We were created God-like. Nothing in all of creation is more like God than humans. Now we're in a state of dreadful depravity. We're born sinners who are capable of incredibly evil attitudes, words and actions. And we don't have to look far to see not only the truth of that but that we're heading downhill towards a level of evil equal to that just prior to the Flood. But this reminder--that we're created in his image--is there to remind us and give us hope. Hope that the Way of Seth--the Way of Jesus--can and will deliver many from sin and death, shame and guilt, hell itself.The whole thing here about the sons of God, daughters of men, and the Nephilim is simply there to show us how bad things had gotten in the world. To show us that things were so bad that God grieved and regretted that he'd created humanity in the first place. As a result, God would wipe out all of creation (except for the ones following the Way of Seth) and re-create the world.SERMON Q. What do I want them to know?A. 1. The utter wickedness all over the earth; how bad we were and areThe consequences of sin are real badThe judgment of God on our sinfulness is holy and justThe depravity of humanity is on full display hereIt's setting the table for God's flood of judgment...and mercyQ. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because it's God's story being written by and through those of us with the humility, faith and courage to live it out. It's a costly journey. Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. 1. Call on the name of the Lord (Gen 4:26)Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (Matt 6:33)Live to please him by grace through faith (Heb 11:6)Enjoy the Lord's favor (Gen 6:8)Follow Jesus (Luke 9:23)Ask yourself these questions:Do I understand the world and epic I'm in?Do I believe God has called me into this story? His-story? History?Do you not see the hand of God working in your life to this end? The end of an unlikely hope that will come through humble, courageous, hopeful men and women, boys and girls, who have hope in their Creator's epic story called life?Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because this is the Pearl of Great Price. This is the Treasure Hidden in a Field. He is worthy of everything in my life. My whole life. Luke 9:23Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Call on the Lrod daily to show you the way.4:26 "At that time, people began to call on the name of the Lord."God is light, life and love. (1 John)Remember who and whose you are in Christ. If you follow Jesus Christ, like follow him words, ways and works, then you'll remember...We're a son/daughter of Adam --born sinners in need of a SaviorBut, we're also a redeemed, forgiven son/daughter of Jesus Christ (the Way of Seth)We're created God-like from birth (in his image) (Gen 1:26-28; 5:1)We're created on purpose for a purpose (Gen 1:26-28; 5:2)Depraved, yes.Unredeemable, no!Unforgivable, no!Being created in God's image means we're more like God than anything else in the universe! Ex. I can't preach this message to any other creature on earth and move them to act like God calls us to. Only people can be inspired by God's word. We have to decide: Do I believe that? Will I act on that belief?Don't look to people to be your heroes. They are not your hope. Jesus is your Hero capital H. He calls us to live heroically (sacrificially) for his glory-not ours.Find favor in God's eyes by walking with God. (Gen 5:21-24; Micah 6:8)CONCLUSIONAre you calling on the name of the Lord each day? Are you seeking first...really seeking first...his kingdom and his righteousness? Are you rearranging your life around his priorities and perspective? This is all just pre-k for the rest of eternity. Do you get that?Examine your life right now. As we soberly remember the price that was paid by Jesus Christ when he died in our place for our sin to free us, he reminds us that he passes the baton to us to share this good news that forgiveness is available to all, though not automatic. If we don't tell them, who will? If we don't live this out, do we really believe it?Bottom line: The Way of Seth (and Jesus) is to walk with him. We walk with him by calling on and seeking him by grace through faith each day.““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIVInvitationHow do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.PrayNOTESThe PatternSee D. J. A. Clines, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, No. 38 (1976), pp. 487, 488. Clines explains that Gerhard Von Rad initially observed a pattern of sin, mitigation, and punishment. Then Claus Westermann discerned another element, that of divine speech. Though he did not include it in the pattern, Clines does. Thus the following chart:I. II. III. IV. SINSPEECHGRACEPUNISHMENTFALL3:63:14-193:213:22-24CAIN4:84:10-124:154:16SONS OF GOD6:26:36:8, 18ff7:6-24FLOOD6:5, 11f6:7, 13-216:8, 18ff11:8BABEL11:411:6f10:1-3211:8Preach the Word, Genesis, Kent Hughes, chapter 1, note 3, p. 625Hamilton puts it this way:"God acts and speaks; man rebels; God punishes; God protects and reconciles." P. 201GOD ACTS & SPEAKS MAN REBELS GOD PUNISHES GOD PROTECTS & RECONCILESOUTLINESN/AQUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWho is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in Genesis, by BethancourtThe Genesis Record, by Henry MorrisThe Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.com“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)Claude.ai
Sermon Outline: "Nothing is Too Hard for the Lord" Genesis 17-18 1. God's Promise to Abraham and Sarah Genesis 17:17-19 Abraham laughed at God's promise of having a son at his old age. Thomas Watson's Commentary: Abraham's laughter reflects human weakness in understanding God's promises, yet reveals God's power to overcome human limitations. God reaffirms the covenant, emphasizing His sovereignty. Key Verse: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) 2. Human Tendency to Bargain with God Genesis 17:18 Abraham attempts to bargain with God over Ishmael, reflecting human fragility. Psalm 50:21: "You thought I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you." We must rest in God's mercy, recognizing no bargains are needed—Christ has secured salvation on the cross. 3. God's Reaffirmation of His Covenant Genesis 18:1-8 The Lord appears in the form of three men (a veiled reference to the Trinity). Abraham gives his best to God, preparing a meal. Application: Offer God our best, not our leftovers. 4. Sarah's Doubt and God's Response Genesis 18:9-12 Sarah laughs at the idea of bearing a child, questioning God's ability. Genesis 18:14: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Cross References: Matthew 19:26: "With God, all things are possible." Romans 4:21: "Fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Application: We must trust in God's promises even when they seem impossible. 5. The Call to Be Salt and Light Genesis 18:13-14 The Lord rebukes Sarah's doubt, reminding her (and us) that nothing is beyond His power. Application: We are called to trust God's plan and be His witnesses, advancing His kingdom no matter where we are. 6. Confession and Repentance Genesis 18:15 Sarah denies her laughter, but God knows the truth. Application: We cannot hide anything from God. Repentance is essential, and we must surrender our doubts to Him. Reflection Questions: Where in your life are you tempted to doubt God's promises, like Sarah? How does Genesis 18:14 challenge that doubt? Have there been times when you tried to "bargain" with God, as Abraham did? How does the cross remind us that no deal needs to be struck? In what ways can you offer your best to God, just as Abraham did with his meal? What are some areas where you might be giving Him your leftovers? How can you practically be "salt and light" in your community, trusting that God will work through you to bring His kingdom?
On Sunday morning, Hank walked through the beginning of Genesis chapter 6. Naturally, there are several questions that come out of the text. Who are the Nephilim? Who are "the Sons of God"? Ultimately, the best part of the story introduces itself in verses 5-8. Mankind was wicked, but Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. We are saved by grace alone. We hope this message blesses you in the Lord. Originally October 13th, 2024. Hank Atchison. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.
This week, Abraham is hospitable and God tells Abraham that Sarah will have a son within the year.
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”Genesis 6:8
“I HAVE GOTTEN A MAN: From the LORD. (Genesis 4:1)." ★ Support this podcast ★
Genesis 4 tells us about Cain and Abel – two brothers, the sons of Adam and Eve, and one killed the other. Abel is an example of one who faithfully obeyed God (Hebrews 11:4). Cain is an example of one who chose to do what was evil instead (1 John 3:12). But what should Cain have done? He could have chosen to do right, or make correction after his initial sin. There were several steps that led Cain away “from the presence of the Lord” (Genesis 4:16). How could this departure have been stopped? And what lessons can we learn from this today?
“I look for your deliverance, Lord” (Genesis 49:18). Many Biblical scholars don't like this verse much. It doesn't fit, you see. Most of Genesis 49 is the record of Jacob blessing his sons from his deathbed. In the middle of this monologue directed towards his sons, he has this line directed towards God, “Lord, I look to you to save me”. It could also be rendered, “I wait in hope for your salvation, Lord God.” There is something very curious about this little prayer: it's the only time the name, ‘The Lord God', is used in this chapter. In fact, it hasn't been used since chapter 39 and it won't be used again until the book of Exodus. We're talking here about the covenant name of God, through which he bound himself to Abraham and his descendants. We also know it as YHWH. The verses surrounding our text make references to attacks. In both attacks, the targets are heels. Is that important? I think so. As you may know, Jacob was the younger twin. He was born, ‘grasping his brother's heel'. Jacob means, “grasping the heel” (Genesis 25:26). Jacob spent much of his life grasping for things, trying to get ahead. This resulted in the breakdown of relationships: first with his brother, then between his wives, then with his uncle and then between his sons. His sons were now following his example. He sees both Dan and Gad, the sons referenced in these verses, in tenuous positions, striking at the heel of those more powerful than they are. Perhaps those thoughts led Jacob to express this hope for deliverance. In this story of Joseph being sold as a slave to Egypt, the Lord God, has been relegated to the shadows. Is Jacob calling upon the Lord to come out into the open? Is Jacob saying that the only hope for his tribe when he dies is the Lord God? “I've made a mess,” it seems Jacob is saying, “Lord, you will need to clean it up.” I think that this may indeed be what Jacob is saying. And it's a good word for today. God's people are still much like Jacob, we make a mess of things. We grasp for things, especially power. Whether its on the school playground, in the sports complex, in the workplace, many of us get sucked in by the desire to be on the top, the most important, most accomplished. Getting to the top rarely happens without pushing others down. Ask non-Christians what they think about us, and the response is rarely positive. The day I prepared this devotion, Bruxey Cavey made it into the local newspaper again. The church he once pastored cannot get abuse liability insurance because of the accusations against him. The ministries have been reduced to online only. The church today is just like Jacob's sons, messed up and making messes. We shouldn't make excuses for any of it. Its bad and we need to acknowledge this. But there is hope, our Lord God, who has bound himself to us in Christ Jesus; he will finish his work of redemption. Like Jacob we cry out, ““I wait in hope for your salvation, Lord God.” And with the Spirit we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.
Message from Alvin Litonjua on February 4, 2024
Jan. 10, 2024 - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? Pastor Bob Claycamp Genesis 18:1-15 | Study #20240110 GUEST
The Word Of The Lord Genesis 4
We remember and celebrate the LWML today. Our Bible Reading of the Day is Genesis 6:11–22; 7:11–24; 8:13–22. Widespread sin and corruption filled the earth, but “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). Following God's command, Noah and his family construct a massive ark, with provisions for an extended journey. The Lord directs each animal kind to board the ark, along with Noah and his family. The fountains of the deep open and rain falls for forty days, swallowing up every living thing. God keeps Noah's family safe from the flood and lands them on a mountain. He gives the rainbow as a sign of His promise to never again flood the whole earth.
As Abraham's spiritual offspring, Christians have been blessed in every way because we are recipients and benefactors of God's covenantal faithfulness.
Saint Athanasius ChurchContra Mundum SwaggerVideo Version
Sunday Morning Worship | July 9, 2023 |
Brother Bradley Hicks - "Hiding From the Lord" Genesis 3:1-8 Sunday morning sermon from June 25, 2023 at Old Union Missionary Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Brother Bradley Hicks - "Hiding From the Lord" Genesis 3:1-8 Sunday morning sermon from June 25, 2023 at Old Union Missionary Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected! Learn more about LV Reach! New to faith? Click here! Learn more about Pastor Derek Neider Follow Derek on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to email Subscribe to the daily devotional Explore recent messages! This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas (formerly Calvary Chapel Las Vegas) find our website. We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.
Friends of the Lord dine with the Lord, are disciplined by the Lord, and dialogue with the Lord.
Sunday Morning Worship | June 11, 2023 |
When the circumstances of life collide with our faith, we have assurance that the promises are true.
Hear Victor Kim preach from Genesis 17:22–18:15 on "Is Anything Too Wonderful for the Lord?" Victor delivered this sermon for Liberti River Wards' May 14, 2023, Sunday worship service continuing its series on Genesis.
Genesis 15:1-21 - - May 9, 2021
The Names of God and Why You Need to Know This... Pastor Todd's website: www.PastorTodd.org To give to this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give ach of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible: EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) – etymologically, El appears to mean “power” and “might” (Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity (Numbers 23:19), jealousy (Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion (Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of “might” remains. ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) – the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1:1). EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: “God Almighty,” “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) – speaks to God's ultimate power over all. ADONAI [ˌædɒˈnaɪ; ah-daw-nahy]: “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) – used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles. YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH [yah-way / ji-hoh-veh]: “LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14) – strictly speaking, the only proper name for God. Translated in English Bibles “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The revelation of the name is given to Moses “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3). YAHWEH-JIREH [yah-way-ji-reh]: "The Lord Will Provide" (Genesis 22:14) – the name memorialized by Abraham when God provided the ram to be sacrificed in place of Isaac. YAHWEH-RAPHA [yah-way-raw-faw]: "The Lord Who Heals" (Exodus 15:26) – “I am Jehovah who heals you” both in body and soul. In body, by preserving from and curing diseases, and in soul, by pardoning iniquities. YAHWEH-NISSI [yah-way-nee-see]: "The Lord Our Banner" (Exodus 17:15), where banner is understood to be a rallying place. This name commemorates the desert victory over the Amalekites in Exodus 17. YAHWEH-M'KADDESH [yah-way-meh-kad-esh]: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy" (Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28) – God makes it clear that He alone, not the law, can cleanse His people and make them holy. YAHWEH-SHALOM [yah-way-shah-lohm]: "The Lord Our Peace" (Judges 6:24) – the name given by Gideon to the altar he built after the Angel of the Lord assured him he would not die as he thought he would after seeing Him. YAHWEH-ELOHIM [yah-way-el-oh-him]: "LORD God" (Genesis 2:4; Psalm 59:5) – a combination of God's unique name YHWH and the generic word for “God” signifying that He is the Lord who is God. YAHWEH-TSIDKENU [yah-way-tzid-kay-noo]: "The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16) – As with YHWH-M'Kaddesh, it is God alone who provides righteousness (from the Hebrew word tsidkenu) to man, ultimately in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who became sin for us “that we might become the Righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). YAHWEH-ROHI [yah-way-roh-hee]: "The Lord Our Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1) – After David pondered his relationship as a shepherd to his sheep, he realized that was exactly the relationship God had with him, and so he declares, “Yahweh-Rohi is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). YAHWEH-SHAMMAH [yah-way-sham-mahw]: "The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35) – the name ascribed to Jerusalem and the Temple there, indicating that the once-departed glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 8—11) had returned (Ezekiel 44:1-4). YAHWEH-SABAOTH [yah-way-sah-bah-ohth]: "The Lord of Hosts" (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7) – Hosts means “hordes,” both of angels and of men. He is Lord of the host of heaven and of the inhabitants of the earth, of Jews and Gentiles, of rich and poor, master and slave. The name is expressive of the majesty, power, and authority of God and shows that He is able to accomplish what He determines to do. EL ELYON [el-el-yohn]: “Most High" (Deuteronomy 26:19) – derived from the Hebrew root for “go up” or “ascend,” so the implication is of that which is the very highest. El Elyon denotes exaltation and speaks of absolute right to lordship. EL ROI [el-roh-ee]: "God of Seeing" (Genesis 16:13) – the name ascribed to God by Hagar, alone and desperate in the wilderness after being driven out by Sarah (Genesis 16:1-14). When Hagar met the Angel of the Lord, she realized she had seen God Himself in a theophany. She also realized that El Roi saw her in her distress and testified that He is a God who lives and sees all. EL-OLAM [el-oh-lahm]: "Everlasting God" (Psalm 90:1-3) – God's nature is without beginning or end, free from all constraints of time, and He contains within Himself the very cause of time itself. “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:2). EL-GIBHOR [el-ghee-bohr]: “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) – the name describing the Messiah, Christ Jesus, in this prophetic portion of Isaiah. As a powerful and mighty warrior, the Messiah, the Mighty God, will accomplish the destruction of God's enemies and rule with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15).
Pastor David shares Wednesday in Dickinson. Continuing on the theme of “Speed Bump” while we look at how to be an obstacle for someone headed toward a path of destruction, we'll examine another aspect of restoration as mentioned in Galatians 6:1 — Interceding for Someone Who's in Trouble. We'll look at how Abraham interceded for Lot, and how that correlates with us interceding for those we love when we're in trouble. ● Lot was with Abraham and Sarah every step of the way: Genesis 12:5-7 ● Abraham refuses to allow strife to enter in: Genesis 13:1-9 ● Lot's decision: Genesis 13:10-12 ● Lot's depravity: Genesis 19:5-7 ● The Mercy of the Lord: Genesis 18:1-3, 16-33 ● Prayer of intercession: ○ We pray with the Holy Spirit's Help: Romans 8:26 ○ 1 Corinthians 14:14 ○ A spirit of wisdom and revelation: Colossians 1:9-12, Ephesians 1:17-23 ● The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of trouble: 2 Peter 2:7-9 ● Conclusion — God delivered Lot for Abraham's sake: Genesis 19:29
Sunday Morning Guest Preacher: Bro. Jason Holley
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But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). Blessings to you, family.
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