Podcasts about reading genesis

July 20, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 2:7-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 16:1-22“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There's this Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, where if you eat it, you die in the Garden of Eden. And that kinda feels messed up. Is it a good tree? God said yes. We're not sure. We tend to think that if it's not a trap, it's at least a test. Which says plenty about what you actually think about the God who put it there. We still think He's, if not setting traps for us, at least testing us.A loving God doesn't "test" us with death any more than I, who love you less than God, would test whether or not you remember how a fire drill works by lighting the building on fire. Also, an all-knowing God would know this whole thing plays out poorly. What if the Tree that God called Good was not a test or a trap? What if He called it good because it was given with a good purpose, to reveal who God is? To teach Adam and Eve that all of evil should be contained on a tree for man to behold and know the peace of not having to die because God bore the sin that would kill them for them? What if the tree was good because it was the very first church? Adam and Eve could worship here, celebrate the mystery of the God who hangs evil on the tree that they would not die. The thing is, mystery is only good if you trust the guy behind the curtain. But if the tree wasn't a good thing, then it's pretty solid proof God who put it there wasn't so good either. This is how the serpent tempted. But God met them in the garden, not to destroy, but to promise a child born of woman to hang on a second tree to crush the head of the serpent forever. God saw the tree in the garden. God saw the tragedy that changed you forever. God saw everything that's gone wrong since and hated it too. So He assumes it. Climbs down from heaven to walk up the hill of Golgotha and die on the cross. For you. For them. For those who have faced the tragedies that leave us speechless and bitter and broken. For the forgiveness of all your sins. Your quiet mistrust. Your open rebellion. Jesus died for that. Because God still insists on gathering up all the evil in the world and hanging it on the tree so that death would have no power over us and sin would not define us. Look at the tree of the cross and call it good, because this is who your God is. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What mercy God showed to our race, A plan of rescue by His grace: In sending One from woman's seed, The One to fill our greatest need— For on a tree uplifted high His only Son for sin would die, Would drink the cup of scorn and dread To crush the ancient serpent's head! (LSB 561:3)Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

The pattern that often surprises us most doesn't arrive when we are at our worst. It shows up right when we are at our best. Fresh off an impossible victory, Abram found himself caught between two completely different kings.In this message from "The Friend of God" series, Pastor Adam Burton unpacks Genesis 14:17–24 to expose the subtle trap of worldly compromise. Discover why we must slow down to recognize who truly won our battles, how a transactional mindset blocks us from experiencing grace, and how to walk away from Sodom's offers because your hands are already full of something better.

June 30, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 50:15-21Daily Lectionary: Joshua 5:1-6:5; Acts 10:1-17“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Joseph's brothers had a lot of specks in their eyes. They had gone for two decades without seeing him, after their tempers grew short that dreadful day. Nine of them wanted to kill him outright. Reuben persuaded a change of plan, and they threw him down a dry cistern. (Everyone else thought they were leaving him to die of hunger and thirst; only Reuben had a plan to return after everyone's tempers calmed down.) Then the plan changed again, and they sold Joseph into slavery. That was the last they saw of him for 20 years. Of course, it had gotten worse. Joseph was treated well and completely trusted by his master, only to have the master's wife falsely accuse him of attempted rape. Off to prison he went. By the time Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, Joseph had been a slave or imprisoned for 13 years. Isolation. Cut off from his family, homeland, and language. Loss of freedom. Joseph suffered much, and humanly speaking, had a lot to be angry about.Yet none of the brothers knew or understood the work and timing of God. The Lord was giving Joseph these experiences and placing him in locations that would lead to the saving of lives. Not just his and his family's, but the lives of thousands upon thousands in and around Egypt. Entire peoples were given life and delivered from death through the innocent suffering of Joseph.You would think that after 17 years of living together in the land of Egypt, everyone would be relaxed and trusting at last. But the brothers were fearful that Joseph would come and judge them for all those specks when their father Jacob died. They came before him like beggars, ready to be his servants.The Lord has mercy. In His mercy, He gave Joseph wisdom and understanding to see that the evil deeds done against him were actually setting a plan in motion that would save entire nations. None of them would be alive if it weren't for their past transgressions. As God had forgiven them, so also Joseph had forgiven. I'm sure he even saw the log in his own eye about the arrogance and in-your-face reporting of his boyhood dreams. In truth, we are all beggars. Joseph knew this. He was forgiven. And that forgiveness spilled over to those around him, understanding that God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.For Your Son has suffered for me, Giv'n Himself to rescue me, Died to save me and restore me, Reconciled and set me free, Jesus' cross alone can vanquish These dark fears and soothe this anguish. (LSB 608:3)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

We all know someone who is in trouble but we keep waiting for the perfect moment to step in. Waiting for complete information usually means we never respond at all.In this message from "The Friend of God" series Pastor Adam Burton looks at Genesis 14 to show how Abram rescued his nephew Lot. Discover why we must see the need in front of us and go anyway because God specializes in improbable outcomes.

What do you do when life stops making sense and the panic sets in? Most of us go into survival mode and start scheming to protect ourselves.In this message, Pastor Adam Burton explores one of Abram's darkest moments in Genesis 12. Discover why our self-made plans often cost us what we love most, how fear drives us to compromise, and why God's faithfulness always survives our deepest failures.

June 8, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:1-7:27; John 12:20-36a“But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'” (Genesis 15:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perhaps Abram has a point. At age 75, he was called by God to leave his home and travel to a new land, but life has been fraught with problems. There was a famine, so Abram found himself in Egypt, where that (first) awkward encounter between the Pharaoh and Sarai happened. And then, Abram has to rescue his nephew Lot from war in Sodom and Gomorrah. What about the promises of being a great nation, being blessed, and having his name be great? Ever since Abram listened to God, it has been one issue after another; there doesn't seem to be any follow-through on those promises. In today's reading, God is making promises again: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram pushes back: But God…what will you give me? I don't even have an heir of my own!Here's the thing. We sinners like to develop our own timelines and our own measuring sticks. Abram wanted those promises fulfilled now. He wanted what was coming to him. He wanted proof and assurance that this was going to be worth it. Abram is having doubts; he and Sarai hadn't had a child yet - how could they possibly be the great nation that God had promised? Abram doubts. You and I doubt too. Why is my life full of suffering? Why is the Christian life hard? When will I receive what God has promised? The rest of today's reading is the comfort we need. Abram expresses his doubts, and God hears them! God's character is one of mercy and patience. While Abram had no ‘right' to question God or worry about what was going to happen, God met Abram's question with assurances. God gave Abram more promises - Abram, you will have your own son. You will have more descendants than stars in the sky. And even more amazing - when Abram believes these words from God, God counts his belief as righteousness! What about for you? What about when you ask questions, worry, and doubt? God answers you, too. Remember your Baptism. You are named as a Child of God and covered by Jesus. Go to the Divine Service and hear God's Word of Law and Gospel for you. Be reminded that you are a sinner - one for whom Jesus bled and died. Rejoice that you are a saint and that Jesus' resurrection is yours also. Take and eat Jesus' Body and Blood. Believe in the One who always keeps His promises and always hears your prayers. God is faithful.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He sends me sadness, God is good; His love attends me Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me. (LSB 756:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

We all want to leave a legacy and make a name for ourselves that lasts. But our self-made towers always fall apart in our hands.In this message from Genesis 12, Pastor Adam Burton explains how God called Abram to stop building his own kingdom. Discover why we must trust God with the things we cannot produce, how to view your life through the front windshield, and why you must build your altar even when you are outnumbered.

Worship by Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen.  Reading: Genesis 1:1–2:4a.  Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20.

Homily from the Mass offered Monday, May 25th - 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20- Gospel Reading: John 19:25-34 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

May 27, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 11:1-9Daily Lectionary: Numbers 23:4-28; Luke 22:47-71“Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.” (Genesis 11:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When Noah and his family left the ark, God sent them forth with the blessing He had first given to Adam and Eve; “And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it,” (Genesis 9:7). Maybe it was just sinful pride or perhaps it was out of fear that God would go back on His promise and send another flood upon the earth, Noah's descendants willfully disobeyed God's directions. Instead of multiplying on the earth, they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth,” (Genesis 11:4).In response to this sinfulness, God came down and confused their language, and He dispersed them across the earth. This event not only explains the origins of the different races and languages on the earth, it also teaches us an important lesson about the nature of sin. Sin always causes division. Sin divides us from God, and it divides us from one another. Whether in sinful pride or because we fail to trust God as we should, every sin we commit is a crime against God or our neighbors, or both. We hurt ourselves and we hurt others. Our relationship with God is strained, and our earthly relationships are also hampered. Many of you have probably seen that sin has the power to destroy even the strongest bonds. Thankfully, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit shows us that there is something even stronger than sin, with the power to heal broken relationships and bring us back together. That, of course, is the blood of Jesus, which covers all our sins. When the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles that day, He gave them the ability to preach the Gospel in different languages, so that each person might hear “in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11). With that, the curse of Babel began to unravel. Today, as the Holy Spirit comes to us through God's Means Of Grace, He cleanses us in the blood of Jesus and reconciles us to God. That means that our relationship with God has been restored. God no longer regards us as enemies, but as His own beloved children (Romans 5:10, Ephesians 2:12-13). And with that, God also begins to reconcile us to each other. In forgiving our sins, the Holy Spirit is both teaching and empowering us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:12, Colossians 3:13), so that we might live as God's children, united and at peace with those around us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You reconciled the world to Yourself and have given to Your Church the ministry of reconciliation. Strengthened by Your forgiveness, grant that Your whole Church may live in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.Rev. Aric Fenske, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life.

May 23, 2026

The following reading is from the ⁠⁠⁠ESV AudioBible, read by Michael Reeves⁠⁠⁠.Scripture quotations are from theESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not betranslated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode introduces a way of reading Genesis 1–11 that takes seriously its ancient context. We explore how Genesis functions as a theological challenge to the gods and worldviews of the ancient Near East, and why understanding that world can deepen how we understand creation, flood narratives, and the identity of Yahweh. This is not the only lens for reading Genesis, but it is an important one that helps us hear the force of the text more clearly. Resources and notes are linked below. Resources:Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BxXrWH9kdcPa1lrzz7WjVzBwellrdcbi?usp=sharing

In this episode, we continue reading Genesis 1–11 as a polemic by focusing on creation in Genesis 1 and 2. We look at how the text confronts ancient pagan ideas by showing Yahweh's total supremacy over chaos, sea monsters, heavenly bodies, and human origins. Along the way, we explore themes like the image of God, the seven days, Eden as sacred space, and the deeper theological message behind the creation story. Notes and resources are linked below. Resources:Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wH0PnFmArEdlNZB3fZNa2MTphdp28yLu?usp=sharing

In this episode, we explore Genesis 3 and 4 as part of the broader polemical message of Genesis 1–11. We look at how the fall, the serpent, Cain, Lamech, and the rise of civilization are presented in contrast to ancient Near Eastern ideas about wisdom, life, power, and human progress. Genesis shows that humanity's true problem is not simply mortality, but rebellion against God, and it reveals how sin spreads from personal disobedience into family, culture, and society. Notes and resources are linked below. Resources:Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QDpjpnMQN1iec96abDmj4LAx42PpqnSn?usp=sharing

In this episode, we study Genesis 5–6 as part of the larger polemical message of Genesis 1–11. We explore how these chapters challenge ancient ideas about kingship, heroes, greatness, and the pre-flood world by emphasizing death, corruption, divine judgment, and the spread of sin. Rather than celebrating human fame, Genesis centers the story on humanity's need for God's mercy. Notes and resources are linked below. Resources:Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lnCTe4MQaQi4L1uD54rt3acH_kikXYAA?usp=sharing

In this episode, we conclude our study of Genesis 1–11 as a polemic by exploring the flood, the post-flood world, the nations, Babel, and Abraham. We see how Genesis reshapes familiar ancient themes to proclaim that Yahweh alone is sovereign, judgment is moral, sacrifice is relational, empire cannot save, and God's answer to human pride is covenant grace rather than human achievement. Notes and resources are linked below. Resources:Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ezBHPcVaBkRN9y5BNHApqZvECxFuvHfB?usp=sharing

Homily from the Mass offered Thursday, March 26th -1st Reading: Genesis 17:3-9 - Gospel Reading: John 8:51-59 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

2 Contrasting Realities for You to Grasp Regarding Death 1. Death of a Dream 22 2. Death of One's Delight 23 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 24

March 23, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 22:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 2:1-22; Mark 14:32-52“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.'”(Genesis 22:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Abraham is asked to make the ultimate sacrifice. He is asked to sacrifice his only son, whom he has waited years to receive. Now God says you are to sacrifice him. We know the whole narrative of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham takes Isaac and leaves for the region of Moriah. Abraham binds Isaac and is about to slaughter his son when the Lord intervenes and commands Abraham to do him no harm. Behind them is a ram caught in a thicket, which is then sacrificed instead of Isaac. Abraham names the place, “The Lord will provide.” On that mountain, the Lord provided the sacrifice. As we spend the final week of Lent reflecting on our sins and the need for those sins to be reconciled, we are drawn to a mountain. On Calvary, Christ is sacrificed for the sins of the world. Without the sacrifice, we would perish eternally. In our sinful condition, we are not merely broken; we are dead. We are cut off from God the Father. As Jesus goes to the cross, He carries the sins of the whole world to the cross. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He is the substitute for us. God the Father provides the final sacrifice for your sins. As Jesus speaks those final words, “It is finished,” a declaration is made that there are no more sacrifices needed. The work of redemption is done through the blood of Christ. Abraham untied his son and sacrificed the ram that the Lord provided. The Lord nailed His son, Jesus, whom He loved and was well pleased with, to the cross that we may be set free from the bondage of sin and eternal damnation.You are set free from eternal damnation and bound to the inheritance given to you through Christ's work of redemption. You are baptized into the name of Christ, and you are baptized into His death. If you are Baptized into His death, you are also Baptized into His resurrection. No longer can sin, satan, and the world say you are lost. You are set free in Christ!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If my sins give me alarm And my conscience grieve me, Let Your cross my fear disarm; Peace of conscience give me. Help me see forgiveness won By Your holy passion. If for me He slays His Son, God must have compassion! (LSB 440:5)

Genesis has long been a flashpoint in conversations about science and faith. Is it history? Poetry? Theology? Some combination of all three? For decades, BioLogos has returned to this ancient text as we wrestle with questions about creation, humanity, and God's action in the world. In this episode, Jim Stump sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist and essayist Marilynne Robinson to talk about her recent book Reading Genesis. Robinson approaches Genesis not as a scientific puzzle to solve or a battleground to defend, but as a work of profound literary and theological depth.  Together, they explore the genre of Genesis, the meaning of the creation narratives, the flood story, divine restraint, human freedom, and what it means to be human in light of both Scripture and science. Robinson also shares insights from her broader work, including her reflections on consciousness, the inner life, and the limits—and wonders—of modern scientific thought. Rather than flattening Genesis into either literalism or metaphor, this conversation invites us to read it with patience, imagination, and intellectual humility. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Kyle Booth, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. 

2 Contrasting Realities for You to Grasp Regarding Death 1. Death of a Dream 22 2. Death of One's Delight 23 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 22 & 23

Homily from the Mass offered Friday, March 6th -1st Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a - Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

March 2, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 32:22-32Daily Lectionary: Genesis 18:1-15; Genesis 18:16-20:18; Mark 6:14-34“Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.' But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.'” (Genesis 32:26) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What a wrestling match in Genesis 32! Not the one we would expect. Wasn't the Lord on Jacob's side? Yes, but here it appeared that the Lord was Jacob's adversary. Not exactly what Jacob probably wanted. I mean, his life was already in deadly danger. Why? Well, you may remember when Jacob cut a deal with Esau, his older brother. Esau's birthright for a bowl of vegetable stew. And then, Jacob deceived his dad to get Esau's blessing. Not a happy camper! Filled with rage, Esau threatened to murder his baby brother. A family feud was in process. Jacob didn't want it to escalate to bloodshed! He desired his family to be safe and sound, so he made plans that could possibly cool off Esau's jets. Jacob prayed to the Lord and then sent his family ahead to Esau with loads of goodies.  Jacob, now alone, found himself wrestling all night. No match against a mere man but against the Lord Himself! Throughout the struggle, Jacob had quite the grip. The Lord even touched his hip and put it out of socket, but Jacob refused to tap out. At daybreak, the Lord said, “Let go!” “Not until you bless me,” Jacob yelled! The Lord came through for Jacob as He promised! He gave Jacob the new name “Israel,” which means “he who wrestles with God.” And then, the Lord blessed him. Jacob called the place “Penuel,” which refers to seeing the Lord's face. This wrestler wouldn't share his name even though Jacob wanted that. The name would be shared, though, many years later, by the angel Gabriel with the virgin Mary and her guardian Joseph. Yes, the One that Jacob wrestled with was the One that would come from Jacob's family tree and take down Sin, Death, and Satan for you and me.  We can feel like we're in a wrestling match with the Lord. It can look like God is against us as we get bumps and bruises from the rough and tumble of life. Some days we just limp along. Suffering and sickness tucker us out. Temptations wear us down. Even though it can seem like we're all alone, we're not! Jacob is an example for us. Hold onto the Lord's promises day after day until we see him face-to-face in the resurrection. We will! All of God's promises have their “yes” in Jesus! No promise will ever be broken by the One who has broken the powers of Sin, Death, and Satan by His wrestling match at Golgotha for us. Because Jesus has conquered, we will, too! It's His promise, and His grip on us won't slip. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won; And although the way be cheerless, We will follow calm and fearless, Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland. (LSB 718:1)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

3 Aspects of Relationships to Consider in Your Walk of Faith 1. The Promised Son 1-8 2. The Persecuted Son 9-21 3. The Partnered Servants 22-34 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 22 & 23

Rachel Grandey reads her review, "'A kind of tribute to what we are': A Review of Marilynne Robinson's Reading Genesis." Rachel Grandey is a UK-based doctoral researcher in Extinction Studies, exploring religious perspectives around environment and culture in South East Asia. Her writing has featured in Agape Review, Amethyst Review, Paper Dragon and Monk in the World. She can be found on social media as @RachelGrandey or at rachelgrandey.wordpress.com.

February 23, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 3:1-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 6:1-7:5; Mark 3:1-19“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever played hide and seek with a toddler? They're not very good at it. Either their incessant giggling or their inability to pull their entire body behind the sofa gives up their “hiding” spot in a matter of seconds. How do you respond? You pretend you don't hear the child or that you don't see their rump sticking out from underneath the coffee table because it's all part of the game.However, when Adam and Eve hid from God, it was no game at all. Their Fall into sin destroyed their peace and communion with God, and they hid from him because they were afraid, and rightly so. God couldn't pretend that He didn't see their sin or that it wasn't offensive to Him. Their Fall had consequences.    Adam and Eve's attempts to hide from God were ill-fated. God knew where they were hiding, and He knew exactly why they were trying to hide from Him. And yet, remarkably, God sought them. He called out for them and gave them an opportunity to confess their sin. Instead, it turned into the blame game. Adam blamed Eve (and God)! Eve blamed the serpent! God's creation was destroyed. Even still, this sin was not enough for God to stop loving His creation. Instead, He proclaimed the promise of redemption that would come through the seed of the woman, through Christ. He promised to care for mankind despite their Fall into sin.   We have all inherited the sinful nature from Adam. We know that we cannot hide our sin from God. He sees it all, and it is offensive to Him and deserving of His wrath and condemnation. But we also know that the Savior He promised to send has come. He has taken our sin upon Himself and cleanses us from it.  Although it can be painful for us to admit, we faithfully confess our sins, and God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.      In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Adam we have all been one, One huge rebellious man; We all have fled that evening voice That sought us as we ran . . . But Thy strong love, it sought us still And sent Thine only Son That we might hear His Shepherd's voice And, hearing Him, be one (LSB 569:1, 3)Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

3 Aspects of Relationships to Consider in Your Walk of Faith 1. The Promised Son 1-8 2. The Persecuted Son 9-21 3. The Partnered Servants 22-34 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 22 & 23

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

Many Christians inherit interpretations of Genesis 3 that emphasize guilt and condemnation, but reading the text itself reveals a different story. When Adam and Eve hide in shame after disobeying God, God doesn't abandon them but calls out with love, asking Where are you? This isn't a judge hunting criminals but a parent searching for hiding children. Instead of immediate punishment, God provides clothing and care, demonstrating grace even in the midst of human failure. Reading Genesis through Jesus' lens rather than inherited interpretations shows us a God who pursues us with relentless love, not condemnation.Visit communitybrookside.com or facebook.com/communitybrookside for more information!

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

Can science actually PROVE God exists? Dr. Antony Latham joins us to explore how the cosmos, consciousness, and the complexity of life all point to divine design—and why the Big Bang might be Christianity's best friend.In this episode of Remnant Radio, Joshua Lewis sits down with retired physician and author Dr. Antony Latham to tackle one of the most critical questions facing believers today: Does science contradict Christian faith, or does it actually confirm it? From his own journey as a teenage skeptic who lost faith studying evolution to becoming a Christian in Kenya and diving deep into biology, consciousness, and cosmology, Antony brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between the lab and the sanctuary.​What We Discuss:-The Big Bang & Biblical Creation -Fine-Tuning of the Universe-The Cambrian Explosion-Consciousness & the Soul -Moral Law & Objective Beauty -Miracles & an Open Universe Whether you're wrestling with doubts about faith and science, or you're looking for solid apologetic tools to strengthen your biblical worldview, this conversation will equip you with evidence-based answers rooted in both Scripture and scientific discovery. 0:00 - Introduction1:04 - From Skeptic to Scientist to Believer5:13 - Big Bang: Friend or Foe to Christian Faith?9:20 - Fine-Tuning Arguments & Cosmological Evidence12:17 - String Theory & Multiple Universe Objections14:03 - The Exquisite Precision of Universal Constants15:37 - God of the Gaps Argument Addressed17:04 - Origin of Life & Irreducible Complexity19:30 - Old Earth Creation & Genesis Interpretation22:56 - The Cambrian Explosion & Fossil Record28:03 - Reading Genesis 1 Poetically & Theologically31:17 - Consciousness & Evidence for the Immaterial Soul35:17 - Moral Objectivity, Beauty, & Free Will41:02 - Mind-Body Dualism & Christian Worldview43:03 - Taking Back Science for the KingdomABOUT THE GUEST:

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps:(00:00) Heavenly Father's plan in the premortal council and Jesus’ role as Savior. The Savior sought only the glory of the Father.(06:15) The Serpent (Satan) comes to Eve. The serpent was subtle, a word with many meanings. 2 Nephi 2 explains how agency works its requirements.(13:40) Adam and Eve were commanded to not eat the fruit and to also multiply and replenish the earth. A discussion on these potentially conflicting commands.(20:23) Another view on the divine commandments given to Adam and Eve.(26:01) Eve's temptation and the Fall. Understanding Lehi's discourse on the Fall helps us see how it was a blessing to all mankind.(31:07) Reading Genesis 3 through the lens of the temple and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount will help us see layers of meaning.(45:16) The curse given to the serpent as an allusion to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.(47:39) The curse given to Eve relates to sorrow in conception. Other ways to interpret “He shall rule over thee.” The curse given to Adam.(58:54) Moses 4 introduces the two first laws of heaven: obedience and sacrifice.(1:03:52) Moses 5 shows how Cain’s choices led him down a dark path.(1:10:07) The Mahan principle is converting life into property.(1:15:50) The Lord invited Cain to think about his choices. One lesson from this story for parents is “Don't freak out!”(1:19:54) Hidden meaning in the names of Cain and Abel. Their story can be read as a rivalry between two priesthoods.(1:24:23) The Book of Mormon helps us see that the curse and mark put on Cain was an absence of the Light of Christ or a dark countenance. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 355 | Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 19-25) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

3 Unexpected Interactions to Guide Your Spiritual Growth 1. Unexpected Conversations 18:16-33 2. Unexpected Receptions 19:1-11 3. Unexpected Reactions 19:12-38 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 21

Presented by Lauren Stibgen We are made for work. Think about this: Has there ever been a day you woke up not thinking about doing something? The answer may be a quick yes! If I am honest, I have had days when I wake up dreaming of doing absolutely nothing—being idle, quiet, enjoying leisure—but this quickly fades. Even when we daydream about what we'd rather be doing than going to work, the daydream will typically result in some sort of creation! God's work started in Genesis and is still active today. And as followers of Jesus Christ, each one of us plays a part of this work. Even though God's first perfect work of creation was stained by the fall, God is working still on the redemption of everything that is his. We are often so involved with our career work we forget to think about God's big plan for his kingdom and how we are a very important part of it. Reading Genesis 1, we see God created the heavens and the earth. These creation verses are filled with action! Let there be light, let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place and let dry land appear, let the earth sprout vegetation, let there be lights in the expanse, let the waters swarm with living creatures, let the earth bring forth living creatures. And finally, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness (Genesis 1:26). After doing a lot of work in the creation, God created man in his image. And he immediately set man to work! He put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. God blessed them and God said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:28). After the fall when Adam and Eve ate from the tree God told them not to, they still had to work, but God sent them outside of the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which they were taken (Genesis 3:23). Even with sin, we are still created in the image of God, a working God. No wonder we think about working so much!

In this week's teaching, Ron Toft invites us into the ancient world of Genesis 1–2 and asks a different question than many of us grew up with — not how God made the world, but why this story was told in the first place.We explore the worldview of the early Israelites, the fragility of life in the “little strip of green” they called home, and how the creation story speaks about order, chaos, belonging, partnership with God, and what it means to be human.Rather than a science lesson, Genesis becomes a story about purpose, relationship, and the kind of world we're invited to help create together.Kindred Church is a Christian community gathering in Reno, Nevada. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization. If you believe in the ministry of Kindred Church and would like to support our efforts, visit kindredchurchreno.com/donate to make a contribution. If you'd like to join us for a gathering, please visit kindredchurchreno.com/gatherings for our location and service times.Thanks for listening.

January 5, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 46:1-7Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 65:8-25; Luke 3:1-20“I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Several years ago, I received a Divine Call away from my home state. It was an existential crisis for me to move away, even though I knew it was at the Lord's direction and that He would guide me along the way. Now, I've returned “home” from that “exile” and everything is perfect, right? Of course not! Jacob also doesn't want to leave the Promised Land he had been given by God, even though it was God's plan for him to do so. He wants to stay where he is because that was how he understood God's promise to Abraham, his grandfather. But the Lord's plans for us often follow unexpected detours.Like Jacob, we want to bypass struggle and get straight to glory. We are sure we know better than God how our lives should play out, so we doubt God's plans and direction. Except our all-powerful God isn't tied to one place. Sure, Canaan is the land He promised to Jacob, but this time in Egypt is only one small step on the road of God's people being established for eternity.God told Abraham this would happen (in Genesis 15); it was the plan all along for Jacob's family to live in Egypt for generations and to grow there into the nation that Moses and Joshua would lead back “home.” The Lord God did not desert His people, even when it seemed so. He had a future planned for them from the start, and He guided them to it.In a similar way, the years away from family for me were difficult. Even so, the Lord's work was being done; His great nation was being made in His way and on His schedule. Even now, I'm not really “home.” I won't be until the Last Day when the true Promised Land is revealed in the New Creation.That's the underlying truth of Jacob's move, and of your life. No matter how this world may change for Christians, God's mercy remains unchanged. His guiding hand will lead you home to the inexplicable glory of His presence that you see veiled now in preached Word and Sacramental Gifts, but then face to face.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Steadfast Faith)Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Africa Report 2025 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 18:16-19:38

The following reading is from the ⁠ESV Audio Bible, read by Michael Reeves⁠.Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The following reading is from the ⁠ESV Audio Bible, read by Michael Reeves⁠.Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The following reading is from the ⁠ESV Audio Bible, read by Michael Reeves⁠.Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The following reading is from the ⁠ESV Audio Bible, read by Michael Reeves⁠.Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

4 Marital Features to Build Your Marriage Around 1. Bad Decisions 16:1-16 2. Laughter & Pain 17:15-27 3. Blessings & Regrets 18:1-15 4. Treachery & Grace 20:1-17 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 18:16-20:17

The following reading is from the ⁠ESV Audio Bible, read by Michael Reeves⁠.Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The following reading is from the ESV Audio Bible, read by Michael Reeves.Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠

4 Marital Features to Build Your Marriage Around 1. Bad Decisions 16:1-16 2. Laughter & Pain 17:15-27 3. Blessings & Regrets 18:1-15 4. Treachery & Grace 20:1-17 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 18:16-19:38

4 Marital Features to Build Your Marriage Around 1. Bad Decisions 16:1-16 2. Laughter & Pain 17:15-27 3. Blessings & Regrets 18:1-15 4. Treachery & Grace 20:1-17 Next Week's Reading – Genesis 18:16-19:38

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our Servants & Stewards series on Joseph.Even when life unravels through betrayal, false accusation, and hardship, God's providence is at work — positioning Joseph (and us) exactly where He wants him. God is always with Joseph (and us), even in the darkest prison, and his integrity under temptation becomes the proving ground for future influence.Through Joseph's faithfulness in the small things, we learn that every trial prepared him (and us) for a greater purpose. God's hand is sovereign, His presence constant, and His plan always good.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on October 5, 2025, at 9:30am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:03 Reading Genesis 3904:08 Message: Embracing God's Providence Amidst Trials11:03 The Doctrine of God's Providence17:25 Understanding God's Presence22:35 Integrity in Adversity31:39 Experiencing Jesus' Pain and Persecution32:59 Final Reflections and Prayer

3 Components of God's First Redemptive Covenant with You 1 - The Covenant Components 12:1-3 2 - The Covenant Inauguration 15:1-21 3 - The Covenant Sign 17:1-14 Next Week's Reading - Genesis 12:4-14:24