Podcasts about scripture genesis

God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him. There was only one problem: Abraham didn't know where he was going.Then God promised to make a great nation through Abraham and Sarah. There was another problem: they had no children, and years continued to pass.In Week 2 of The Story, John Gunter follows Abraham's journey from uncertainty and impatience to a growing trust in the faithfulness of God. Abraham asks questions. Abraham and Sarah try to help God's plan along through Hagar. Yet God remains faithful to what He promised.By Genesis 22, Abraham has learned something through those years of waiting. When asked to offer Isaac, the son through whom God promised to build a nation, Abraham still doesn't understand what God is doing. But now he trusts that God can accomplish what seems impossible.His answer is simple: “God will provide.”Faith does not require us to know the how, when, or why. It calls us to trust the God who has proven Himself faithful and take the next step He places before us.Scripture: Genesis 12–35; Hebrews 11:8, 17-19 Series: The Story Week 2: Trusting God When You Can't See the WayEagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus. 

The Story begins where everything begins: “In the beginning, God.”In Week 1 of our journey through The Story, John Gunter explores creation, the fall, Cain and Abel, and Noah. God creates humanity in His image and provides everything they need, yet humanity chooses its own wisdom instead of trusting Him. Sin enters the world and quickly spreads, bringing shame, brokenness, violence, and death.But underneath the Lower Story of human failure, something bigger is happening. In the Upper Story, God continues working. He does not abandon the people He created. He pursues relationship, provides a way forward, and establishes His covenant with Noah.From the opening chapters of Genesis, we begin to see the heart of the entire biblical story: even when humanity walks away from God, God continues working to bring humanity back to Himself.The question Adam and Eve faced is still ours today: Will we trust God's wisdom, or will we choose our own way?Scripture: Genesis 1–9 Series: The Story Week 1: In the Beginning, GodEagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus. 

Family can be one of the greatest sources of joy in our lives, but it can also be the source of some of our deepest pain.Favoritism. Jealousy. Divorce. Rejection. Competition. Anger. Broken relationships. Patterns that seem to get passed from one generation to the next.Joseph knew what it was like to grow up in a dysfunctional family.In Genesis 37, we're introduced to a 17-year-old Joseph and a family filled with tension. His father, Jacob, openly favored him over his brothers. His brothers resented him. Competition and jealousy were everywhere. And before long, that family dysfunction would lead to devastating consequences.But Joseph's story also shows us something incredibly hopeful:Your family history does not have to determine your future.God can take someone from a broken background, transform their life, and use them for a greater purpose.As we begin Joseph's story, we'll discover three truths that can help us deal with the pain and dysfunction in our own families.GOD CAN USE YOU, EVEN IF YOUR FAMILY ISN'T PERFECTUnhealthy family patterns have a way of repeating themselves. Jacob carried dysfunction from his past into his own home, and his children suffered because of it.But you don't have to repeat what you grew up with.With God's help, you can be the person who says, "It stops here."You can break unhealthy patterns and begin a different legacy for the generations that come after you.GOD HAS A CALLING ON YOUR LIFEIn the middle of Joseph's chaotic family life, God began giving him dreams. Joseph couldn't see everything God was doing yet, but God was already preparing him for what was ahead.The same is true for you.God sees you. God loves you. And God has a purpose for your life.Your past doesn't disqualify you from being used by God.GOD'S PROVIDENCE IS AT WORK EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T SEE ITJoseph's story would include rejection, betrayal, false accusations, temptation, disappointment, and years of waiting. Yet behind everything Joseph experienced, God was working.Sometimes we can clearly see what God is doing. Other times, His work is happening behind the scenes.That doesn't mean everything that happens to us is good. It means God is powerful enough to take even the painful and broken parts of our stories and work through them for His purposes.If you've ever thought:"God can't use me.""I'm destined to repeat my family's mistakes.""Nothing good can come from what I've been through.""I'm all alone."Then Joseph's story is for you.Your story isn't over.God can redeem your pain, break unhealthy cycles, and use your life for something greater than you can see right now.

Daily Dose of Hope August 13, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 7   Prayer:  Lord, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth!  We magnify your precious and powerful name.  How often we forget how mighty you are.  You created all.  You created us.  Thank you, Lord, for who you are.  Most of all, thank you for loving us with all our flaws and brokenness.  In all we do, in who we are, help us to be more like you.  We pray for humility, mercy, and compassion.  Help us see others through your eyes.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently deep-diving into the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is Genesis 7.   Judgement day has arrived.  While I am very familiar with this story, it is still hard to read.  People were working and doing their normal routine.  They had no idea what was coming.  But then the floodwaters came.  Everything was destroyed.   There are a few reflections for me in this text:   1.        I'm not always going to understand God's decisions, but I can still trust them.  God knows and sees things that I cannot see.  He has an eternal plan in mind.  He knew what the people were capable of and he decided to do something about it.  That is why he is God and I am not.  But God has always taken care of me and has never let me down.  He has always been faithful.  I can just trust that his way is best.   2.        Our sin grieves God.  God was so upset about the sins of the people.  He hates sin and evil.  He was grieving so much that he wished he hadn't even created humans.  I wonder how often he thinks that today too.  But it does put things in perspective to think that when I sin, God is grieved.   3.        God sometimes asks us to do really big things.  He asked Noah to build an ark on dry land.  Noah was obedient.  How many times does God ask us to do something big for him and we dismiss it or talk ourselves out of it?  I do this a lot!  But if God asks us to something significant, he is going to give us the ability, tools, and strength to do it.  Is God asking you to do something big right now?  Have you asked him?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope August 12, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 6   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come to you today with humble hearts.  We are broken and we need you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you this morning.  Help us set aside distractions so we might hear your voice.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us just focus on Jesus...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently deep-diving into the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is Genesis 6.   The first part of this chapter is very strange.  Let me just go ahead and say that.  Who were the sons of God and the daughters of men?  It is beginning to sound more like Greek mythology than the Bible.  What is going on here?  There are several possible options.   The first theory is that the sons of God are fallen angels.  In the Old Testament, the phrase sons of God elsewhere refers to angels, particularly in the book of Job. But a problem with this theory is Jesus' statement in Matthew 22:30, which indicates that angels do not marry. There really isn't any evidence in Scripture to make us believe that angels have a gender or the ability to reproduce.   Other theories are that the sons of God are powerful human rulers or godly descendants of Seth who intermarried with wicked descendants of Cain.  But human males marrying ordinary human females does not account for why the offspring were "giants" or "heroes of old, men of renown."  Additionally, why would God be so angry as to send the flood if he never specifically forbade these powerful humans or descendants of Seth to marry ordinary human women or descendants of Cain?  It seems that the flood and God's judgment is linked to this section of Genesis 6.  Such harsh consequences points to very horrible sin.  Marriage and mating between fallen angels with human women would seem to qualify.   What about Matthew 22:30 when Jesus says that angels do not marry?  Well, the fact that God's holy angels do not marry does not mean that Satan cannot pervert sexuality in this world.  We've seen in Scripture that angels can appear in human form.  Thus, fallen angels could possibly marry and have sexual intercourse with human women, and it would make sense that God would be really, really angry about that.  I would love your thoughts on this.   This leads into how corrupt the world had become.  Humanity had become so very evil, so much so that God regretted making people.  And God basically decides to clean everything up.  So he has Noah build an ark.  He and his family will be the remnant remaining to restart humanity.   I've had hard conversations with people about this passage.  I mean, what kind of god would kill all the living over all the earth except for one family and a few animals?  How do we explain this to our unbelieving friends?   When we look at this story through modern eyes, it is really harsh.  But we have to at least try to look at through the viewpoint of the ancient audience.  God is incredibly sorrowful, grieving even, over the sinfulness of his creation.  He isn't mean and wrathful, like the gods of the Mesopotamians and the other ancient nations.  He doesn't plan on randomly striking people down.  He is still a saving God.  There is only one faithful person on the earth and God plans to save him and his family.  God is intentional, rather than impulsive.  He has a plan for humanity and he will carry it out.    More on this tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

Daily Dose of Hope August 11, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 5   Prayer: Almighty Father, Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you, that no matter what this week has held, we can come to you and start over.  We are grateful for your forgiveness.  We are so very grateful for your care and your love.  Help us, Lord, to set aside our distractions, to set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the book of Genesis.  Today, our reading is Genesis 5.   This chapter details the family line from Adam to Noah.  It's a lot of names and ages.  If we were to look at the ages of these patriarchs as we understand chronological ages in the modern age, then we are looking at some really, really old people!  And I should mention that some people do take these ages very literally and actually use them to try to date the earth.  Most scholars don't believe that is the intention of the author at all.  The real question we need to examine is:  What do the words mean in the language and culture in which they were written?    If you look at Scripture, sometimes numbers are used like they are today.  Ten cubits actually means ten cubits. But other times in the ancient literature, including the Bible, numbers are used numerologically. That means a number's symbolic value could be used to convey mystical or sacred meanings other than just its numerical value.    If we look at Genesis 5 as a whole, there are really a wide variety of ages mentioned.  Adam lives to be 930, Mahalalel lives to be 895, Jered to 962, and Methuselah to be 969.  If they all were round numbers like 500 or 1000, then that would make us question the implausibility of these ages.  But the ages listed are very, very specific.  What are we to make of this?  This is where I had to do some real research because I'm getting over my head.   This is what BioLogos, a website that deals specifically with science and faith proposed:   There are 30 age numbers we can get from Genesis chapter 5—three numbers for each of ten patriarchs: the age when a son was born, the number of years the patriarch lived after the son was born, and the total number of years the patriarch lived.    The first thing more careful observation reveals about these 30 numbers is that all of them end with the digits 0, 2, 5, 7, or 9. You might not think that is too remarkable until you realize that it eliminates half of the possible numbers. It is like seeing a list of 30 numbers that are all even. We wouldn't think that was a random distribution of numbers. In fact, the odds of getting all thirty numbers to end with just these "approved" digits in a random distribution of ages are about one in a hundred million. That should make us suspicious that Genesis 5 is merely giving a historical report. Something else must be going on here.   One option is attaching some significance to the fact that all of the 30 numbers can be expressed as combinations of the two "sacred" numbers 60 and 7 in terms of years and months. 60 was culturally significant because it was the number that Babylonian mathematics was based on (the influence of this system is still felt today with our 60 minutes per hour and 60 seconds per minute). And 7, of course, has a prominent place in biblical symbolism beginning with the Sabbath. So when we're told that Methuselah was 187 years when he had his son Lamech (v. 25) we can see that 187 = 60+60+60+7 years. And then because 60 months = 5 years, when Adam is said to be 130 years at the birth of his son Seth (v. 3), that can be expressed as (60+60 years) + (60+60 months).   The question is whether it is a better explanation to interpret the numbers as having some symbolic or rhetorical significance to the original audience (even if we don't know what that is), or that they were just a straightforward listing of numbers the way we would use them today. Knowing what we do about the culture, and in the absence of any persuasive reasons for thinking that the ages of these men were so radically different than they are today, it seems that a symbolic or rhetorical interpretation is a legitimate option and maybe even a preferable one.   So, now that we have stretched our brains a bit, I'll stop.  The bottom line is that it's complicated.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Scripture: Genesis 48:1-22+ The Power of our WordsHebrews 11:20–21 NIV+The Power of our ChoicesHebrews 12:16–17+ The Power of JesusRevelation 5:5–6 ESVRevelation 5:9–14 ESV

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 34:1–18, 24–31

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 34:1–18, 24–31

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-25; Series: The Image; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

Daily Dose of Hope August 10, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 4   Prayer:  Abba Father, You are our Creator, Provider, and Sustainer.  Thank you, Lord, for wanting to be in relationship with us. You are a God who sits high and looks low.  You, who are over everything, also care deeply for us.  We are so grateful.  Help us do all we can to glorify you.  We desperately need you, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into Genesis and Exodus.  Right now, we are in the beginning of Genesis; today's reading is Genesis 4.   Let's talk a bit about this chapter.  The sons of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, give God a first fruits offering. A first fruit offering is when we give God the first and best of a harvest or flock before we have used any of it.  So, Abel gives God his best, the fat of his firstborn of his animals, the best of the best; Cain gives God some veggies, but obviously not his best. Why did Cain hold back on God? We don't know, but we begin to get a sense of his heart. So, not surprisingly, God is pleased with Abel's offering but not Cain's. What's interesting is that Cain isn't sorry, he doesn't show remorse. Rather, he gets angry.   So, God confronts Cain and gives him a chance to change his offering. Cain must know the right thing but he is refusing to do it. He is refusing to give God his best. His attitude is terrible. And God knows this. God knows exactly what he is thinking, he knows the anger and jealousy that he has allowed to grow in his heart. And God gives him a warning. "Cain, be careful, because sin in crouching at your door. It is right there. If you don't get this in check, then things are only going to get worse. Watch yourself." But Cain doesn't heed God's guidance.  In fact, he ends up killing his brother!   God decides to punish Cain by making him a wanderer.  He will no longer work the land.  We might think of a wonderer in this instance as a nomadic person.  This means Cain will no longer have the protection of his home and village but will be banished from the land and live a nomadic lifestyle, which means being exposed to all kinds of dangers. And while I think Cain is getting off kind of easy here, he is devastated.   The story ends with a token of God's grace. Cain tells God how scared he is of all that is out there. And God, in his compassion, gives Cain a mark. We have no idea what the mark is but it was a mark that meant he would be protected. No wild tribe could kill him as he slept in his tent. He would go with God's protection. Truly God's grace when he totally didn't deserve it. God is good.   Bottom line:  Cain and Abel had a dysfunctional relationship characterized by comparison and jealousy. And my guess is it didn't start with this one story. The kind of anger and jealousy that Cain demonstrated tends to grow over time.    A few reflections:   ·      Friends, sin is always crouching at our door.  But we have a choice. We don't have to give into it. We don't have to choose sin. There are a lot of things in life that we have no control over, but we always, always have a choice how we respond. Maybe Cain didn't like farming.  God chose that for him and he didn't have a lot of choice there.  But Cain did have a choice when it came to his first fruits.  He did have a choice how he responded to his brother.   This is the thing, we don't typically stumble into sin. We make choices to allow sin to seep into our hearts and lives. Maybe we don't think of it as a choice but it is. We open the door to "small" sins by allowing things to seep into our heart. If I am jealous, if I am bitter, if I harbor serious resentment, if I say unkind things about people behind their back, those things affect our heart. Whether you are aware of it or not, these sins create a wedge between us and God. Not only do they keep us from growing in our walk with Jesus, but they make it so much easier for us to allow more sin to seep in.   ·      God knows our hearts. God knew Cain's heart. There is nothing we can hide from God. Cain couldn't hide his jealousy and greed from God. Even before Cain gave his sub-par veggie offering, God knew. God knew his heart wasn't in it, that he was holding back. God knew that Cain was harboring a lot of anger toward his brother, hence his warning that sin was crouching at the door.   ·      Comparison never turns out well.  Scripture doesn't offer us a lot of details about the relationship between Cain and Abel. I can't help but think there was a history there. A history of comparison. A history of ill will. He obviously compared himself to Abel. But regardless, when we compare ourselves to others, it never turns out well. Either it leads to pride (if we think we're better) or sorrow if we think we are not.  Comparison is the death of joy. Comparison of jobs, comparison of salaries, comparisons of children, comparisons of appearance.. You get the point. Comparison never ends well. This has been the hardest thing for me to learn. That I'm good enough the way I am. That God created me and designed me. And that the only thing that matters is the AUDIENCE of ONE   ·      God's grace is always present. Cain killed someone. The typical punishment for murder would have been death, but God doesn't do that. He makes him a nomad. Even then, Cain is highly distressed that he won't be safe out wandering the area alone. He is worried about being attacked or killed out in the world. So God extends more grace by giving him some kind of mark that would protect him for the remainder of his days.   No matter what we've done, no matter what's been done to us, no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God's grace is always present. God's grace was extended to Cain, God's grace was extended to the complaining Israelites over and over again, God's grace was extended to David, God's grace was offered to the world through Jesus' death on the cross, God's grace is available to us today.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18. In this account we see a snapshot of what it looks like to walk by faith and not by sight.

Daily Dose of Hope August 7, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 3   Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are almighty and all-powerful.  You are God of all and yet you care for us.  Thank you, Lord.  Help us settle our scattered thoughts and be silent before you...Thank you, Jesus.  Please guide us as we reflect on your Word today.  Meet us in the midst of our reading and this devotional.  In Your Name, Amen.      Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We started a new reading plan this week – a deep dive into Genesis and Exodus.  Today's reading was Genesis 3.   Genesis 3 describes what we typically call the fall.  God had designed a perfect world for Adam and Eve. That was the original design. They had food to eat. They wandered around talking to God. There was nothing bad, no sickness, no pain, no problems. Life was perfect. The only thing they couldn't do was decide for themselves the difference between right and wrong – that was God's job.  And while the whole garden was theirs, there was one tree that was off limits.  We could blame Adam and Eve's disobedience on the serpent – I mean, he was crafty.  But it was really their fault.  They knew the rules.  They chose to go a different way.  They rejected God.  They failed to trust that he knew best.   God could have designed it so that Adam and Eve would have been forced to love him and follow his rules. But God wanted them, just like he wants us, to actually choose to love him. Think about what it would be like if you could force someone to love you – is that really love? No, of course not. And God wanted humans to have free choice and to freely choose to follow him. He wanted people to choose to reciprocate his love. Adam and Eve had a choice – they could choose God's path or their own.  When they chose their own way, that is the fall, that is when sin entered the world.   And when sin entered the world with Adam, it became pervasive.  If you compare sin to a disease, there became a pandemic of sin--- it was like Adam messed up and everyone after him did too; everyone after him became infected.  It also certainly pointed out humanity's rebellious nature.  This follows us everywhere.  We will see it in the chapters to come, in all of the Bible, and we see it around the world today.  Sin is everywhere and the consequences of sin are everywhere.  And it gets in the way of our relationship with God.    There is only one answer to sin and that's Jesus.  But more about that to come.   Let's now move into our going deeper discussion with Emmy Roberts...

Daily Dose of Hope August 6, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 2   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We have just begun a new reading plan – a deep dive into Genesis and Exodus.    Yesterday, we talked about the first creation narrative in Genesis 1 and the concept of creation in general.  Genesis 2 actually begins with the end of the first creation narrative.  It says that on the seventh day, God rested after doing all the work of creation.  It then reads, ... God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. I want to be clear here.  God didn't rest because he was tired and needed a nap.  God does not get tired, God never grows weary.  God rested to create a model, or template, for us.  We work for six days and on the seventh day, we rest.  And then God reiterates this in the Ten Commandments, as the fourth commandment is to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.    What is your experience with Sabbath?  I'll be honest.  Until a few years ago, I just didn't take it that seriously.  I guess I treated it like a suggestion.  If I needed to work, I worked.  In ministry, you can literally work every day, all day long, if you so choose.  There is always plenty to do.  But then God got a hold of me.  I was tired and drained, I knew something had to give.  I was not keeping Sabbath.    What I learned is that Sabbath is a gift.  It's a command but it's also a gift that God gives us.  We are more than what we produce.  Our identity is found in God, not in what we do.  I had to learn to trust God to make sure that on my Sabbath, the rest of the world would not fall apart.  That sounds silly, but I do think when we don't remember Sabbath, it's a lack of trust.  But God can take care of it.  He can take care of all of it.  Okay, off the soapbox.  Let's move on.   By verse 4 of chapter 2, we begin the second creation narrative.  Notice the sequence of creation is very different than in chapter 1.  Then, we are introduced to the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve.  Genesis 2 provides a picture of how humans are put in this perfect place, Eden, and given full access to their loving creator.  God is seen as a craftsman, a gardener, and even a builder.  Think about it, God created a perfect world for Adam and Eve, a world without greed, violence, pollution, or death.  It was perfect:  the people of God in the place of God dwelling in the presence of God.  They had community with one another and lived with no shame.  They could do anything they wanted except decide for themselves what is good and what is evil (that was Yahweh's responsibility) AND we know that didn't turn out so well (more on that tomorrow).    Just because creation narrative 1 and 2 are different, does not mean they conflict.  In fact, they were intended to complement each other.  They weren't placed side by side in Genesis by accident.  Remember, the Bible is not a scientific text.  It wasn't intended to provide dates, times, or geological evidence.  It is theological – it teaches us about God and his relationship to us.  In Genesis 1, we get the intro creation narrative.  It really sets us the whole Bible.  Then, in Genesis 2, we learn about Adam and Eve placed in Eden.  We get a picture of God's desire for humans to be in community.  We also get a picture for God's perfect design for his world.  He never intended the world to be broken and sinful – that happens because of our rebelliousness.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope August 5, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 1   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you with humility and expectation as we start a new reading plan, going deep into Genesis and Exodus.  Thank you for the opportunity to read your Word and hear your voice.  We want to hear from you today.    Thank you for another day, another chance to be a change agent in our world, your world.  Guide us, Lord.  Guide our words, actions, and thoughts.  We want to be more like you.  Help us see others as you see them.  We love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  Today, we begin a new reading plan – a deep dive into Genesis and Exodus.  So, we get to go back to the very beginning, really the very beginning of all time – Genesis 1.    In Genesis 1, we read about God creating the world and everything in it in six days and resting on the seventh day (the rest portion is actually in Genesis 2).  God declares everything he made good and the humans were very good.  The human beings were actually made in God's image.  The Scripture is very clear on this.  To be made in God's image is to be made to reflect God's character and values.  And because we are made in his image, this means we have inherent worth.  All human beings, every single person, has value and worth because they are made in the image of the Almighty God.    This text gives a beautiful over-arching picture of creation, emphasizing the transcendence of God, and it provides the introduction for the rest of the book of Genesis and the Bible as a whole.  As we move into Genesis 2 tomorrow, you will see that there really are two different creation accounts.  The purpose of each creation story is different but I believe they actually complement one another.  We will get into that a bit more tomorrow.   What I really want to focus on today is the concept of creation itself because it sets the scene for the whole Biblical narrative.  Just for some context, the Bible wasn't intended to be a science textbook.  The author of Genesis wasn't concerned with chronological or geological details.  The right question for us to ask is not HOW exactly did creation occur.  The author wasn't trying to give us a good answer about dinosaurs or young earth or old earth.  Rather, this was about explaining the truth about who God is and what God expects of his people.  The question is not HOW but WHO and WHY.    It was Yahweh, GOD, who created.  That is clear from the very beginning.  God created the heavens and the earth and then everything on the earth.  But why?    And this is a hugely important question.  Let's start here:  God didn't "need" creation.  He didn't need us; he wasn't lonely.  He didn't create us because he needed a friend.  Maybe that sounds silly but it is critical.  The Biblical picture we have of God is that he is complete and sufficient and flawless, and without any defect or deficiency. That means, before creation and apart from creation, God was completely and flawlessly God.  Remember, he said I AM who I AM.  And the doctrine of the Trinity, which we tend to struggle with, it helps explain God's self-sufficiency.  God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  There was already fellowship there.  Because the Trinity implies in the relationships between the Father and the Son and the Spirit is that God is love and has always been love. 1 John 4:16 emphasizes that , "God is love." Before there was even a world to love, God was love.   Okay – then why did God create?  Colossians 1:16 reads, For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Through him and for him.    I think this is kind of a simplistic analogy but it helps me understand this concept.  Often, when we get married, we have a desire to have children.  I think about Richard and myself.  We knew from the beginning that we wanted to try to have a family.  Why?  Because it was an expression of our love.  Putting our labor and emotions into our family was about love. We didn't have to have children, we didn't necessarily need children, but we truly wanted to have them.  We chose to have them. Creation was an expression of God's amazing love too.  Even though God does not need us, He wanted us.  Just like we are still kind of obsessed with our kids' lives because we love them so dearly, God is still intensely interested in our lives. He deeply and tenderly loves us beyond comprehension—not because He has to (out of need), but because He chooses to (out of love).  "The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).  God rejoices in us!   Creation was also an expression of God's glory. "Glory" describes all the things God is full of—it includes his love but it is also his wisdom, creativity, beauty, strength, compassion—all the things that make him weighty and wonderful, made manifest for us to see and experience.     Throughout the Bible, we see Scripture telling us that God created to demonstrate his glory.  Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Why is it that we see a beautiful sunset and we are in awe?  Or we look at snow-capped mountains and their majesty and we just feel the presence of God in our midst?  Or we experience childbirth and we marvel at how it all worked out so beautifully and perfectly and we say, wow – this didn't happen by chance.  This was not an accident.  Because all of creation – from gorgeous mountains to stars to a beautiful butterfly to the birth of a baby to scientific principles like gravity --- they all declare God's glory, his wisdom, his beauty, and his love, for this world.  When have your experienced God's glory in creation?   We'll stop there for today.  Looking forward to tomorrow!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 33:1–20

Scripture:  Genesis 3:1-3  

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31; Series: The Image; Speaker: Carl Olson, Elder

Scripture: Genesis 43–45:15+ How to truly forgive True forgiveness renounces retaliation.  Mark 11:24–25 NIV True forgiveness desires reconciliation.  2 Corinthians 5:18–19 NIVTrue forgiveness seeks relief and good for the offender.  True forgiveness is enabled by a conviction in the Sovereign grace of God.  Genesis 50:20–21 NIV+ How to Be Truly Forgiven by God Know you can be forgiven.   Receive forgiveness freely because it is freely given.  1 Corinthians 6:9–11Walk in the relief of forgiveness and a commitment to obedience.   If you will rest in this forgiveness, you will have the power to forgive others.  Ephesians 4:31–32 NIV

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 32:22–32

What does the death of Jesus actually accomplish? Throughout church history, Christians have proposed numerous theories of atonement to explain how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus reconcile humanity to God. In this lesson, we examine the major atonement theories before turning our attention to one of the earliest and most influential views held by the early church: Recapitulation. Rather than viewing the cross primarily through the lens of legal punishment, the early church understood Jesus as the New Adam who retraced the story of humanity. Where Adam failed, Jesus remained faithful. By living the truly human life, Jesus renewed humanity and inaugurated a restored relationship between God and mankind. We then connect this ancient understanding of atonement to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Far from being an isolated event, Jesus' immersion repeats a biblical pattern that stretches back to the opening verses of Genesis: • Chaotic waters • The Spirit (Hebrew: ruach) hovering over the waters like a bird • God speaks • The waters are divided • A new creation emerges • Temptation enters • Sin threatens to return creation to chaos This remarkable pattern appears again and again throughout Scripture: Genesis 1–3 (Creation) Noah and the Flood (Genesis 7–8) Israel crossing the Red Sea during the Exodus Israel crossing the Jordan under Joshua at Passover while the river is at flood stage The baptism of Jesus, especially as presented in the Gospel of Mark Seen together, these events reveal a unified biblical story. Jesus' baptism is not merely an example for believers—it is the inauguration of God's new creation. The reconciliation of humanity has begun. Through Jesus, the image of God is being restored, and a renewed humanity is entering God's kingdom. Join us as we uncover the rich biblical patterns that connect Genesis to the Gospels and discover how Jesus fulfills God's plan to reconcile the world to Himself. ---------------------------------------------------- Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/the-biblical-pattern-youve-probably-never-seen Article on Atonement Theories: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_rethinking_atonement_v2.pdf #Atonement #Recapitulation #JesusBaptism #NewCreation #GospelOfMark #Genesis #BibleStudy #BiblicalTheology #AncientContext #FigTreeMinistries

Forgiveness of sin is the heart of redemption in Christ. But that is different than saying God's primary motivation for redemption is forgiveness of sin. In this sermon on “The Glory of God” from Ephesians 1:6, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones remarks that errant thinking places the human being at the center of salvation rather than God. Instead, the glory of God is the great motive that led God to plan and purpose redemption in Christ. Christians are often lethargic about their salvation but Paul says Christians are redeemed to praise Him. Why should Advent illicit praise to God? Chiefly because in the coming of Christ the revelation of God's glory is seen. Although the glory of God is difficult to define, the term implies God's beauty, majesty, splendor, greatness, might and eternity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through various passages in order to demonstrate how this theme runs throughout Scripture (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 40:34–37; Isaiah 6; Luke 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Placing the glory of God at the front of one's mind can have great effects in evangelism. By emphasizing the glory of God in their proclamation of the gospel, Christians shall be much more apostolic in their method. While God is about His glory, the highest manifestation of that glory is found in the salvation of sinners.

Forgiveness of sin is the heart of redemption in Christ. But that is different than saying God's primary motivation for redemption is forgiveness of sin. In this sermon on “The Glory of God” from Ephesians 1:6, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones remarks that errant thinking places the human being at the center of salvation rather than God. Instead, the glory of God is the great motive that led God to plan and purpose redemption in Christ. Christians are often lethargic about their salvation but Paul says Christians are redeemed to praise Him. Why should Advent illicit praise to God? Chiefly because in the coming of Christ the revelation of God's glory is seen. Although the glory of God is difficult to define, the term implies God's beauty, majesty, splendor, greatness, might and eternity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through various passages in order to demonstrate how this theme runs throughout Scripture (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 40:34–37; Isaiah 6; Luke 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Placing the glory of God at the front of one's mind can have great effects in evangelism. By emphasizing the glory of God in their proclamation of the gospel, Christians shall be much more apostolic in their method. While God is about His glory, the highest manifestation of that glory is found in the salvation of sinners. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Scripture: Genesis 42+ Joseph: Getting StrongJames 1:2–4 NIV Hebrews 12:5–11 NIV1 Peter 1:6–7 NIV + The Brothers: Getting Honest Psalm 32:1–5 NIV+ Jacob: Getting More Self-Absorbed

What do you do when the pain doesn't go away?Joseph's story reminds us that while our wounds are real, they don't have to rule our lives. In this message, we explore how God meets us in betrayal, injustice, and suffering—and how the gospel frees us from bitterness, teaches us to trust God's justice, and transforms our deepest pain into a testimony of His redeeming grace.Scripture: Genesis 50:15–21

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 32:1–21

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 31:1–24

What do you do when the very people you counted on let you fall through the cracks?In this powerful episode of The Delivery Room™, Dr. Cheryl Peavy takes us into the story of Leah, a woman who knew what it felt like to be overlooked, unseen, and longing to be loved. Through Leah's story in Genesis, you'll discover that while people may disappoint you, overlook your worth, or fail to show up when you need them most, God never loses sight of His daughters.If you've ever felt forgotten, unsupported, unheard, or like you had to earn your place in someone's life, this episode is for you. Dr. Cheryl also shares a moving excerpt from her book, I'm Not a Tenant—I'm a Daughter, reminding you that your identity is never determined by how people treat you, but by who God says you are.You may have fallen through the cracks of people, but you've never fallen out of the hands of God.Scripture: Genesis 29–30 (The Story of Leah)

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-16,25-57+ Our Sufferings do not negate God's promises.Genesis 12:3Genesis 41:51–52+ What is coming is better than our current circumstances.Romans 8:18Revelation 21:3–4+ Be a faithful stewardColossians 3:17Matthew 25:23+ Care for people+ Speak the truth boldlyGenesis 12:3Genesis 41:56–57

Scripture: Genesis 26:12; 22Message: Faithful People Keep DiggingSpeaker: Min Christopher McClureDate: July 5, 2026Thank you for your continued generosity. Tithes and offerings can be given electronically using:Givelify: Download the free Givelify App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)Cashapp: $mtcalmbc33Follow Mt Calvary Church on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtcalvarynation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtcalvarynationTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/mtcalvarynationAccess bible education and more exclusive content on the church's website: https://www.mtcalvarychurch.lifePastor S.N. Winston, Jr.

Many of us live with the quiet assumption that God can handle our obedience, but not our honesty. We keep our real fears hidden away, worrying that voicing our deepest struggles might prove our faith isn't real.In this message from "The Friend of God" series, Pastor Adam Burton unpacks Genesis 15:1–6 to show what happens when we finally step out of our silent management and speak the raw truth to God's face. Discover why God speaks to the burdens you haven't vocalized yet, how to handle long seasons of waiting, and what it truly means to let your faith be counted as righteousness under the stars.

God, thank you for all the beauty in this world and the people in it. .Scripture: Genesis 1:27Keywords:Creation; humanity; diverse; creative; beautiful; difference; together.Best of, Summer.

Scripture: Genesis 39:20-40:23  + Suffering for God is an invitation into intimacy with God. 1 Peter 4:12–17 NIVGod's presence can sustain you in any suffering, and suffering can bring you into a greater experience of his presence.   “Dedicated to man who prayed to know Christ more richly even if it meant his cancer returned. The next year he experienced the deepest intimacy with Christ he had ever known - and then he died of cancer.” Finding God by Larry  + Every Painful Station is meant for purposeful preparation.  Colossians 3:23 NIV Proverbs 22:29 NIV + Our Sufferings are often the strategic means to bring about God's good ends.  2 Corinthians 1:3–6 NIV + God never forgets his people and never gives up on his purposes.  Isaiah 49:13–16 NIV Romans 8:38–39 NIVJohn 10:28–30 NIV 

This week at our Jackson Campus,  Campus Pastor Mitch Johnson kicks off our new short sermon series, Heroes—a journey through the lives of faithful men and women from Scripture and church history whose examples ultimately point us to the true Hero, Jesus Christ.We pray this message is a blessing to you.For more information about The Point Church, visit us online at www.tothepoint.church.Scripture: Genesis 50:19-21Takeaway: Joseph Is A Hero Because He Understood God's Providence And Grace

This week at our Perdido Key Campus, our special guest and PBBA Executive Director, Jon Huff, kicks off our new short sermon series, Heroes—a journey through the lives of faithful men and women from Scripture and church history whose examples ultimately point us to the true Hero, Jesus Christ.We pray this message is a blessing to you.For more information about The Point Church, visit us online at www.tothepoint.church.Scripture: Genesis 50:19-21Takeaway: When we submit our story to God's story, every story becomes part of His glory.

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 29:31–30:24

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.

Scripture: Genesis 12v1-9, Genesis 12v10–20, Genesis 20v1–18

Today's Scripture: Genesis 21:14–19 What if the help you need is closer than you can see right now? In today's episode, Dr. Alison reflects on the story of Hagar in the wilderness—a woman who had been used, cast out, and left to survive what she did not choose. When the water runs out, Hagar reaches the end of herself. But God hears, draws near, and opens her eyes to a well that was already there. We explore: *Why despair narrows our vision Need help finding the well in front of you?Visit dralisoncook.com/podcast and use the search bar to type in whatever you're carrying today—anxiety, grief, shame, boundaries, resentment, burnout, or anything else that feels heavy. You'll find past episodes and conversations with experts that may offer the next small mercy, resource, or perspective you need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23+ The Lord was WITH JosephGenesis 12:1-3+ 3 Tactics of Temptation-       Persistent-       Persuasive-       Private+ The Genealogy of Jesus ChristMatthew 1:1-2Matthew 1:18-23Hebrews 13:5

Scripture: Genesis 221:1-14 The story from Genesis is about Abraham taking his son Isaac up to the mountain to be sacrificed. But Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son is craziness! Who has been rendered expendable in our zeal for God? When we're driven by a desire to be faithful to God and go too far, real people pay the price. Typically, the most vulnerable among us: widows, orphans, immigrants, women, and children in general, captives, disabled people, queer people, all sorts of people who are pushed to the edges of our society. And when God sees these people bound to altars that we've constructed, God moves on their behalf. When faith takes us too far God provides the means for us to be faithfully generative. We have to face the fact that zeal to be faithful to God will not override God's care and compassion for even the least among us.

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 29:1–30

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14 (NIV)Message: Faithful Fathers Look UpSpeaker: Pastor S.N. Winston, Jr.Date: June 21, 2026Thank you for your continued generosity. Tithes and offerings can be given electronically using:Givelify: Download the free Givelify App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)Cashapp: $mtcalmbc33Follow Mt Calvary Church on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtcalvarynation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtcalvarynationTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/mtcalvarynationAccess bible education and more exclusive content on the church's website: https://www.mtcalvarychurch.lifePastor S.N. Winston, Jr.

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.

Scripture: Genesis 37+ Jacob's Partiality+ Joseph's Prophecy+ The Brother's PlotGenesis 42:21 NIVProverbs 28:13 NIVPsalm 32:1–5 NIV+ Joseph's Plight+ God's ProvidenceEphesians 1:11 NIVGenesis 50:20 NIVPsalm 105:16–19 NIVRomans 8:28 NIVActs 2:22–24 NIV

A sermon from our sermon series, "The Gospel in the Life of Jacob".Scripture: Genesis 27:41–28:5, 28:10–22

In this interval workout, Alisa Keeton invites you to move your body so you can return to your body—and encounter a God who created it. This is not a "have to." It's a get-to. A chance to care for your body, nourish it, and remember that worry and striving lead toward bondage, while presence leads toward freedom. A Question to Begin When was the last time you felt truly seen by God? Because the God who sees… sees you. Today's Scripture

Scripture: Genesis 35:1-15+ The BeginningGenesis 28:20–22 (NIV)+ The Breaking and BlessingGenesis 32:24–28 (NIV)2 Corinthians 1:8–10 (NIV) + The Burying and Building1 John 5:21 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on October 11, 1998. Series: None. Scripture: Genesis 29:15-35. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.