July 19, 2016
THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE: We live in a day when people scoff at the idea of a Holy God who looks at evil and says, “Enough is Enough.”
Genesis
The Story of God: A Good News Bad News Kinda Day
July 11, 2016
God is not absent from the pain and suffering of our world. He did not just get this world going and leave it to its own devices. He cares about the injustice, evil and moral decay that is spiraling out of control in our land. He hears the anguished cries of wives who’ve lost their spouses, of children who’ve lost their fathers, of brothers and sisters like you and me who grieve over evil, who fear for their children and grandchildren. God hears when we cry out to Him over sin and evil. And because He hears, there is hope….
The Story of God: Raising The Bar
June 28, 2016
For Abraham and his household receiving circumcision was an act of obedience that (1) showed you were trusting in God’s promises, (2) declared you were identifying as His people and (3) said you were choosing to live set-apart for God’s purposes to bless the world.
The Story of God: The God Who Sees
June 28, 2016
This story should give us pause. It should make us think twice about doing an end run on God’s will. It should make us think twice about the disappointments and delays we face in life. God had a good reason for delaying the child of promise through Abram. And God just may have a good reason for delaying some of His purposes in your life.
The Story of God: Friend of God
June 18, 2016
Today we live with a lot of uncertainty. Our economy is fickle. Our future as a great nation is not guaranteed. Even our Christian faith regularly comes under attack. These things can make us fearful. But God says to us over and over again in Scripture: Do not fear, I am your shield and your very great reward. His presence calms our fears. His peace shields our hearts. His love for us is perfect. And His perfect love drives out all fear. With Him we are safe, no matter what the future holds.
The Story of God: War and Peace
June 18, 2016
Abram gave all credit for His victory to God, signified by his giving a tithe of the spoils to Melchizedek. He didn’t take anything for himself. He never said, “What’s in it for me?” No, he would rather take nothing so as to protect God’s good name.
The Story of God: The Test of Prosperity
June 5, 2016
By giving Lot his choice of territory and accepting the outcome, Abram had a humble perspective on his prosperity. He knew that all he had acquired had come from the Lord. Abram was content in his faith and it freed him to be generous.
The Story of God: Tests of Faith
May 28, 2016
Fear is the enemy of faith. And when we let fear control us rather than trust, it can lead us to do some pretty questionable things.
The Story of God: Blessed to Be A Blessing
April 13, 2016
This is how Abram is to be a blessing to the nations. Salvation will come through the Jews. Abram was blessed to be a blessing. He is the original sent one of God. And his story is our story. For just as Abram was blessed to be a blessing so are we!
The Story of God: God’s Do Over
April 13, 2016
Not once did Cain admit doing anything wrong. Not once did he confess. Not once did he honor God and do the right thing. He only thought of himself – and that’s what sin does. It hardens your heart against God. And yet, look at the beauty of God’s love in his interaction with Cain. God gave him chance after chance to confess and repent. God showed incredible patience and kindness, and even though Cain had murdered Abel, God gave Cain mercy, not judgment.