Introduction Genesis 9:11 – Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. In Genesis 6, we are told that creation was in dire need of a “reset.” As we learned last … Continue reading Grace on the Ark
I. Introduction The Roman Empire conquered by force much of the known world in days leading up to the birth of Jesus. By 37 BC, the Romans placed Herod the Great to rule Judea as a Roman province, with Roman troops stationed in Jerusalem to enforce the peace. After the death of Herod in … Continue reading The Faith of the Centurion
I. Introduction We’ve been studying the life of Abraham lately, and the last time I taught, I encouraged us to rely on the promises of God, for God always fulfills His promises. Our lesson at that time was Abram believing God’s promise that Abram would have more descendants than stars in the sky. Abram … Continue reading Answered Prayers
I. Introduction Open your bible to Genesis 15, and the first two words are, “After this.” After what? Ok, open your bible to Genesis 14. II. A Promise Given, Genesis 15:1-3 Let me summarize what’s happened with Abram recently. In Genesis 14, Abram’s nephew Lot had settled down with his family near Sodom and … Continue reading Waiting on the Promises of God
I. Introduction We’re continuing our study of Genesis, and Chris taught us about the Great Flood last week. Because of the wickedness of man, God sent His wrath in the form of floodwaters to wipe out man’s iniquity. Today, we’re going to talk about a fresh start after the flood, beginning in Genesis 8. II. … Continue reading A Covenant with Noah
But just as we choose our own sin, we also choose our salvation.
Sweet treats for everybody; I'd like to pass out some candy favors today; little pieces of sweetness as a symbol of the wonderful friends we've developed in this class. (For my illustration today, I'll pass out little candy favors to everybody, but "accidentally" overlook Margaret.) Sometimes big conflicts can fracture a relationship. Sometimes, little things … Continue reading Reconciliation
This week we follow Joseph into prison. If we're headed to prison with him, let's recap how we got here. We know that Joseph was born into a family that was trying to follow God's will but at the same time was highly dysfunctional. Joseph had eleven other brothers, born to four different women. His … Continue reading When All Hope Seems Lost
Dysfunctional: abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction within a group. We’ve been studying a dysfunctional family now for the last several weeks. They’re a mess! We had Abraham; Abraham had been promised by God that he would have so many children, as many as there were stars in the heavens. How long did Abraham … Continue reading God’s Dysfunctional Children
As we’ve learned the last few weeks, God has a plan for Jacob. Jacob knows this, too, but he’s still trying to do things his own way and for personal reasons. Jacob was the second son born of Isaac and Rebekah, and God had told Rebekah that the elder would serve the younger. Esau was … Continue reading Wrestling with God
I’m looking for a role model this week. As I studied Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob, I couldn’t help but think, “What is wrong with these people?†First they give us an excellent example of walking with God, then they give us a horrible example. These are the great patriarchs of the bible, yet they … Continue reading God’s Will Be Done Despite Us
We’re reading Genesis 13 and 14 today and following Abram, Sarai, and their nephew Lot around the middle east. Lot’s father had died in Ur in the land of the Chaldees, and Abram had taken Lot in with him on his journey with God. Last week, in Genesis 12, the Egyptian Pharoah asked Abram to … Continue reading Choices We Make
Even though lunch today is at Fajita Flats, I brought along a suggestion from a restaurant I was recently visiting called La Place in Hengelo, The Netherlands. Here’s also a list of today’s specials; I can highly recommend the voorgerecht. (Other handouts go here: the complete menu, shopping flyers, German newspaper, Dutch newspaper, French airport … Continue reading Tower of Babel
Sometimes it can be difficult to remember that God is in control, that God has a plan for us. Let’s open God’s User Manual, Chapter 1, and start at the beginning. Genesis, verse 1:1 begins - In the beginning, God created… Let’s stop right there and discuss just those 5 words. Lately on the New … Continue reading God Loves His Creation
Once upon a time, a very long time ago, in Genesis 14, five kings joined forces. The king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the kings of Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela. For years, the five kings had been pushed around by four other kings, the kings of Shinar, Ellasar, Elam, and Goiim. Because it makes … Continue reading Living in Hope
Chasing the Wind 
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