Faith Life
What does it mean to develop a life of faith? This fall, we’ll seek to answer that question by exploring the life of Abraham found in Genesis 11-25. In the book of Romans, Paul describes Abraham as the father of faith from his first encounters with God (Romans 4:11-12). When we read the stories in Genesis, however, Abraham is no stilted, plaster saint. He is a rugged nomad, sometimes faithful and sometimes failing in his response to God’s call and promises.
If we want to integrate our faith with everyday life, a good person to look at is Abraham.
The Legacy of Faith
This series concludes with the death of Abraham. We will explore the legacy of Abraham’s faith through the lenses of Genesis and Hebrews 11:8-19, with some slight reflections on the multi-generational aspect of God’s promises and the beginnings of Isaac’s life story in Genesis 24. (Genesis 25:7-11; Hebrews 11:8-19) Sermon Outline “Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.” (Genesis 25:8) Faith…
The Faith of Sarah
Genesis 23:1-20 recounts the death of Sarah and Abraham’s honoring of her by acquiring a special burial place and grieving. Oftentimes, Sarah is remembered for her mistreatment of Hagar & Ishmael and for laughing at God’s promise of a child. But what truly is Sarah’s legacy of faith, and how might we all learn from her about developing a stronger faith life? (Genesis 23:1-20) Sermon Outline Sarah lived 127 years. She was married for over 100 years The Lord is…
Abraham Tested: The Request, The Response, The Result
God provides the promise-child, Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19. Then, he asks Abraham to sacrifice that promise-child. This is one of the most important and powerful passages in the entire Bible. God is faithful to His promises more than we understand and God is faithful in sacrifice more than we can imagine. What does this mean to us and how should we read this passage Christologically (Hebrews 11:17-19)? (Genesis 22:1-19) Sermon Outline ’Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he…
Two Children, a Family and the Interweaving Promises of God
The promise-child is born and named Isaac, which means laughter. The son of the servant woman is sent away. In the midst of these amazing and confusing relationships, God reveals Himself as faithful to both parents and both children. As we talk about orphan Sunday, we will explore themes of God’s faithfulness to children, regardless of the brokenness of parents, as well as how we step forward with God. (Genesis 21:1-21) Sermon Outline “Sarah became pregnant and bore a son…
Praying in the Midst of Promises and Problems
Abraham and Sarah extend hospitality to three divine visitors, where the promise is reaffirmed again. Sarah thinks it’s funny. At the same time, judgment is coming down on Sodom, where Lot lives, and Abraham bargains with God about these things. This will not include much reflection on the final chapter of Lot’s story, which ends with all the typical messiness of those whose lives are turned upside down by loss and grief. How do we live, like Abraham, as a…
Tangible Signs
Here we encounter a third and more specific outline of both God’s covenant promises and the demands laid upon Abram. The reality of the promise will be physically signified in the arrival of the much-anticipated child (‘seed’) of promise. The acceptance of the covenant is tangibly signified through the human activity of circumcision. In the midst of this, God gives new names to this couple: Abraham and Sarah. Woah. What’s up with this? What is God doing here and what…
Human Means for Divine Ends
When Abram and Sarai grow old (Genesis 16:1-18), they begin to think it’s time to take measures into their own hands. This move was culturally appropriate, but God had different plans for achieving his purposes. In the midst of this, God reveals Himself as “The God who sees” to the servant Hagar. What does it mean to wait on the Lord to accomplish His purposes as opposed to living out “God helps those who help themselves”? (Genesis 16:1-18) Sermon Outline…
The Commitment of God
In Genesis 15:1-21, God makes a promise to Abram in Genesis 12 that leads into a deeper covenant agreement in Genesis 15. This message will explore the themes of covenant, what its significance is for us, and how we can also lean on the promises of God. There must be some attention given to Genesis 15:6 – “So Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” What does it look like to have an enduring faith…
Generous Faith
In Genesis 13:1-14:24, Abram and Lot separate, with Abram blessing Lot as he trusts YHWH’s promises to be fulfilled with him regardless of what land he takes. Then, Abram doubles that blessing by rescuing Lot as neighboring forces capture Lot and his family. This message will talk about how God is at work in Abram’s family and how Abram grasped the call that he was blessed in order to be a blessing. This will include some reflection on Melchizedek as…
Fumbling with Faith
we look at Abraham’s fumbling attempt to integrate his faith with everyday challenges in the world around him, particularly life as a nomad with little protection. Both in Egypt and later in the Negev, Abraham tries to protect himself and Sarah but risks blowing everything. This message will emphasize the importance of celebrating God’s grace in our lives and truth-telling even when it is difficult. (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18) Sermon Outline “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot…
God Calling
Abram and his family step away from their homeland and in the midst of their everyday nomadic existence, God appears and calls Abram to a particular role in God’s grand story. This message will provide an overview of the story of God, exploration of God’s calling, and the response of faith. (Genesis 11:27-12:9) Sermon Outline “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and you father’s house- hold to the land I will show you.’” (Genesis…