The Scriptures call us to do two apparently contradictory things: 1) to become all things to all men, that we might by all means save some (1 Cor. 9:22), and 2) to keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). Many churches focus on one command, while ignoring the other. One church is so relatable
This opening devotional for our retreat was a call to open our eyes to the spiritual battle we are in, and to recognize that God's supernatural power is far greater than the power and authorities that oppose God. May we have the faith of Elisha and the righteousness described in Scripture, to see God's Kingdom
Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Them (2 Kings 6:16) View Lesson
Those Who Are With Us Are More Than Those Who Are With Them (2 Kings 6:16) View Lesson
In this passage of Scripture there is much to learn! We see God's hand and Spirit at work in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. We come to the end of Abraham's life and take the time to recognize the legacy of faith and righteousness Abraham left for God's people for all time. We are
Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 23:1-25:26) View Lesson
Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Birth of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 23:1-25:26) View Lesson
At God's command, Abraham takes his beloved son, through whom God has promised to build a great nation, to a mountaintop to sacrifice him on an altar. This is yet another disturbing story. Why would God command such a horrific thing? Why is this in the Bible? Why do the Scriptures include so many specific
In Genesis 21 we find another disturbing story: Abraham casting out his own son Ishmael and his maidservant Hagar, who both nearly die in the desert. While it would be easy to pass over this story, there are significant lessons here, some which Paul explains in Galatians 4. This story offers significant challenges and hope
Sometimes we read the Bible and stumble across a passage that is troubling. We might even wonder why this is included in the Scriptures. This lesson includes two (of three) disturbing stories that take place between the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the birth and sacrifice of Isaac. Yet, in these stories, we learn
This message brings three additional lessons for us from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, beyond what was covered in the prior message. We first learn that the root sin of Sodom that brought about judgment was not sexual sin. Instead we learn that those who lived in Sodom "had pride, excess of food, and prosperous
More Lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:29 cont.) View Lesson
More Lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:29 cont.) View Lesson
There are many lessons for us from this story of Lot and his family, which includes the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Many consider the concept of judgment to be a big joke. Yet Jesus and the New Testament writers spoke (and wrote) directly about judgment with specific reference to Sodom and
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:4-29) View Lesson
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:4-29) View Lesson
The Scriptures teach that no person has ever seen God. Yet in Genesis 18 we learn that Abraham spoke with, washed the feet of, and fed God. What does this mean? This story also provides wonderful examples for us today in the life and character of Sarah, in Abraham's pleading with God for the people
Unusual House Guests for Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18-19:3) View Lesson
Unusual House Guests for Abraham and Lot (Genesis 18-19:3) View Lesson
In Genesis 17, God gives Abraham and God's people the "everlasting covenant" of circumcision. What is this covenant? Does circumcision have anything to do with Christians today? Why should we care? This lesson is packed with the heart of God, foreshadowing of Christ, and an explanation of the circumcision made available to us under the