Genesis 35:1-15Parallels and Progress Pastor Dave noted that there’s nothing new in this passage. He laid out all the close parallels to earlier passages in Genesis, especially in Chapter 28. But a closer look reveals small differences that indicate spiritual progress in Jacob. Dave asked...
Genesis 33:18 – 34:31Turbulence Ahead Pastor Dave’s sermon was punctuated by an obnoxious buzzer that marked every bad, misguided action in this narrative. The examples of what NOT to do included Dinah seeking out the pagan women of Canaan, Prince Shechem raping Dinah, Jacob...
Genesis 33:1-17A Kumbaya Moment Jacob used to be a conniving cheater who bested his brother twice. Now, by word and action, he takes a humble, submissive position with respect to Esau. Esau used to be a bitter man who hated Jacob and wanted to kill him. Now he is a loving brother who runs to...
Genesis 32:22-32Jacob Wrestles Whom? God invites us to wrestle with Him in trying times – times of fear (like Jacob), disappointment, loss, or suffering. He condescends to lead us, even kicking and screaming, through these challenges. The question is, are we willing? Ask the Lord to...
Under the Hood:Manufacturer’s Warranty Pastor Dave returned to the topic of the importance of the institutional church, focusing on the question: Why are churches the only “dealerships” certified and authorized to service the warranty from our “manufacturer,” God?...
Pastor Shannon used a car wreck as an analogy for suffering. Both are unplanned, unwanted, painful, and common. His goal was to help us think rightly – meaning, biblically – about suffering. Here are suggestions for prayer inspired by his main points: Pastor Shannon noted that we are...
UNDER THE HOOD:OUT OF GAS I am thanking God for a pastor who addresses hard things head-on, who is willing to step on our toes for our own good and for the good of Christ’s church. The problem Pastor Dave tackled on Sunday was apathy about the value and importance of the institutional...
Genesis 32:1-21Hope of Reconciliation The frame around Pastor Shannon’s sermon was the question, Who makes it hard for you to go home for Christmas? … whether you define home in terms of your natural family or your church family. What relationship in your life is fractured? It...
Genesis 31:17-55 In these Jacob-chapters of Genesis, we have repeatedly seen Jacob assume that the blessings in his life – the wives and children, the wealth in flocks and herds, the protection from Laban – were the results of his own decisions and actions. In truth, God was the...
Genesis 30:25-43Undeserved Blessing In this passage, two master tricksters – Jacob and Laban – make a business deal involving flocks of sheep and goats. Then each man slyly tries to gain advantage over the other. Before the deal can be implemented, Laban removes the spotted and...