Inquiry, Intrigue, and Insult | Genesis 25:22-34

Smooth sailing? That’s not how it worked out for Rebekah, and it’s not likely to work out that way for you and me. She faced trouble, trial and anxiety, finding herself engulfed by overwhelming circumstances though in the center of God’s will and work. What should she do? Complain? Take things into her own hands? Fortunately, she followed the example of her husband, but what about the rest of the family, especially Jacob? He was cool and calculating, crafty and subtle. He seems to be an unworthy and contemptible choice as an instrument of God. And yet . . .

Leaving My What to Whom? | Genesis 25:1-8

One well-respected commentator says that a Christian has no right to leave property and possessions to an unsaved child. Does that idea produce tension in your mind ang heart? Consider a couple of questions. How serious we are in the belief that God owns all we have? Do we actually believe that God is the giver of all we have? Finally, how much do we want that with which we have been entrusted to be under God’s direction, even when we leave it to others?

This Land Is My Land | Genesis 24: 5-7

The blessing of God calls for being in “the place of ‘His’ choosing.” Have you ever considered that idea in your life? Does anyone consider that idea when they accept a new job, or when they move to a new city, or when they make a huge purchase, or when it comes to who they marry, or when they decide which school to attend? I’m not saying it’s always easy to know, but isn’t that the best place to be? Isn’t that the place of greatest blessing and usefulness? Then for crying out loud, get there and stay there.

The Marrying Kind | Genesis 24: 1-4

In the ancient world, parents chose who their children would marry. Do you think going back to such a custom would be advisable today? Since parents no longer make such decisions, do parents bear any responsibility in the choices made by their children regarding a spouse? If so, what are they? Further, does the Bible offer any guidance for single adults who may be praying for and searching for a mate? Believe it or not, Abraham provides valuable direction not only for parents and single adults but also for those who want to be prepared to address such serious issues as they arise.

Abraham’s Crystal Ball | Gen. 22:8 & John 8:56

In John 8 a lengthy conversation took place between Jesus and the Temple officials, a discussion that addressed the significance of Abraham in the life of Judaism. At its conclusion the fissure had grown so wide that the Temple officials picked up stones to throw at Jesus with the intention to kill Him then and there. Why this huge chasm? Did the difference truly matter then and does it truly matter now? The theological scholars debating with Jesus thought they had it all figured out, especially when it came to Abraham, but did they? Do you?

Lay Down Your Weapons and Come Out with Your Hands Up | 2 Peter 1:3-11

In his song, Only the Good Die Young, Billy Joel sang: I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. The sinners are much more fun. If you feel the way Billy Joel feels you just may have a coronary if you listen to this sermon. So, consider this warning: What you are about to hear might be too radical to take seriously. At the same time, what you hear is the key to fulfillment, happiness and success.