The Open Word

Alan L. Schafer
  • 2.5 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The teaching ministry of Alan L. Schafer.

  1. Jul 10

    The Book of Genesis - Session 34 - Jacob and Laban Part 1

    Jacob, fleeing his brother's wrath, makes his way north to Padan-Aram to stay with his uncle Laban. On his way, he has his dream of a ladder to heaven, and a confirmation from Yahweh that he is the one through whom the Abrahamic Covenant will flow. Jacob, know as a conniver, meets his equal in Laban, a conniver himself, who tricks Jacob into marrying Leah over Rachel, who bore him four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

  2. Jul 10

    The Book of Genesis - Session 33 - Jacob and Esau - Genesis 37

    In this session, we pick up the account of Jacob and Esau. Since Esau was the oldest, the blessing of the firstborn would normally belong to him. However, with Rebekah's help, Jacob was able to trick Isaac into giving him the blessing of the firstborn. This subterfuge so enraged Esau that he vowed to kill Jacob after Isaac's death, which prompted Rebekah to send Jacob to Padan-Aram to her brother Laban.

  3. Jun 25

    The Book of Genesis - Session 32 - Isaac and Rebekah - Genesis 25–25

    Genesis 25–26 covers the life of Isaac and Rebekah. We read of the death of Abraham, the birth of Jacob and Esau, and Isaac's sojourn in Gerar. Interestingly, the life of Isaac is only recorded in three chapters in Genesis, which makes him the least known of the three Patriarchs. However, the Bible sees him as a man of faith, and the link between Abraham and Jacob.

  4. Jun 25

    The Book of Genesis - Session 31 - The Early Life of Isaac - Genesis 24

    Genesis 24 contains the account of Abraham obtaining a wife for his son Isaac. Unlike Ishmael, Abraham desired that Isaac have a son from their kindred, not from the land as was the case with Ishmael. As a result, he sends his oldest servant, who many believe to be Eliezer, back to where Abraham's brother, Nahor, lived to find a wife from his family.

  5. Jun 11

    The Book of Genesis - Session 30 - Abraham to Isaac - Genesis 24

    In Genesis 24 we find a shift from Abraham as the main character to Isaac. Of all three of the patriarchs, we know the least about Isaac. Nevertheless, he was the bridge from Abraham to Jacob, and the conduit through which passed the Abrahamic blessing.

  6. Jun 11

    The Book of Genesis - Session 29 - Abraham's Test of Faith - Genesis 22

    In Genesis 22 we find the account of Abraham's test of faith where he is told be Yahweh to offer Isaac on an altar as a sacrifice to Him. This was not because Yahweh did not know about Abraham's faith, but instead that Abraham would know of his faith. Of course, Yahweh spared Isaac, providing a lamb instead as a picture of Christ's substitutionary atonement for all humanity.

  7. Apr 29

    The Book of Genesis - Session 28 - The Birth of Isaac - Genesis 20–21

    Genesis 20 records the background of the birth of Isaac. Due to a severe famine in the land, Abraham travels to Gerar where he encounters Abimelech, the king of Gerar. In order to cement a marriage alliance, Abimelech seeks to marry Sarah, as Abraham said she was his sister and not wife. God had to intervene, again, showing that even when we make a mess of things, He ensures things work out.

  8. Apr 29

    The Book of Genesis - Episode 27 - Sodom and Gomorrah - Genesis 18–19

    Genesis 18–19 records the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah along with the story of Lot and his family. Although Lot was what the Bible calls a righteous man, he is a prime example of what happens to oneself, and one's family, when exposed to a wicked culture.

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About

The teaching ministry of Alan L. Schafer.

Information

  • Creator
    Alan L. Schafer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    380
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Open Word