Grace Christian Fellowship

Grace Christian Fellowship
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God treasures us. God loves people! Forgiven by God, we get to love him back. One way we do this is through loving other people in Jesus' name. After all, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." We are leading our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play. Our church leaders’ job is to encourage, equip and empower our people to do this each week starting at home and working outward from there. Our aim with this podcast is to encourage, equip and empower our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play for this reason. We believe God is on the move in Charleston. It is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country and we are blessed to be in the middle of it!

  1. APR 12

    Are You Leading People to God? | Genesis 18:16-33

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Are you leading people to God? Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 NIV 2 Peter 2:6-10 Hebrews 13:2 Ezekiel 16:49 1 Cor 3:10-15 Luke 17:31-38 Jude 7 Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. Opening Illustration ( Rowan Atkinson, a legendary icon of comedy, television, and cinema, has left even the world’s richest and most powerful figures stunned—not just with his words, but with decisive action. https://substack.com/@ajw3477/note/c-213026215?r=ogd8w&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action At a glamorous red-carpet gala in Los Angeles on December 20, attended by film moguls, tech billionaires, and Hollywood’s most elite stars, Rowan Atkinson took the stage to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. But instead of offering a conventional acceptance speech, he chose a moment of truth—direct, fearless, and deeply human. He did not thank the Academy. He did not reminisce about Mr. Bean, Blackadder, or decades of global laughter. Instead, Atkinson looked straight into the audience of wealth and influence and declared: “We sit here surrounded by diamonds and artistic glory while the world outside is falling apart. If your voice can move millions and you choose not to use it for those who have no voice, then you are not creating change—you are creating noise.” The room fell into complete silence. Film executives and invited guests sat motionless, struck by the weight of his words. He continued, unwavering: “If you have more than you need, it no longer belongs only to you. Your responsibility is to lift up those who are still beneath you.” And he did not stop at words. That very night, Atkinson announced that all profits from his archived works and future creative projects—estimated at 160 million USD—will be donated to fund children’s health initiatives, climate action programs, and arts education for underprivileged youth. His message was unmistakable: “Legacy is not built on what you earn. It is built on what you give.” In an era when celebrities are often dismissed as hollow symbols, Rowan Atkinson delivered a powerful reminder to the world: true impact is not created by applause, but by easing the suffering of others. Context (Opening Paragraph) Abraham has been entertaining 3 strangers at his tent for most of the day. Two of them are about to leave and head to Sodom to investigate the outcry against the wickedness of that city. They will assist the Lord in deciding the fate of the city. In the meantime, Abraham will have a conversation with God. He will intercede on behalf of those wicked citizens. Abraham will model for us how we are to live so that our lives make a real difference in the world. Just like the affluent were challenged to do by Mr. Bean. Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world. OUTLINE (Genesis 18:16-33) I. Abraham, friend of God. (Genesis 18) Blessed to be a blessing, Abraham... A. Welcomed the stranger. #hospitality #love #care #lead (1-15) Qualified elders are required to be hospitable. Biblical hospitality is primarily geared towards strangers. B. Taught his household. #instruction #education #discipleship #feed (17-19) Qualified elders are to be able to teach the word. We start discipleship with our immediate family members and work out from there. Abraham was like the mayor, CEO and pastor of 1,000 people. Ultimately, he would bless the world. C. Interceded on behalf of Sodom. #mercy #intercession #prayer #mission #protect (16, 20-33) To intercede means to stand in the gap on behalf of others for their good. To intercede spiritually means to stand in the gap between them and God for their good. This is key to being an effective missionary. CONCLUSION My freshman year at college, when I was sitting in that auditorium at the end of the Christian concert, with my Christian friends, thinking I was a Christian the whole time, I heard the gospel message preached clearly for the first time. At that time, more than any other reason, I was drawn by the idea that I could make a real difference in this world. It just required surrender rooted in faith that God through Jesus Christ could use me to make some of that difference our world needed. So I stood and trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior believing that his way of making a difference in our world was the best way...maybe the only way. Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world. So, Welcome the Stranger. Teach your household. Intercede for the world. Are you leading people close to you to God? Are you welcoming people into your life? Your home? Are you teaching your household how to be salt and light by doing what is right and just? Are you actively and prayerfully interceding on behalf of lost people around the corner? Around the world? Are you leading people close to you and far from God to God though Jesus? Pray Questions (Write this down) What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES The Legacy of Abraham This quote by John Lennox speaks to my part: “God first informs Abraham why he chose him. This is the only place in the Bible where he does so. The late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, comments: This tells us three things about what it is to be an heir of Abraham. First, it means that we are to be guardians of our children's future. We must ensure that they have a world to inherit... Second, education - directing our children and our household after us - is a sacred task ... Third, how do you keep the way of the Lord? By doing what is right and just. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of these principles in a world where children so often bear the brunt of neglect, abuse and suffering.” Friend of God, p. 186 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com “The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY) Claude.ai

  2. APR 5

    Can God Really Restore What's Broken? | Genesis 1:31-3:15

    eries: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Can God really restore what's broken? Scripture: Genesis 1:31-3:15, John 19:38-20:1-18 NIV Bottom Line: Because of the cross and resurrection, what was broken by sin can be restored by Jesus—if we repent, believe, and receive Him. In fact, it will be restored for the Church. The real question today is will it be restored for you? INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION DISCUSSION QUESTIONS NOTES YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTION Marvel Universe “If you’ve ever watched the Marvel movies, you know they’re not just random, disconnected stories. At first, it feels like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor—they all have their own separate plots. But as the story unfolds, you realize… it’s all connected. Every movie is part of a much bigger story that’s building toward one climactic moment. The Bible works the same way. It’s made up of dozens of books, written over centuries, with different people and settings—but it’s telling one unified story. And that story moves from creation… to brokenness… to redemption… to restoration. Today, we’re going to step into two scenes in that story— two gardens— and see how everything connects… and how it connects to your life.” OUTLINE (With help from ChatGPT) I. Name the room: “We Know Something Is Broken” Some of you walked in here celebrating...others are carrying heavy burdens • Loss (recent deaths) • Marriages under strain • Financial anxiety • Health struggles • Relationships in crisis “You don’t need a theology degree to know something is wrong with the world… you just need to live in it for a while.” “The Bible tells one story that explains all of it—and offers one solution that can heal it.” II. Eden: Where brokenness began (Genesis 1:31-3:15) God designed life to be good and whole (Genesis 1:31-2:25) Sin shattered what God made whole. (Genesis 3) • Relationship with God → broken • Relationship with each other → broken • Relationship with self → broken • Relationship with creation → broken Tie directly to today: “Every funeral, every divorce, every anxiety… traces back to this moment.” Share the 3 Circles here--Link: https://youtu.be/5W8ynRMr59k?si=6FZMytsIOhLmbQib “So the question is not: Is there brokenness? The question is: How do we get out of it?” III. Cross/Good Friday - Jesus enters our brokenness on the cross (where sin was paid for) Bring them to the cross. • Jesus doesn’t ignore brokenness—He enters it • He carries: • Our sin • Our shame • Our suffering IV. Resurrection/The Garden Tomb - Where restoration begins (John 19:38--20:1-18) Jesus didn’t just die—He rose to restore. • The tomb is in a garden • Mary mistakes Jesus for the gardener (John 20:15) That’s not accidental. “In Eden, humanity lost the garden. In the resurrection, the Gardener begins restoring it.” Tie her in personally: • Delivered from demons → deeply broken • At the cross → grieving • At the tomb → confused • Encounters Jesus → transformed Key moment: “Jesus said her name—‘Mary’—and everything changed.” V. Connect to OUR Story “Some of you feel like your story is too far gone…” Apply specifically: • “Your marriage…” • “Your past…” • “Your regrets…” • “Your grief…” Then: “If Jesus can walk out of a grave, He can step into your situation.” Name their pain again—but now with hope: • Grief → “Death is not the end” • Broken marriages → “God restores what seems beyond repair” • Anxiety → “You are not alone in the garden” • Shame → “Jesus already carried it to the cross” Power line: “The same Jesus who called Mary by name is calling your name today.” VI. Call to Respond A. REPENT Turn from sin and self-rule B. BELIEVE Trust what Jesus did on the cross and resurrection C. RECEIVE Surrender to Him as Lord and Savior Tie to Romans 10:9–10 VII. How baptism fits “Earlier in the service, you saw people baptized— that’s a picture of this very thing.” Tie to gospel: “Buried with Christ… raised to new life.” Then pivot immediately: “But baptism doesn’t start the story—Jesus does.” VIII. Closing Image Bring it back to gardens: “We lost everything in a garden… Jesus paid for it on a cross… And in a garden, He began making all things new.” Then: “The question is not: Is restoration possible? The question is: Will you come to the Gardener?” John 15:1-5 "my Father is the Gardener" As we move to celebrate the cross and resurrection through the Lord's Supper, where he instituted a perpetual reminder, we pause to confess our sins to a holy God, repenting of those sins, believing Jesus forgives and saves, and receiving the gift of salvation by grace through faith in him alone. Questions (Write this down) What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? Pray DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast NOTES Introduction (long version, but here it is stream of consciousness) Marvel Studios turned their company around when they began making superhero movies. (Tell this story briefly how they went from near bankrupcy to box office success through the risk taking of Kevin Fahge and the first Iron Man movie) The idea became a series of movies (22?) that fit under the banner of phases 1-4 of the Avengers. (?) What makes this franchise pretty unique is that all 22 of these movies fit into a larger story arc that covered many (15 years?) years. Each superhero origin story and sequel contributed to the meta-story arc resulting in one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. Why do I share this with you? Because it is very much like what the Bible represents in it's library of 66 books with dozens of origin stories all pointing to the meta-story arc from Genesis 1-2 through Revelation 21-22. The story: Creation-->Fall-->Redemption-->Restoration. As I was preparing for today, I ran across this quip by author Leonard Sweet: "How can a church silence or stifle the voices of women when you can't tell the story of Holy Week without hearing the voices of women?" I'd already been considering the 2 gardens--2 women idea when I read that and sensed God confirming my direction. As I was trying to decide what to preach this Easter Sunday, I seriously considered continuing through our Genesis series. But Sodom and Gomorrah. Not your typical "Positive and uplifting" Easter fodder. Earlier that week, my wife gently suggested that it might be good to preach a resurrection sermon on resurrection day. Ha! So, believing that that was from the Lord, I pivoted to John 20:1-18, dipping back into that deep well of truth John writes about so well. And there I found a woman. Mary Magdalene or Mary from the town of Magdala. Tradition says she was a prostitute, though scripture does not back that up. However, she was demonically possessed. In Mark and Luke we read where Jesus delivered her from not 1, not 2 but 7 demons. She was thoroughly and completely enslaved to demons. Is anything too difficult for God? She then begins to follow Jesus, though women were not permitted to be disciples formally. She was apparently a woman of some means. She followed Jesus and supported his ministry both financially and personally with all her time. She was as devoted as any of the twelve disciples were. In John 20, we find her devotion unwavering as she approaches the tomb early Sunday morning. It's before dark as she heads to the tomb. Hence, many participate in sunrise services every Easter. At some point, 3 other ladies join her at the tomb. And none of them know how they'll actually get into the tomb with a giant bolder rolled in place to keep people out. Yet here she is. Here they will gather. But let's focus on Mary of Magdala. In a garden. Joseph of Arimethia's tomb was in or near a garden. In fact, when Mary sees the resurrected Jesus at first, she thinks he's the gardener (v. 15). What was lost in the Garden of Eden will begin to be restored at the tomb in another garden...a garden near Golgotha, the place of the skull. And if you think it's weird to have a garden close to tombs, think about cemetaries today. We cultivate gardens with flowers around them headstones and around the grounds. We want people to rest in a beatiful place symbolic of the most beautiful place they will (hopefully) end up in...the new heaven and the new earth. We'll go back in time another 2,000 years to another garden and another woman. Eve, in the Garden of Eden, will disobey her father. She'll crave, take and then eat a piece of forbidden fruit, share a piece with Adam, and thrust humanity into darkness. We'll see the Fall of humanity in that moment where brokenness on earth began. We'll also see a promise made by God to Adam and Eve. A promise that the "Seed" of Eve will make things new again. Will reverse the curse and re-establish a new garden and a new city. We'll begin to see that we're in a meta-story. One that began with Creation that was good. (Genesis 1:31) We are in the part of the story between Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22. The bookends, if you will, of this meta-story. Z Brokenness begins in Genesis 3. Restoration begins in John 19-20. The Bible tells one story that explains all of it. Good to broken to

  3. MAR 22

    Are You Marked by the Promise or the Promise-Maker? | Genesis 17:1-27

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "Are You Marked by the Promise or by the Promiser (Promise-maker)?" Scripture: Genesis 17:1-27 Romans 4:9-12 Galatians 5:16-17 Colossians 2:11-12 Bottom Line: The sign (mark) identifies you—but the Promiser defines you. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION NOTES OUTLINES QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. ⸻ Context (Opening Paragraph) In Genesis 12, God calls Abram and makes a life-altering promise—to make him into a great nation. (Among other things) In Genesis 15, that promise becomes a formal covenant, secured entirely by God Himself. (Remember the flame and smoking pot? Abram sleeping?) Now in Genesis 17, that same covenant is expanded—Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah, and God establishes circumcision as the covenant sign. The promise is now not only declared and guaranteed, but embodied and carried forward through generations. This isn’t the first time God used a symbol to remind us of a covenant. Rainbow (Noah) Circumcision (Abraham) Sabbath (Moses) Baptism (New covenant) There’s another one that isn’t in the bible but is used in Christian tradition… ⸻ Opening Illustration (Wedding Ring) “When my daughters were younger, I used to tease them with my wedding ring. I’d slip it off and say, ‘Look, I’m not married anymore.’ Then I’d put it back on—‘Now I am.’ Back and forth—married, not married. They’d laugh, but also feel the tension. Then I’d say, ‘No, really—we’re still married whether the ring is on or off. The ring is just a symbol of the covenant promise I made before God.’ Think about the symbols we sometimes cling to—church attendance, family heritage, even baptism or communion. These are good, but they’re signs. The real question is: are we holding on to the sign, or the One who made the promise?” ⸻ Bottom Line: The sign identifies you—but the Promiser defines you. ⸻ Outline (Genesis 17) 13 years later...(after Gen 16) 1. God Reaffirms His Covenant (vv. 1–8) • “I am God Almighty… walk before me and be blameless” • Abram → Abraham (identity shift) • Covenant remains rooted in God’s initiative 👉 Key Idea: Identity begins with who God says you are. (Which flows from who he is and what he does) #root2fruit ⸻ 2. God Establishes the Sign (vv. 9–14) • Circumcision = outward sign of covenant • Required, but not the source of the covenant 👉 Key Idea: The sign points to the relationship—it is not the relationship. ⸻ 3. God Clarifies the Promise (vv. 15–27) • Sarai → Sarah • Isaac promised • Covenant will continue through promise, not human effort 👉 Key Idea: God fulfills His promise His way. He is faithful! ⸻ “Genesis 17 gives us the sign—but the rest of Scripture shows us what the sign was always pointing to.” Genesis 17 is the shadow → Christ is the substance. “Let me show you how this finds its fulfillment in Christ.” Key Cross References (Keep It Tight) 1. Romans 4:9–12 • Abraham justified before circumcision 👉 Faith precedes the sign 2. Colossians 2:11–12 • Circumcision of Christ → baptism connection 👉 External sign points to internal transformation 3. Galatians 5:16–17, 25 • Walk by the Spirit 👉 Evidence of belonging is a Spirit-led life ⸻ Application (“So What?”) • Don’t confuse signs with salvation (baptism doesn’t save…) • Ask: Am I relying on what I’ve done or who God is? (We fail—he is faithful because of who he is) • Obedience is not how we earn identity—it’s how we express it (Obedience is our evidence and witness) • Walk in step with the Spirit, not just religious habits. (Daily disciplines are essential ingredients to transformation. But they shouldn’t be disconnected from God’s Spirit directing your transformation) ⸻ Closing Illustration (Adoption Story) “Imagine a little girl who’s adopted into a loving family. At first, she clings to her adoption papers—proof that she belongs. She carries them everywhere. But over time, those papers stay in a drawer. Why? Because she no longer needs proof—she knows she belongs. She experiences it every day in her parents’ love. In the same way, God hasn’t just given us signs—He’s given us Himself. The question is not whether you have the sign… but whether you’re living as someone who belongs to the Father.” ⸻ Closing Challenge Are you marked by the promise… or by the Promiser? NOTES "This phrase. "And kings shall come from you" is the genesis of Palm Sunday. -Hughes "God Commands Circumcision (w. 9-14) The next section of God's speech details and proscribes the covenant of circumcision. Sign of the covenant. Specifically, God said, "This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you" (vv. 10, 11). As to its function as a sign, Ronald Youngblood explains: As the rainbow is the sign of the Noahic covenant (Gen. 9:13), and as the Sabbath is the sign of the Sinaitic covenant (Exod. 31:16-17), so circumcision became the sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 17:11). The rainbow and the Sabbath already existed prior to the institution of the covenants they came to signify. So also circumcision did not originate with Abraham. It was practiced in Egypt and elsewhere centuries before his time, but it received new meaning in Genesis 17. Similarly, thousands of people were crucified before the time of Jesus, but the cross took on a vastly new and different meaning when our Lord was crucified. Early on, circumcision came to symbolize the spiritual commitment of one's life to God. Moses wrote, "And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live" (Deuteronomy 30:6). Likewise Jeremiah challenged the people, "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 4:4). As a sign, circumcision functioned much as a wedding ring symbolizes commitment." -Hughes, p. 248 Rainbow-->Noahic covenant Sabbath-->Sinaitic covenant Circumcision-->Abrahamic covenant Baptism-->New covenant Wedding ring-->Marriage covenant (traditional, not bibical) QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER What do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it? What do I want them to do? Why do I want them to do it? How do they do this? DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/ Read the passage together. Retell the story in your own words. Discovery the story What does this story tell me about God? What does this story tell me about people? If this is really true, what should I do? What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down) What are you going to do about it? (Write this down) Who am I going to tell about this? Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage: Who is God? What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do? Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2) What do I do? (In light of who I am) How do I do it? Final Questions (Write this down) What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it? YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION Title: Are You Marked by the Promise or by the Promiser? Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey Scripture: Genesis 17 Preacher: Darien Gabriel What really defines your identity—what you do for God, or your relationship with the God who made you His own? In Genesis 17, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, gives him a new name, and establishes circumcision as the sign of belonging. But this chapter presses a deeper question: is it possible to hold onto the sign and miss the One it points to? In this message, Darien Gabriel explores how God’s covenant shapes our identity, why outward signs were never meant to replace inward faith, and how everything in Genesis ultimately points forward to Jesus and the transforming work of the Spirit. Bottom Line: The sign identifies you—but the Promiser defines you. Key Passages: Genesis 17 Romans 4:9–12 Colossians 2:11–12 Galatians 5:16–17, 25 Whether you’re exploring faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will challenge you to examine what you’re really trusting—and invite you into a deeper relationship with the Promiser Himself. — 🔗 Learn more: DarienGabriel.com 🌐 Church website: GraceToday.net #Genesis #Faith #Covenant #Jesus #BibleTeaching MAIN REFERENCES USED “Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis “Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB) “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC) “The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC) "Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC) Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB) Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH) NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT) ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com “The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

  4. MAR 15

    Faith or Fixing? | Genesis 16:1-16

    Faith or Fixing?  Genesis 16:1-16 “Fundamental problem of Ch 16 is that sometimes the people of God try to pursue the promise of God apart from the plan of God.”   Phillip Bethacourt Genesis 15:5-6 “He took him outside and said, ‘Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’  Then he said to him, ‘Your offspring will be that numerous.’  Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”   Theophany – Manifestation, or appearance, of God (unmistakable voice, recognition of His divine presense), no doubt exists that it is God who reveals himself (burning bush with Moses, pillar of fire & cloud in Exodus 13:21-22).   Christophany - appearance of pre-incarnate Christ.  Examples include Samson’s mother in Judges 13:3-5, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3.   First appearance of the Angel of the LORD in the Old Testament and it was to an Egyptian woman.  God sees and cares for the oppressed.   Are we putting our faith in God or trying to fix our circumstances apart from His plan?

  5. MAR 8

    How Can We Be Sure God Will Keep His Promises? | Genesis 16:1-16

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "How can we be sure God will keep his promises?" Scripture: Genesis 15:7-21 NIV Jeremiah 34:17-20 Galatians 3:13-16 Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION NOTES OUTLINES QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. ⸻ INTRODUCTION The Wedding Vow Most people understand contracts, but marriage vows are closer to biblical covenant. In a wedding, two people stand before witnesses and promise faithfulness: “For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” Those vows mean: “I am committing myself to you even if circumstances change.” Now imagine a wedding where only one person says the vows. Imagine the groom saying: “Even if you fail me, I will remain faithful to you.” That would be startling. But that is essentially what happens in Genesis 15. Abram prepares for a covenant ceremony. He would have expected both parties to pass between the pieces. Instead, Abram is put into a deep sleep, and God alone passes through. God is saying: “Abram, this promise finally rests on Me.” That is how we can be sure God will keep His promises. Not because we are so faithful, but because He is. ⸻ CONTEXT Genesis 15 comes in the middle of tension. God has already promised Abram land, offspring, and blessing. But Abram still has no son. Sarai is still barren. The land is still occupied. So Genesis 15 is about the space between promise and fulfillment. And in that space, God does not rebuke Abram. He reassures him. Last week in Genesis 15:1, God said, “I am your sovereign/shield.” Now in verses 7–21, God shows Abram WHY He can be trusted. ⸻ Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ. SERMON Genesis 15 has two halves: • Verses 1–6: the promise believed • Verses 7–21: the promise guaranteed Last week we focused on Abram believing God. This week we focus on God guaranteeing His promise. 3 BIG TRUTHS 1. God reminds Abram who He is and what He has done (v. 7) “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” Before God explains what He will do, He reminds Abram who He is and what He has already done. That is important. God builds Abram’s confidence in the future by reminding him of His character and His track record. Two anchors are right there in verse 7: • Who God is: “I am the LORD” • What God has done: “who brought you out of Ur” God often strengthens our faith the same way. When we struggle to trust His promises, He points us backward before He points us forward. He reminds us: • I am the LORD • I have been faithful before • I will be faithful again Application When your faith is weak, start here: • Remember who God is • Remember what God has done Our confidence in God’s promises grows when we look at His character and His past faithfulness. ⸻ 2. God’s covenant promise depends on His faithfulness, not Abram’s performance (vv. 12–17) This is the heart of the passage. Abram prepares the covenant animals. In that world, both parties would normally walk between the pieces. It was a solemn way of saying: “May this happen to me if I break this covenant.” But Abram never walks through. Instead: • Abram is put into a deep sleep • God alone passes through the pieces The smoking firepot and blazing torch represent the presence of God. So what is God saying? He is saying: “Abram, I am taking full responsibility for this covenant.” This promise rests finally on My faithfulness, not yours. That does not mean Abram’s faith does not matter. It does. But the covenant is not secured by Abram’s perfection. It is secured by God’s commitment. That is why Abram’s later failures do not cancel God’s promise. Simple way to say it Abram receives. God guarantees. Illustration It is like an inheritance. A father prepares something for his children. The children do not create it. They do not negotiate it. They receive what the father establishes. Genesis 15 shows us that God is building a covenant family, and Abram is receiving what God creates. Application That is good news for us. If God’s promises depended mainly on our consistency, we would all be in trouble. But the covenant rests on God’s faithfulness. ⸻ 3. This covenant ultimately points to Jesus (Galatians 3; Lord’s Supper) Genesis 15 does not end with Abram. It is foundational. It points forward to Christ. Think again about the covenant ritual. Animals are cut apart. The covenant maker passes between them, saying in effect: “May I bear the curse if this covenant is broken.” In Genesis 15, God takes that oath upon Himself. So the big question becomes: If people fail God again and again, who will bear the covenant curse? The answer is Jesus. Galatians 3:13 says: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Galatians 3:16 says the promises were ultimately centered in Christ. So Genesis 15 is pointing ahead to the cross. At the cross: • God keeps His promise • God bears the curse • God secures salvation for His people What God symbolized in Genesis 15, He fulfills in Jesus. God said, in effect, “I will bear the cost.” And at the cross, He did. That is why Genesis 15 is one of the clearest foreshadowings of the gospel in the Old Testament. ⸻ CONCLUSION So how can we be sure God will keep His promises? Because in Genesis 15, God does three things: • He reminds Abram who He is & what He’s done • He guarantees the covenant Himself based on His willingness to die for our failures • He points us forward to Jesus So when you struggle to trust God, remember: • Look at His character • Look at His past faithfulness • Look at the cross The cross is the ultimate proof that God keeps His word. ⸻ LORD’S SUPPER TRANSITION As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise. At this table we look back and remember: • Christ has died • Christ is risen • Christ will come again The bread and cup remind us that God does not just make promises. He keeps them. Jesus said in Luke 22 that the cup is the new covenant in His blood. So today we come not trusting in our faithfulness to God, but in God’s faithfulness to us through Christ. Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ. CLOSING APPEAL So what is God saying to you today? Perhaps He is saying: • Stop measuring My faithfulness by your circumstances • Remember who I am • Remember what I have done • Trust My Son And what will you do about it? Will you trust Him again? Will you rest in His faithfulness? Will you come to the table grateful that Jesus has secured what you never could? Amen. Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey Title: How Can We Be Sure God Will Keep His Promises? Scripture: Genesis 15:7–21 Jeremiah 34:17–20 Galatians 3:13–16 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 Luke 22:14–20; 28–30 Hebrews 8:8–12 Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ. ⸻ INTRODUCTION The Wedding Vow Most people understand contracts, but marriage vows are closer to biblical covenant. In a wedding, two people stand before witnesses and promise faithfulness: “For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” Those vows mean: “I am committing myself to you even if circumstances change.” Now imagine a wedding where only one person says the vows. Imagine the groom saying: “Even if you fail me, I will remain faithful to you.” That would be startling. But that is essentially what happens in Genesis 15. Abram prepares for a covenant ceremony. He would have expected both parties to pass between the pieces. Instead, Abram is put into a deep sleep, and God alone passes through. God is saying: “Abram, this promise finally rests on Me.” That is how we can be sure God will keep His promises. Not because we are so faithful, but because He is. ⸻ CONTEXT Genesis 15 comes in the middle of tension. God has already promised Abram land, offspring, and blessing. But Abram still has no son. Sarai is still barren. The land is still occupied. So Genesis 15 is about the space between promise and fulfillment. And in that space, God does not rebuke Abram. He reassures him. Last week in Genesis 15:1, God said, “I am your sovereign/shield.” Now in verses 7–21, God shows Abram WHY He can be trusted. ⸻ Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ. SERMON Genesis 15 has two halves: • Verses 1–6: the promise believed • Verses 7–21: the promise guaranteed Last week we focused on Abram believing God. This week we focus on God guaranteeing His promise. 3 BIG TRUTHS 1. God reminds Abram who He is and what He has done (v. 7) “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” Before God explains what He will do, He reminds Abram who He is and what He has already done. That is important. God builds Abram’s confidence in the future by reminding him of His character and His track record. Two anchors are right there in verse 7: • Who God is: “I am the LORD” • What God has done: “who brought you out of Ur” God often strengthens our faith the same way. When we struggle to trust His promises, He points us backward before He points us forward. He reminds us: • I am the LORD • I have been faithful before • I will be faithful again Application When your faith is weak, start here: • Remember who God is • Remember what G

  6. MAR 1

    How Do God's Promises Shape Our Faith Journey? | Genesis 15:1-6

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: “How Does God’s Promise Shape Our Faith Journey?” Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6 NIV Habakkuk 2:4 Luke 2-3 Ephesians 2:8-10 Romans 4:3-5; 20-22 Galatians 3:6-9, 14 James 2:21-23 Bottom Line: When we trust God’s promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION NOTES OUTLINES QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTION “The Signed Contract Before the House Exists” In 2006, we started looking for a house to buy in Summerville. We'd just accepted the position to come to Grace and were excited about what we might move into. But our excitement faded as we saw what we'd care for the money we were bringing from our last house sale. So, in the end, it made more sense for us to build a new house over buying an existing one. Imagine a young couple buying a home that hasn’t been built yet. There is: • No framing • No roof • No walls • Just dirt and a blueprint or rendering But they sign a contract. They put down earnest money. They commit financially. Why would they do that? Because they trust: • The builder’s reputation • The written promise • The legal agreement They are acting today on something they cannot yet see. That’s Genesis 15. Abram: • Has no son • Has no visible nation • Has no fulfillment • Only a word from God And verse 6 says he signed the contract in his heart. “Abram believed the LORD…” Faith is not pretending the house is already standing. Faith is signing your life to the One who promised to build it. That sets up: • Romans 4 — persuaded God will do what He promised • Galatians 3 — we inherit the same contract by faith • James 2 — if you signed it, you start living like it CONTEXT Genesis 15 comes at a pivotal moment in Abram’s journey. In Genesis 12, God called Abram out of Ur with sweeping promises of land, offspring, and blessing — but Abram still has no child. In Genesis 13, he lets Lot choose the better land and must trust God again for the promise. In Genesis 14, Abram rescues Lot, defeats powerful kings, refuses the riches of Sodom, and is blessed by Melchizedek — demonstrating growing faith and allegiance to God alone. Yet despite spiritual victory, the central promise remains unfulfilled: Abram is aging, Sarai is barren, and the land is still occupied by other nations. Genesis 15 opens in that tension — between promise and fulfillment, between faith and visible reality — and God responds not with rebuke, but with covenant. OUTLINE (with references): 1. Fear Meets God’s Promise (Genesis 15:1-2): Abraham’s fears—reprisal and no heir—are met by God’s protection and provision. 2. Who God Is in the Journey (Genesis 15:1, 5): Present, protector, provider, sovereign, life-giver—all shaping trust. 3. Faith Receives God’s Promise (Genesis 15:6): Abraham believed, and it was credited as righteousness. SERMON Review from Genesis 12:1-3: God Is the Initiator of Redemption God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness 1. Fear Meets God’s Promise (Genesis 15:1-2): Abraham’s fears—reprisal and no heir—are met by God’s protection and provision. 2. Who God Is in the Journey (Genesis 15:1, 5): Present, protector, provider, sovereign, life-giver—all shaping trust. The stars in the sky in Uganda. (Show Chris' pic) "On a clear night, at most 5,000 individual stars can be seen with the naked eye, as well as objects like the fuzzy outline of the Andromeda Galaxy, with its estimated 100 billion stars, 2.5 million light years away!" -Lennox, p. 113 "ACCORDING TO THE WRITERS of Hebrews and the Genesis record, the link between faith and righteousness was not a New Testament invention, nor was it even a patriarchal innovation. Instead, the dynamic connection between faith and righteousness is rooted in primeval history well before the flood. The lives of three famous pre-diluvians-Abel, Enoch, and Noah— make this very clear. Of Abel we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks" (Hebrews 11:4). Faith-righteousness was exemplified in earth's first family by the second son of Adam and Eve. Of Enoch Genesis says, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (5:24). The metaphor "walked" indicates closest communion and intimacy—a righteous life. Enoch's godly walk grew out of his faith, as Hebrews makes so clear: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God" (11:5). According to verse 6, his God-pleasing faith believed that "God is" (literal translation of the Greek)-that the sovereign God of creation is God. He also believed that God "rewards those who seek him"-that God is positively equitable. As a result, Jude 14, 15 records that he became a preacher of righteousness, apparently for his entire life, for some three centuries! Enoch's life demonstrated a righteousness based on faith. Of Noah Genesis says, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God" (6:9). That Noah "walked with God" identifies him with the godly character of Enoch. But even more significant, the statement that "Noah was a righteous man" is the first occurrence of the word righteous tsadiq) in the Bible. Noah's righteousness was not derived from his being perfect or any antecedent righteousness, but because he believed God, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household" (11:7). The biblical doctrine of imputed righteousness (a righteousness from God) began here in primeval history before the flood!" -Hughes, pp. 221-222 3. Faith Receives God’s Promise (Genesis 15:6): Abraham believed, and it was credited as righteousness. Cross-References for Genesis 15:6 - Faith credited as righteousness. #core • Romans 4:3-5, 20-22 - Faith credited as righteousness. #standing #position • Galatians 3:6-9, 14 - Faith connects us to the promise. #family #mission #nations • James 2:21-23 - Faith is active, not passive. #living #practical #behaviors Bottom Line: When we trust God’s promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step. So How Does God’s Promise Shape Our Faith Journey? He brings security, confidence and peace because of who he is and what he does as our personally present provider and protector. More application: First, when you face fear—whether fear of the future or uncertainty—remind yourself that God is both your protector and provider. Concretely, when you face a major decision, begin by praying for His presence in it. Second, trust in God’s promise of righteousness—when you feel inadequate or guilty, recall that your standing is secure by faith. For example, when you fail, don’t retreat—confess and continue walking with Him. Third, active faith leads to action—like Abraham, step forward in obedience. If God’s promise is sure, what step of obedience is He calling you to right now? Fourth, when considering your connection to God’s larger promise (like in Galatians 3), remember that your faith ties you to a bigger family of faith. Practically, live out that community—extend grace and include others in your faith journey. Finally, as James 2 emphasizes, ask yourself: How is my faith visible in action this week? Identify one tangible act of service or obedience you’ll do in response to trusting Him. CONCLUSION Bottom Line: When we trust God’s promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step. “The Shield You Carry vs. The Shield You Trust” You could return to Genesis 15:1: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield…” In ancient warfare, a shield only works if you trust it enough to stand behind it. If a soldier: • Keeps peeking out • Keeps lowering the shield • Keeps running forward in panic The shield cannot protect him. The issue is not whether the shield works. The issue is whether he will stand behind it. Abram’s fear was real: • Eastern kings • No heir • An aging body God doesn’t say: “Be brave.” He says: “I am your shield.” And Abram stands behind that promise. Romans 4 says he was fully persuaded. Galatians 3 says we now stand in that same promise. James 2 says if you really trust the shield, you’ll fight differently. So the question becomes: Are you standing behind the Shield? Or are you trying to carry your own? That lands the plane cleanly on: • God as protector • God as provider • Faith that rests • Faith that acts INVITATION Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon: ““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ How do we respond? Answer 2 questions: Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the an

  7. FEB 22

    What are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live? | Genesis 14:1-24

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "What are the key ingredients to the life God calls us to live?" Scripture: Genesis 14:1-24 NIV Hebrews 7 Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be. God reveals himself as our rescuing King and eternal Priest and calls us to wholehearted allegiance. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION NOTES OUTLINES QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTION Free the Hostages "ON JUNE 27, 1976, armed operatives for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) surprised the twelve crew members of an Air France jetliner and its ninety-one passengers, hijacking it to a destination unknown. The plane was tracked heading for Central Africa, where indeed it did land under the congenial auspices of then Ugandan President Idi Amin. And there it remained apparently secure at Entebbe Airport, where the hijackers spent the next seven days preparing for their next move. The hijackers were by all estimations in the driver's seat. However, 2,500 miles away in Tel Aviv three Israeli C-130 Hercules transports were secretly boarded by a deadly force of Israeli commandos who within hours attacked Entebbe under cover of darkness. In less than sixty minutes the commandos rushed the old terminal, gunned down the hijackers, and rescued 110 of the 113 hostages. A few days later, July 4, Israel's Premier Yitzhak Rabin triumphantly declared the mission "will become a legend"—which it surely has.' Israel's resolve and stealth in liberating her people is admired by her friends and begrudged by her enemies. Actually, Israel's resolve is nothing new because the same quality can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of the Hebrew nation in the prowess of their father Abraham. The kidnappers in his day (the Middle Bronze Age) were an international coalition of four eastern kings headed by King Chedorlaomer who attacked the Transjordan, defeating the city states of Sodom and her neighbors, carrying off a large number of hostages That included Abram's nephew Lot." -Hughes, p. 213 CONTEXT We've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith. Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it. Genesis 13 contrasts Abram’s faith-shaped restraint with Lot’s sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God’s covenant faithfulness. In Genesis 14 we see the first recorded battle in scripture. We meet Melchizedek, and we see Abram draw encouragement from Melchizedek and rest in what God has said. There's a powerful lesson for us here. SERMON Review from Genesis 12:1-3: God Is the Initiator of Redemption God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be. Outline (help from Outline Bible): I. THE COURAGE OF ABRAM (14:1-16) A. The villains (14:1-11) The rebellion (14:1-4): Five Canaanite city-states rebel against Kedorlaomer of Elam. The retaliation (14:5-11): Kedorlaomer and his allies defeat the armies of the five city-states, plunder their cities, and carry many people away as slaves. B. The victim (14:12): Lot, now living in Sodom, is taken away as a slave. C. The victory (14:13-16) Abram's army (14:13-14): Upon learning of Lot's capture, Abram and his 318 trained servants ride out to rescue Lot. Abram's attack (14:15): Abram divides his men and initiates a surprise attack at night. Abram's achievements (14:16): Kedorlaomer is defeated, and Lot is rescued. II. THE COMMUNION OF ABRAM (14:17-24) A. The godly and priestly king of Salem (14:17-20): As he is returning from battle to his home in Hebron, Abram meets Melchize-dek, who blesses him. Abram offers him a tenth of all the goods he has recovered from Kedorlaomer. B. The godless and perverted king of Sodom (14:21-24): In stark contrast, Abram refuses to have any fellowship with Bera, king of wicked Sodom. My notes on Gen 14: This sermon is sort of a part 2 to last week. Abram rescues Lot and co.--people, possessions and all. And he's met by two kings upon his return: Melchizedek and the King of Sodom. (Name?) Sodom's king can only see that his losses are back and he can get back at least some of them, thanks to Abram, who rightly deserves the spoils of war. He is consumed by what he can see. So he asks for some of it back, though he deserves none of it. Melchizedek, however, is a mystery. He is there for Abram at a moment when he's tempted to also get seduced by what he can see. But he finds in Mel a kindred spirit of sorts. Actually, he finds a type of Christ. This type of Christ behaves very much like Christ. He blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon and praises El Elyon for what he did. He honors the greater even as he blesses the lessor. He also blesses Abram and his men with bread and wine. Could this be a whisper to a future Last Supper? Lot, fresh off his rescue, could easily be taking all of this in. He's no doubt glad to be alive. He is thinking of all his losses. He believes that Abram will restore his fortunes. He's focused on what he lost...what he could see and some of it he can still see. We know this because he follows the king of Sodom back to the city. He doesn't rest in what God has said. He's now further from that than he's ever been. Abram, inspired by another person who knows El Elyon, rests in the promises of God and eludes the temptation to dwell on what he can see. He tithes 10% of it to Mel, tells Sodom to give his allies their portion for helping, and surrenders the rest back to Sodom, with the possible invitation for any of the rescued people to join him in his growing clan. It appears none take him up on it. We're back to the contrast between Abram and Lot; a promise of God and a pile of possessions. Abram chooses well, helped by a mysterious king of righteousness, king of peace and priest of a different priesthood. This mysterious priest shows up right when Abram needs him. He leads with generous gifts followed by blessings to Abram and adoration to El Elyon. This is where we are as well. But we don't have a type of Christ showing up to help us right when we need him. We have Christ himself. And he showed up on a Roman cross and shows up for us every day at the right hand of the Father interceding for us in our need. So the next time you're tempted, like I have been for over a week, to feel sorry for yourself, remember that it only would have been worse if he'd not been praying for you. Chat GPT notes: Abram rescues Lot. (Temp salvation) Abram meets a Priest-King. (Melchizedek appears) Abram worships through giving. (Recognizes divine favor and responds) Abram refuses King of Sodom. (Allegiance clarified) Jesus is the better Melchizedek: Ultimate rescue Eternal priesthood Calls for total allegiance Closing illustration How many of you heard/saw last week's message? I've never gotten so much positive feedback on a message in my life. It's just like God to take someone battling the temptation to have his own pity party to do something like that. God is faithful. What's sad is that there were people online and on-site who heard the message last week and yet didn't get a thing out of it. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. How can that be? Life-changine for one--Apathetic sigh for the other. Who's that on? Abram and Lot were a part of the same war and rescue. But one of them turned away from what God said and went back to the wicked city that was defeated just days before. Like a dog returning to his vomit. The other turned towards the God of promise: El Elyon. The God Most High. No, not high on a joint--high on his holy hill; holy throne; in his holy temple. What about you? CONCLUSION Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be. "Abram rescued Lot from four kings. Jesus rescues us from sin and death. Abram met a priest who blessed him. We have a Priest who intercedes forever. Abram gave a tenth. We give our whole lives. Abram refused Sodom’s reward. We refuse a kingdom that is passing away. Because our King is also our Priest." -ChatGPT INVITATION Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon: ““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ How do we respond? Answer 2 questions: Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now? What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________. [my name] is going to believe/do _

  8. FEB 15

    What Happens When We Rest in God's Unshakable Promises? | Genesis 13:1-18

    Series: God's Promises, Our Journey Title: "What happens when we rest in God's unshakable promises?" Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18 NIV Matthew 6:33 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 James 3:13-4:10 2 Peter 2:7-8 Bottom line: When God’s people trust His promises, they can release what they see and rest in what He has said. Or Faith chooses promise over possession. INTRODUCTION CONTEXT SERMON OUTLINE CONCLUSION NOTES OUTLINES QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS MAIN REFERENCES USED My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTION When I was in high school, I was encouraged by my dad to go to a good college to get a good job. A noble endeavor, as I saw it. In college I chose an engineering degree that would provide for that vision. I was focusing on what I could see. I wasn't focused on what I could not see. When God called me into the ministry, he called me out of a career of engineering. I'd been practicing civil engineering as a consultant for five years, and had finally found my footing and was beginning to be productive in the eyes of the company. I finally felt like I belonged. God called me out of that into full-time ministry and I never really questioned the money piece. In other words by God's grace, I was able to look past the money to the Ministry that God was calling me too. I was able to walk by Faith instead of my sight. In this passage today, Genesis 13 we'll see a contrast between Abram and Lot. Lot will choose based on what he sees. Abram chooses based on the promises of God. When we trust in God's unshakable promises, we will release what we see, and rest in what he has said instead. What are some of those promises? God is able God hears God sees God is with us God cares God satisfies God approves These are just some of the many promises throughout scripture that you and I have to bank on when we rest in him. Let's look at the life and the contrast of Abram and Lot and see how it plays out in chapter 13. CONTEXT We've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith. Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it. Genesis 13 contrasts Abram’s faith-shaped restraint with Lot’s sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God’s covenant faithfulness. SERMON Review from Genesis 12:1-3: God Is the Initiator of Redemption God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness My notes on Gen 13: God is.../God does... Merciful / forgives, restores West, spiritually (10) / Draws his people west, spiritually (10) Holy, just judge (10) / judges righteously (10) Permissive / allowed us to make mistakes and even sin Faithful (14-17) / kept his promise (14-17) Omnipotent (14-17) / able to deliver on his promise (14-17) Worthy of our worship (18) / Receives our worship w/ pleasure when by grace through faith (18) People are.../People do... Can be faithful, humble (3-4) / repent, return to the Lord (3-4); call on the name of the Lord (4) Tempted by riches (5, 10-11) / Pursue riches over God and end up in dark places (5, 10-11) Divided, greedy (6-7) / Quarrelsom (6-7) A witness to the world (7b) / A good or poor witness (7b) Gracious; magnanimous (8-9) / yield to the underserving (8-9) Brothers & sisters of humanity & sometimes in Christ (8) / Care about each other (8) or not Lost; citizens of this world; born sinners (10-13) / Pursue the things of this world (10-13) Faithful (at times), blessed (14-17) / Obedient, humble, grateful, faithful, believing (14-17) Content for, yearn for God's presence (18) / Seek, pursue, rest in the Lord (18) CONCLUSION Bottom line: When God’s people trust His promises, they can release what they see and rest in what He has said. "Fellow believers (Abram's spiritual seed), when we truly believe the promises that are ours in Christ, when we truly understand and believe that we are seated right now in him in the heavenly places, when we understand that all things are ours in Christ, we will cease our grasping. As Alexander Maclaren put it: The less of our energies are consumed in asserting ourselves, and scrambling for our rights, and cutting in before other people, so as to get the best places for ourselves, the more we shall have to spare for better things; and the more we live in the future, and leave God to order our ways, the more shall our souls be wrapped in perfect peace.'" -Hughes, pp. 200-201 INVITATION Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon: ““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ How do we respond? Answer 2 questions: Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now? What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________. [my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result. Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise. Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage. Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future) Pray NOTES The Apostle Paul talks about 3 kinds of people in the world somewhere in 1 Corinthians I think. Lost people, carnal Christians, and spiritual Christians. I think I read this in a Warren Wiersbe commentary pointing to Lot as a carnal Christian when considering 2 Peter 2:7-8. Does Paul say this? Short answer by ChatGPT: Yes, Paul does describe three kinds of people in 1 Corinthians 2–3 — but he does not present them as three permanent classes of Christians. He contrasts unbelievers with two conditions of believers. That distinction matters. Where Paul says this 1 Corinthians 2:14–3:3 (flow of thought) Paul uses three Greek adjectives: ψυχικός (psychikos) — natural / unspiritual πνευματικός (pneumatikos) — spiritual σάρκινος / σαρκικός (sarkinos / sarkikos) — fleshly / carnal These form the three categories you’re remembering. The Three Types Explained 1. Natural person — unbeliever (2:14) This person: does not receive the things of the Spirit considers them foolish lacks spiritual discernment This is clearly outside Christ. Paul is describing someone without the Spirit. So this one is not debated. 2. Spiritual person — mature believer (2:15–16) This person: discerns spiritual realities has “the mind of Christ” is walking under the Spirit’s influence This is what we might call: mature Spirit-led growing responsive to God This is Paul’s goal for every believer. 3. Fleshly / carnal believer — immature believer (3:1–3) This is the key text: Paul says to the Corinthians (paraphrasing): I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ… you are still fleshly… there is jealousy and strife among you. Notice carefully: He still calls them “in Christ.” So they are: saved but immature behaving like unbelievers dominated by worldly patterns This is not a third ontological class — it’s stunted growth. So what is Paul actually teaching? Here’s the most accurate way to state it: Not: ❌ Three fixed types of people But: ✅ Two groups (unbelievers vs believers), with believers living in two possible conditions (spiritual or fleshly) In other words: Category Spiritual Status Condition Natural Unregenerate Cannot understand Carnal Regenerate Immature / worldly Spiritual Regenerate Mature / Spirit-led Where Wiersbe and others get “three kinds of people” Teachers like Warren W. Wiersbe simplify Paul’s language pedagogically. It’s a teaching framework, not Paul’s formal taxonomy. Helpful for preaching. But not meant as rigid categories. Your Lot connection (2 Peter 2:7–8) This is actually a good biblical illustration. Peter calls Lot: “righteous” yet compromised distressed living foolishly in Sodom So: justified positionally but practically worldly That fits the carnal/immature believer concept very well. So Wiersbe’s use of Lot is pastorally reasonable. Theologically important clarification Some traditions mistakenly build a doctrine like: “There are three kinds of Christians: saved, carnal, and spiritual.” Paul does not teach that. His point is corrective: “You should be spiritual by now — but you’re acting fleshly.” It’s rebuke, not classification. He expects growth. Bottom line Yes — Paul does describe: natural people fleshly believers spiritual believers But he is describing spiritual maturity levels, not permanent types. The “carnal Christian” is: not a category to settle into but a condition to repent from. If you want, we can next: look at the Greek terms more closely compare with Romans 8 (flesh vs Spirit) or explore whether “carnal

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God treasures us. God loves people! Forgiven by God, we get to love him back. One way we do this is through loving other people in Jesus' name. After all, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." We are leading our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play. Our church leaders’ job is to encourage, equip and empower our people to do this each week starting at home and working outward from there. Our aim with this podcast is to encourage, equip and empower our people to become the best neighbors ever where they live, work and play for this reason. We believe God is on the move in Charleston. It is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country and we are blessed to be in the middle of it!

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