Genesis 34-38: Jacob’s sons sinned, God kept His Word
Reading through Genesis, we find that Jacob’s sons were steeped deeply in sin. Despite this, the covenant given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still becomes fulfilled through them. Their story serves to show us that we are never forsaken by God. Instead, God is always ready to extend His mercy to us and receive us into His embrace. God did this for the descendants of Jacob, something I have experienced myself.… Read the rest
Genesis 25-33: Join Jacob in the Great Nation of Israel
Jacob’s story is filled with sin giving him the image of a sinful scoundrel. This is definitely how he started, but, by the grace of God, he ended up as a pretty decent man of God. I also can attest to the grace of God because God has also helped me turn my own life around. By looking to Jacob’s story, we can see how God can work with even … Read the rest
Genesis 24-28: Learn to Trust God like prayerful Isaac
The patriarch Isaac is not highlighted much in the Scriptures but proves to be an inspiring example of what it means to have faith in God. We can look to Isaac to learn about his faith in God so we too can grow close to God like this great patriarch. Though the Biblical writings of Isaac aren’t as comprehensive as other patriarchs, there are deep truths that can be found after … Read the rest
Genesis 19: Sodom and Gomorrah, God is righteous & just
Intro
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah poses many questions. I have read through the story multiple times and spent several hours studying it, helping me to see the profound truths within the story. By understanding these truths, we can apply them to our own lives to grow closer to God every day.
When people read through the story, they question God’s mercy and unchangeable nature. The end of the … Read the rest
Genesis 16-25: Ishmael was NOT antithetical to Israel
While reading through Genesis and studying Abraham, it was very apparent that Ishmael needed to be studied as well. After taking a closer look, the truths within the story of Ishmael are very profound and answer a lot of questions about him while correcting the misconceptions many of us have. Understanding Ishmael helps to reinforce and develop our understanding of God and the story of salvation.
Conception/Birth of Ishmael
Ishmael’s conception was … Read the rest
Genesis 14: Melchizedek, Eternal Priesthood of Christ
Introduction
Reading through Genesis 14, we read Abram’s epic battle with five kings, then we meet Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (see Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek is mentioned once here, and not again until Psalm 110, then silence until the Letter to the Hebrews. My curiosity about this mysterious man led me through several hours of research and studying to understand his significance in the story of salvation. … Read the rest
Genesis 12-22: Abraham journeyed by faith, follow him
Abraham is the Father of Faith yet many details of Abraham’s story are often overlooked. We will journey through the story of Abraham to build up to the Sacrifice of Isaac, where everything in Abraham’s journey culminates so that Abraham becomes the Father of Faith. During our journey through Abraham’s story, we will focus on Abraham’s relationship with God and Abraham’s deepening faith as we end in the climax of the sacrifice … Read the rest
Genesis: the misunderstood foundations of the Bible
The book of Genesis is the first book in the Bible and forms the foundation for the story of salvation. Sadly, Genesis is also the most misunderstood book of the Bible resulting in confusion and misconceptions of the entire story of salvation within the Bible. Personally, I was one of these people which is why I was an atheist for 16 years. After understanding God does exist and spending numerous hours studying the … Read the rest
Genesis 11: Tower of Babel, Translating ancient truths
After people read the story of the Tower of Babel, they think they understood it because it was translated into their language, however more often than not, they do not understand it all. This is quite ironic because of the core meaning of this short story, which actually has little if anything to do with the origins of language.
Summary
We are all familiar with the story of the tower of Babel, … Read the rest
Genesis 6-9: The misunderstood truth of Noah’s Ark
The story of Noah’s Ark is scientifically impossible. There cannot be an entire global flood. This fact causes many to write-off Christianity because the statement that “nothing is impossible for God” isn’t always received well. But we have to ask, what does the story actually mean? What may the flood have looked like? And, wouldn’t the Ark be somewhere?
To summarize the story of Noah’s Ark, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind … Read the rest
