RG AUDIO 102121   Genesis 22:9-19 In the 21st century, the story of Abraham and Isaac is complicated from many different perspectives. Though we know how it ends, we still hold our exhale as the knife trembles in the hands of the father. How welcome are the words, “Do not lay a hand on the […]

Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living

Exhale Into God

RG AUDIO 102021   Genesis 22:1-8 One enters the story of Abraham, Isaac, and God seeing the profound faith of Abraham when he says, “We will worship and then we will come back to you” (v. 5b, emphasis added). Abraham believes that God will provide. Despite the circumstances, Abraham does not doubt God’s provision. Our […]

The Story of Two Fathers

RG AUDIO 101921   Genesis 21:1-8 Knowing the story of Abraham and Sarah as we do—the pain of barren years and trauma of mountain sacrifices—Genesis 21 is a welcome sigh of relief. Let’s not miss the important theme of laughter and its relevant message. Sarah laughs when she hears that she will be pregnant; she […]

A Joy to Receive God’s Gift

RG AUDIO 101821   Genesis 18:1-2, 9-15 Honestly, I think I, like Sarah, might have laughed, too. And what’s more, have you ever wondered what kind of laugh it was? Was it a laugh of disbelief, “Yeah, right. Oh, seriously? You’re serious!” Or was it a deeper, slightly bitter laugh, “After all this time, now? […]

Laugh

RG AUDIO 101721   Psalm 139:1-12 Shame drove Adam and Eve to hide from God in the garden after they ate from the forbidden tree. Although we have been liberated from the curse of sin and shame as God’s people, so often we find ourselves under the weight of it. We hide our true selves […]

Known and Loved

RG AUDIO 101621   Psalm 112:1-10 Ambition, fame, possessions, security, health—these are but some of the goals human nature deems worthy to pursue. Our culture is shaped by the need to self-preserve; it is the survival of the fittest. Pride drives us to reach the top, at the expense of all others left on the […]

A Blessed Life

RG AUDIO 101521   Galatians 3:1-9 For the Jews, living under the privileged covenant established by God was a culturally known fact that was never disputed. They were God’s chosen. Even for those descendants that clearly did not deserve such favor, God’s faithfulness was demonstrated again and again. How difficult was it for the Gentiles, […]

By Grace Alone

RG AUDIO 101421   Deuteronomy 29:1-6, 9-15 It is sobering to know that the people of Israel experienced the astounding miracles of God firsthand and yet did not have the heart to perceive it. It is written that the Lord had not given them eyes to see or ears to hear. Why would He not? […]

Hearts to Perceive

RG AUDIO 101321   Exodus 33:12-23 After God rescued the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, the people rebelled. Their insubordination took the form of a golden calf—an idolatrous symbol that indicated their lack of faith. In the aftermath of this flagrant disobedience, there is a profoundly intimate scene between Moses and the Lord. Moses is understandably […]

Reassurance of God’s Presence

RG AUDIO 101221   Genesis 15:12-21 Four hundred years of slavery is hard to endure. Abram’s descendants would learn this through a long narrative of suffering and oppression. God solidifies His covenantal relationship with Abram and His people through a ceremonial ritual that symbolizes His unilateral and unconditional love. This was a covenant that would […]

A Covenantal Relationship

RG AUDIO 101121   Genesis 15:1-11 Almighty God offers himself to Abram, a mere mortal. How can this be? The Creator of the universe vows to be his covering and protection—a great reward indeed. For Abram, we would expect these words to bring comfort. He had just challenged and defeated a host of armies and […]

Faithfulness of God

RG AUDIO 101021   Romans 10:12-20 One primary way of blessing others is to share the gospel: Jesus Christ is King! Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can receive forgiveness of sins and experience new creation. The blessing of salvation in Jesus Christ is meant to be shared with those around us. Paul says that […]

Pass On The Blessing

RG AUDIO 100921   Romans 12:9-21 We are blessed to be a blessing. In Romans 12, Paul echoes Jesus in saying that the blessings of God should flow even to our enemies: those who persecute us. For me, it is easier to bless my friends and family. Why does God desire that we bless our […]

Bless Your Enemies In Love

RG AUDIO 100821   Hebrews 11:8-16 By some estimates, there are over 7,000 promises in the Bible and God will keep every one of them! God is a promise keeper and we, as His people, should also be able to be called promise keepers. In Galatians 3, Paul is telling the church in Galatia that […]

God The Promise Keeper

RG AUDIO 100721   Hebrews 11:8-16 The 11th chapter of Hebrews is called the “faith chapter,” or the “Faith Hall of Fame.” It contains a list of people who were faithful to God. Abraham is one of the heroes of faith listed in this chapter. What is faith? Faith can be a confusing word. For […]

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Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living

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