Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of July 5, 2009:
1. Concerning Genesis 38, J. Vernon McGee writes: “This is another chapter that seems to be about as necessary as a fifth leg on a cow. After you have read the story, you may wish that it had been left out of the Bible.”
2. There are four reasons for the inclusion of chapter 38 in the Genesis record:
-Judah’s failure is a contrast with Joseph’s victory in Genesis 39
-to teach, by contrast, the need for purity
-to teach the importance of not buying into the culture’s viewpoints, especially of sex and marriage
-MOST IMPORTANTLY, Chapter 38 traces the line of Messiah through Judah, Tamar and Perez (see genealogies at Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1; and Luke 3).
3. John MacArthur rightly says: “The genealogy of Jesus Christ is immeasurable more than a list of ancient names; it is even more than a list of Jesus’ human forbears. It is a beautiful testimony to God’s grace and to the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ, the friend of sinners, who ‘did not come to call the righteous, but sinners’ (Matt. 9:13). If He has called sinners by grace to be His forefather, should we be surprised when He calls them by grace to be His descendants? The King presented here is truly the King of grace!”
4. Once again Genesis 38 shows us that: God uses sinful people (we’re the only material He has to work with); whatever we are today, we may be better; and whatever our past sins, we may be forgiven and used of God again (though we will experience the consequences of forgiven sin.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
When A Dismal Outlook Is The Best Outcome, Pt 2
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Recap of the sermon from Sunday, June 28, 2009:
1. By giving Joseph a “richly ornamented robe” (either multi-colored or long-sleeved reaching to the ankles - the Hebrew is uncertain) Jacob was marking him out as his favorite and the likely son to receive the birthright. This favoritism, along with other things, brought about the hatred of Joseph’s brothers.
2. The favoritism and deception of Jacob’s past were now coming to the fore once again in his own children. Concerning favoritism, Jacob should have recognized the damage it can do in a family. But instead of dealing with it, he perpetuates it in his family with all the concomitant wrong and disorder that comes with it.
3. Jacob’s children used a goat to deceive Jacob about what had happened to Joseph even as Jacob had used a goat in deceiving his father Isaac concerning the birthright.
4. There is an important sowing and reaping principle we see time and again in Scripture which works in the physical, moral and spiritual realms. That which we allow in our lives will bear fruit, either good or bad, in our lives and in the lives of our children.
Recap of the sermon from Sunday, June 28, 2009:
1. By giving Joseph a “richly ornamented robe” (either multi-colored or long-sleeved reaching to the ankles - the Hebrew is uncertain) Jacob was marking him out as his favorite and the likely son to receive the birthright. This favoritism, along with other things, brought about the hatred of Joseph’s brothers.
2. The favoritism and deception of Jacob’s past were now coming to the fore once again in his own children. Concerning favoritism, Jacob should have recognized the damage it can do in a family. But instead of dealing with it, he perpetuates it in his family with all the concomitant wrong and disorder that comes with it.
3. Jacob’s children used a goat to deceive Jacob about what had happened to Joseph even as Jacob had used a goat in deceiving his father Isaac concerning the birthright.
4. There is an important sowing and reaping principle we see time and again in Scripture which works in the physical, moral and spiritual realms. That which we allow in our lives will bear fruit, either good or bad, in our lives and in the lives of our children.
Monday, June 22, 2009
When A Dismal Outlook Is The Best Outcome
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of June 21, 2009:
1. For personalized Bible reading plans see http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily; http://www.how-to-experience-the-bible.com/custom-bible-reading-plan.html
2. Read some good theology: A Survey of Bible Doctrine or Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie; Lectures in Systematic Theology by Henry C. Thiessen (revised by Vernon D. Doerksen; Know Why You Believe and Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little.
3. Genesis 37 (and in fact the whole Joseph account in Genesis) is an illustration of the doctrine of the providence of God. Providence, according to Lectures in Systematic Theology by Thiessen (see above) is “…that continuous activity of God whereby He makes all the events of the physical, mental and moral realms work out His purpose; ….”
4. According to Thiessen God exercises sovereign control over: the physical universe; the animal and plant creation; the nations of the earth; and over all individuals; extending to our birth, lot in life, and death; our successes and failures; over seemingly accidental or insignificant things in life; over the needs of His people; over the destinies of the saved and unsaved; and over the free acts of humans.
Recap of June 21, 2009:
1. For personalized Bible reading plans see http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily; http://www.how-to-experience-the-bible.com/custom-bible-reading-plan.html
2. Read some good theology: A Survey of Bible Doctrine or Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie; Lectures in Systematic Theology by Henry C. Thiessen (revised by Vernon D. Doerksen; Know Why You Believe and Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little.
3. Genesis 37 (and in fact the whole Joseph account in Genesis) is an illustration of the doctrine of the providence of God. Providence, according to Lectures in Systematic Theology by Thiessen (see above) is “…that continuous activity of God whereby He makes all the events of the physical, mental and moral realms work out His purpose; ….”
4. According to Thiessen God exercises sovereign control over: the physical universe; the animal and plant creation; the nations of the earth; and over all individuals; extending to our birth, lot in life, and death; our successes and failures; over seemingly accidental or insignificant things in life; over the needs of His people; over the destinies of the saved and unsaved; and over the free acts of humans.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Success And Suffering, Pt 3
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Recap of the sermon from June 14, 2009:
Why do the righteous suffer?
-Righteousness does not exempt us from trials and suffering (examples are Job, Paul, etc.). The providences of God are often applied indiscriminately. (Matthew 5:45-48)
-When we suffer we are following the example of Christ (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 5:10)
-Sometimes suffering is due to the discipline of God (Hebrews 12): discipline is proof of God’s love, vs. 6; it is proof that we are God’s children, vv. 7,8; it is evidence that He is our Father, vs. 9; discipline trains us to live righteously, vs. 11; discipline teaches us obedience, Hebrews 5:8
-Suffering tests our faith (Proverbs 17:3): to prove it genuine, 1 Peter 1;6,7, to produce endurance, James 1:2,3
-God is arranging our circumstances for our good (Romans 8:28)
-Suffering tests our character, our integrity toward God, our love for God (Job 1 & 2)
Recap of the sermon from June 14, 2009:
Why do the righteous suffer?
-Righteousness does not exempt us from trials and suffering (examples are Job, Paul, etc.). The providences of God are often applied indiscriminately. (Matthew 5:45-48)
-When we suffer we are following the example of Christ (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 5:10)
-Sometimes suffering is due to the discipline of God (Hebrews 12): discipline is proof of God’s love, vs. 6; it is proof that we are God’s children, vv. 7,8; it is evidence that He is our Father, vs. 9; discipline trains us to live righteously, vs. 11; discipline teaches us obedience, Hebrews 5:8
-Suffering tests our faith (Proverbs 17:3): to prove it genuine, 1 Peter 1;6,7, to produce endurance, James 1:2,3
-God is arranging our circumstances for our good (Romans 8:28)
-Suffering tests our character, our integrity toward God, our love for God (Job 1 & 2)
Monday, June 08, 2009
Success And Suffering, Pt 2
Click here to download the sermon file.
The sermon recap from June 7, 2009:
1. Genesis 37-50 explain how it is that Israel came to be in bondage in Egypt and are the fulfillment of His prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16.
2. The account of Joseph which occupies Genesis 37-50 illustrates the place of suffering in the life of the believer and shows that God uses His people in ways they often do not understand and with people they could not imagine. God is working all things together for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
3. “What a marvelous comforting truth! God is in control of your life today. Trusting in that fact can be the difference between joy and despair. Few truths can change our lives like the knowledge that God is in control.” (Life Application Bible)
The sermon recap from June 7, 2009:
1. Genesis 37-50 explain how it is that Israel came to be in bondage in Egypt and are the fulfillment of His prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16.
2. The account of Joseph which occupies Genesis 37-50 illustrates the place of suffering in the life of the believer and shows that God uses His people in ways they often do not understand and with people they could not imagine. God is working all things together for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
3. “What a marvelous comforting truth! God is in control of your life today. Trusting in that fact can be the difference between joy and despair. Few truths can change our lives like the knowledge that God is in control.” (Life Application Bible)
Monday, June 01, 2009
Dean Chollar, Guest Speaker
Click here to download the sermon file.
Today's guest speaker, Dean Chollar, is founder and CEO of CrossWay International.
Today's guest speaker, Dean Chollar, is founder and CEO of CrossWay International.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Success And Suffering
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of May 24, 2009:
1. Genesis 36 traces the family line of Esau.
2. Esau lived for the moment, consequently he: didn’t consider the consequences of his actions; did not delay gratification; had no spiritual interest or desire; indulged his appetites; and was willing to trade spiritual riches for fulfillment of physical appetites.
3. Matthew Henry states: “Esau’s blood becomes royal long before any of Jacob’s did. We may suppose it was a great trial to the faith of God’s Israel to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God must be content to wait for them; God’s time is the best time.”
4. When we are perplexed about why those who have no interest in godly things seem to succeed beyond those who are righteous: we must align our perspective with God’s perspective; we must value spiritual things over earthly/material things; we must not envy the unrighteous; finally, we must pray for them for they have not eternal hope.
Recap of May 24, 2009:
1. Genesis 36 traces the family line of Esau.
2. Esau lived for the moment, consequently he: didn’t consider the consequences of his actions; did not delay gratification; had no spiritual interest or desire; indulged his appetites; and was willing to trade spiritual riches for fulfillment of physical appetites.
3. Matthew Henry states: “Esau’s blood becomes royal long before any of Jacob’s did. We may suppose it was a great trial to the faith of God’s Israel to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God must be content to wait for them; God’s time is the best time.”
4. When we are perplexed about why those who have no interest in godly things seem to succeed beyond those who are righteous: we must align our perspective with God’s perspective; we must value spiritual things over earthly/material things; we must not envy the unrighteous; finally, we must pray for them for they have not eternal hope.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Birth, Death & Betrayal
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Recap of the sermon from May 17, 2009:
1. Many, like Jacob and his family, are in need of a new beginning. For the believer that means dealing with sin, being single-minded toward God, and being holy (set apart to God, from sin, purified, cleansed). It also means being fully committed to the Word of God (in obedience, in accurate interpretation), to the Holy Spirit (yielding to His control in our lives, when we do He lives out the Word of God through us), and to ministry using our unique resources, gifts and heartbeat.
2. Jacob’s newfound commitment to God did not keep him from sorrow and trials. Soon after his recommitment his beloved Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin.
3. God calls Himself God Almighty (El Shaddai) in renewing His promises to Jacob, which pictures God as the overpowering One standing on a mountain triumphantly. In other places God is named: El Olam, the Everlasting God, used in connection with His inexhaustible strength; Jehovah Jireh, meaning the Lord provides; Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is peace; Jehovah Sabbaoth, the Lord of Heaven’s Hosts, the protector of Israel; and Jehovah Roi, the Lord my Shepherd.
Recap of the sermon from May 17, 2009:
1. Many, like Jacob and his family, are in need of a new beginning. For the believer that means dealing with sin, being single-minded toward God, and being holy (set apart to God, from sin, purified, cleansed). It also means being fully committed to the Word of God (in obedience, in accurate interpretation), to the Holy Spirit (yielding to His control in our lives, when we do He lives out the Word of God through us), and to ministry using our unique resources, gifts and heartbeat.
2. Jacob’s newfound commitment to God did not keep him from sorrow and trials. Soon after his recommitment his beloved Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin.
3. God calls Himself God Almighty (El Shaddai) in renewing His promises to Jacob, which pictures God as the overpowering One standing on a mountain triumphantly. In other places God is named: El Olam, the Everlasting God, used in connection with His inexhaustible strength; Jehovah Jireh, meaning the Lord provides; Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is peace; Jehovah Sabbaoth, the Lord of Heaven’s Hosts, the protector of Israel; and Jehovah Roi, the Lord my Shepherd.
Monday, May 11, 2009
What's Holding You Back? Pt 2
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Recap of the sermon from Sunday, May 10, 2009:
1. Jacob’s family had drifted away from God; before he could fulfill his promise to God he had to deal with the idolatry in his own family.
2. To deal with their defection from God, Jacob called them:
- to be single-minded in their devotion to God (to put away their idols and charms). James 4:4-10
-to be holy (to purify themselves, to put away sin) Ephesians 4:22-5:15; Colossians 3:9-14
-to bury the idols and charms (even as they buried the idols and charms associated with their idolatry, we must bury the old life of self and sin.) Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:22
3. One author called the years from Jacob’s leaving the land until his return to Bethel, “lost time.” Lost years, “blanks” in which he was not living by faith. Years of “so much wood, hay, and stubble,” a reference to Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 which challenge believers about the quality of their Christian lives and work. That which is done by faith will bring reward.
Recap of the sermon from Sunday, May 10, 2009:
1. Jacob’s family had drifted away from God; before he could fulfill his promise to God he had to deal with the idolatry in his own family.
2. To deal with their defection from God, Jacob called them:
- to be single-minded in their devotion to God (to put away their idols and charms). James 4:4-10
-to be holy (to purify themselves, to put away sin) Ephesians 4:22-5:15; Colossians 3:9-14
-to bury the idols and charms (even as they buried the idols and charms associated with their idolatry, we must bury the old life of self and sin.) Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:22
3. One author called the years from Jacob’s leaving the land until his return to Bethel, “lost time.” Lost years, “blanks” in which he was not living by faith. Years of “so much wood, hay, and stubble,” a reference to Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 which challenge believers about the quality of their Christian lives and work. That which is done by faith will bring reward.
Monday, May 04, 2009
What's Holding You Back?
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Re-cap of the sermon from May 3, 2009:
1. God’s instructions to Jacob in 35:1 are, in effect, a rebuke - a call for him to complete the vows he made earlier at Bethel when he was leaving the land (28:20-22). God was admonishing him because he had unfinished business which was keeping him from full obedience.
2. Jacob’s return to Bethel was unwisely delayed by 7-10 years, time which he spent in Succoth in Shechem - an action which put his family in jeopardy.
3. Part of the reason for the delay was the fact that there was idolatry in Jacob’s family. Along with the household idols which Rachel brought back from Paddam Aram were the false gods of the area of Shechem,
4. We must be careful about divided allegiance. God’s Spirit jealously desires to have our full devotion. (James 4:4-6).
5. A. W. Pink wisely said: “The moral is evident: spiritual neglect and trifling with temptation can issue only in evil and disaster. Let us not neglect God’s house, nor delay to keep His commandments.”
Re-cap of the sermon from May 3, 2009:
1. God’s instructions to Jacob in 35:1 are, in effect, a rebuke - a call for him to complete the vows he made earlier at Bethel when he was leaving the land (28:20-22). God was admonishing him because he had unfinished business which was keeping him from full obedience.
2. Jacob’s return to Bethel was unwisely delayed by 7-10 years, time which he spent in Succoth in Shechem - an action which put his family in jeopardy.
3. Part of the reason for the delay was the fact that there was idolatry in Jacob’s family. Along with the household idols which Rachel brought back from Paddam Aram were the false gods of the area of Shechem,
4. We must be careful about divided allegiance. God’s Spirit jealously desires to have our full devotion. (James 4:4-6).
5. A. W. Pink wisely said: “The moral is evident: spiritual neglect and trifling with temptation can issue only in evil and disaster. Let us not neglect God’s house, nor delay to keep His commandments.”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Family In Crisis, Part 2
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of April 26, 2009:
1. Genesis 34 is another example to us that God does His work through imperfect, sinful vessels (the only material He has to work with!):
-“While the story operates at a level of family honor and brotherly concern for a ravished sister, it nevertheless also carries along the theme that God works through and often in spite of the limited, self-serving plans of human beings.” (John H. Sailhamer)
-“It was another case of promoting a holy cause in an unholy way.” (Warren Wiersbe on the actions of Dinah’s brothers)
2. Chapter 34 is also a warning to Israel about the dangers of social and religious interaction with the people of Canaan. They were not to partake of their ways or join with them in a vital way. They were to be in the land but not partners with the people even as we in the church are in the world but we are not to be of the world.
3. On a family level Genesis 34 when a father is disengaged from his family (as Jacob seems to be in this instance) children tend to be out of control.
Recap of April 26, 2009:
1. Genesis 34 is another example to us that God does His work through imperfect, sinful vessels (the only material He has to work with!):
-“While the story operates at a level of family honor and brotherly concern for a ravished sister, it nevertheless also carries along the theme that God works through and often in spite of the limited, self-serving plans of human beings.” (John H. Sailhamer)
-“It was another case of promoting a holy cause in an unholy way.” (Warren Wiersbe on the actions of Dinah’s brothers)
2. Chapter 34 is also a warning to Israel about the dangers of social and religious interaction with the people of Canaan. They were not to partake of their ways or join with them in a vital way. They were to be in the land but not partners with the people even as we in the church are in the world but we are not to be of the world.
3. On a family level Genesis 34 when a father is disengaged from his family (as Jacob seems to be in this instance) children tend to be out of control.
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Family In Crisis
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Recap of April 19, 2009:
Six warnings from Proverbs regarding friendship:
-Be careful in choosing friends/companions (good companions will influence you for good, the wrong companions will influence you toward evil, leading you into trouble instead of enriching your life. (Proverbs 13:20)
-It is better to have one genuine friend who is looking out for your interests than a multitude of companions. It is necessary to be discriminating in choosing friends. (Proverbs 18:24)
-We must steer clear of the path of the wicked, those who are restless until they cause someone to fall or take advantage of others. (Proverbs 4:14-17)
-We must avoid those who choose the wrong path, the path of rebellion, because they are not content until they lead someone in their path. (Proverbs 16:29)
-Stay away from angry people (those who are always angry at others especially those in authority and tend to blame others for their misfortune) or you will take up their ways. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
-Steer clear of those who have tendencies toward addictions (alcohol, drugs, food) they will lead you in the path of addiction, laziness, poverty.
Recap of April 19, 2009:
Six warnings from Proverbs regarding friendship:
-Be careful in choosing friends/companions (good companions will influence you for good, the wrong companions will influence you toward evil, leading you into trouble instead of enriching your life. (Proverbs 13:20)
-It is better to have one genuine friend who is looking out for your interests than a multitude of companions. It is necessary to be discriminating in choosing friends. (Proverbs 18:24)
-We must steer clear of the path of the wicked, those who are restless until they cause someone to fall or take advantage of others. (Proverbs 4:14-17)
-We must avoid those who choose the wrong path, the path of rebellion, because they are not content until they lead someone in their path. (Proverbs 16:29)
-Stay away from angry people (those who are always angry at others especially those in authority and tend to blame others for their misfortune) or you will take up their ways. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
-Steer clear of those who have tendencies toward addictions (alcohol, drugs, food) they will lead you in the path of addiction, laziness, poverty.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Fear, Failure, Triumph
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Recap of April 12, 2009:
1. Peter’s pride caused him to be self-reliant, prayerless, impatient, and silent. He spoke when he should have listened, slept when he should have prayed, acted when he should have waited, and was silent when he should have spoken up. (Matthew 26:31-75)
2. The Scripture warns about the danger of pride. (Proverbs 16:18)
3. Peter’s pride made him: blind to his limitations, blind to Satan’s designs on him, trust in his own strength and ability, feel superior to the other disciples, and caused him to reject the Word of God.
4. When Jesus restored Peter after the resurrection, he asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Even as Peter denied the Lord three times, Jesus restores him three times.
5. The heart of Jesus’ challenge to Peter had to do with Peter’s love and devotion to Him. “The Lord didn’t say ‘Simon, son of Jonas, will you preach for Me? Will you suffer for Me? Will you evangelize for Me? Will you believe in Me?’ He didn’t say that. Instead Christ asked, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me more than these? Do you really love Me?’ That is what He is after….If your service is not an outflow for your love for the Lord personally, it will become a chore. You will soon give it up. And conversely, the less I love Him, the less I’ll serve Him, and the less I’ll talk about Him.” (An Everlasting Love, John G. Mitchell)
Recap of April 12, 2009:
1. Peter’s pride caused him to be self-reliant, prayerless, impatient, and silent. He spoke when he should have listened, slept when he should have prayed, acted when he should have waited, and was silent when he should have spoken up. (Matthew 26:31-75)
2. The Scripture warns about the danger of pride. (Proverbs 16:18)
3. Peter’s pride made him: blind to his limitations, blind to Satan’s designs on him, trust in his own strength and ability, feel superior to the other disciples, and caused him to reject the Word of God.
4. When Jesus restored Peter after the resurrection, he asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Even as Peter denied the Lord three times, Jesus restores him three times.
5. The heart of Jesus’ challenge to Peter had to do with Peter’s love and devotion to Him. “The Lord didn’t say ‘Simon, son of Jonas, will you preach for Me? Will you suffer for Me? Will you evangelize for Me? Will you believe in Me?’ He didn’t say that. Instead Christ asked, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me more than these? Do you really love Me?’ That is what He is after….If your service is not an outflow for your love for the Lord personally, it will become a chore. You will soon give it up. And conversely, the less I love Him, the less I’ll serve Him, and the less I’ll talk about Him.” (An Everlasting Love, John G. Mitchell)
Monday, April 06, 2009
Triumph & Tragedy
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Please note: the audio quality is poor and this recording begins with the sermon already well-underway. (Our apologies).
Re-cap - 4/12/09:
1. “Of the many deficiencies that plague us, broken relationships seem the hardest to put right, the easiest to let slide, and yet the most important to resolve. The psalmist says, ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity’ (Ps 133:1). Yet, often, we let ruptured relationships drift on from year to year.” (Dr. Michael Pocock)
2. Several issues stand in the way of reconciliation: Fear that the person will not accept our overture; fear that they will not forgive us if we are the offender; fear that reconciliation will diminish the offense; pride, an unwillingness to humble ourselves; and desire for revenge.
3. Steps to build or rebuild relationship from Ephesians 4:25-32: speak the truth in love; keep short accounts; choose to be constructive in relationship not destructive; choose kindness and compassion not anger and bitterness; forgive as we have been forgiven.
Please note: the audio quality is poor and this recording begins with the sermon already well-underway. (Our apologies).
Re-cap - 4/12/09:
1. “Of the many deficiencies that plague us, broken relationships seem the hardest to put right, the easiest to let slide, and yet the most important to resolve. The psalmist says, ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity’ (Ps 133:1). Yet, often, we let ruptured relationships drift on from year to year.” (Dr. Michael Pocock)
2. Several issues stand in the way of reconciliation: Fear that the person will not accept our overture; fear that they will not forgive us if we are the offender; fear that reconciliation will diminish the offense; pride, an unwillingness to humble ourselves; and desire for revenge.
3. Steps to build or rebuild relationship from Ephesians 4:25-32: speak the truth in love; keep short accounts; choose to be constructive in relationship not destructive; choose kindness and compassion not anger and bitterness; forgive as we have been forgiven.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Encounters on the Road to Reconciliation, Pt 4
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of the sermon from March 29, 2009:
1. Jacob’s whole life he has been dependent upon himself, going from struggle to struggle, living out his name “heel-catcher,” “deceiver,” “supplanter”. God confronts him about his life through the wrestling match. Jacob had been determined to have his own way, in his own strength. He must now learn the necessity of depending upon God, clinging to God in his weakness.
2. God must remind us periodically who we are, asking of us the same question He asked of Jacob, “What’s your name?” He reminds us that we have a new name given to us by Him. He reminds us that we cannot live the old way, but rather must live in dependence upon Him.
3. We must, like Jacob, cease striving to have our own way, acknowledge our weakness, and cling to God.
Recap of the sermon from March 29, 2009:
1. Jacob’s whole life he has been dependent upon himself, going from struggle to struggle, living out his name “heel-catcher,” “deceiver,” “supplanter”. God confronts him about his life through the wrestling match. Jacob had been determined to have his own way, in his own strength. He must now learn the necessity of depending upon God, clinging to God in his weakness.
2. God must remind us periodically who we are, asking of us the same question He asked of Jacob, “What’s your name?” He reminds us that we have a new name given to us by Him. He reminds us that we cannot live the old way, but rather must live in dependence upon Him.
3. We must, like Jacob, cease striving to have our own way, acknowledge our weakness, and cling to God.
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