Jacob’s life is full of ups and downs. When we take a close look at his reunion with Esau, we see that experiences with God do not make us perfect, we all have indwelling sin to kill, and we can rest in God’s sovereignty through our spiritual highs and lows.
Pain and suffering is often God’s way of grabbing our attention. In this passage, we see the pre-incarnate Christ wrestle with Jacob and leaving Jacob with the mark of a walking limp. Although we fight against our struggles with God, blessings often follow. The example shown to us in the life of Jacob ultimately points us to Jesus on the cross. Despite the grim and dark nature of his death, the hope and blessing of the resurrection followed shortly after.
Jacob’s soon-to-be encounter with Esau teaches us many things: 1. Even after following God we must face the effects of our sin, 2. We are not alone when we face our past, 3. God answers prayer, 4. We should fear God and not man.
We trust in a big God. Our God is not a small idol that can be tucked away in a bag or hidden in a tent. Instead, we worship the God over all things. Since this is the case, we can trust in the Lord to provide all that we need.
When we look at God for who he is: the sovereign Lord over all, it becomes clear that everything is truly about him. We are not the end all be all, he is. Therefore, he is the source of all things, and we are the instruments that he chooses to use. Because God uses us in this way, we can see his goodness in that he uses the small things to complete his perfect plan.
Envy is a poison that effects us all. When we look at others and their appearances, success, and influence, it’s far too easy to compare ourselves and grow envious. The envy we are prone to feeling robs of God’s joy, and takes our eyes away from him. Therefore, we should look to God and not ourselves for all that we’ve been given and blessed with.
Sin is no laughing matter and always has consequences. No matter where we are you cannot outrun God. You cannot outrun his blessing, plan, promises, or his judgement and consequences.
God comes to us in our mess. This is evident in the life of Jacob. He has been a liar, a manipulator, and selfish. However, because God is good, he comes to Jacob and reminds of the promise that was made to him long before. God’s promises are not conditioned on what we have done, but on what God has accomplished in Christ.
As often seen in the book of Genesis, we have a terrible habit of trying to help out God. However, when we attempt to get our hands in his perfect, the effects are negative and not how we think they will turn out. But thanks be to God that he is sovereign and over our own actions.
The makes it clear that God tests his people. This is seen throughout the life of Abraham and his family as they begin to grow. However, even in times of testing like the famine seen in Genesis 26, God is at work and is faithful. Therefore, we can trust in God’s word and not in our circumstantial vision.
The story of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob is easy to overlook. However, when we read our Bibles closely and carefully, we begin to see the pattern of sinful people giving up the blessings of God for temporary satisfaction.
There is nothing in this world can thwart the sovereign work of God. This means that in our accomplishments, failures, struggles, and success are all part of God’s plan. This is made clear throughout the entire Bible and is put on full display in the birth of Isaac. Our prayer should be to rest in God’s sovereign hand in our life rather than resist it when things get difficult.
When the most difficult moments come do you hold on to God? As the story of Abraham comes to a close and his death draws near, we see a great example of faith that lasts.
In this sermon, we explore the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah, and God’s enduring promise to make Abraham a great nation.
Abraham faced one of the most difficult tests recorded in the Bible. His example is important for us and emphasizes the importance of trials in strengthening our faith and character. Through Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and God's provision of a ram, we see the significance of faithful obedience, foreshadowing Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
The goal of following Jesus is to imitate him and build his kingdom on earth through repentance and faith. We do this by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. He empowers believers to live out their faith and encourages reliance on him through prayer, scripture, fellowship, and service.
Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week: the final week before Jesus’ death on the cross. In this sermon, we explore why Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem like did and its significance for us today.
To follow and obey Jesus we need God’s grace every single day. Because God knows this, he has provided four primary means of grace Christians: the Bible, Prayer, the Church, and the Sacraments.
Loving God and others are the highest priority in our lives, as highlighted in the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:34-40. True love for God involves deep affection, obedience, and meditation on His Word, leading to joy in obeying His commandments. Additionally, we are to love others, including enemies, through acts of kindness, prayer, and forgiveness, reflecting the love of God and demonstrating true discipleship.
Truly following Jesus means being more than just part of the crowd. Success in ministry is not about numbers but relationship depth. We must prioritize Jesus above all else, even family. Not committing wholeheartedly to Christ could render one ineffective for God's kingdom, as Jesus demands complete allegiance.
Jesus is alive! In this sermon we celebrate the risen King and Lord Jesus!
Sin has separated mankind from God. To restore our relationship with him, there must be payment sin. However, we cannot make this payment ourselves. It is only through the death of Jesus can sin be forgiven and sinner declared justified.
A family that follows God chooses to follow God. Will you make that choice today?
Sex is good and is a gift from God to us. However, he has made it for men and women to enjoy with one another in marriage. When we heed to God’s word and instructions for us as men and women, sex can be expression of deep intimacy with our spouses and enjoyed to its fullest.
Sin thrives when it is kept in secret. Sadly, many of us experience the effects of the sin hidden in our families. To break free from the past and burden of the sins we’ve committed and the sins done against us, we must know the Lord the freedom that he alone can bring.
For the family to truly reflect the glory of God, parents must put God’s design and purpose for themselves first and reflect God’s love to their children.
Motherhood is a gift from God, and godly mothers are needed to raise families that reflect the glory of God.
The family is to reflect the glory of God. To accomplish this, we must remember the essentials of what God has said and commanded of all men. Every man ought to pursue and love the Lord first, and reflect that same love to those around him, first his wife, children, and neighbors.
There is a movement in culture to redefine the family in their terms and according to their thoughts and opinions, as if they have something better in mind that God. This noise is not only coming from outside the church, but even within her. Despite this effort, we must remind ourselves and others that the Lord was not confused not was he short-sited when he created Adam and Eve. God alone is the designer, definer and architect of men, women, and the family.
Our goal as Christians is to move from self sufficiency to Christ dependency. This means saying no to ourselves, resisting our sin, and pursing God in every aspect of our lives. Then, he will truly become all that we depend on for everything.
