Introduction Text: Esther 3 – Haman plots to eliminate the Jewish people, and King Ahasuerus agrees, not realizing he is also sentencing Queen Esther to death as well. Exile Israel had been divided and weakened until even the southern tribes were taken into exile to Babylon. Babylon was unrivaled in wealth and power. Mordecai and Esther … [Read more...]
When Sin Gets in the Way, Genesis 38, Advent 2014
Introduction Text: Genesis 38 – Judah and his sons sin by avoiding their responsibilities as kinsmen redeemers. Tamar acts out in faith and God preserves the line of the Redeemer through her and Judah. A Stark Contrast Judah He was marked by greed and selfishness. He showed disregard for God's commands. His sons were notoriously … [Read more...]
God’s Waiting Room, Genesis 12-17, Advent 2014
Introduction: Waiting Stinks Text: Genesis 12-17 – Abram must wait nearly 100 years for God to fulfill his promise to begin making him a great nation. The thread of redemption seems thin here. The "narrowing" of Genesis Beginning at Genesis 11 demonstrates the significance of the Abraham narrative in God's redemptive plan. Abraham faced … [Read more...]
When the Wicked Prosper, Genesis 4, Advent 2014
Introduction Text: Genesis 4 – All hope seems lost for the line of the redeemer as Cain murders Abel. The First Proclamation of the Gospel "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15 ESV) The Line of the Serpent … [Read more...]
Advent 2014 Sermon Series: The Thin Thread of Redemption
We will trace the line of the Deliverer (Jesus) this Advent month, focusing on the times when the line seemed most threatened, ready to break. Join us this Christmas season and celebrate God's plan of redemption. Sermon series: The Thin Thread of Redemption. See all sermons in this series. … [Read more...]