SCRIPTURE: Genesis 49 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:2-3) The Jews were expecting someone, “the one”. Jacob mentions “the one” in his blessing of Judah: The sceptre will not depart…
intentionally backwards
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 48 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping…
blessings and curses
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 47 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. (Matthew 10:11-13)…
in… and out of Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 46 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” (Matthew 2:14-15, quoting Hosea 11:1) It seems that what happens to God’s people in the old testament…
faith to believe when I cannot see
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 45 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’ (Mark 14:35-36). Jesus is confident in the greatness and the…
greater love
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 44 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Judah exhibits a sacrificial love here. He is essentially offering himself to ‘hell’, because that is what prison on Egypt would have been. For the sake of his father and his brother, he is willing…
selling ‘church’ to be church?
Hiam Shatir may look like your average pastor, but he’s not acting like one. In a nation filled with expensive mega-church buildings popping up, Hiam instead chose to sell his mega-church, Crestview Community Church, and attempt to live into what he says is the call to “be the church.” And although many doubt him, Hiam…
spiritual heart burn
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 43 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with…
I need Jesus!
Yesterday I encouraged the crossroads community to spend some time reflecting on the 5 qualities of a Jesus-follower (and of a dynamic church). I decided I should probably do this for myself. The first and foundational quality needed to be a disciple is… A deep awareness of our need for Jesus. Do I sense that I…
vintage theological comedy
How about a little theological comedy. Check out this parody of an Abbott and Costello routine. These are great clips from belairdrama, part of the Bel Air Presbyterian Church, LA California (and a great source of video clips for sermons). Enjoy!