This week we will explore Genesis 20:1-18, Providence According to God.
Abraham is growing in his relationship with God. In Genesis 18, we see him welcoming God into his home, showing great humility and worship, interceding for the city of Sodom, and receiving the greatest news that he could receive... that his wife, Sarah, would bear a son in a year's time.
He seems to be the model of faith.
But then, in chapter 20, Abraham fails again.
Out of his fear and unbelief, he falls right back into an old sin. He lies about his true relationship to Sarah and jeopardizes her and the promise of God.
It is a reminder to us all that let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Old patterns of sin have a way of resurfacing whenever we are stressed, depressed, bored, annoyed, or just distracted from our fixed gaze on Jesus Christ.
Abraham fails. Again. But God remains faithful. Always.
God's providence superintends over all events. His grace is always operational. His sovereignty is always in control. His faithfulness is always our comfort and our rock in difficult times.
Even in this predicament, God is at work.
And even in this pagan land, God is on the move.
We can rest in the providence of God!
May God protect us from the sin that so easily entangles and empower us to walk with Him day by day for His glory and our good!
This Sunday, we will celebrate communion together as fellow partakers of God's grace!

This week we will explore Genesis 19:17-38, Tragedy According to God.
Lot's story is tragic.
He began well. He was blessed. He was loved. He was joined to Abraham in family and friendship. He was enjoying the goodness of God.
But the world's lure was too strong.
His eyes were attracted to the wealth, popularity, and carefree lifestyle of Sodom.
Slowly, step by step, he moved closer and closer to its worldview, its values, and its temptations.
Soon he and his family were fully engulfed in the city life of Sodom.
When two angels arrive to announce God's judgment on the city, Lot is caught in the middle. He is literally torn between the lusts of Sodom and the life of his family. He freezes. He falters. He fails.
He loses it all.
This week we will explore the second half of Genesis 19. We will look at the historical and archeological evidence for the destruction of Sodom, the reality of God's judgment, the danger of the world's influence, and the amazing, redeeming grace of God.
May God open our eyes to His truth so that we will not be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds!

This week we will explore Genesis 19:1-16, Compromise According to God.
Lot's story is tragic.
He began well. He was blessed. He was loved. He was joined to Abraham in family and friendship. He was enjoying the goodness of God.
But the world's lure was too strong.
His eyes were attracted to the wealth, popularity, and carefree lifestyle of Sodom.
Slowly, step by step, he moved closer and closer to its worldview, its values, and its temptations.
Soon he and his family were fully engulfed in the city life of Sodom.
When two angels arrive to announce God's judgment on the city, Lot is caught in the middle. He is literally torn between the lusts of Sodom and the life of his family. He freezes. He falters. He fails.
He loses it all.
This week we will explore the first half of Genesis 19. We will look at Lot's slow conformity to the world, his futility in trying to protect his family, and the depravity and sexual immorality of the city around him.
May God open our eyes to His truth so that we will not be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds!