Genesis 15.7-19: Wrapped up in Abram's story is the ongoing tension of promise, fulfillment, suffering, and hope for a future beyond death. These themes come into our life as well. The desire we have of a good life here, but also of an eternal life forever. We live this in tension, meanwhile struggling with the hardships of this life. Within that gap of promise and realization we learn to trust and to hope in the God that has brought our salvation.

John 10.7, 10.11: In a three-week series, Elder Jasper Hall leads us through the "I Am" sayings of Jesus in John's gospel.

Genesis 15.1-6: This chapter enters us into the theological heart of the Abraham narrative. In the midst of an unsure world that might bring significant fear, the Word of the LORD comes to Abraham to reassure him of his care. In our world, the fight of faith is the fight against impatience to God's promised fulfillment and ease of life. Within the biblical accounts, we see the exact opposite - of waiting and also times of suffering. May the ancients guide us in this wisdom.

Genesis 14.1-16: In this text, we see the dangers of growing attraction to worldliness. As Lot moves away from Abraham and blessing, he begins to get caught up in the curse of world. In response, Abram does not leave his nephew to be lost, but comes to the rescue foreshadowing what Christ does for us. But the warning is clear: be wary of worldliness for it brings hidden dangers we cannot see.