The story of Noah's flood is one of the most famous in the history of the world. Despite the dark reality of the story, it's one of our favorite children's stories for Sunday School, VBS, and even children's nurseries. But the events described in Genesis 6-9 are troubling when we sit with them honestly for any amount of time. Many skeptics have claimed that a god who would cause such a catastrophe isn't worthy of worship at all. And unfortunately, the cognitive dissonance we feel around this story has caused us to over-simplify its meaning to "Man = Bad, God = Mad." But what if there is something far more important we're supposed to learn about God, and about ourselves here? The question "what kind of God would do this?" is the key. This isn't the God you've heard about.
EPIC
February 11, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Genesis 8, Genesis 9, Genesis 6, Genesis 7
Here: I AM
March 24, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Genesis 22:1–8
In the final message of our series on Genesis, we explore the challenging story of Abraham's test, where God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. This narrative, found in Genesis 22, raises difficult questions about the nature of God and the type of faith required of His followers. Abraham's journey up into the mountains of Moriah, his unwavering obedience, and his belief that God would "see to it" all point to a deeper understanding of faith. It's not merely about human willpower or blind obedience, but a trust in God's provision and character. Ultimately, this climax moment of Abraham's story foreshadows God's own sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and invites us to see the cross as the ultimate expression of God's love and faithfulness.
I Need Something To Go On
March 17, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Genesis 15
Abram, despite his faith, had questions about God's promises. This message delves into Genesis 15, where God goes beyond mere promise, and makes a covenant with Abram that He will bless him with descendants and the land. The unique aspect of this covenant is that God alone passes through the divided animals, signifying that He will uphold the covenant even if Abram fails. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the covenant and takes upon Himself the curse of our failures. Long before there was a Passover, there was a passthrough.
Back To The Heart
March 10, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Genesis 12:10–20, Genesis 13
Abram was a man of whom God said “I can work with that”…he’s the guy with the promises. He’s the guy that puts others first. He’s the guy that left home inexplicably to heed the call. He’s a hero of faith. But what happens when our heroes turn out to be less than perfect? What happens when someone known for their faith, runs out of it? What happens when someone revered for how they stand, actually falls? Can God STILL work with that? Does God still work with that? What if the thing that sets real faith apart from faithlessness is not whether we ever fall…but whether we ever get back up again?