Our Story - Genesis
2023 Teaching Series
Jacob Returns to Bethel 11am
July 2, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 35:1–15
Genesis 35:1–15 describes the fulfillment of Jacob's vows made to the Lord some thirty years earlier. Then, Jacob encountered God after fleeing from Esau. Now that Jacob has returned safely to Canaan and resolved the conflict with Esau, God commands him to build an altar at the place of their first meeting, Bethel. Jacob rids his family of all of their false idols returns to Bethel. God appears to him, confirming the covenant promises once more. Jacob responds to God's appearance and blessing by building a stone pillar and pouring a drink offering and oil over it. This sets a pattern for us as well. Coming back to God begins by recognizing from God’s word that you maybe you are not where God wants you to be. Jacob was in Shechem; God wanted him in Bethel. Then we respond in obedience to the command of God to arise, go up, and worship Him. What will it look like to obey the Lord? Getting rid of idols - those things that take the place of God in your life. Cleansing ourselves by confessing our sins before God. Then demonstrating that inward repentance by our outward behavior, bearing “fruit worthy of repentance.” Do you have a Bethel in your life, a special place where you first met God? Have you ever set up stone pillars in your mind to remind you of times that God has spoken to you and it has made a change in your life, or has brought your focus back to the true treasure of your heart, the Lord Jesus Christ?
Jacob Returns to Bethel 9am
July 2, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 35:1–15
Genesis 35:1–15 describes the fulfillment of Jacob's vows made to the Lord some thirty years earlier. Then, Jacob encountered God after fleeing from Esau. Now that Jacob has returned safely to Canaan and resolved the conflict with Esau, God commands him to build an altar at the place of their first meeting, Bethel. Jacob rids his family of all of their false idols returns to Bethel. God appears to him, confirming the covenant promises once more. Jacob responds to God's appearance and blessing by building a stone pillar and pouring a drink offering and oil over it. This sets a pattern for us as well. Coming back to God begins by recognizing from God’s word that you maybe you are not where God wants you to be. Jacob was in Shechem; God wanted him in Bethel. Then we respond in obedience to the command of God to arise, go up, and worship Him. What will it look like to obey the Lord? Getting rid of idols - those things that take the place of God in your life. Cleansing ourselves by confessing our sins before God. Then demonstrating that inward repentance by our outward behavior, bearing “fruit worthy of repentance.” Do you have a Bethel in your life, a special place where you first met God? Have you ever set up stone pillars in your mind to remind you of times that God has spoken to you and it has made a change in your life, or has brought your focus back to the true treasure of your heart, the Lord Jesus Christ?
A Wrestling Match (9AM)
June 25, 2023 • Alex Rule • Genesis 32:22–32
This is the story of Jacob's encounter with God. Jacob, has been deceiving many people for most of his life to get the benefits and resources he needs to not only live a good life, but to survive. He wants to always be ahead of others no matter what, but this time he is going to face his creator; this time he will wrestle with God to get His blessing. He wants to get this blessing even if it costs him something and he becomes disabled. After his encounter with God, Jacob learned to hold God's hand and to depend on Him always. In this story, God changed Jacob's name to Israel and changed his life forever. Fortunately, we don't have to wrestle with God to get blessings from Him, what we need is to be faithful and ask him to bless us in our daily prayers. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Hebrews 12:6-7
A Wrestling Match (11AM)
June 25, 2023 • Alex Rule • Genesis 32:22–32
This is the story of Jacob's encounter with God. Jacob, has been deceiving many people for most of his life to get the benefits and resources he needs to not only live a good life, but to survive. He wants to always be ahead of others no matter what, but this time he is going to face his creator; this time he will wrestle with God to get His blessing. He wants to get this blessing even if it costs him something and he becomes disabled. After his encounter with God, Jacob learned to hold God's hand and to depend on Him always. In this story, God changed Jacob's name to Israel and changed his life forever. Fortunately, we don't have to wrestle with God to get blessings from Him, what we need is to be faithful and ask him to bless us in our daily prayers. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Hebrews 12:6-7
How Big Is Your God (11AM)
June 18, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 33:1–17, Genesis 32:1–21
The drama of Jacob and Esau is not over yet. Remember that Jacob stole his twin brother, Esau's, birthright over a bowl of stew and then stole his blessing from their father with his mother's help. Esau threatened to kill Jacob for having wronged him so Jacob fled. After spending twenty years working for his uncle Laban, Jacob is commanded by God to return to the land of his ancestors. In order to do so, Jacob must pass through Edom, the territory of his brother, Esau. And so they meet. Esau travels to the meeting with 400 men. Jacob, ever resourceful, draws up a strategy to pacify Esau. He prepares wave after wave of valuable gifts of various animals. The encounter between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:4 appears to be a friendly one. Esau runs to greet his brother. He hugs Jacob and kisses him. It is fortunate that Esau does not kill Jacob or apparently even hold a grudge against him. But a careful reading of the scripture reveals that the rivaling brothers never actually reconcile. Shortly after their encounter the two part ways and do not meet again until their father's funeral. Does real forgiveness take place between the two men? Although the brothers part unscathed from their encounter, is their relationship really repaired? How different are God's gifts to us in Jesus Christ! We earn nothing and we cannot merit any of God's blessings. But, by God's grace we are given the precious gift of forgiveness and reconciliation by Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Therefore, let us live in joyful thanksgiving and not cringing terror.
How Big Is Your God (9AM)
June 18, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 33:1–17, Genesis 32:1–21
The drama of Jacob and Esau is not over yet. Remember that Jacob stole his twin brother, Esau's, birthright over a bowl of stew and then stole his blessing from their father with his mother's help. Esau threatened to kill Jacob for having wronged him so Jacob fled. After spending twenty years working for his uncle Laban, Jacob is commanded by God to return to the land of his ancestors. In order to do so, Jacob must pass through Edom, the territory of his brother, Esau. And so they meet. Esau travels to the meeting with 400 men. Jacob, ever resourceful, draws up a strategy to pacify Esau. He prepares wave after wave of valuable gifts of various animals. The encounter between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:4 appears to be a friendly one. Esau runs to greet his brother. He hugs Jacob and kisses him. It is fortunate that Esau does not kill Jacob or apparently even hold a grudge against him. But a careful reading of the scripture reveals that the rivaling brothers never actually reconcile. Shortly after their encounter the two part ways and do not meet again until their father's funeral. Does real forgiveness take place between the two men? Although the brothers part unscathed from their encounter, is their relationship really repaired? How different are God's gifts to us in Jesus Christ! We earn nothing and we cannot merit any of God's blessings. But, by God's grace we are given the precious gift of forgiveness and reconciliation by Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Therefore, let us live in joyful thanksgiving and not cringing terror.
Please Love Me (11AM)
June 11, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 29:11–35, Genesis 30:1–24
There is heartache and pain in today’s story from the book of Genesis. Our attention is now firmly focused on Jacob and his two wives (having two wives was not his idea). Jacob cheated his older brother Esau, lied to his father, and gained the blessing of the first-born son … a blessing he had no right to. But what he stole did not bring him position, privilege, or power, instead it brought fear. Fear made him run for his life. His uncle Laban took him in. It didn’t take long to discover that his uncle was a better liar and cheat than Jacob himself. Jacob became Laban’s slave. The one bright light for Jacob was his love for his uncle’s younger daughter Rachel. Here’s where the heartache comes in … Laban promised his daughter Rachel to Jacob, but on the wedding night he sent his daughter Leah instead. Leah knew she was a substitute. She soon discovered that she was also unloved. That can mess a person up! Every one of us wants to be loved. Even twisted souls, beaten and damaged lives, have a longing to be loved. But when who we are, and what we do, is not enough, what then? In this story God provides an answer for Leah and all of us. His answer is good, loving, enough.
Please Love Me (9AM)
June 11, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 29:11–35, Genesis 30:1–24
There is heartache and pain in today’s story from the book of Genesis. Our attention is now firmly focused on Jacob and his two wives (having two wives was not his idea). Jacob cheated his older brother Esau, lied to his father, and gained the blessing of the first-born son … a blessing he had no right to. But what he stole did not bring him position, privilege, or power, instead it brought fear. Fear made him run for his life. His uncle Laban took him in. It didn’t take long to discover that his uncle was a better liar and cheat than Jacob himself. Jacob became Laban’s slave. The one bright light for Jacob was his love for his uncle’s younger daughter Rachel. Here’s where the heartache comes in … Laban promised his daughter Rachel to Jacob, but on the wedding night he sent his daughter Leah instead. Leah knew she was a substitute. She soon discovered that she was also unloved. That can mess a person up! Every one of us wants to be loved. Even twisted souls, beaten and damaged lives, have a longing to be loved. But when who we are, and what we do, is not enough, what then? In this story God provides an answer for Leah and all of us. His answer is good, loving, enough.
The Deceiver Deceived (11AM)
June 4, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 29:1–27
Someone takes advantage of another and then the tables turn. There are number of ways we put it ... “they’re getting what they deserve,” “ain’t payback something,” “a dose of their own medicine.” With that it seems some semblance of justice has been restored in the world. Most of us are uncomfortable when underhanded, evil, self-serving deeds, go unpunished. We demand justice. But do we really want justice? We are happy enough when we get away with something we shouldn’t have done … as long as others get what’s coming to them. Jacob had cheated, stolen, lied, to get what he wanted. His brother and father were his victims. Now the tables turned and Jacob was deceived. The price he paid … 14 years of labor. 14 years lost. 14 years without contact with his parents or his brother. This may have been valuable time. Time to reflect. Time to consider a different approach to his life, his faith, his relationships. It may take years … but then we discover Christian faith is about second, third, fourth … and many more, chances. New beginnings!
The Deceiver Deceived (9AM)
June 4, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 29:1–27
Someone takes advantage of another and then the tables turn. There are number of ways we put it ... “they’re getting what they deserve,” “ain’t payback something,” “a dose of their own medicine.” With that it seems some semblance of justice has been restored in the world. Most of us are uncomfortable when underhanded, evil, self-serving deeds, go unpunished. We demand justice. But do we really want justice? We are happy enough when we get away with something we shouldn’t have done … as long as others get what’s coming to them. Jacob had cheated, stolen, lied, to get what he wanted. His brother and father were his victims. Now the tables turned and Jacob was deceived. The price he paid … 14 years of labor. 14 years lost. 14 years without contact with his parents or his brother. This may have been valuable time. Time to reflect. Time to consider a different approach to his life, his faith, his relationships. It may take years … but then we discover Christian faith is about second, third, fourth … and many more, chances. New beginnings!
Jacob's Deception (11AM)
May 28, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 27:15–30
This morning is the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. In our services we remember those who have paid an ultimate price on battle fields near and far. This weekend we also remember all of those we have loved who have passed this previous year. This is a weekend of tears, of gratitude, of laughter and memories, of the awareness of the blessings of God and the frailty of human life. In the Bible story for this morning’s sermon we read about choices made that tore a family apart: deception, favoritism, theft, pride and power all converge in a moment in a family’s life. Dad’s eyesight was failing. He wanted to bless his oldest son. Mom had a plan for the younger of her two sons, her favorite one, to receive the blessing instead. Most could predict how that would play out. All of this, I believe, because those in the story failed to trust God. When we take matters into our own hands and try to instruct God, or force God to act in a certain way, chaos, division, heartache, sorrow, regret follow. May we trust God here at Grace, and in our own lives too.
Jacob's Deception (9AM)
May 28, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 27:15–30
This morning is the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. In our services we remember those who have paid an ultimate price on battle fields near and far. This weekend we also remember all of those we have loved who have passed this previous year. This is a weekend of tears, of gratitude, of laughter and memories, of the awareness of the blessings of God and the frailty of human life. In the Bible story for this morning’s sermon we read about choices made that tore a family apart: deception, favoritism, theft, pride and power all converge in a moment in a family’s life. Dad’s eyesight was failing. He wanted to bless his oldest son. Mom had a plan for the younger of her two sons, her favorite one, to receive the blessing instead. Most could predict how that would play out. All of this, I believe, because those in the story failed to trust God. When we take matters into our own hands and try to instruct God, or force God to act in a certain way, chaos, division, heartache, sorrow, regret follow. May we trust God here at Grace, and in our own lives too.
The Price of a Birthright (11AM)
May 21, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 25:27–34
Have you ever agreed to buy, or sell, something only to regret your decision soon after the deal went through? Here are two I regret: both involving cars. Example 1: I gave my mom’s 1967 VW Bug to a family member. Instead of saving it, fixing it, and driving it, he sold it for a song. I offered it, he sold it, the deal was done. I liked that little ol’ Bug and wished I had never given it away. The value of those old VW’s continues to climb. Example 2. After graduating from college, I needed a car. Someone suggested I buy a car that looked good on the outside but needed an engine. I paid for the car before fully checking it out. Bad decision. After paying I realized it was not the kind of car I wanted. I regretted my decision immediately. I got the car running and drove it for a couple of years. One day I drove it to a junkyard and handed over the keys. That day was a better day than the day I bought the car. Abraham’s son Isaac, and Isaac’s wife Rebekah, had two boys. Although raised in the same house, by the same parents, these brothers couldn’t have been more different. If one liked this, the other liked that. If one wanted this, the other wanted that. One lived in the outdoors under the stars, the other preferred living in a tent. One was rough, the other quiet. One was favored by their father, the other by their mother. One day, the older of the two, exhausted and hungry after a long day working the field, made a rash decision. He agreed to sell his birthright to his younger brother in exchange for some bread and stew. What is a birthright anyway? What good is a birthright if you feel like you’re starving? Esau made a rash decision he regretted as soon as he made it. His brother took advantage of him … and Esau knew it. For years he would despise what he had traded away, and he would despise his brother too. Each of us has a God-given birthright. The question is … what is our birthright and what will we do with it? Decide carefully.
The Price of a Birthright (9AM)
May 21, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 25:27–34
Have you ever agreed to buy, or sell, something only to regret your decision soon after the deal went through? Here are two I regret: both involving cars. Example 1: I gave my mom’s 1967 VW Bug to a family member. Instead of saving it, fixing it, and driving it, he sold it for a song. I offered it, he sold it, the deal was done. I liked that little ol’ Bug and wished I had never given it away. The value of those old VW’s continues to climb. Example 2. After graduating from college, I needed a car. Someone suggested I buy a car that looked good on the outside but needed an engine. I paid for the car before fully checking it out. Bad decision. After paying I realized it was not the kind of car I wanted. I regretted my decision immediately. I got the car running and drove it for a couple of years. One day I drove it to a junkyard and handed over the keys. That day was a better day than the day I bought the car. Abraham’s son Isaac, and Isaac’s wife Rebekah, had two boys. Although raised in the same house, by the same parents, these brothers couldn’t have been more different. If one liked this, the other liked that. If one wanted this, the other wanted that. One lived in the outdoors under the stars, the other preferred living in a tent. One was rough, the other quiet. One was favored by their father, the other by their mother. One day, the older of the two, exhausted and hungry after a long day working the field, made a rash decision. He agreed to sell his birthright to his younger brother in exchange for some bread and stew. What is a birthright anyway? What good is a birthright if you feel like you’re starving? Esau made a rash decision he regretted as soon as he made it. His brother took advantage of him … and Esau knew it. For years he would despise what he had traded away, and he would despise his brother too. Each of us has a God-given birthright. The question is … what is our birthright and what will we do with it? Decide carefully.
The Lord Leads The Way (11AM)
May 14, 2023 • Curt McFarland • Genesis 24:1–28
This morning is Mother’s Day. Our Latino friends celebrate their moms twice this month. They always celebrate moms on May 10th. Some years the 10th is the second Sunday, but most years moms get two days. Moms are “la reina de la casa” (the queen of the house). Mother’s Day can be a difficult day for some who miss their moms, or who were abandoned by their moms, or had moms who harmed them, or who failed to mom them as God intended. That’s why we recognize all women on Mother’s Day. Every woman, with few exceptions, even if they are not our recognized “mom” deserves to be honored for how they stepped in and served us as extra moms. In my life I have been incredibly blessed by numerous “mothers.” I think of them now … and I thank God for how each cared for me, taught me, encouraged me, comforted me, loved me. We crown them today. As we continue in our sermon series in the book of Genesis, we take a long journey. Abraham gave his trusted servant one task, a big and seemingly impossible task, “Go to my relatives and bring back a wife for my son Isaac.” But would Abe’s servant find the right woman, the right kind of woman, from the right family, with the right qualities? And … would this woman be willing to leave everything she knew and travel with someone she did not know, to meet and marry a man she had never seen or spoken to? Long odds … until you add God into the equation. Thank God for the women in our lives!