As Jacob’s rollercoaster of a life continues, we see the ongoing sin of trying to help God with his plan. The results are often bad, and in Jacob’s case, destructive and painful.
An Unlikely Reunion // Genesis 33
August 11, 2024 • Nathan Elizondo • Genesis 33
Jacob’s life is full of ups and downs. When we take a close look at his reunion with Esau, we see that experiences with God do not make us perfect, we all have indwelling sin to kill, and we can rest in God’s sovereignty through our spiritual highs and lows.
God Blesses the Broken // Genesis 32:22-32
August 4, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 32:22–32
Pain and suffering is often God’s way of grabbing our attention. In this passage, we see the pre-incarnate Christ wrestle with Jacob and leaving Jacob with the mark of a walking limp. Although we fight against our struggles with God, blessings often follow. The example shown to us in the life of Jacob ultimately points us to Jesus on the cross. Despite the grim and dark nature of his death, the hope and blessing of the resurrection followed shortly after.
Facing Your Past // Genesis 32:1-21
July 28, 2024 • Nathan Elizondo • Genesis 32:1–21
Jacob’s soon-to-be encounter with Esau teaches us many things: 1. Even after following God we must face the effects of our sin, 2. We are not alone when we face our past, 3. God answers prayer, 4. We should fear God and not man.
Trusting God // Genesis 31
July 21, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 31
We trust in a big God. Our God is not a small idol that can be tucked away in a bag or hidden in a tent. Instead, we worship the God over all things. Since this is the case, we can trust in the Lord to provide all that we need.
The Source of Our Blessing // Genesis 30:25-43
July 14, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 30:25–43
When we look at God for who he is: the sovereign Lord over all, it becomes clear that everything is truly about him. We are not the end all be all, he is. Therefore, he is the source of all things, and we are the instruments that he chooses to use. Because God uses us in this way, we can see his goodness in that he uses the small things to complete his perfect plan.
Goodness and Grace // Genesis 29:31-:30:24
July 7, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 29:31—30:24
Envy is a poison that effects us all. When we look at others and their appearances, success, and influence, it’s far too easy to compare ourselves and grow envious. The envy we are prone to feeling robs of God’s joy, and takes our eyes away from him. Therefore, we should look to God and not ourselves for all that we’ve been given and blessed with.
What Goes Around Comes Around // Genesis 29:1-30
June 30, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 29:1–30
Sin is no laughing matter and always has consequences. No matter where we are you cannot outrun God. You cannot outrun his blessing, plan, promises, or his judgement and consequences.
Stairway to Heaven // Genesis 28:10-22
June 23, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 28:10–22
God comes to us in our mess. This is evident in the life of Jacob. He has been a liar, a manipulator, and selfish. However, because God is good, he comes to Jacob and reminds of the promise that was made to him long before. God’s promises are not conditioned on what we have done, but on what God has accomplished in Christ.
Stolen Blessing // Genesis 26:34-28:9
June 16, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 26:34—28:9
As often seen in the book of Genesis, we have a terrible habit of trying to help out God. However, when we attempt to get our hands in his perfect, the effects are negative and not how we think they will turn out. But thanks be to God that he is sovereign and over our own actions.
The Promises of God // Genesis 26
June 9, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 26
The makes it clear that God tests his people. This is seen throughout the life of Abraham and his family as they begin to grow. However, even in times of testing like the famine seen in Genesis 26, God is at work and is faithful. Therefore, we can trust in God’s word and not in our circumstantial vision.
Don’t Sell Your Birthright // Genesis 25:24-34
June 2, 2024 • Nathan Elizondo • Genesis 25:24–34
The story of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob is easy to overlook. However, when we read our Bibles closely and carefully, we begin to see the pattern of sinful people giving up the blessings of God for temporary satisfaction.
God is Sovereign // Genesis 25:19-26
May 26, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 25:19–26
There is nothing in this world can thwart the sovereign work of God. This means that in our accomplishments, failures, struggles, and success are all part of God’s plan. This is made clear throughout the entire Bible and is put on full display in the birth of Isaac. Our prayer should be to rest in God’s sovereign hand in our life rather than resist it when things get difficult.
The Death of Abraham // Genesis 23, 25:1-18
May 19, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 23, Genesis 25:1–18
When the most difficult moments come do you hold on to God? As the story of Abraham comes to a close and his death draws near, we see a great example of faith that lasts.
Here Comes the Bride // Genesis 24
May 12, 2024 • Lorenzo Elizondo • Genesis 24
In this sermon, we explore the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah, and God’s enduring promise to make Abraham a great nation.
