However we feel, we must not overlook the phenomenal opportunity before the church today. We have an opportunity to live out the love of Christ by standing in the gap for all those who feel vulnerable, fearful, and alienated. We have an opportunity to boldly stand against anything that threatens life. So we stand with and fight for the unborn, the minority, the immigrant, for all who are oppressed and abused. We will use whatever influence we have to see that everyone is protected and treated fairly and equally. We stand against all injustice, lawlessness, and discrimination, wherever we see even a hint of it.
Ultimately, we are not united by the United States.
We are united by Jesus Christ, who died for tax collectors and publicans, and yes, for democrats and republicans.
Genesis 10-11 fittingly speaks a profound Word into our cultural moment.
Genesis 10-11
November 13, 2016 • Genesis 10—11
Genesis 12
November 20, 2016 • Genesis 12
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram (aka Abraham) and promises to bless him "so that you will be a blessing." This is how God's blessings work: when He blesses us, we are to receive those blessings with open hands, so his blessings don't just flow to us, but through us. We are not to be collectors of blessings, but dispensers of blessings. We are not to just be beneficiaries of blessings, but agents of blessings. We are not designed to be cisterns, but aqueducts. Does your life represent the cascading blessings of God?
Genesis 9 (part 2)
November 6, 2016 • Genesis 9
One would think the story of Noah in Genesis should have concluded with a happy ending. However, tragically, it doesn't. The second half of chapter 9 tells us that Noah sinned, and so did his son Ham. The sin leads to a curse, and a forfeiture of blessing. Why? Somewhere along the way, Noah stopped striving for God's blessings. Unlike Jacob in Genesis 32:26 who told God "I will not let you go unless you bless me," Noah had stopped wrestling for blessing.
Genesis 8-9
October 30, 2016 • Genesis 8—9
As we continue our journey through the book of Genesis, and the story of Noah in particular, we see the very first rainbow in all of human history. After over a year in the ark, with his kids, lots of animals, and certainly not enough ventilation, Noah leaves the ark for dry ground and fresh air. Can you even begin to imagine the feeling of getting out of that boat? Over a year in a boat, in some less than ideal accommodations. I get stir-crazy on any flight over 3 hours! Noah comes out and his first reaction is utter bliss! His heart is overjoyed, humbled, and full of thanksgiving, so he responds by worshipping God through sacrifice.