Here We Go Again
Here We Go Again...and Again...and Again!
November 24, 2019 • Pastor Dave Engbrecht
We were not designed to live repeating the same sins over and over again. God never intended for us to make promises to Him that we can’t keep. The Israelites practiced the same failures repetitively. Not only did they do it in the Old Testament, that pattern often becomes the norm for us. But there’s a better way to live. The power of Christ not only forgives us our sins but gives us the power to live victoriously over the repetitive cycle of sin. “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!” –John 8:36
God is Not Safe, But He is Good
November 17, 2019 • Pastor Tim Veenstra
Moses has been called by God to Egypt, but his mission is not an easy one. After Pharaoh resists the hand of God nine times, the wrath of God is about to be unleashed. The wrath of God is not commonly talked about, and in many cases, it is a forgotten part of His character. May the Church and the world never lose sight of the fact that God is not safe; He is an all-consuming fire.
The Burning Bush
October 27, 2019 • Pastor Tim Veenstra
The nation of Israel has grown in population since the time of Joseph, and so has the fear of the Egyptians. In response, the Israelites are thrown into slavery to control a potential uprising. A lot of time passes, and it seems as though God has forgotten his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, God has heard the cries, remembers the covenant, and is preparing Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses must now answer the call.
Joseph—A Portrait of Jesus
October 20, 2019 • Pastor Dave Engbrecht
It’s amazing how two people can look at the same picture and see totally different things. While it’s the same picture, two totally opposite views emerge. Who do people see when they look at you? Do they see the person you think you are, or do they see something totally different? Joseph, the young man with the coat of many colors, gives us a portrait of Jesus. Through him, we can see Jesus. Can Jesus be seen in us?
The Ultimate Wrestling Match
October 13, 2019 • Pastor Dave Engbrecht
Whenever you see two people wrestling, you know that one person is likely to win. Someone will prevail. In the Old Testament, Jacob had a wrestling match with an angel. It was long. It was painful. And there was a winner. That’s the way it is in our wrestling matches with God. But the difference is, when He prevails, we are the winners. This match is won by surrender!
Esau and Jacob
October 6, 2019 • Pastor Tim Veenstra
Isaac is getting older in age, and the time is coming to pass on the inheritance and his blessing. There’s only one problem…Which son gets to inherit God’s promises for the future generations? If you think your family has issues, you’ve got nothing on Isaac’s family. Yet, in the midst of all the conflict, there is clear evidence of God’s mighty hand at work.
All Signs Point to...Jesus!
September 22, 2019 • Pastor Dave Engbrecht
It’s just around the corner. All signs point to it. This seems like the early stages. These are all statements that point to something that’s about to happen. There’s a sense of anticipation. That’s what the Old Testament is all about. All signs point to Jesus. He’s coming! There’s hope! The greatest disease ever, this thing called sin, can be cured. And it will all happen only through Jesus. That’s the story of Abraham and Isaac. And it’s an event that gives us incredible confidence and hope.
Birthing an Ishmael
September 15, 2019 • Pastor Tim Veenstra
The cycle continues: God has made covenant with Abram, and as a part of that covenant, God has promised Abram that his offspring will be as numerous as the stars. Years pass and conflict arises, because Abram and Sarai are not getting any younger. There is still no child. They begin to question, “Is God really who He says He is?” “Is God and His word faithful?”
The God of the Covenant
September 8, 2019 • Pastor Dave Engbrecht
Do you ever feel like you keep making the same mistakes? Are there negative behaviors that you just can’t shake? Are there negative default behaviors that drag you down? It’s possible to live beyond the downward spiral of hope, failure, and http://repentance...doing failure over and over again. Understanding and applying truth, especially from the Old Testament, can lead us to victory. We can conquer the negative destructive behavioral cycle through Jesus.