Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Temptation, Part 2
The Old Testament story of Joseph has many “big script” elements; thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, rising in rank in the palace… A huge narrative, but not something most of us can relate to. But then we land in Chapter 39 of Genesis and suddenly the story takes a very familiar turn. We’ll take a practical look at temptation proofing in our study today.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Temptation, Part 1
You’ve likely heard about “having boundaries.” We strive to bring order to our lives by establishing boundaries; with our time, with our funds, with our thoughts. But when those boundaries are tested, we learn just how established they really are. Our study today presents a master class on establishing durable boundaries.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Journey
It makes perfect sense. We can see only so far in front of us. So, when the path is full of danger, or not going anywhere near our intended destination, it’s easy to lose sight of the goal. Our study today shows us the value of remembering God’s big picture view, and how trusting that view can help us in the short term.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Dream, Part 2
It’s a strong plot basis—the lifelong dream is fulfilled, but in a surprising way. By looking at an Old Testament dreamer, we may perhaps expand the possible solutions to dreams that may be lingering for us.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Dream, Part 1
The well-crafted script may lead you to believe you know who are the heroes, and who are the bad eggs. But then there’s the pivot, and we’re left asking questions. Why didn’t I see that coming? Why did I cheer for the supposed hero? Is there something in the hero figure that I relate to, and need to learn from? We’ll sort out who is ultimately the hero in our study today.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Fight
If we were to list phrases that have been part of church speak for ages, “being blessed” would be near the top of that list. But what does that actually mean? And have you ever entertained the possibility of wrestling with God to get that blessing? We’ll look at an Old Testament story that touches on both those ideas, and then pull them into our world today.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Encounter
What’s the worst place you can think of? Now ask yourself this—where would you most likely go to encounter God? Have you considered the possibility of both those questions having the same answer? We’ll look at unlikely places and situations where God can meet us in our study today.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Blessing
Have you ever felt like you had a number of serious messes to clean up before you could move forward with serving God? Perhaps that mess is firmly planted in a flat-out dysfunctional family situation? Our study today celebrates how God uses broken families for His greater good.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Test
A basic premise of the Gospel is that once you’re saved, you’re saved. So, what exactly is going on when we feel like God is “testing” us? We’ll look at a portion of Scripture where God tests an Old Testament character and we’ll see how that test relates to us today.
Genesis - A New Beginning: A New Call
What image comes to mind when you hear the phrase “a blessed life?” Is it comfort, ease, prosperity, or perhaps even a successful ministry? What if you were told that a blessed life was one surrounded by strife, pain, and fallenness? Would that conjure up a different image of blessing? We’ll explore these questions today.