Stories of Scripture: Recent Episodes
Stories of the Faith
God's people have continued to grow. They unfortunately find themselves enslaved in a foreign land.
Though it may seem as though God has forgotten his people, he remembers and he wants to see his people set free from their oppression.
Through miraculous events, God orchestrates the rescue of his people and the downfall of their oppressor.
This rescue from slavery is one of the foundational moments for the people of God.
It demonstrates that there is no limit to God's authority here on earth. It's also a story that is remembered and retold every year during Passover.
After exploring how far the world has fallen, we wonder how things are going to be made right?
What is God going to do? How is humanity going to get back to the garden?
God's plan is to pick a man, and start that slow process.
That man, Abram/Abraham, was an unlikely person.
He wasn't anyone the world would think of being extraordinary.
But when he hears God, he responds in obedience.
The two notable instances of that in this story:
- Abraham moving away from his family and homeland.
- Abraham being willing to obey God in sacrificing his son.
And he is the start of a movement, a story, that continues to play out today!
We are all spiritual descendants of Abraham! I pray his story can help motivate us towards greater faithfulness!
What is going to happen to humanity after the rebellion in the garden?
Are they going to learn from their mistakes? Recommit themselves to God? Turn back to obedience?
Or are they going to continue to rebel?
Genesis 11 gives us a picture of how far humanity has fallen, and how far it continues to fall.
It also shows God doing something about it. He steps in and ensures this city and it's tower built to glorify themselves aren't allowed to continue.
People always ask why there's evil in the world? Why is there sin and brokenness?
The harsh reality is because we bring it in.
Sin exists in everyone of our lives. Our sin all originates from Genesis 3.
It's the first time humans disobey God.
Mature Christians realize that Eve's decision to give into temptation, is the same decision we constantly make.
When we choose sin, when we reject God's commands, don't obey him, we relive Eve's decision.
And much like in Eve's life, the consequences for us aren't good either.
When you listen to this story, rather than wondering why she did it, or what would have happened if she hadn't, see yourself in the story. That I, you, we would have made the same decision.
Let this story remind of us of how affected our lives are by sin. It's not pretty, but that's why we need a savior.
The bible contains two creation accounts. They are found in Genesis 1 & 2.
The act of creation reveals how our world was originally intended to be.
The Lord God was the creator, the world he created was ordered and good.
And in Genesis 2 specifically, we have God setting aside a garden as the space for man to live. God realizing that man was alone and miraculously creating woman to help him. Where the man and woman lived together without shame.
It must have been an awesome place!
This was the world how it was intended to be. With everyone living in harmony with each other.
It's amazing that that is the kind of God we serve. One who creates good things for us, blesses us and meets our needs.
This story helps demonstrates those qualities of God, and remind us that he's still continuing to do today.
God's story has been happening for a long time!
It's hard to comprehend how small my part of his story will be. But small doesn't mean inconsequential.
God very much desires us to be a part of his story. To further solidify his kingdom and change lives.
We all live and breath story. Movies, TV shows, books, YouTube, we're surrounded by story.
We believe story is one of the best ways for God to work in people's lives.
I'm slowly waking up to how effective a tool it is for God's kingdom.
This podcast is an exploration in story, for you to listen, and for me to learn to take advantage of this medium.
God bless!