Genesis 32

Review So, the story of Jacob is a story about God's electing grace. Before Jacob was born, while he was still in his mother's womb, the Lord made clear that he had chosen Jacob, and not his brother, Esau, to inherit the promises that the Lord had already given to Abraham and to Isaac: the … Continue reading Genesis 32 →

Genesis 31(17–55)

Review At the beginning of last week's sermon, I suggested that the story of Jacob is a story about God's electing grace. Before Jacob was born, while he was still in his mother's womb, the Lord made clear that he had chosen Jacob and not his brother, Esau. God would work out his great plan … Continue reading Genesis 31(17–55) →

Genesis 30(25)–31(16)

Review We've been studying Jacob's life for a few weeks now. And, of course, it all started when he was still in his mother's womb, side by side with his twin brother, Esau. And the two of them were struggling with one another. Smashing each other. And do you remember? Rebekah was concerned, as any … Continue reading Genesis 30(25)–31(16) →

Genesis 29(31)–30(24)

Review In chapter 28 we read how the Lord revealed himself to Jacob in a dream and promised to be with him and to watch over him wherever he went. The Lord promised never to leave Jacob. Well, in last week's passage, the name of the Lord was not mentioned, not even once. However, it … Continue reading Genesis 29(31)–30(24) →

Genesis 28(10–22)

Review One of the things we've been learning from the life of Jacob is what the Apostle Paul calls 'God's purpose of election'. Listen again to what Paul wrote in Romans 9: [W]hen Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good … Continue reading Genesis 28(10–22) →

Genesis 26(34)–28(09)

Review Way back in the beginning, after God created Adam, he commissioned Adam to fill the earth and to subdue it. In other words, the Lord wanted Adam to fill the earth with people who would bear his image and who would be able, therefore, to reflect the glory of God on the earth. And … Continue reading Genesis 26(34)–28(09) →

Genesis 26

Review Last time, when we were studying chapter 25, we read that Abraham died and his body was buried in the same place where his wife, Sarah, had been buried. And though he had other sons -- borne to him by Keturah his concubine and Hagar, Sarah's maidservant -- nevertheless, Isaac, the son Sarah bore … Continue reading Genesis 26 →

Psalm 002

Introduction Last week we began a new series on the Psalms. The Psalms are divided into five books; and while all of the psalms are songs, used in worship, there are different kinds of psalm. For instance, there are psalms of lament, where the psalmist cries out to God when he's in trouble. Perhaps his … Continue reading Psalm 002 →

Psalm 001

Introduction I keep a track of which books of the Bible I've preached on and was surprised to discover that I haven't yet preached on any of what are known as the writings: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. So I thought we'd turn now to the Psalms. There are 150 of … Continue reading Psalm 001 →

Genesis 25

Introduction We've been following the story of Abraham since Genesis chapter 12, when he was 75 years old. And now, in this chapter, we read about his death and burial when he was aged 175 years old. So, we've been following his life over the course of 100 years; and now we come to the … Continue reading Genesis 25 →