I invite you to open your Bibles with me to Genesis 34. Genesis is the first book in the Bible. Genesis 34. We have spent this summer together looking and listening to the story of Jacob. We left off the story two weeks ago after Jacob had been reconciled to his brother Esau and Jacob... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Embrace
Father, you promise that as the As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so it is with your word that goes forth from your... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Limping for Christ
Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If you would, turn with me in your Bibles to Genesis 32. I was reminded this week that a year ago, I was preparing to... Continue Reading →
Sermon: What story are you telling?
Father, you always speak the truth. Help us to hear the truth of your Word this morning and to live well in light of it. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I invite you to open your Bibles with me to the book of Genesis. Genesis, chapter 31. Genesis is the first book in the Bible. As... Continue Reading →
Sermon: From Whom All Blessings Flow
LORD, open our ears to hear your word, open our hearts to receive your blessing, and open our hands to pour it back out to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I’ve had a song in my head all week. I think it goes like this: Praise John from whom all blessings flow… No, that isn’t... Continue Reading →
Sermon: A Tale of Two Sisters
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see you, our hearts to know you, and our lips to speak your praise. Dig out our ears that might hear your word clearly this morning, and give us the feet we need to walk in it by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I sat on... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Tarrying in the House of Laban
Father, may your Word be our rule, your Holy Spirit our teacher, and the glory of Jesus Christ our single concern. Amen. I invite you to open your Bibles with me to Genesis 29. Genesis 29 verses 1-30. Genesis is the first book in the Bible. Genesis 29. If you are new to Bethel, we... Continue Reading →
Sermon: The Promise of Bethel
LORD, you come to us even when we are not looking for you. We pray that your word would break through our distraction, our resistance, our indifference. Dig out our ears that we might hear your word, and set our hearts to trust your promises spoken to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If you are... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Hero? Villain? Victim?
Father, open our eyes to see you, open our ears to hear your voice, grant us always to put our faith and trust in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. After last week, there were (rightly) a lot of questions during coffee time about whether it was right for Isaac to deceive Abimelech by saying Rebekah... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Isaac in Gerar
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, our rock and our redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I invite you to open your Bibles with me to Genesis 26. Genesis 26. Genesis is the first book in the... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 