Big Hill Christian Church
1150 Goggins Lane
Richmond, KY 40475

Genesis 19-21

In chapter 19 we have the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  It is apparent in the reading how perverse these cities had come.  The men of the city desiring to have illicit relations with the two angels bring out an inconsistency in Lot.  Note he tells them not to behave wickedly, but then offers his daughters to them. We see also that the fiances of Lot's daughters did not take the warnings seriously either.  

The result of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah left the daughters without their fiances.  The felt the need to keep their family heritage by having sexual relations with their father.

In chapter 20 we see Abraham and Sarah conspiring to lie to Abilelech.  Note that God spares Abraham and Sarah as well as Lot and his daughters although they had sinned blatantly.  Although they had sinned, God was faithful and gave a son to Abraham and Sarah.

In chapter 21 we see the jealousy of Sarah.  She had Hagar removed from their home.  Hagar takes Ishmael away and just when it seemed they had no hope God heard her plea and restored their lives.   

God then creates a covenant with Abimelech and we see that God is faithful and true.  As you review the reading for today, consider how although we are undeserving, God continues to bless and provide.

Stand Firm,

Genesis 16-18

Have you ever tried to help God out?  In the reading for today we see that Abram and Sarai are promised a son, but He didn't deliver quick enough.  So they decided to help God and bring Hagar into the picture and speed things along.  As you read the account notice what happens and think about what  happens.  Are there consequences for our actions?  What do you think about the role of Abram, Sarai, Hagar, and Ishmael in the account  here?  Take some time and consider what happens in this account.

Look also in chapter 17 and note the angel that comes to Hagar.  Do you notice anything unusual about the angel.  Verse 7 says, "the angel" and in verse 10 the angel says "I will."  Who do you think this angel is.

As we move on, look at 1717 and see where Abraham laughs.  Then go to 18:12 and see where Sarah laughs.  What is the difference in these two verses.  Why does God react differently to them?  Why does God change their names.  

Reading on in chapter 18, notice how Abraham begins to negotiate with God.  How do you feel about that?  Do you believe God can change His mind through the actions of men and "give in" to their requests.  Think about these accounts and let me know what you think.

Stand Firm,

Genesis 12-15

What if God were to visit you as He did Abram in Chapter 12 and tell you to pick up and go?  Just go and He will tell you when you arrive.  Leave everyone and everything you know - just take your family and your stuff and start traveling.  Do you think you could?  Many have done just that - they have left the comfort of home to go wherever God has them to go.  In a spiritual sense we all should be willing to pick up and go wherever and whenever God speaks.  Remember when Jesus chose His disciples - they left everything and followed. 

In chapter 13, do you think you could do what Abram did there, too?  Give first choice of the property to Lot and take second choice?  What would possess someone to do what Abram did here?  I think the key to it all is the faith Abram had in God.  If we truly follow Him and actually believe He has our best interest at heart it isn't that hard to actually act on what we believe to be the right thing.  Look at what Abram got out of his obedient behavior.

Then after reading chapter 14, a testimony to Abram's faith, we see God promising Abram a son.  Read verses 6-8 again and ask yourself, if he believed in the Lord (v6), why would he ask God how he could know he would possess the land God promised him (v8)? 

Paul addresses this in Romans 4:3,9,22; Galatians 3:6; and it comes up again in James 2:23.  How can Abrams belief be reckoned as righteousness.  Read this account, then these additional verses and let me know what you think.

Stand Firm,

Genesis 8-11

In the reading for today we see completion of the account of Noah and the Noahic Covenant.  As a result of the flood, man began to re-populate the earth.  We read about Noah's family and their exploits.  In chapter 9 we read Noah began farming and planted a vineyard.  He became drunk and apparently passed out naked in his tent.  His son, Ham found him and went to his brothers who covered him.  In verses 25 and 26 we read that Noah cursed Ham.  The question is, why?  What did Ham do?  There is no explanation or reasonable support to indicate Ham did anything perverse or wrong - so what could have happened that Ham would be cursed and his brothers blessed?

Then we move on to Chapter 11 and read about the Tower of Babel.  Starting with verse 5 we read a passage that is used often to begin debate on God's power.  Do verses 6 and 7 indicate that if men were to speak one language and work together they could become a threat to God and His rule?  Note is verse 7 the term "let Us."  Who is "Us"?  (Note the same use of "Us" in Gen 1:26.   Do you think it would have been possible for man to create a tower to the heavens?  Do you see this as a threat to God's omipotence?  This follows along the same argument "Could God create a stone so big He could not move it?

There is a lot to think about in these two instances.  Let's "dig a little" and see what the Scripture is telling us.  Let me know what you think.

Stand Firm,

Jim