Proclaiming Christ

Matthew 1:18–25 — The Birth of Jesus

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode we look at Matthew’s account of the genesis of Jesus. In this account of his birth story Matthew draws our attention to the particular perspective of Joseph, the comforting message of the angel, the wonder of the virgin birth, the glory of the Immanuel promise, and the significance of the name of Jesus as the one who saves his people from their sins.

Hosea 9 — Elect Exiles

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Hosea ministers in Israel between the time of the conquest of Canaan and the exile. In chapter nine of his prophecy, he tells of the coming judgment-exile of Israel into the land of the uncircumcised. But there is hope! God will preserve a remnant—elect exiles—for his own glory and as his chosen portion. For Christ was exiled in his death because of our sins, so that we who were once far off may be brought near by the blood. And now, in Christ, we are elect exiles called to conduct ourselves honorably in the midst of wicked and perverse generation.

Genesis 27:1–40 — To Steal a Blessing

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Esau has been disqualified to receive the covenant blessing, but Isaac intends to give it to him anyway. In fact, none of the four characters in this chapter is painted in a good light. As Jacob and Rebecca plot to steal the blessing, it becomes clear that the blessing may only come through the work of God himself—and we are pointed to the promised covenant Son.

1 Corinthians 3:1–9 — God's Fellow Workers

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Paul once again admonishes the church in Corinth over its division into rival parties with some following Paul, and other Apollos. Paul rebukes them because this behavior is of the flesh and they have elevated the minister of the gospel to an unwarranted and unbiblical position. Ministers are but servants used as instruments in the hands of God and they are fellow workers under God.

1 Corinthians 2:6–16 — Spiritual Wisdom

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

In this passage, the Apostle Paul highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the revealer and illuminator of the wisdom of God, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. That divine wisdom was eternally decreed by God before the foundation of the world and is now revealed by the Spirit through the preaching of the gospel.

Genesis 26:23–35 — God Alone Gives Peace

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In Genesis 26, God confirms the covenant promise to Isaac—the heart of which is “I will be with you.” In this episode, we see how God not only keeps this promise to Isaac in the midst of conflict, but also how he continues to keep this promise to believers today, as we too journey through a hostile land, seeking peace through the gospel as we look to the land of promise where God will dwell with us perfectly.

Matthew 1:1–18 — The Royal Line of Christ

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 19:28:51 +0000

As the Gospel According to Matthew begins we are introduced to the royal line of Jesus, where Matthew presents Jesus to us as the Davidic king, the universal king, and the final king through whom all of God’s purposes are fulfilled.

Hosea 8 — When More Is Less

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Hosea brings a word of judgment upon Israel, threatening to send them into exile and judgment for their sin. Christ as the true and obedient Israel secures for his people the promised deliverance from sin’s guilt and power. Christ calls us therefore to exclusive fidelity to him.

The Spirit of Schleiermacher in Preaching

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0000

In an age of skepticism, Fredrich Schleiermacher wanted to cast religion in a manner that would be relevant and respected. In Episode 86 Jim Cassidy and Mark Winder discuss how the father of modern liberal theology continues to manifest an influence in pulpit speech today. Does the drive to make preaching more “relevant” and “practical” today manifest a spirit of Schleiermacher in the pulpit? Is the quality of a sermon determined by its relevancy to our current age?

Hosea 7 - The Love of God and the Stubbornness of Man

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Jim Cassidy shows us how Israel's folly and sinfulness renders her incapable of obeying God. In order to obey the Lord, she needs the Lord to grant to her the very thing that she herself can not do. Hosea uses striking imagery to show us Israel's rebellion, but equally striking and parallel imagery to show the Lord's mercy and provision for redemption.

Exodus 2:11–15 — The Formation of a Savior

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Joel Fick shows us how important it is to bring various passages of Scripture to bear upon one another, particularly where one may fill in the gap for the other. In Exodus 2 we learn how Christ is not a picture of Moses, but rather Moses is a picture of Christ.

Genesis 26 — Compromise, Controversy, and Covenant

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Mark Winder shows us how in the story of Isaac which parallels that of Abraham, there is a theological point being made: from a human perspective there is one crisis after another. But from the divine perspective, there is no salvation outside of God. Only his hand will triumph. We will also see how Abraham's obedience is a type of the obedience of Christ.

Hosea 6:4–11 — The Covenant Keeper

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:41:12 +0000

In Episode 82, Jim Cassidy gives us a primer on Covenant Theology. As Israel, shaped by the law, becomes an analogy of Adam as Adam is in covenant with God in the garden, a pattern is seen between Adam and Israel. If Adam disobeys, he is exiled from the Garden, as is also the case with Israel. God, however, is the covenant keeper, providing redemption for his people in doing what they are unable to do.

Exodus 2:1–10 — The Birth, Burial, and Resurrection of a Savior

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 20:07:52 +0000

In episode 81, Joel Fick leads us in a study of the birth of Moses. He demonstrates a model of preaching Christ not based upon merely noting a few parallels between an Old Testament character and the life of Christ, but based upon deep theological themes and direct scriptural references.

Hosea 6:1–3 — Returning to the Lord

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 15:11:40 +0000

Knowledge is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end that we might know the new world of God. When we understand that we are citizens of the age to come, it changes everything about how we live our lives in the midst of this present evil age.

Genesis 25:22–34 — A Conflict for the Ages

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 23:02:22 +0000

The conflict between Jacob and Esau serves as a paradigm for the redemptive conflict of the ages. God uses what the world would consider weak to accomplish his plan and demonstrate his power.

Genesis 25:1–21 — Epilogue to Abraham

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 04:00:54 +0000

In Episode 78 the panel discusses how the story of redemption shifts focus from Abraham to his descendants, and particularly to Isaac and Jacob. Employing a covenantal and redemptive-historical hermeneutic becomes important in understanding the significance of this shift and its implication for the inclusion of the Gentiles.

Genesis 24 — A Bride for Isaac

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 04:00:14 +0000

In this 67-verse chapter we examine some of the patterns and themes in this narrative full of intrigue. We discuss the transition of the covenant promises to Isaac, the providence of God overseeing all of these events, the theme of suspense, and the direct link to the offspring of Isaac and Rebekah.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 — Jesus Christ and Him Crucified

Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:55 +0000

Glen Clary examines the matter and manner of Paul's preaching. There is a crucifixion proclaimed by Paul, but there is also a cruciformity in how he proclaimed it, and to his whole life and ministry.

Hosea 5 — The Righteous King: Condemned and Justified

Wed, 15 May 2019 14:56:58 +0000

In Episode 75 we see that because of our sin imputed to Christ, he stood condemned under the wrath of God. But Christ's resurrection is the Word of Grace—Christ's vindication. Christ is condemned by the cross, but vindicated by the Spirit.

Genesis 23 — The Cave at Machpelah

Wed, 08 May 2019 04:00:57 +0000

In Episode 74 we observe what seems to be an ordinary bartering transaction. But upon closer observation we learn three significant things: Abraham is given a downpayment on the land promise, he anticipates the resurrection, and he lives in peace with those around him.

Genesis 22 — Abraham's Test and God's Provision, Part Two

Wed, 01 May 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Adam York show us how God is presenting in the life of Isaac a type of the work of the future Messiah, who would come, be offered as a substitute for his people and be raised for them as well. What Abraham receives in type, the believer today has received in substance.

Exodus 1 — They Made Their Lives Bitter

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:34:59 +0000

Joel Fick continues his introduction to the book of Exodus as he explores a fruitful people, a ferocious king, and the faithful God. Exodus shows us how the people of God will suffer with Christ and be delivered by Christ that they might be glorified in Christ.

Exodus 1:1–7 — Introducing Exodus: These Are the Names

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 04:00:28 +0000

In this introductory episode to the book of Exodus, Joel Fick explains how important it is to glance backwards and see what God is doing, even as we look forward in time and see how all of God's promises are going to be fulfilled.

Genesis 22 — Abraham's Test and God's Provision, Part One

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 04:00:18 +0000

Abraham's willingness to offer up his son Isaac at God's command is a remarkable demonstration of obedience. He demonstrates not that he was justified by works, but that the hope of the resurrection fueled his obedience.

Genesis 21:22–34 — A Covenant in Beersheba

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:00:11 +0000

In this "bookend" text, a remarkable change is seen in Abraham, who demonstrates how a pilgrim is to conduct himself in a foreign land, and how he is identified through his worship.

Hosea 4 — Knowledge of the True God

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 04:00:01 +0000

In Episode 68, Jim Cassidy takes us through Hosea 4, where we see that God is judging his people because of their lack of a knowledge of him. Scripture shows us that the love of God and the knowledge of God are not contrary to one another, but "sweetly comply" with one another.

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 — Boasting in the Lord

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:00:40 +0000

There are two kinds of wisdom—human and divine. The foolishness of preaching shatters the illusion of human wisdom and displays the wisdom of God, that the believer's boast should be in the Lord.

Hosea 3 — Purchased by the Lord

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:00:05 +0000

In Episode 66, Jim Cassidy opens up Hosea 3, where God commands the prophet to buy his faithless wife back from slavery. This picture of redemption points to Jesus Christ, who alone can purchase for himself a rebellious, sinful, and adulterous people.

Genesis 21:1–21 — Isaac and Ishmael

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 05:00:56 +0000

In episode 65, Adam York examines Sarah's laughter and her treatment of Hagar, gleaning from the passage important principles for interpretation. We do not approach Old Testament narratives looking a hero to emulate or a villain to despise, but looking to the acts and words of God in providing salvation for his people.

Genesis 20 — Abraham and Abimelech

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 05:00:42 +0000

In episode 64 we open up Genesis 20 and find a duplicate of what took place eight chapter earlier. To protect himself, Abraham tries to pass off his wife, Sarah, as his sister. In doing so, he inadvertently places the line of the Messiah in grave danger. It takes an act of God through special revelation to preserve the offspring of the woman.

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 — The Word of the Cross

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 04:00:37 +0000

The preacher should not preach in such a way that draws listeners to his own wisdom, but draws them to place their faith and trust in Christ alone as they witness his wisdom and power through the Word.

Hosea 2:14–23 — A New Exodus

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 04:00:06 +0000

Hosea points to Jesus, who, as the new and final Israel, does not remain under the power of death forever. But Christ is raised from the dead in the vindicating power of the Spirit. Christ is our exodus—the one delivered from bondage to sin and death! His deliverance is our deliverance. As those who have been delivered in and through Christ, we are called to forget the names of our false gods and remember the name of the Lord who has delivered us from our previous slavemaster.

Genesis 19:30–38 — The Conclusion of Lot's Story

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 04:00:52 +0000

In a startling episode of fear and worldliness we find the hope of the gospel. Learn how the person and work of Christ can be preached from what seems to be the most unlikely text.

Genesis 19:12–29 — Sin Will Never Triumph

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 04:00:58 +0000

Lot can not save himself—God has to do it. In his mercy he provides for Lot's salvation even through the destruction of the city of man, and in so doing provides for us a picture of Christ's saving work.

Hosea 2:2–13 — Forgetting the Lord

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 04:00:03 +0000

The mercy that the Lord shows initially will be undone in judgment. But there is grace, restoration, and redemption for those who repent and trust in Christ.

Genesis 19:1–11 — A Supernatural Rescue Mission

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 14:49:35 +0000

Lot serves as a paradigm or picture of the salvation of sinners and judgment upon unbelievers. Sinners are not saved because they suddenly figure out God’s mercy and come running to him. They are saved because God does what they cannot do of their own accord.

Genesis 18:16–33 — Abraham, the Friend of God

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:24:11 +0000

In Episode 57, we see that despite oncoming judgment, the passage underscores the deep relationship between God and Abraham. It is covenantal at its core.

1 Corinthians 1:18–20 — The Wisdom of God

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 04:00:50 +0000

Here's the big pictures of 1 Corinthians 1 and 2, particularly focusing on the wisdom of God as the doctrinal and ethical antithesis to world, and an introduction to Paul's two-age eschatology.

Articles referenced in this episode:

Ephesians 6:10–13 — Warfare

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 04:00:43 +0000

In the battle in which we must fight, Jesus is what we need, and Jesus is all we need.

Genesis 18:1–16 — Covenant Meal and Confirmation

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 04:00:32 +0000

Genesis 18 provides a prototypical picture of the feast the believers have with their King in the heavenly places. It does so in the context of Sarah demonstrating an imperfect faith in a perfect Savior.

Hosea 1:10–2:1 — A Great Multitude and Faithful Remnant

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:00:39 +0000

Hosea is made us of a series of cycles—of judgment and redemption. Here we begin looking at the first cycle of good news and redemption, as the prophet brings a word of good news.

Genesis 17:9–14 — The Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 04:00:40 +0000

Here we seek to answer three questions: First, “What is the meaning of circumcision?” Second, “What is the purpose of circumcision? and third, “To whom is circumcision to be applied” We conclude that the sign of faith is to be applied to believers and their children.

Genesis 17:15–27 — Ishmael Receives the Sign of Faith

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 04:00:44 +0000

God re-names Sarai—again reflecting his covenant promise. And one essential characteristic of the covenant of promise is that covenant community will always be comprised of elect and non-elect. Inseparable from the covenant itself are the parties of the covenant.

1 Corinthians 1:10–17 — Divisions in the Church

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 04:00:49 +0000

Paul appeals to the believers at Corinth to be united, and admonishes them to abandon their factionalism. Paul reminds them that he did not do anything among them that would draw attention to himself, but rather he pointed them entirely away from himself and directed their attention and affection to Christ alone.

The Abrahamic Covenant Expanded

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:00:00 +0000

As the Abrahamic Covenant is expanded, it builds upon the revelation given in chapters 12 and 15. Through this everlasting covenant God will bring life to those who are dead in their sins.

Discipline and Celebration

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 22:31:43 +0000

Our situation calls for serious self-discipline because the days are evil, and joyful celebration because God has rescued us from that evil in Jesus Christ.

Disobedient Children

Tue, 29 May 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Israel was called God's son—a status under threat here in Hosea—as graphically demonstrated in the naming of Hosea's children. God's pending divorce of Israel points to the only way for God's elect to be saved. The warnings in Hosea are for God's people today that we may examine ourselves to be sure we are in the faith.

Riches in Christ

Tue, 15 May 2018 21:50:22 +0000

We welcome Glen Clary as our newest panelist, as he opens Paul's eucharistic prayer concerning the church of God at Corinth. He centers it around the believer's union with Christ—the key to understanding Paul's gospel.

Sarai and Hagar the History and the Allegory

Wed, 09 May 2018 17:40:41 +0000

A remarkable picture of God's grace given to an undeserving Egyptian woman, is used by the apostle Paul as a divinely inspired allegory of the way in which God operates through the church today.

By Oath Consigned

Tue, 01 May 2018 23:44:18 +0000

God has made his covenant with Abram, and now ratifies it through a solemn covenant ceremony that points to the supernatural character of the covenant's nature and its keeping.

Hosea 1:1–3 — The Faithful Bride

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 00:23:37 +0000

The Book of Hosea opens up with a shocking command as God tells the prophet to "Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom." Hosea's wife, Gomer, will serve as both type and anti-type. Listen as the book of Hosea points to the faithful bridegroom and calls the Christian to be a faithful bride.

Genesis 14:17–24 — Abram and Melchizedek

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 03:05:02 +0000

On the heels of a tremendous victory, Abram has a choice to make. Not necessarily an easy one if his focus was on earthly things. Here's Abram's chance to make it big in Canaan. Or is he looking for some other city? What will he do? What should we do as we follow in his footsteps?

Ephesians 5:1–14 — The Why and Way of Obedience

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 01:23:22 +0000

Here are some clear cut commands—not therapeutic suggestions. Paul is not only explicit about the standard to which Christians are called, he is also explicit about why we are to obey that standard.

Thankful for the Corinthians

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:00:00 +0000

In a book written to a church full of problems, what is there for which to be thankful? Explore the Apostle Paul's passionate and pastoral tone as he tackles the problems in the Corinthian church.

Deliverance by God's King

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:38:37 +0000

After deliverance from Egypt, God’s people head back to the promised land. Nevertheless, they continue to stand in need of deliverance, for their warfare has not ended.

Introduction to Hosea: Now You Are the People of God

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 22:19:36 +0000

In Episode 38 of Proclaiming Christ, our newest panelist, Jim Cassidy, provides our listeners with a model of biblical interpretation through an introduction to the book of Hosea.

Genesis 12:10–20 — Abram in Egypt

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome Back to Proclaiming Christ

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 03:14:26 +0000

The Proclaiming Christ podcast is back with a new format, new panelist, and new biblical texts to explore. Look for a new episode each week.

Genesis 11 - City of Man, City of God

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode we discuss the gathering in Genesis 11 to build a city and tower for the name of man. This chapter provides many themes that will be explored throughout the rest of Scripture as the historical enmity develops between the city of man and th

Genesis 12:4-9 - The Promise

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:13:45 +0000

In this episode we discuss God's promise to Abram—particularly his pledge to grant him a seed, a land, and to give Abram his own divine presence.

Genesis 11:27-12:4 - Called Out

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:08:34 +0000

In this episode we discuss how God called Abram to leave behind his homeland and set out to a land that God would show him. We also consider how such a pilgrim motif informs the life of the Christian.

Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:08:42 +0000

In this episode we discuss the canonical, biblical theological, and historical significance of the genealogy of Genesis 10. We also discuss the challenges and problems of how to preach genealogical passages.

Genesis 9:18-29 - The Sin of Noah and the Tents of Shem

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:05:00 +0000

In this episode we discuss: Noah and Adam, the sin of Noah, and the redemptive-historical significance of the oracles which Noah pronounces regarding his three sons.

Genesis 9:8-17 — The Covenant and Its Sign

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 15:19:19 +0000

In this episode we discuss the covenant that God establishes between Noah, his sons, and with every living creature on the earth. This covenant begins being contemplated back in 8:20 at the conclusion of the reaffirmation of the covenant of grace and continues into chapter 9 with an unveiling of its distinctive sign, the rainbow.

Genesis 9:1–7 — Be Fruitful and Multiply

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 20:49:55 +0000

In this episode we discuss Genesis 9:1–7 and how various creation mandates are given again to Noah and his family as they emerge from the ark. We also consider the various providential structures that God sets up to protect and keep his people as those people await the fulfillment of God's redemptive promises given earlier in Genesis.

Genesis 8 - But God Remembered

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 18:25:03 +0000

In this episode we discuss reappearing role of God's Spirit and how the Spirit has a pivotal role in both creation and consummation. We discuss the symbolic and theological significance of the mountain and the dove, which appear in chapter eight. Finally we discuss the significance of of the promise God makes to Noah that He will preserve the world from the kind of judgment endured in Noah's day, "While the earth remains."

Genesis 7 — The Ark: Decreation, Creation, and Consummation

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:16:01 +0000

In this episode we discuss Noah's ark and the flood judgment which God brought on the world. Amazingly, we see ways in which the entire passage not only reveals the judgment ordeal which took place at the flood, but how God used that judgment to prepare for a new creation which he would sovereignly bring about—one which ultimately leads to consummation through the work of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 6:14-22 - Noah's Ark

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:43:27 +0000

In this episode we discuss God's command to Noah to build an ark. What is the theological significance of the ark itself? We discuss this matter as well as how Noah's family was included in this covenant. We also consider how the New Testament regards this episode as a kind of baptism.

Genesis 6:9-13 - Noah: Righteous and Blameless in his Generation

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:40:41 +0000

In this episode we discuss Genesis 6:9-13. We consider how to select a sermon pericope using this passage as an example. We also consider what it means for Noah to be considered righteous and blameless in his generation - a generation of violence. Likewise, we discuss what it meant for Noah to walk with God and that God brought Noah into his council.

Genesis 6:1-8 - Noah Found Favor

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 02:00:00 +0000

In this episode we discuss the growth of wickekedness on the earth after the fall leading up to the great flood judgment. This passage also helps us to see the exent of depravity in man after the fall. In the midst of a sinful world one man finds favor in the eyes of the Lord: Noah.

Genesis 5 - A Requiem Interrupted

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 01:07:08 +0000

Episode 23 of Proclaiming Christ, a podcast focused upon biblical preaching. In each episode we will discuss the process, method, and goals of preaching biblical texts from a uniquely Reformed perspective.

Genesis 4:16-26 - Two Civilizations

Mon, 25 May 2015 16:40:03 +0000

Today we discuss the genealogy found in Genesis 4:16-22. In it, we see the realization that God will put enmity between the two lines mentioned in Genesis 3:15 and how those two lines will develop two antithetical forms of civilization.

Genesis 4:8–15 — Genocide and Judgment

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 16:00:40 +0000

This week on Proclaiming Christ we discuss Cain's brutal murder of Abel and consider this act in light of God's promises made in ch. 3. The brutality and desperation of human nature is uncovered as well as hope for life from the grave.

Genesis 4:8–15: Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me." Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him." (English Standard Version)

Genesis 4:1–7 — Cain and Able: Two Brothers, Two Offerings

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 15:06:07 +0000

This week on Proclaiming Christ we discuss the different offerings that Cain and Able bring to the Lord, and we look at the theological significance of those offerings.

Genesis 3:20–24: Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD." And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." (English Standard Version)

Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Magi

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Matthew’s account of the visit of the Magi is not exactly the story as we know it from our cultural Christmas traditions. The response of these wisemen to the birth of Jesus is what the response of Herod should have been, and what our response should be, namely, worship.

Genesis 27:41 - 28:9 - The Departure of Jacob

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Although Jacob and Esau both show themselves unworthy to inherit the covenant promises, we see, through two theological paradigms – the offspring and the land – that God Almighty will lead his people to the land of promise.