Daily Bible Studies

In one of the most complicated family stories in the entire book of Genesis, Jacob's father-in-law tricks him into marrying both of his daughters in exchange for 14 years of labor instead of 7. Then, in a twist of dark irony, Jacob's least favorite wife Leah bears him sons while his favorite wife Rachel is barren. Join the Pastors as they explore Leah's story of faith and struggle and what we migh...

Jacob arrives safely at his Uncle Laban's house so it would be natural to assume that the worst is behind him. Yet, to those who know what to look for, today's text is a foreboding tale of the story to come. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through Genesis together. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk...

When Jacob runs to save his life from his brother Esau, he hits rock bottom, sleeping under the stars with his head literally on a rock. What follows is a remarkable story of God's faithfulness to his promise, a dream inspired by God himself, and a conversion experience that leaves something to be desired. Join the Pastors as they explore "Jacob's ladder" and what we might learn from it. Be sure t...

When Esau discovers his brother's successful scheme to steal his blessing, he is deeply wounded and begs his father for a blessing of his own. What follows will be a story of deep grief, anger, and a family that it ripped to pieces. This is the kind of messy human story that we all know too well. Join the Pastors as they reflect on what we can learn from Jacob and Esau but also how their story con...

First Jacob steals his older brother Esau' birthright but now, through an outright plan of deception, he steals his blessing. This conflict between brothers receives will set off an increasing number of messy family relationships far into the future. Interestingly, even as things get messier, God communicates no judgement or expectation either way. Join the Pastors as they explore this difficult O...

Today we discover how Jacob shrewdly and tricks his brother Esau into giving up his birthright. This sets off a whole chain reaction that will extend throughout the remainder of the book of Genesis. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what this means for Isaac and the promise that God made to Abraham. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on...

For all of the time establishing the importance of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, the Old Testament spends precious little time telling us about Isaac's life. In fact, within a few short verses we are already introduced to his two sons Esau and Jacob whose conflict will become a significant theme for several chapters. Join the Pastors as the explore what we can learn from this radical change of pace...

Today marks a turning point in our study of Genesis. Abraham and his son Ishmael both die after living long lives and leaving behind them a lasting legacy. We see that God is faithful to continue the covenantal promise and we set the stage for Isaac and his two sons who are about to come. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together th...

The story of God's covenant continues when Isaac begins to search for his future wife. Pastor Clint explores how God may not be mentioned in the text but yet God is clearly at work in fulfilling his original promise to Abraham. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through Genesis together. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more ab...

Sarah dies in the land of the Hittites and we watch as Abraham honors his wife's life by purchasing a choice burial location. In what might otherwise seem like very simple details of this couple's life, we discover how Abraham is both a man of character and how God provides even when he is an alien in a foreign land. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going alon...

In the end, Abraham passes the test and God promises to bless him and his offspring. Today, the Pastors discuss how to read difficult passages and be willing to both learn their deep lessons and also to live with their ongoing mystery. Once again, God has been faithful to Abraham and once again, we discover that God's ways are always above our ways. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think...

When God asks Abraham to sacrifice his own son, it started a chain reaction that leads to the climactic, and dark moment when Abraham nearly follows through. Yet, God stays Abraham's hand, and we discover that God had already made provision for a different sacrifice. Did Abraham already know that God would provide another sacrifice? Was Abraham's faith ever in danger of wavering? And what answers...

Today we begin what be the core turning point of the entire book of Genesis, if not the entire Old Testament. God, who has promised to make Abraham the father of many nations, now commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, the very physical representation of that promise being kept. Today, the pastors present the myriad of questions that this story creates, and lay a foundation for exploring the deep...

Today, Hagar and Ishmael come back into the story and we are quickly reminded of how messy and challenging the Biblical story truly is. Abraham and Sarah, threatened by Ishmael, and desperately wanting to realize God's plan for their lives, send a mother and her son to live by themselves in the wilderness. In the midst of their great trouble, God is faithful. Yet, that faithfulness still challenge...

God keeps his promise to Abraham and Sarah and gives them Isaac whose name means "laughter." Today we celebrate those seasons when God's faithfulness is so clear and the moments when thanksgiving flows so freely through our lives. God has kept his promise, the covenant continues, thanks be to God! Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey to...

Today we return to Abraham and Sarah who find themselves in a familiar situation when King Abimelech mistakenly takes Sarah to be his own wife. Though this story shares many similarities with the story of Pharaoh just 8 chapters before ( watch or listen to that episode here), today Pastors Clint and Michael explore what makes this story unique. We discover how the story has been carefully told to...

Lot and his daughters are saved from the destruction of Sodom only to find themselves hiding with many different fears. Today Pastors Clint and Michael finish this part of Lot's saga and explore the strange, difficult genesis story of the Moabites and Ammonites. While these stories can be challenging, if we are willing to read closely and put them in conversation with the other stories that have c...

Today, Pastors Clint and Michael finish the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his family are rescued from the cities' immanent destruction but are beset by a strange hesitation to leave. Join the Pastors as they explore this strange ending to a very strange story and explore what it has to teach us about the tension between God's judgement and faithfulness. Be sure to share this with anyone who...

A dark story only gets darker when Lot tries to protect his two guests from a violent mob by offering his own daughters in return. What can modern readers learn from the many layers of this story's portrayal of broken human relationships, sin, and vulgarity? Join the Pastors for a difficult conversation of faith seeking understanding. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be intere...

Following the announcement of God's promise to both Abraham and Sarah, the story turns to Sodom. Surprisingly, Abraham finds himself in a kind of negotiation with God over the fate of the city. The critical question is, what number of righteous people would it take to live in the city for God to spare it from destruction due to its rampant sinfulness? Join the Pastors for a fascinating discussion...

Abraham fell on his face and laughed at God's promise but in today's story Sarah gets her turn to hear God's promise and she laughs too. Isaac means "laughter" and his life becomes a living testimony to God's faithfulness even when that promise seemed "too wonderful." Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through Genesis togethe...

God promises 100 year old Abraham and 90 year old Sarah that they will have a child and Abraham falls on his face laughing. Join the Pastors as they explore what we can learn about human doubt in the face of God's best promises and how this story both provides an unassuming glimpse into the human struggle to trust God as well as God's gracious perseverance. Be sure to share this with anyone who yo...

After Abram and Sarai take matters in their own hands, God restates his promise that he will make Abram the father of many nations. In fact, to symbolize that promise to the couple, he changes their names, and then gives them the covenantal symbol of circumcision. Join the Pastors as the explore the significance of this sign and how it becomes the foundation of a much more specific promise when se...

While Abram and Sarai take God's plan into their own hands, God has not forgotten Hagar. In fact, he promises that her son, despite all of the troubles that lie ahead, will also be blessed. What follows is a story of how God's amazing power is able to transform messy human choices into new possibilities for his own sovereign will. Join Pastors Clint and Michael for the second part of this challeng...

Abram and Sarai wait ten years for God's promise for an heir to come to fruition until they decide it is time to take matters into their own hands. What follows is one of the most difficult texts in scripture and a sobering look at the lasting ramifications of what happens when we try to force God's plan in our lives. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going alo...