Issues In Perspective

Jacob & the family settle into Egypt, which ultimately will birth the nation of Israel.

Joseph's final test of his brothers' hearts, revealing his true identity to them, then sending for the entire family to come to Egypt: Joseph demonstrates how sound theology produces Godly results.

Joseph encounters his brothers, and challenges them with a series of tests to learn their motives & see if their hearts have been changed.

Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh, and is put in a position to prepare & lead all of Egypt through 7 years of famine; Joseph encounters his brothers.

Joseph's imprisonment & interpreting of dreams: through all circumstances, the Lord was with him & worked in all circumstances to accomplish His eternal plan.

As we study the lives of Judah & Joseph, we see how God remains firmly committed to His covenant & His Word to accomplish His plan & purposes, even using corrupt & immoral situations and those who compromise.

Joseph & his exile to Egypt, at the hands of his brothers; Judah takes a Caananite wife.

Jacob is now a changed man, and God reiterates His covenant to him; the deaths of Rachel & Isaac.

After reuniting with Esau, Jacob & his people settle to Shechem, where they have conflict with the Canaanites, and plot a massacre.

Jacob's return to Genesis, and his fears of facing his brother Esau.

The account of Jacob & Laban, and the beginnings of Jacob's family.

Isaac blesses Jacob & sends him to Padan-Aram, Esau marries the daughter of Ishmael, Jacob's vision, & the stone of Beth-el.

Not trusting completely in God and relying instead on his own resources & methods, Jacob steals the blessing of his father.

Esau gives up his birthright to Jacob; and discussion of Isaac's falsehood: a nearly identical experience with Abimelech as his Father.

God leads Isaac to his wife; The death of Abraham, & the birth of Jacob & Esau.

Genesis 24 demonstrates the loving kindness & providence of God, as He leads Isaac's search for a wife.

Abraham was obedient to God's test of faith, and the Lord confirmed His blessings & promises. In time, Sarah dies and Abraham purchases land for her burial in Canaan, the promised land.

God tests Abraham's faith, demonstrating how the Lord blesses those who obediently surrender everything to Him.

Dr. Eckman discusses how Abraham's falsehood with Abimelech & his restoration demonstrates the grace of God; and the awaited birth of Isaac leads to conflict in Abraham's home.

Genesis 19 focuses on destruction & deliverance: God owed nothing to Lot, but showed His grace by getting him & his family out of Sodom.

The judgment of Sodom & Gomorrah: when a society defies God's laws & order, wickedness, evil, & greed will result, and those who partake will face God's wrath.

The Lord reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, teaching us today that we are responsible to walk in obedience before Him, no matter how difficult.

Abraham's vision & covenant with God, and the story of Hagar & Ishmael teaches us today & always to trust God's Word & wait for His promises.

Dr. Eckman leads discussion of how Abram rescues Lot, and the Lord's renewed covenant with Abram.

God commands Abraham to travel to the land of Canaan. After several tests of Abraham's faith, including conflicts with Pharaoh & with Lot, The Lord reveals His covenant with Abraham & his offspring.