Centered on Christ Podcast

I’ve got a bit of a head cold this weekend, so instead of recording the next chapter from Genesis, I’m trying to save my voice for Sunday. So, today you will hear a fantastic sermon by Drew Suttles. Many of you who read the articles each week are familiar with Drew. He preaches for the Quitman Church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia. Drew preached this sermon soon after his return from a mission trip...

Once you fully commit to God and trust in Him, everything goes smoother in life, right? Well - not quite. Genesis 35 begins with Jacob devoting himself fully to God, even telling his family to put away their idols. As the chapter goes on, Jacob - or Israel - is bombarded with one trial after another. This chapter reminds us to continue trusting in God’s strength, no matter what we face in this lif...

Genesis 34 is one of the darker moments in Genesis. Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, is raped by a local prince and then Jacob’s sons act deceptively and cruelly to avenge their sister. This chapter displays the character of Jacob’s sons, who will play an important role in the upcoming chapters of Genesis. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

After many years, Jacob and Esau will finally meet again. But does Esau still harbor his murderous anger toward Jacob? Is Jacob still the deceiver who manipulated Esau? Genesis 33 is a beautiful picture of repentance and forgiveness between two brothers. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Jacob has been a deceiver several times throughout his life. In fact, that’s what his name means. Because of his deception, Jacob has also been a runner - always having to run from his past deception. But now, in Genesis 32, Jacob will have to come face-to-face with God and own up to who he has become without God. If he truly wants to be blessed by God, he can no longer run from who he is. Get ful...

In Genesis 31, Jacob finally decides to go home after working for Laban - his father-in-law - for 20 years. But Jacob knows Laban won’t like him leaving, so he packs up and leaves. When Laban catches up to him, Jacob unleashes all his frustrations on Laban. Jacob’s faith has grown in the Lord over those 20 years with Laban, and the Lord protects Jacob during this tense transition period for Jacob’...

Genesis 30 describes the problems taking place between Rachel and Leah, as well as between Jacob and his father-in-law Laban. Lies created a family that was overrun with bitterness and mistrust. But in the middle of this “soap opera,” we see God remaining true to His promises. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When Jacob arrives at his Uncle Laban’s home, he is treated like family - for a little while. But it doesn’t take Jacob very long to figure out that Laban - much like himself - isn’t someone who can be trusted. This chapter begins Jacob’s frustrations with Laban and also tells the sad story of a wife desperate for her husband’s love. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substa...

In Genesis 28, Jacob leaves home to travel to his mother’s family. He’s not leaving under the best circumstances. Esau has threatened to kill Jacob, and Jacob is afraid of his brother. God tells Jacob in his dream the same promise He made to Abraham and Isaac, and also comforts Jacob’s fears. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Jacob and his mother Rebekah conspire to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. This is a sad chapter in Scripture that ends with the breakup of this family. We are once again reminded of the importance of not taking matters into our own hands - but rather, we must trust God and do things His way. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Genesis 26 we find Isaac’s trust in God’s promises wavering, just as his father Abraham’s faith once wavered. But we also see God remaining faithful to His promises. Genesis 26 is a beautiful reminder of how God continues to care for His people even when we stumble sometimes in trusting Him. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a lot that happens in Genesis 25. * Abraham marries again after Sarah’s death and has more children. * Abraham dies. * We learn about Ishmael’s family and death. * Jacob and Esau are born. * Esau sells his birthright to Jacob. The scene shifts from Abraham to Isaac for a brief moment before the focus is placed on Jacob. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com...

After the death of Sarah, Abraham knows it’s time to find a wife for his son Isaac. Genesis 24 is a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His providence for His people. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Genesis 23 is a sad moment in Genesis. After a long marriage and a lifetime of memories shared by Abraham and Sarah, Sarah dies. But Genesis 23 also highlights Abraham’s faith in God’s promises - even when while going through one of the most difficult moments of his life. It’s a powerful lesson for us to keep trusting in God’s promises. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.sub...

After demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises, the Lord tests the faithfulness of Abraham. Would Abraham allow anything - or anyone - to come between him and God? Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Genesis 21 is a beautiful reminder that the Lord - the Everlasting God - is always faithful to His promises. The theme of God’s faithfulness is something that the Scriptures emphasize repeatedly. We serve the faithful God! “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

I enjoyed my break from writing during June, but that break is now over! I’m looking forward to getting back to writing in July. At least during July, I’m going to do things a little bit differently as far as the publishing schedule. Here’s the plan: * Sunday - Podcast episode. * Monday - An article by me. * Wednesday - A guest article. * Friday - A guest article. I may add more articles after Jul...

Right after a chapter where God’s power as the righteous Judge of all the earth is demonstrated (Genesis 19), and right before a chapter where God’s power as the Giver of Life is shown (Genesis 21), we have another moment where Abraham and Sarah’s faith wavers. In fact, Genesis 20 will sound very similar to what happened in the second half of Genesis 12. Get full access to Centered on Christ at ce...

Genesis 19 highlights God’s justice upon wickedness, while also showing the depths of His mercy. God is the righteous Judge who will always do right. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Genesis 18 focuses on the LORD as the giver of life, and also as the merciful and just Judge of all the earth. This is a chapter where we are shown much about the nature of the Lord. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Genesis 17 includes the time when God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. He tells them what He will do, and what they must do. It’s a chapter where God reaffirms His promises to them - specifically, the promise that Sarah herself would have a son. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

After several chapters where Abram’s trust in God is strong, we find his and Sarai’s trust in God wavers again in Genesis 16. Because of their lack of trust in God’s promises, they take matters into their own hands and make a decision that goes poorly. This chapter is yet another reminder to keep trusting in God’s promises, even if we can’t understand how He’s going to keep His promises. Get full...

On this day 60 years ago my dad was born. Now, I’ve only been knowing my dad since 1991 – but I’ve learned a few things from him in those 33 years or so. So today, on his 60th birthday, I decided to share six lessons I’ve learned from him. * #1 – Put Jesus first, even when it’s difficult. * #2 – Work hard, and don’t complain. * #3 – Play with your kids. * #4 – “If the umpire calls it a strike, it’...

I want to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day! What a blessing our mothers are, and we certainly would not be who we are today without them. If you still can, I hope you take a few minutes today to call your Mom and let her know you’re thinking about her and all she’s done for you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Abram, like us, needed reassurance from God about His promises. What a blessing it is that our God is long-suffering and patient when we need reassurance! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe