Issues In Perspective

Paul explains the three reasons for his letter and proposes the thesis of his book: justification by faith.

Romans 1:1-8 - Paul introduces himself as a servant and Apostle of Jesus, who is the Messiah and Son of God, vindicated by HIs resurrection as the Lord.

As Joseph administers relief from the famine, Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, and then his others sons, securing the promise from Joseph to be buried in the Promised Land.

Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, brings the clan of Jacob to Egypt where they settle in the rich Nile Delta at Goshen.

Joseph oversees four tests of his brothers to see their faithfulness, their honesty and to sensitize their conscience to effect repentance in their lives.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is elevated to power in Egypt, where he oversees the preparation for the famine God said would come, and meets his brothers for the first time in 20 years.

Genesis 38, 39, 40: These chapters contrast the egregious immorality of Judah with the faithful loyalty of Joseph to His God.

Rachel gives birth to Benjamin, tragically dies, while Isaac dies as well, setting the stage for the rise of Joseph.

Jacob's daughter, Dinah, is raped by a Canaanite leader; as spiritual leader of his family, Jacob does nothing but his sons respond with an evil act of vengeance.

God wrestles with Jacob, breaks him of his rebellious will and changes his name to Israel, after which he is reconciled to Esau in a wonderful demonstration of God’s grace.

Jacob, under God's protection and care, leaves his uncle Laban, with his wives, his children and wealth, and heads for the Promised Land.

The Birth of Jacob's children form the basis for the 12 tribes of Israel.

In a dream, God renews the Abrahamic Covenant with Jacob, after which Jacob worships God, changes the name of a Canaanite sanctuary city Luz to Bethel. and makes a vow to God.

In collusion with his mother, Rebekah, Jacob, impersonating his brother Esau, lies (twice) to Isaac, his father, inorder to receive the blessing of the firstborn.

As Abraham dies, Issac, the new patriarch, struggles with the same sins as his dad, but sees his two sons, Jacob and Esau born--and the battle between the two begins.

Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac, and God's loyal, covenant love and providence are clearly evident throughout the entire process.

In obedience to God, Abraham is willing to offer Issac back to God, but He stops him and renews the covenant.

Isaac the covenant son is born and God cares for Hagar and Ishmael, who are dismissed from the house of Abraham.

Abram follows the advice of his wife and sires Ishmael, creating major problems for his family; but God still affirms the eternal covenant with Abraham and its sign of circumcision.

As Abram rescues his nephew Lot, He receives a blessing from Melchizedek, a king and priest of God, after which God "cuts" the Covenant with Abram, a man of extraordinary faith.

Beginning a new study, focusing on the Patriarchs in the book of Genesis: God makes a threefold promise to Abram, to which Abram responds with incredible faith and worship.

Jesus' burial, His resurrection and the consequences of His ascension end this marvelous Gospel account of Jesus.

Jesus' "trials" are followed by Him being mocked, scourged and crucified.

As Jesus eats the Passover meal, He institutes the Lord's Supper, foretells Peter's denial and then goes to Gethsemane to pray to His Father, preparing for His arrest.

As the Jewish leadership plots Jesus' death when Judas offers to betray Him, Jesus completes His discourse on end times by challenging us to be ready, to be faithful and to not try to figure out when all this will occur.