Pastor Talk

In just one night, Jacob the heal grabber becomes the one who has strived with God. This well-known story not only recounts Jacob's struggle with God but how that struggle transforms him into the father of Israel. We find within Jacob's story of struggle and woundedness the encouraging reminder that God promises to be with us, even when we are wounded, and that he can transform those wounds in way...

Having closed his chapter with Laban, Jacob opens a new chapter with his brother Esau. In a story brimming with tension, Jacob prepares to meet his brother (and his 400 men). Overcome with anxiety, Jacob beseeches God to preserve his family and to continue the blessing. Join the pastors as they explore what this story has to teach us about Jacob's character and how it sets us up for one of the mos...

The end of Jacob's time with his father-in-law Laban ends peacefully with the construction of a new monument, symbolizing a covenant between both men (and the nations that they represent). We go with Jacob as he crosses over, away from the life he has created in the outer lands, back to his home country. Of course, this forces all of us to wonder what challenges will lie ahead for him, especially...

Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to "find the time." Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith. Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessment H...

When Laban catches up to his son-in-law, he accuses him of stealing his family gods. Jacob, angered by the accusation, invites Laban to search the entire camp to find them. What follows is a story of Rachel's trickery, family negotiation, and even an insight into the kind of unearned blessing that God has given Jacob. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going alo...

Jacob and Laban have reached a breaking point and Jacob decides it is time to leave. Instead of talking with his father-in-law Jacob decides to flee unannounced, and to make it all worse, his wife steals items from Laban's household on the way out. Join the Pastors as they explore this interesting story and see how it sets up the rising conflict that is to come. Be sure to share this with anyone w...

Jacob and Laban find themselves at a crossroads. God has blessed Laban because of Jacob and, yet Jacob wants to make a way for himself. They try to best one another and barter a deal that each think will enrich himself. At the end of the day, we discover that God remains faithful to Jacob, and despite his somewhat laughable plan, he becomes a very rich man. Be sure to share this with anyone who yo...

Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to "find the time." Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to grow deeper in their faith. ????Download This Week's Unhindered Self-Assessme...

When Rachel's jealousy of her sister grows, so does the conflict between them. In a story that intentionally echoes the original story of Jacob and Esau, we now see two sisters locked in a battle for favor, except in this case it only expands when they also give their handmaids to Jacob as wives. What follows is the literal birth story of the 12 tribes of Israel which was clearly forged through co...

The New Year presents a renewed opportunity to take an honest assessment of our spiritual health, to intentionally connect with a Christian community, and to resolve to dig deeper in our own faith and discipleship. In this introductory conversation Pastors Clint and Michael explore how easily our faith can become hindered and how small steps, carefully chosen, can help shape us into women and men...

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...

Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they start a new series called Unhindered. Throughout this seven-week series, they will offer a new survey tool every week to assess the strengths and growth areas of your own personal faith along with practical tools to make 2022 a year of deep faith and Christian discipleship. Please share this series with anyone who you think would like to deepen their faith th...

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...

Have you ever thought about your Christmas traditions theologically? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore the rich variety of Christmas stories and themes and discuss how these things direct our attention, intentionally and unintentionally, on things other than Christ. At the end of the day, we discover that it isn't the stuff of Christmas that is the problem, but unwillingness slow down...

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...

Have you ever considered how your Christmas decorations and family traditions affect your family's celebration of the birth of Christ? Today, Pastors Clint and Michael dig into the history, theology, and practical implications of our holiday traditions. Regardless of how you deck your halls, you will likely learn something new about the celebration of Christmas and be encouraged to reconsider thos...

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...

Christmas is a strange season where sacred and secular blend together. Today the pastors discuss what Christians should think and do about all of the Christmas entertainment? Is there any sacred left in the songs and movies of a culture obsessed with Santa Clause and White Christmases? Join Pastors Clint and Michael for a lively conversation (that exposes very different assumptions) about what Chr...