The Cross and the Crown

Believers are entrusted by God with the ministry of reconciliation. How does the story of Jacob and Esau give us wisdom in living out this ministry in the world today? What is the basis for our desire to reconcile with those who've wronged us, or those whom we have wronged? Here is a link to Alex's full story: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/alex-story/

Jacob, on the edge of meeting Esau, found himself afraid and alone. That can only mean one thing. It's time to wrestle! The outcome would leave Jacob with a new name and a new perspective. How might this wrestling match prove pivotal for the rest of the Old Testament and an action-packed event in redemptive history?

Genesis 31 is a parallel of the larger Exodus story to come. It is also a tale of a family at odds. Ultimately, our hope is not in Laban, Jacob, Rachel, or Leah, but the only perfect Father and Son. In them, we find the only perfect model that should shape our own families and relationships.

The Genesis account of Rachel and Leah confronts us with the festering consequences of jealousy and bitterness. Will the brokenness of man disrupt the redemptive plan of God?

The stories of Leah and Rachel press us to examine the depths of what we hold most dear. Their stories give us hope amidst our own mess by teaching us that God's sovereignty over us, and His patience with us, are all working into His wise plan and purpose. All the while, we see the intense consequences of what happens when we live by the flesh and not the Spirit. 

Throughout the Psalms, we see a picture of Christ that awakens praise and worship. These Psalms summon us to stand in awe and adoration of the King of Kings. 

When we approach the deeper meaning behind Jacob's dream of a stairway the Heaven in Genesis 28, we are confronted with the grace of God in the life of Jacob. When God speaks, we find a truth that can give us rest in our loneliest days. When we discover the deeper meaning behind the stairway itself, we see Christ at the center of it all.

God is holy and sovereign. At every turn, the story of Jacob, Esau, Isaac, and Rebekah contrasts the holiness of God and declares the depravity of mankind. Can human depravity thwart the plans of God? 

The life of Isaac, just as with Noah and Abraham, was messy. The reaction to God amidst the mess shines like a brilliant sun to us amidst our own. The grace of God, instead of leading us to justify our sinfulness, is a hope-filled call to lay it waste and run the race marked out for us.

What are the dangers of disregarding Scripture's most difficult passages? Confronting concepts that challenge us in Scripture helps us cultivate lives that ward off superficiality, define our allegiances, and helps us rest in the sovereignty, wisdom and goodness of God. The story of Jacob and Esau plunges us into gospel depths that leaves us reaching for rescue and thankful for God's grace. 

So often, we read our history as if the only lessons to learn are negative. Genesis 24 unfolds a practical example for us to follow, yet points us to something deeper still. How does the marriage of Rebekah and Isaac point us to a greater wedding supper to come? 

How does the story of Abraham and Isaac foreshadow the life and work of Jesus? How does this shocking story found in Genesis 22 deepen our understanding of the gospel? 

No matter the audience, location, time, or date, Peter's sermons in Acts 2, 3, 4, and 5 contain the exact same core gospel message. Paul's banner in Romans 1:16 states that he is unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... 2,000 years later, the message that is the power of God for salvation is no different than it was at Pentecost. Peter helps us...

Arrogance would suggest that we have nothing to glean from Sodom and Gomorrah. Humility will recognize that we resemble this unruly brood all too closely. How might the judgement of God upon Sodom and Gomorrah help us better understand the gospel of God and the call of Christ?

What do grace, faith, and Jesus have to do with God's command to Abraham in Genesis 17? How does Scripture use even the most unlikely themes to expose the depths of our need for God, yet simultaneously reveal the power of His grace to save us?

What do Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah have to do with Christian freedom, law, and grace? How does God show Himself faithful time and time again? How can a holy God declare us righteous by faith?

In contrast with the men of Babel who sought to make a name for themselves, God promised to make a name for Abram. Through Christ, the offspring of Abraham have a better name- sons and daughters- who are called to worship the Name above all names as we carry out the Great Commission. 

The book of Job confronts the pain of human suffering head on. In this challenging, yet beautiful book, we find ourselves immersed in the trials of Job. We are challenged to look intently on what it means to be a friend. In addition, questions abound. How can a good God allow suffering? How do the sufferings of Christ deepen our understanding of Job and deepen our own personal walk with God? 

The Tower of Babel confronts us with the human desire to make a name for ourselves apart from God. In Christ, we behold the Name above all names. How does He change the purpose for which we live? How does the Tower of Babel deepen the beauty of the Great Commission? 

Noah was a righteous man who walked with God. Yet Noah was also a sinner in need of God's grace. The story of Noah and the Ark has much to teach us about the holiness, goodness, justice, and Grace of God. 

Enoch walked with God by faith. What does it mean to walk with God? What does it mean to live by faith? How does Enoch 1. give us an example to spur us in our own walk with God, and 2. point us to our need for a better Enoch, the seed who God promises would crush the head of the serpent? 

"Am I my brother's keeper?" -Cain   How does the attitude of Cain confront us with our own attitude? How does the faith of Abel deepen our own? How does the blood of Abel point us to a better blood?

After testifying to the faith of various men and women that God used mightily throughout history, many of which endured unthinkable trials, the author of Hebrews proclaimed, in Hebrews 11:38, that "the world was not worthy of them." The same could be said of Ray Madison. A husband, father, friend, encourager, and mentor to countless people, Ray's story will take you from the valley of the shadow o...

What are the consequences of the fall of mankind into sin? What does God's response to sin tell us about our Creator? How far-reaching were the effects of Adam and Eve's sin? How far-reaching was the work of Christ in conquering sin? 

On the seventh day, God rested. Why would the One who is inexhaustible rest? What does this mean for us? How does this point us to Christ and a better rest to come?