It's back to our Abraham series this Sunday as we consider what is probably the most well known event in the life of Abraham - when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. There's a lot about this story that doesn't make sense. Maybe that was Abraham's thought too. But he didn't show it. Instead, we see an obedient servant worshipping God in faith at great cost, and then receiving God's provision. Are there lessons for us? Absolutely. Pastor Greg will unpack these at our Services this Sunday.

One of the most marvellous truths of the Gospel is that those who trust in Jesus are forgiven of their sin. As believers, we have cause to rejoice in this every day! Even though we know the wonderful blessing of forgiveness, we often find it hard to forgive others who sin against us. Scripture has a bunch of warnings about the risks of unforgiveness and yet it's something that many of us struggle with regularly. Hopefully, as we examine this area, His Word will challenge us to forgive as we have been forgiven.

The Kingdom of God is both now and not yet. It's here but not yet fully realised. In Matthew 6:10, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for God's Kingdom to come. This is for his rule and reign - perfect in heaven - to be realised on an imperfect earth. Until earth and heaven reunite, we live in the confident expectation of the future hope with Gospel power. Will you serve 'My Kingdom' or 'Thy Kingdom'?

Following Jesus means embracing the truths that Jesus saves, Jesus changes and Jesus sends. The results of this should be tangibly noticeable. If there's no difference in our lives, then are we really following Jesus? In Genesis chapter 21 we finally get to hear about the birth of Abraham's long promised son. This event demonstrates something about God's character. It shows He can be trusted. He tells the truth. He has integrity. These same character qualities should be evident in His followers. We should be truthful and trustworthy. In this day and age, it's a difference that will stand out!

The original 'fire and brimstone' sermon! It took them by complete surprise. One morning, they woke up to fire and burning sulphur falling from the sky. It consumed everything, and everyone died. It's a terrifying scenario. So, what do we learn from the destruction of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? This Sunday we will examine this cataclysmic event, and see why it is so often referred to in the New Testament.

The Bible gives us several examples of God's righteous judgment. Earlier in Genesis we see a flood that wipes out everyone except Noah and his family. This Sunday we look at the lead up to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it raises the question for us of what is righteous judgment? The passage points to God's patience, His concern for justice, and His mercy. It also helps us to keep in mind the judgment that is to come, and how only through faith in Christ will we be saved from God's righteous wrath.

Knowing that God is almighty, but then really believing it, can often be a challenge that leaves us wanting. We are so affected by our human limitations, that we often place those limitations on God too. The passage we are looking at this Sunday describes the continuing challenge that Abraham and Sarah faced to believe they would have a child, even when they were well beyond child bearing age. But we should never doubt God of the impossible!

We have seen already that Abraham and Sarah's faith has been prone to times of weakness. God's promises to them were not instantly delivered, and so they had to patiently wait. This week we look at how God encouraged them with certain signs to remind them of His promises. God has also given us signs of the new covenant of grace, because we also need reminding of what we have in Christ, and what is to come!