This morning Pastor Tony led us through Genesis 17. There is so much to consider in terms of Covenant signs, administration, fulfillment, etc.

Continuing our study in 1 Samuel, we reviewed chapters 8 and 9 before pausing to consider the pressing issue of textual variants. Sometimes our Bible translations don’t phrase things the same way. How do we approach these differences? After the lengthy explanation offered here, the bottom line is that scripture is reliable and to be trusted. Instead of discouraging us, differences should prompt us all the more to approach scripture with deep and genuine study.

Israel rejects the leadership of Samuel and the reign of the LORD and demands a king. So what do they get? A promising young man of Benjamin whose name sounds like "You asked for it!" Red flags are popping up like crawdad towers on a rainy afternoon, but how will it turn out?

We continued on in Genesis this morning, considering what it meant for the Lord to enact a covenant with Abram and then walk through the pieces Himself. What does this mean? Why should this remarkable event bring the cross to mind?

We also drifted far afield of Genesis, with Tony answering audience questions regarding Judas, the meaning of repentance, and America's position before a Holy and Just God! Sometimes discussion takes unlikely turns!

After some remarks on helpful resources and a bit of review (including corrections!) we dive into chapter 7. After 20 years idolatry has taken root and Israel needs…a king? Not yet! First Samuel serves as judge, in a manner reminiscent of Moses. As the people confess and repent, recommitting themselves to the Lord, he works a great deliverance from the Philistines. But where will Israel go from here? And where is the king that Hannah's prayer led us to expect?

After a brief recap of Genesis 13 we work through the war of four kings against five, asking why Moses' audience would care about wider ANE politics. After discussing Lot's rescue and asking what's up with Melchizedek we take an initial foray into Genesis 15, looking at the sign of the stars and the sign of the covenant.