Forge Church

The Apostle Peter hammers away at the prophetic work done by the Old Testament men and women who heard from God and passed it along. They exhaustively searched for the time and the season for what was told to them, but in Peter's words....all that was for us. It is for the Now, and for the Next.

Jan Patterson highlights the importance of loving and praying for leaders. This is so important to keep in mind, especially in an election year especially. Recorded at Forge Church on 5/22/16.

Peter is preaching out his letter to the churches in central Asia Minor, being transcribed by Silas. Peter stresses a salvation that is anchored by a full Trinity: Father/Son/Spirit, which produces a living hope. And that living hope releases unmeasured joy in the midst of trials.

This is an introduction of Peter the Gallilean fisherman, the follower of Jesus, the Apostle of the Risen Lord, and a martyr. He is writing to churches scattered through Asia Minor.

God speaks to Jacob at Shechem, go to Bethel and build and altar. Jacob leads his family and servants in preparation to worship God. God appears to Jacob at Bethel, and re-emphasizes his promise and covenant with Jacob and his descendants.

Jacob sets up camp next door to Shechem, a Canaanite trading town. He buys land, and builds an altar to God. His daughter goes "to the mall" in Shechem unescorted, and is taken and raped by the prince of the region. Jacob's son's plot and pull over slaughter to revenge their sister's defilement. It is another "fail" for Jacob.

Jacob limps to meet with Esau, who arrives backed by 400 armed men. Esau rushes to embrace Jacob, and weeps. Jacob introduces his children, and implores Esau to receive the gift....the blessing he sent out ahead of him in the form of many choice animals. Reconciliation between brothers can only be sealed if Esau receives the gift.

Jacob returns to Canaan, and has to inform his brother, Esau he is coming home. He tries to placate Esau with his wiles, then with prayer, then with more strategies. When Jacob is finally alone, God comes to grapple with him both physically and spiritually. because God has transformation in mind.

Jacob has taken his family and fled from Laban's camp. Laban pursues, but God speaks to him in a dream. A covenant is agreed to, and Jacob returns to Canaan with his family.

In the 14th year of service to Laban, Jacob proposes new wages for his herding and breeding skills. Laban tries again to cheat Jacob, but God makes Jacob vastly wealthy. Then God directs Jacob to return to Canaan with his family and his herds. Here we learn how to deal with cheats and schemers.