In this sermon:

(1) Abram Stumbles

What does the Bible tell us about the purpose of trials in the life of a Christian?

What should Abram have done when this famine struck?

Why does Abram want Sarai to tell the Egyptians that she's his sister?

What "bigger picture" predicament arises when Pharaoh takes Sarai into his house?

(2) God Intervenes

What is the biblical significance of the phrase "but the Lord" or "but God"?

How is that phrase an encouragement to you?

In what ways does this even parallel the Exodus event?

2 Things to consider in conclusion:

1 - This passage is a reminder of God's Sovereignty and His faithfulness.

2 - This passage is a reminder of the Savior God has provided for His people.

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

A sermon from 2020

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

#1-God’s Call

What is Abram called to leave behind?

In coming to faith in Christ, what are we called to leave behind?

#2-God’s Promise

What is the significance of God’s “I wills” in this passage?

God promises Abram offsring and land.

How does God’s sovereign grace stand out in this passage?

What is the purpose of these blessings? (see Psalm 67; Matthew 28)

#3-Abram’s Response

The fruit of Abram’s faith included:

How is Abram pointing us to the Lord Jesus Christ?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

In this sermon:

• We are to Listen to God's Word

• We are to Love God's Word

James draws a contrast between 2 different types of people:

1 - The person who just glances in the mirror

2 - The person who looks into the perfect law of liberty

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

In this sermon:

(1) The Favorable Outcome

• What is a better translation of "friend" in verse 1?

• Why does "Mr. So-and-So" have a change of heart?

(2) The Fruitful Marriage

• What contrast is there between Ruth's first marriage and her marriage to Boaz?

• What is the significance of Ruth's son, Abed? In what way does he point us to Jesus?

(3) The Famous Genealogy

• How does this genealogy teach us about the Lord's sovereign control?

• What do we know about some of the people in this genealogy?

• Why would Jesus choose to be descended from such a messed-up group? How is this a comfort to you?

• How should the Lord's love for us impact how we treat those who are new to our church?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

What is the difference between the two accounts of Shem's line?

(1) - Man's seemingly hopeless condition

We seen this hopelessness in 3 ways:

1 - The Lifespans

2 - The Worship

3 - The Continuation of the Line of Promise

What are some of the moments in the Old Testament when it looked like the line of promise would be wiped out?

How does Revelation 12 relate to the great drama of the Old Testament?

(2) God's Never-ending Faithfulness

We see God's faithfulness in 3 ways:

1 - The names in this passage

2 - The meaning of the names listed here

3 - In God pursuing sinners

In what way should the genealogies of Scripture be an encouragement to us?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

(1) The God We Serve

• When trials come, why's our natural response to question God?

• What does James do in order to recalibrate our thinking?

(2) The Desires We Serve

.• To what point must we all come if we are to see the beauty of the gospel?

• As we battle temptation, why is it so important to remember the gospel?

• Four concluding thoughts that arise out of this passage:

1 - Our desires reveal that we desperately want control

2 - Sinful desires occur when we make good things ultimate things.

3 - What we fear reveals what we desire.

4 - Our desires reveal what we truly worship.

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

• What is the meaning and the significance of the Hebrew word "heed"?

(1) Boaz' Steadfast love toward his workers

• How does verse 1 of chapter 2 give us hope?

• How do we see God's amazing grace in the family tree of Boaz?

• What are some of the ways we see Boaz' kindness? How does this foreshadow God's kindness to you?

(2) Boaz' steadfast love toward Ruth

• What was Boaz obligated to do for Ruth?

• How do we know that Boaz isn't showing kindness

to Ruth because of a romantic interest in her?

• How does this show us the beauty of living in the covenant of grace?

• How does God's steadfast love and mercy to you impact the way you treat other people?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.All Rights Reserved

Intro Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

What is the difference between the city of man and the city of God?

(1) The city of man and God's Blessing

• What is the connection between God's command to "be faithful and multiply" and chapter 10?

• What are some of the ways in which we see diversity in our world?

(2) The city of man and man's pride

• What is the reason behind the decision to build this tower?

• How does our text hint at the ultimate futility of this project?

• What are some of the ways in which we see this prideful desire for autonomy throughout history?

(3) The city of man and God's sovereignty

• Is God threatened by these tower-builders? If not, why does God determine to scatter them?

• How is God's sovereignty a comfort to you?

• Where do we see a reverse of Babel?

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions

(1) The Reality of Trials • What is meant by the phrase "trials of various kinds"? • According to James, what is the purpose of the trials God sends our way?'(2) Our Response to Trials • James gives 3 responses to trials: 1 - Know who is in control 2 - Pray • What encouragement does James give us at the end of verse 5? • What does it mean that God gives to all "without reproach"?(3) Trust In God • What does it mean to be "double-minded"? • In what way does this point us to Christ? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.All Rights Reserved

Intro - Chris Lopez @ FireCat Productions