Let’s talk about the time when Isaac was facing a famine. God directed his steps in the direction he should go. He fulfilled his promise to Abraham through Isaac and blessed the nations of the earth because of Abraham’s obedience. Each generation has challenges; you must learn to stand on your own two feet. Place your struggles in God’s hands and He will direct your path. You can find success through struggle when you trust God.

No one is named as the author of Genesis, but we hold to the idea that Moses is the author of the first five books of the Bible. Let’s talk about how we came to that assumption. Many people refer to the first five books as the Torah or the Pentateuch. The theme of Genesis is origins. Where did the heavens and earth come from? What about the origin of man and sin? This is all discussed in Genesis, the foundation on which the other books of the Bible are built.

Make next year your best year by not worrying about everything! When the melodrama on this earth ends, we win! Jesus will rule from his throne in Jerusalem. Be anxious for nothing! God’s grace is far greater than your worst sin.

In the Book of John, the author wants to establish that Jesus Christ is God’s eternal and divine son. The theme of John’s book is that in Christ we have light and life. Christ is the light that shines in every generation. John records eight distinct miracles and establishes that Jesus was both God and man, the Word made flesh. He ties together several things that happened throughout Scripture so the reader can understand the same God was there in the beginning (in Genesis), He spoke to Moses (in Exodus), and He continues to be with us today. Jesus came that we might have life in His name.

There’s one thing hell hopes you never find out…your true identity in Christ. The world doesn’t want you to know your true identity; once you discover who you are through Christ, you become a force that hell cannot stop. We often forfeit our uniqueness in an effort to be accepted by others. The devil is a master deceiver who wants to steal your identity. You’re an essential part of God’s plan to build the Kingdom on earth. Stay grounded in the Word.

Have you joined us in reading through the Bible this year? Matthew, Mark and Luke are considered Synoptic Gospels. What does this mean? John is not a Synoptic Gospel. What do we know about the authors of these books? Many details about their lives are shared throughout Scripture, in addition to references on how they came across the information they relayed in their various books. Many verses share eyewitness accounts, but there were various methods used to garner information for what would become the most widely-read book in the world.

When someone has done you wrong, how do you react? Do you show them mercy? We often ask God for mercy, but do we extend it to others? Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life…if Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life.

If you are someone who loves to read books every year, join me in reading through the Bible. There are 66 books that tell one story and serve one purpose. They tell how God sent His Son to redeem us from our sin, that we might enjoy eternity with Him in heaven. If you have never done this before (or if you do it every year), I would love for you to enjoy reading through the Bible with me in 2025. Each author adds their own rich details about what Jesus did with His time here on earth and what He has in store for His children. There’s no other book like God’s Word.

This year we are reading through the Bible as a church. Won’t you join us? Even if you have read through the Bible in previous years, investing your time in Scripture is always a blessing to your life. It provides clear direction and builds your faith. God always has something to say that will bless and transform you. When you apply God’s Word to your life, it brings health, strength and blessings. Whatever you need to accomplish this year, God’s Word will empower you to succeed beyond your wildest imagination.

You will never fully appreciate the beauty of your relationship with Christ if you don’t understand what His blood did for you at Calvary. This precious blood is the secret to unlimited power, without which there is no redemption of sin. The blood brings salvation and healing. It conquers death, hell, and the grave.