Genesis 30:25-31:55 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

Christians have good reason to fear harm: Jesus has promised trouble for his sake in this world. Sooner or later, in one form or another, following God’s man, Jesus, will cost us something. For some it will cost them everything. But that’s not the whole story. We get a hint at God’s bigger safe-keeping purposes for his people in this story from the book of Genesis.

Genesis 30:1-24 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

Sometimes we say the darnedest things. And actually, I should use the more unacceptable word there. Idolatry leads us to say things to ourselves and others that can only come from hell. In this week’s episode from the book of Genesis we hear something along those lines on the lips of Rachel. How will the Lord make anything good out of her worst moment? What can the Lord do with such unacceptable material as we are, sinful people?

Genesis 29 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

The Lord gave Jacob a dream with a ladder from his place to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. What would the Lord have in store for this chosen of Abraham’s line? The Lord would be with Jacob, but not as he might expect, and perhaps not as we would expect.

Genesis 26 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

In this sermon we will hear the Word of the Lord promise the blessing of God's promise to those who have been abandoned.

Matthew 16:24-25 | Baptism | Trent Hunter

In this sermon we consider the costs associated with discipleship and the danger inherent in following Jesus. Baptism, as we’ll see, is a high-stakes, high-cost endeavor for both the baptized and the congregation baptizing. We’re in this together, and with this text we’ll remember what we’ve gotten ourselves into.

Genesis 25:13-34 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

The book of Genesis could be divided three ways: Before Abraham (1–11), Abraham (12–24), and after Abraham (25–50). With this sermon we begin that last section, and we begin with no uncertain reminder of why God must save and God alone.

Genesis 24:1-25:11 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

How does God lead us? The Bible is filled with fantastic accounts of divine intervention. He parted the Red Sea and led his people through. He stopped the sun and led his people to victory. But where is he when he isn't doing these things? Perhaps the Israelites who first read Genesis were asking these same questions. Genesis 24 answers that question for us. This chapter closes out Abraham’s life and gives us a template for the normal deliberate and invisible workings of the God to advance his promises.

Genesis 23 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

God has promised lineage and land to Abraham and Sarah, but in chapter 23 Sarah dies. The apparent victory of the great enemy of death does not provide Abraham with any obstacle to his faith. He gets to work making preparations for the future fulfillment of God’s promises. What can we learn from Abraham’s faith on this hard day? Listen in to find out.

Genesis 22:1-19 | The Blessing | Trent Hunter

Those involved in education can appreciate the importance of a test, though I suppose it depends on whether you’re student or a teacher. Those of us who have graduated and don’t teach, are glad to be done with tests. But tests are a part of our relationship with God. And the Bible’s first book turns on the test of its main human character, Abraham. What is required of him and how does it go? Listen in and find out.