At this part of the story, Sarah has been Abraham's faithful friend, partner, and spouse for many years. Sadly, Sarah's passing reminds us of the inevitability of death. Abraham demonstrates his humanity by weeping at the side of his dear wife....and then he stands and gives a clear testimony to the God of Heaven. Abraham gives for us an incredible example of the process of grieving as well as the importance of setting our affection back on the things above during that time of grief.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that push us to our limits...he is testing to see if we will trust in him no matter what! It is during these times of testing that God's glory can shine the brightest and our faith is strengthened beyond measure. Abraham faces a test that will push him to his limits of faith...and yet he still trusts that God will raise up Isaac from the dead, even if he obeys and takes his life. What an incredible testimony of rock-solid faith!

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to see something that no other human eyes have seen...they were given a glimpse of Christ's glory! It was no mistake that Jesus took these three pivotal men that day and encouraged their faith by giving their faith sight. This passage is a wonderful reminder that there is more to this life than what we normally see!

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to see something that no other human eyes have seen...they were given a glimpse of Christ's glory! It was no mistake that Jesus took these three pivotal men that day and encouraged their faith by giving their faith sight. This passage is a wonderful reminder that there is more to this life than what we normally see!

Though Abraham was years beyond the decision to have a son through Hagar, the consequences of that decision were still around the camp. Though it was painful and difficult, God told Abraham that it was time for Ishmael to go...he had to leave the place of God's blessing. Abraham's response was quick and decisive, though painful. Maybe you have an "Ishmael" in your life....a daily reminder of the life of the past. When God chooses to clean up your life, will you be as obedient as Abraham was?

Children are the future of any ministry...and just as Jesus bid the children to come to him, we should also rejoice in the joy and privilege of serving the next generation of believers. Being a "Next Generation Church" protects us from traditionalism, keeps us from living in the past, and keeps us pushing forward for the cause of Christ!

Immediately following the destruction of Sodom we find Abraham journeying again away from his place of peace and rest...and we find him again lying about Sarah being his sister. What a sad sight to see an unbelieving King taking Abraham to task for his dishonesty. No matter where you stand in your journey of faith, you are always capable of the worst sin you have ever committed when you walk away from the place of God's blessing!

Unnecessary suffering is always difficult to watch....we struggle when we see the innocent in pain and anguish. Why did Jesus choose the path of suffering? Why was his suffering necessary? In this sermon we look at Mark 8:31 where Jesus reveals to his disciples that he must suffer and experience rejection and death at the hands of the unbelieving Jews. Christ's incredible suffering is a reminder to us of the absolute depths of our sin and his far-reaching mercy!

Not only do we find Lot in a position of prominence in Sodom, we find Sodom taking a position of prominence in the heart of Lot. Why did this have to happen? What was the progression that destroyed Lot's family beyond repair?

In this central passage to Marks' gospel account, Jesus confronts the disciples with two aspects to his Messiahship. First...who am I? It was a question of identity. Then Jesus tells them of his coming suffering...that their Messiah would be rejected and crucified. Though Peter proudly proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, he was far from understanding the true mission of the Messiah.