The First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton

In Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth, he argues that the Exodus event reveals something about what it means to be a member of the church. In the Exodus event, the Hebrew people are transformed into the nation of Israel - God's chosen people. And in Baptism, people of all kinds are transformed into children of God - members of God's family. In the wilderness, Israel ate manna and today we commune with the same heavenly food and drink. Now, as then, we must learn to coexist with our new family members despite the challenge.

Is God with us in our worst moments and our best moments? Do we deserve the evil that happens to us - and do we earn the good? The conclusion to Joseph’s story challenges us to consider the constancy of God’s grace and presence. We cannot earn what God freely gives us, and we are called to show this same generosity toward our neighbor.

Too often, our longing for moral simplicity clouds our judgment. Instead of seeing our neighbor as a complex, sympathetic human - we are tempted to label them as 'good' or 'evil.' Scripture resists this approach, instead urging us to lead with empathy in all that we do. Empathy is difficult, but it makes redemption possible - and we are called to be a people defined by redemption.

The reunion of Jacob and Esau is the culmination of God’s plan to bless both brothers. It is a glimpse into the sort of blessing that God gives freely. Their effortless reconciliation stands in contrast the the blessings that come only through struggle. In the span of 24 hours, Jacob experiences both kinds of blessings.

In the story of Jacob and Essau, Jacob acts deceptively to manipulate his brother and father. Essau acts ungratefully and plots his brother's murder. Despite their actions, God blesses them. Their story illustrates the scandalous grace of the Gospel, reminding us that God can take anything we give him and transform it into blessing.

Devotion to God has taken on many forms throughout the history of the church. Conventional wisdom assures us that God meets us in our testing. So what should we make of Abraham’s test in Genesis 22? In the choice between sacrifice and mercy, scripture confirms that God will choose mercy every time.

Who are the good guys in the Bible? The story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar challenge us to reconsider who the heroes of God’s story are. For as much as we might learn from Abraham’s good example, we have just as much to learn from his life as a cautionary tale. God’s relationship with humanity is not limited to one group or another - the heroes vs. the villains. And so the Church must also make room for all kinds as we pursue faithfulness to God.

Abraham is considered the patriarch of 3 major world religions. When God calls him into a new land, away from his home and family, Abraham is blessed to be a blessing. He is chosen by God, from all humanity, so that God might relate to creation in a new way. In the story of Abraham, we meet a God whose righteousness is the basis of covenantal love. We are called to respond with faith.

The Story of Noah and the floor is as confusing as it is captivating. In the narrative we meet a God consumed with regret and in pursuit of holiness. By the end, though, we are left wondering whether God cares only for the righteous, and not the guilty. Truth requires us to admit that we are numbered among the guilty. So what are to supposed to learn from this passage in scripture?

Where does sin come from? Why did God allow evil to enter the world? And most importantly: what does God do when his children are harmed by sin? Genesis explores the nature of God through deceivingly simple stories that reveal as much about humanity as they do God. The story of The Fall serves to remind us that God meets sin with grace and forgiveness.