Was Jacob's life a failure or a success? As Jacob reflects on his own life, we see that his failures and shortcomings don't determine God's view of him. You don't forfeit your identity because of your missteps; God is the only one who can evaluate and determine your worth. Speaker: Mike Slayden

In Genesis 34 we see the unfortunate consequences of Jacob's choices that extend far beyond himself. Speaker: Brad Bell

Chapter 33 is about Jacob facing his past. Although it is painful, facing the past is necessary, as demonstrated in Jacob and Esau's reconciliation.  Speaker: Mike Cirricione

Jacob walks away from Laban into something much worse, back to Esau. When Jacob tries to use his own cunning to manipulate the situation, God reminds him who he should really fear. God does for Jacob what God wishes to do for us; God brings Jacob to a place of breaking, God blesses him, and God gives him a new name.   Speaker: Mike Slayden

As the saga of Jacob and his wives develops into the saga of Jacob and his descendants, God is faithful even through the disfunction. No matter what choices you have made, the same God that is faithful to work in the life of Jacob can work in your life today.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Jacob's name means 'deceiver,' and when Jacob meets Laban, he gets a taste of his own medicine. God put Laban in Jacob's life to kill the Laban in Jacob. The difference between Jacob and us is that we have hope in a faithful God that sent us Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, to set us free from the mastery of sin and death.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Jacob's deception cost him nearly everything except the favor of God. God is faithful to meet us where we are at, even when we come to a place of breaking at the end of ourselves. Speaker: Brad Bell

While Isaac's life began with profound experiences with God, his life as a patriarch ended in disobedience and catastrophe. His story goes to show that our family of origin shapes us but does not define us. The gospel makes us new, and it takes godly wisdom to shape the next generation.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Isaac can be seen as a spiritual failure and a failure as a father, yet God did not set His love upon us because we are deserving. God chose us because He loves us and redeems the broken. Speaker: Mike Slayden

The world's ideal for the end of life is stepping back and retiring in comfort. But is that what believers are called to do? Abraham does not stop living out his faith but instead spends his last years investing in the word of God and the souls of men and women. Speaker: Mike Slayden