Wawasee Bible Podcast

Abram is rightfully seen as a man of great faith, yet he still struggles with doubt. This week, we continue to look at his story in Genesis 15 and 16. Despite Abram's (and Sarai’s) doubts and impatience, God is incredibly patient and gracious to them, reassuring them of his promises. To do this, God makes a covenant with Abram, vividly demonstrating his commitment to fulfill his promise. God counted Abram righteous because of his faith, and he does the same with us. We’re saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. While we might waver at times, God never does, and we can (and should!) have complete confidence that he will complete all that he’s promised in his perfect timing.

When he returns from Egypt, Abram is again faced with a choice of whether or not to live by faith. After separating from Lot due to their growing wealth and the strife it caused in Genesis 13, Lot is captured during a conflict between kings in Genesis 14. When Abram learns of Lot’s capture and the actions of these foreign kings, he demonstrates faith— trusting God’s clear promises—as he gathers his trained men to pursue and defeat the kings, and rescue Lot. Genesis 14 culminates in a meeting with Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who blesses Abram, showing God's ongoing faithfulness and foreshadowing Jesus. Trusting God brings blessing in surprising ways and places.

Bruce Dick from Evangelism Shift preached this week from Mark 5:1-20. Witnessing about Jesus is not just for the professionals, it's for everyone who calls themself a Christian. How might God use you as his witness to those you are sent to everyday of your life?

Pastor Josh discusses the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) from Genesis 12:10-20. Abram faces a life-or-death decision that tests his faith in God’s promises. Instead of trusting God, twice he chooses fear and self-preservation, leading him to lie (or at least not be entirely truthful) about his relationship with his wife Sarai. Despite Abram's lack of faith, God remains faithful and protects Sarai from Pharaoh. It was entirely God's goodness, not Abram's or Sarai's that caused God to rescue them and keep his promises. What risks are you afraid to take in faith as you follow Jesus?

This week we start a new series tracing the life of Abraham. Abraham (then Abram) was called by God to leave his familiar surroundings and embark on a journey to an unknown land. His life serves as a foundation for understanding faith, obedience, and God's promises. Like he did Abram, God often calls individuals from the familiar to the unknown, providing fuzzy details but big promises. Abram's faith and actions exemplify a life of trust in God, though not one without mistakes and heartache. His faith looked forward to the promises God had made not only to him personally but all the way back in the Garden to provide a savior from our sin (Genesis 3:15). God called Abram, and Abram followed; the only question now is, will you?

Pastor Dave preaches from Colossians 3:5-17.

By 2030 the people of Wawasee Bible will engage in 10,000 Gospel Conversations and establish an Enduring Local Presence in at least two surrounding communities by meeting practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people in the Greater Wawasee Lakes Area. Toward that end, our goal for 2024-2025 if “Enduring Courage”. In order to see God use us to realize our 2030 Enduring Reach vision, we’re going to need to take some big risks, which will necessitate faith-fueled courage. In 2024-2025 the people of Wawasee Bible will take three faith-filled risks in the areas of evangelism, financial giving, and comfort. By God’s grace we will grow in courage and faith as we trust the Lord’s lead in our lives and our church!

Numbers 13-14 gives us a glimpse of the courage of a man named Caleb. He was one of twelve men who spied out the Promised Land before Israel was about to take it. However, only Caleb and Joshua brought back a good report. The other ten failed to believe in God, and rather than step out in faith and courageously take it, they convinced the people it was a lost cause. God disciplined their lack of faith with spending the rest of their lives in the wilderness. Similarly, when we choose a lifestyle of murmuring (complaining, coveting, criticizing, doubting, rebelling), we will spend our lifetime in the wilderness. Let's be like Caleb! Caleb was full of courage because he believed the Word of God and not the fear of failure.

Dr. Rock LaGioia preaches from Revelation 3:7-13.

Pastor Collin Seitz preaches from Psalm 40:2-3 and Galatians 2:20