The Hardest Final Exam
Genesis 22 is the culmination of the story of Abraham, where he faces a test from God to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. This passage foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ in three ways. First, as Abraham obeyed, Jesus fully obeyed. Abraham struggled throughout his life with obedience, but Jesus lived a … [Read More…] The Hardest Final Exam
Why am I a Christian?
Pastor Bill Bertsche speaks on “Why I Am A Christian,” focusing on the five Solas of the Protestant Reformation.
The Story and Significance of the Reformation
Our culture is increasingly hostile toward Christianity. This isn’t new territory. Martin Luther saw how the gospel had been compromised within the Church 500 years ago. In response, he nailed his 95 Theses to the castle door in Wittenberg, thus sparking the Protestant Reformation. In this sermon, Pastor Lutzer lays out five monumental effects that … [Read More…] The Story and Significance of the Reformation
When We Go Our Own Way
It is often in times of waiting that it is most difficult to follow God, and that is where Abram and Sarai found themselves. Rather than continue to wait, they took matters into their own hands. This passage teaches us three actions to following God’s will. First, we are to trust him, and not commit … [Read More…] When We Go Our Own Way
When God Changes Your Name
When God appeared to Abram and changed his name to Abraham, He shows us three characteristics of Himself. First, He is a God of power, which will always be used for good and never for evil. Second, He is a God of grace. The covenant sign of circumcision pointed to God’s initiative in making and … [Read More…] When God Changes Your Name
The Gospel Goes Viral
There is a temptation in Christianity to be consumers of spiritual things rather than producers of spiritual fruit. How can we guard against being spiritually ineffective in our evangelism outreach to others? In this passage, we learn three keys to evangelism. The first key to evangelism is gospel proclamation; we need to remain excited about … [Read More…] The Gospel Goes Viral
Faithful Following
Each of us, like Abram, will experience challenges to our faith along life’s journey. The first challenge Abram faced was that of success. Upon military victory, he still pursued God in the midst of victory by his generosity towards Melchizedek and his response to the King of Sodom. Second, Abram faced the challenge of fear, … [Read More…] Faithful Following
Daring Faith
Abram found himself journeying back to the promised land from Egypt. Upon his return to the land, he displays three attributes of daring faith. First, Abram shows that daring faith is a faith that repents. Just as he turned around and went back to God, so should when we find our lives in sin. Second, … [Read More…] Daring Faith
When Sinning Seems to Make Sense
Abram entered the promised land, yet soon after famine arrived. He traveled with his family down to Egypt, but there he lied about the identity of his wife to protect himself. This passage shows us three characteristics of sin. First, sin often looks appealing, as Abram was actually blessed in the short-term. Second, sin always … [Read More…] When Sinning Seems to Make Sense
