As Jacob returns to the promised land, we discover images and types of the Exodus from Egypt. Jacob reveals a heart that has completely surrendered in “awesome” wonder to the God of Isaac. He experiences a personal exodus – a distinct separation between the old and new. This line of demarcation is evident in his decision to leave and forsake the enemy of his soul in reverence of the lover of his soul, emulating his forefathers. Join me in this study as we see how impotent the gods/idols of this world are in even their ability to rescue themselves – […]
In this portion of scripture, Jacob prepares to return to the “promised land” as he looks to provide for his family. Jacob affirms that God continues to be with him and prosper his way through divine provision, protection, and guidance from Heaven. At first, it may seem that Jacob is deceiving his father-in-law but things aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes we unwittingly allow our biases to influence our understanding of the biblical text. This is a lesson we and Laban should be mindful of to learn: the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. For […]
The Faithful LORD sees us with compassion and hears with understanding in our “unloved” state of reproach; as a result, God judges rightly in His sovereignty by removing it and bringing increase through vindication, confirming that He remembers us in affliction. Indeed, The King has stepped off His Throne and is now in the field, cultivating a fruitful land within and about us.
At a moment when Jacob should have been overcome with great joy, he was confronted with grave anguish within his spirit (upon the realization that the Lord went above and beyond his request for temporal provision of providing him with an eternal bride). This humbling experience reveals the personal maturation of his spiritual walk. He resolves to trust in spite of the cost, knowing that a just reward/compensation awaits him.
In this class, we discover how Jacob’s dream of the ladder from Heaven testifies of God’s faithfulness in revealing truth for the purpose of redemption. Deviation perverts, distorts, and confuses; however, the revelatory truth of the Lord’s redemptive blessings brings restoration and preservation both for Israel and all the nations!
In this class, we take a close look at the blessing Isaac intended for Esau but was given to Jacob. We see the favoritism Isaac showed Esau and the consequences of it. We learn that fathers may cause irreparable harm to their children by encouraging and reinforcing behaviors that lead to unfruitful repentance, yielding a bitter fruit with eternal consequence.
Isaac seems to be following in Abraham’s footsteps in his dealing with Abimelech. In this class, we explore the pitfalls of this path and the faithfulness of the Lord along the way. We discover that both the grace and blessings of the Lord should be stewarded in all humility, remembering the intent of His favor toward us. We, like Isaac, are to “dig wells” (enlarge enriching territory) responsibly, while embracing our true identity – for the sake of others – which prevents contentious relationships from escalating to the point of hostility.
Yeshua (Jesus) says we are to recognize the treasure within the field (Matthew 33:44). Join this study as we apply His Word to Genesis 25 and the Lord’s declaration about Esau and Jacob. You might be surprised at how this informs the question of divine providence and man’s own pursuits, and how it could change your application of Paul’s plea in Romans 9.
In this chapter, we see the progression through and transition of the generations of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We discover the contrasting characteristics of Isaac and Ishmael and also those of Jacob and Esau. We address questions about Jacob’s name, the “birthright” and the declaration of the Lord, and much more.
In this chapter, we explore the two tellings of “The Servant’s” journey to find a bride for Isaac. You might be surprised to find what a word change here or omission there can teach us about the importance of being observant in our studies and in our everyday life. May the Lord grant you great success according to His lovingkindness and truth!
In this chapter, Abraham purchases the first parcel of land in Canaan as the promises of God begin to take shape. But sadly, it is a tomb for his beloved wife Sarah. Even though this chapter tells us of Sarah’s death, the chapter has more to do with the celebration of life. We explore how birthdays are uniquely appointed times of humble celebration which prepare us for new beginnings of abundance and growth.
In this chapter, Abraham is put to the “test” as the Lord reveals a matured faith, filled with awe and wonder which surrenders everything. In Abraham, we see a father giving his only beloved son, in Isaac, we see a son willing to do the will of his father – a picture of God, the Father, and Yeshua, the Son.
In this chapter, we see the faithfulness of the Lord in keeping His promises – the hope it births, and the surety it establishes. In the midst of wrong behaviors and raw emotion, the Lord embeds the hope which is the only answer – His Promise/Word. In Isaac, we see a new beginning which embodies the new beginning we find in Yeshua (Jesus). In circumcision, we see the fruitfulness of reliance on God, Who does the impossible. In a well, we see the source of abundant fertility leading to everlasting life.
In this chapter, the Lord continues to reveal to Abraham – and to us – His way of justice and righteousness, a way which is concerned for both parties engaged in conflict. We examine the words of Yeshua (Jesus), “For what will a man give in exchange for his soul,” and more, as we uncover the perils which accompany compromise. Abraham’s fear of past and present persecutions threatened to undermine his prophetic calling to Abimelech and the nations – we don’t take “our Pharaoh” to Abimelech, but rather, we bring our experience with God in His grace toward us. […]
During this teaching, we look into how cultural-assimilation is a form of compromise which leads to subjugation and oppression on a disturbing and horrific scale. However, our Lord is a faithful, gracious, and loving God who is always looking to redeem/deliver/save! When He does, don’t look back at the past, no matter what it held, but trust forward and experience the promises of God!
Is anything impossible for God? This portion of scripture asks that exact question with the purpose of having us do the same. Through this teaching, we discover both the gravity of the call and the ease in which El Shaddai (God Almighty) fulfills it through and in us. There is a reason for everything the Lord is doing, and we are invited to pose the tough questions of His purpose and our part within it – all the nations will be blessed!
In this class, we discover how the “sign” of a covenant is much more than simply an outward marker or confirmation of a covenant. Rather, it is an integral part of the inherent benefit and blessing of the covenant. We look into the signs of circumcision, the Sabbath and the Holy Spirit, and how they all participate in fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah, to us, and to all of creation. Within this context, the Lord reveals Himself as El Shaddai, the Power of all Power, who is more than able to fulfill both the promises and favor of […]
In this class, we discover how Hagar’s introduction to the marriage of Abram and Sarai has unforeseen consequences that mirror the events of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Mankind often strives to aid God in fulfilling His promises. However, God will never be undone by man’s ignorance and, more importantly, He never leaves those who are hurting along the way. Hagar experiences this truth when she meets “The Living One, Who Sees Her.”