Bernard Gabbott - Sunday, 2 May 2021
God's Faithful Grace
Scripture References: Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 4:21-31, Hebrews 11:1-16
Gathering Growing Going
Loading Content...
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseLaughter is such a marvelous sound. It reflects deep joy, deep happiness, and a delight that just bursts out. At the weaning feast for Isaac, there is another laughter – the laughter of scorn from the older brother (vs.9). Unnamed in this section, Ishmael sees his dreams dashed, and we see the pain of the consequences of sin. The episode is painful, but a reminder of sin’s sting. And we see the change that has happened in this man, as Abraham deals with Abimelech again (from verse 22). The foundation of the delight in God’s faithful mercy makes Abraham a changed man – open, honest, abounding in grace.
Scripture References: Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 4:21-31, Hebrews 11:1-16
Related Topics: Faith, Genesis, Grace | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
Jesus deals with the question of ‘Who belongs in the kingdom?’ Is it children? Is it the good? Is it the godly? And, how and what does this look like? This question of ‘belonging’ is one that is constant in our lives – where do I belong, do I belong, what does belonging look like? And Jesus is very clear: the kingdom of heaven is made up of the dependent, the reliant, the weak – just like children.
The book of Esther recounts a period where God's people are in exile, aliens in a foreign land. Sounds like our time doesn't it? Even when God seems absent, He is at work. The great reversal of power at the heart of the universe has already taken place. Jesus won victory over death on the cross and in His resurrection. Satan the great enemy of God and His people, has been defeated. We wait in the now but not yet. Waiting for the Lord Jesus to return and give His people relief and rest. But as we wait, we share the good news of the gospel, call people to faith in Jesus, faithfully endure persecution, knowing that our deliverance is assured.
We love a turning point. Whether it is a story or a football game. Hope dawning at the darkest time. Where is the great turning point in Esther? It could be our memory verse, when Esther is persuaded by Mordecai to act to save her people. It could be when the king looks with favour upon Esther and holds out the golden scepter to her. It could be when Haman is forced to lead Mordecai through the city mounted on the king’s horse and proclaims that he is the man the king delights to honour. They are major events in the story of Esther. They are turning points of a sort. But the writer of Esther points us to another event. That looks so trivial.
13 Dewhurst St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Ph: (02) 6792 2151
Email: Click Here
8:30am & 10:30am each Sunday
9:30am each Sunday in January
Copyright © 2024 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in