Normally we think about new names when babies arrive—but new names for the parents? Hagar returned to Abram’s encampment, and when her time came, Ishmael was born. In the last verse of Genesis 16, we’re told that Abram was now eighty-six years old. More time passes. When chapter 17 opens, he is now ninety-nine! It’s […]
Read More… from April 20, 2021 — Time For Names To Be Changed
The Person called Jesus at His incarnation not only made the universe—He was very busy in the time in between. The “Angel of the Lord” who appeared to Hagar was obviously an appearance by God Himself. Obviously? How so? When we are introduced to such a heavenly Visitor, there are certain clues so we know […]
Had a visit from an angel lately? Here’s a fascinating story about an angelic visit, with a surprise ending, too. There are no less than 20 thrilling stories in the Old Testament where the Angel of the Lord shows up. Perhaps surprisingly, the first two occurrences are with this poorly treated Egyptian maid named Hagar. […]
The Wise Man wrote, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” How true! This lesson is titled: “Good Ideas or God’s Ideas?” Remember the proverb: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”? This […]
The nation that came from Abram have known more than their share of dark times, but more of heaven’s glory light, too! The second part of Genesis 15 is one of the strangest scenes in the Bible. As God and Abram discussed both the seed and the land promised, faith sprang up in Abram’s heart, […]
Read More… from April 14, 2021 — The Light Shining In The Darkness
Never confuse the gospel being free for you, and how expensive it was for God. We ended our last talk with the question, “Have you?” Have you—what? Have you just simply taken God at His word? Though they may be well-meaning, unfortunately many religious leaders complicate the Bible’s gospel. They want you to attend services […]
Read More… from April 13, 2021 — Are You A Child Of Abraham By Faith?
Take it slow and steady here: this is the prototype for God’s only way of salvation. Back now to God’s conversation with Abram in Genesis 15. There we read that the Lord “brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said […]
Believe it or not, these covenant-making days are more significant than Runnymede or Independence Hall. In our last study we saw that “a covenant is a long-term arrangement between two individuals or groups.” A covenant with God means an offer to join Him as junior partners in His thrilling projects. Amazing, isn’t it! The first […]
Read More… from April 9, 2021 — How Many Covenants Are There?
Imagine making a contract with God—and not a lawyer in sight! God’s word is as good as gold. God makes and keeps promises. But there is a special grouping of promises in the Bible called “covenants.” A promise can involve a one-off event, but a covenant is a long-term arrangement between two individuals or groups. […]