What really happened in Sodom and Gomorrah—and why has this story been so badly misunderstood? In this sermon, Jeremy Duncan takes us past the clichés and weaponized readings to explore one of the most difficult and infamous passages in the Bible.

Beginning with Abraham’s bold negotiation with God, we look at what this story reveals about divine character: a God who listens, responds, and invites us into courageous, honest conversation. Far from depicting a capricious or vindictive deity, the narrative highlights God’s patience, justice, and surprising willingness to engage with human questions.

We also explore what the Bible itself says about “the sin of Sodom”—drawing from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Jude—to show that this story has never been a single-issue judgment. Instead, Scripture portrays Sodom as a symbol of humanity’s worst impulses: arrogance, injustice, greed, violence, exploitation, and the refusal to welcome the stranger.

Most importantly, we confront the story’s deeper message: that it is extraordinarily hard to remove yourself from the reach of God’s grace. Even the worst city imaginable could have been saved for the sake of ten righteous people. Judgment is real, but God’s compassion is relentless—and the entire Abraham narrative points us toward a God whose primary posture is not power, but love.

If you’ve ever wrestled with hard texts, struggled with the idea of God’s judgment, or wondered what these ancient stories mean for a life of faith today, this teaching will help you see Sodom and Gomorrah in a new light.

Join us as Scott delves into Genesis 15, exploring Abraham's journey of faith and doubt. This sermon unpacks the "base of fear" we often experience, the "hard-fought" space "where faith forms" through honest questions, and the "sacramental discernment" that guides our "ways forward." Discover how God's "sure sign" in a unilateral covenant reveals His unwavering commitment, stretching beyond our limited years and inviting us to live with a faith that trusts His goodness in every small, painful step.

In this week’s teaching, Jeremy explores Genesis 13 and the moment Abraham begins to trust God after failure. Coming out of his mistakes in Egypt, Abraham is faced with a new test — will fear guide him again, or will faith take root this time? This story of Abraham and Lot isn’t just ancient history; it’s a mirror for our own journeys of grace, learning, and renewal.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by regret, uncertain about what comes next, or wondered whether you can begin again — this message is for you.

🕊️ Series: Big Promises, Small Steps

📖 Text: Genesis 13

🎙️ Speaker: Jeremy Duncan

📍 Commons Church

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