In this episode of Pursuing the Rock, Andrew, Garrett, Jason (“the Churchman/Panda”), and guest Riley talk life, soccer chaos, and the story behind Panda’s nickname before diving into how faith and work intersect—why God designed us to work, how sin turned it into toil, the gift of rest, and how to avoid both laziness and work-idolatry by glorifying Christ in whatever we do.

In Genesis 6–9, humanity’s sin breaks God’s heart and provokes His judgment—but even in wrath, He remembers mercy. The flood shows us both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s grace. Just as Noah was saved through the ark, we are saved through Christ, who took judgment so that mercy could be ours.

In Genesis 4, the story of Cain and Abel reveals how our hearts expose our dependence. Cain trusted himself instead of the Lord, and that self-dependence warped his decisions—leading to anger, sin, and ultimately murder. The spiral of autonomy continued as Cain’s line built cities, advanced culture, and pursued progress while rejecting God. Independence masqueraded as strength but only deepened the distance from Him.

And yet, God’s mercy shines through. When Seth was born, people began once again to call on the name of the Lord. Even when sin devastates, God is faithful to provide hope and a way back to Him.

In this sermon from Genesis 1:1–2:3, we begin our journey through the book of Genesis by looking at the creation account. When God’s people were wandering in the wilderness, Moses reminded them of the one true Creator—the God who is eternal, powerful, orderly, and creative. Most importantly, this God gives His people worth as image-bearers.

Listen in as we see that God is the good Creator, making everything from nothing for His good pleasure, and discover how that truth still gives hope and confidence today.

Show Notes:

Kicking off a brand-new semester at The Rock, Pastor Andrew gives a big-picture overview of the book of Genesis and why it matters for your life right now. In this message, we explore four essential questions Genesis answers:

1. What is this world and where did it come from?

2. Why is the world the way it is?

3. How does God relate to His people today?

4. Does God care for me?

You’ll see how God is the good Creator who remains faithful to His people and His promises—despite their sin—and how that truth changes the way you face your own struggles, doubts, and questions.

Whether you’ve grown up in church or are just curious about God, this is the perfect starting point for our journey through Genesis.

Galatians 6:1-10

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 5:16-26

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.