We are barely introduced to Esau and Jacob before their stories quickly descend into struggle and chaos. So iconic was their rivalry that many centuries later the LORD illustrated His commitment to Israel by famously declaring "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated". I invite you to join me in today's episode as we discuss these two siblings' rivalry and explore the details that shaped their story and struggle.

When a famine hits the land, Isaac and the camp head towards Gerar. Upon their arrival, Issac pulls a page out of his father's playbook. This sets up a series of back-and-forth incidents that become Isaac's initiation in the covenant relationship with the LORD. I invite you to join me as we learn with Isaac that the solution to our fears of what lay ahead may lie in the faith others displayed behind us.

In today's episode, we bid farewell to Abraham and Sarah, and are introduced to Rebekah. The focus is not just about "goodbyes" and "hellos", but about transitions. The transition between patriarchs and matriarchs, the growth from youth to adulthood, the seguing of God's story and promise. I invite you to join me on this episode as our "Israel" Phase takes another step forward.

Was a testing of Abraham’s heart even necessary? Was such an extreme and horrific ritual as human sacrifice necessary for that test? Was putting young Isaac through a traumatizing experience like this necessary?

I invite you to join me in today's episode as I attempt to discuss these questions while exploring this tense moment in Abraham's journey.

After years of waiting and anticipation, Sarah finally gives birth to a son. While it is a celebratory moment for Abraham and Sarah, it is also a reality check for the camp, and for this text's characters, that the promise God made to Abraham not only has a future, but also a present that continues to expand and bless those connected to Abraham.

When King Abimelech meets Sarah, Abraham, once again, tells a familiar lie. It begs the question “After years of living in relationship with God, why is Abraham still telling the same lie?” I invite you to join me in today’s episode as we explore how habits can hold us back and how breakthroughs can move us forward.

The night of our Lord's birth is remembered as one in which the calmness of the King's arrival silenced the chaos of a world desperately in need of his presence. In this very special Christmas episode, I and a special guest, Pastor Charles Robinson, sit down, briefly discuss, and sing about that special silent night.

In Genesis chapters 18 and 19, the LORD's messengers make separate visits that lay before the reader two possible ways of living: a way of hospitality, and a way of hostility. One way is intended to establish a culture of holiness and harmony. Another way courts destruction. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we explore how the LORD's visits with Abraham and the city of Sodom help frame these dueling ways as choices we all must make.