Into the Word with Bryce Ferguson

Genesis 35:9-15 / The living covenant

Bryce Ferguson — Mon, 19 May 2025 10:42:32 -0700

God speaks to Jacob and encourages him that God is committed to him. The everlasting covenant continues with Jacob and it extends after Jacob. God is committed through and through.

Additional scripture: Genesis 12:2, 17:1-6
To Abraham: Genesis 12:7, 13:16, 12:3
To Isaac: Genesis 26:3-4
To Jacob: Genesis 28:13-14

Genesis 35:1-8 / The living testimony

Bryce Ferguson — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700

God speaks to Jacob and instructs him to journey to Bethel. Jacob responds with faith to go. And as they go, God puts a defense around the group to ensure their safety.

Additional Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:4, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 12:6, Genesis 28:11-22, Genesis 33:20, Deuteronomy 7:1-2

Genesis 34:5-31 / Lust, Anger, Deception, and Murder

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700

*sensitive topic warning*

After Shechem commits sexual assault against Jacob’s daughter, Jacob and his brothers find out. Then, Shechem and his father, Hamor, ask Jacob if he will give Dinah in marriage to Shechem. Jacob’s sons take matters into their own hands for the response.

Additional Scripture: Genesis 17:1-14, James 4:12

Genesis 34:1-4 / Disgrace and humiliation

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 18:57:28 -0700

*sensitive topic warning*
After Jacob’s family settles in Shechem, his daughter Dinah goes out into the town and is violently assaulted. The predator then acts as if he loves her and wants to marry her.

Additional Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28, Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19, Proverbs 10:6, Proverbs 3:29-34

Genesis 33:12-20 / Two brothers to two cities

Bryce Ferguson — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:05:23 -0700

After the reconciliation with Esau, Jacob does not follow Esau to his home, but continues on into the heart of Canaan. Jacob knows God has called him and he wants to be obedient to the call.

Additional Scripture: Romans 14:23, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 14:15, James 4:12

Genesis 33:1-11 / Maturity and forgiveness

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 21:46:34 -0800

Jacob finally meets Esau and is surprised by Esau’s countenance. Esau welcomes Jacob to prove God matures those He has called, and also to prove there is no value in fearing the unknown. Both men have been blessed and it is God who has provided.

Additional Scripture: Matthew 9:9-15, 19-34, Genesis 32:13-15

Genesis 32:22-32 / Wrestling in faith

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 19:51:04 -0800

After Jacob sends his family and belongings on ahead of him, Jacob stays behind for the night alone. But in his struggle, a mysterious encounter changes him forever and removes his name for another.

Additional Scripture: Luke 14:26

Genesis 32:13-21 / Wrestling in fear

Bryce Ferguson — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 16:06:03 -0800

After prayer, Jacob sends forth a series of appeasing gifts toward Esau, in hope to dissuade what Jacob fears (but does not know), because he thinks it may help.

Additional scripture: Col. 3:5-6, John 16:33, John 1:1-5

Genesis 32:1-12 / Faith and humility

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 21:09:43 -0800

Jacob travels toward Canaan and deals with a spectrum of emotion, from faith to fear. God has called him to look ahead, but he starts looking down, when God has called him to look ahead. He prays, confessing his fear and heralding the truths God has promised to him before.

Additional Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, John 10:10, 1 John 4:18, 2 Tim. 1:7, Matt. 6:33

Genesis 31:43-55 / God's protection for Jacob's return

Bryce Ferguson — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:02:27 -0800

After Laban disobeyed God’s rebuke, after Jacob rightly also rebukes Laban, Laban proposes a protective agreement with Jacob now out of Laban’s fear. Laban sees he is outside of God’s favor, and he confesses Jacob is within God’s favor.

Additional Scripture: James 5:12, Mark 4:24, Philippians 4:8, Deuteronomy 31:1-8, John 10:27

Genesis 31:36-42 / Jacob's righteous anger

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 21:37:57 -0800

After Laban catches up to Jacob, and derides Jacob, Jacob responds with the plain truth. Jacob has endured mistreatment from Laban for up to 20 years, and God has been a witness to it all. The agreements Laban made multiple times with Jacob, according to Laban, meant nothing.

Additional scripture: Matthew 12:34, Ephesians 4:26-27, 31, 1 Peter 5:5, James 4:12, Matthew 5:38-42, 43-46a

Genesis 31:14-35 / The call to return to Canaan

Bryce Ferguson — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 19:11:58 -0800

Jacob answers God’s call to leave for Canaan. When Laban finds out, he pursues Jacob in anger and because he believes Jacob has stolen his pagan idols. But God speaks to Laban in a dream, warning him not to speak to Jacob.

Additional scripture: Matthew 22:35-39, Genesis 31:3-13, Exodus 20:3-16

Genesis 31:1-13 / Jacob is blessed; Laban is reduced

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0700

After 20 long years, God calls Jacob to go. Jacob relays the commission to his wives, also recounting the oppression of their father, and affirms that as they go, God will go with them.

Additional scripture: Genesis 29, Genesis 30, Exodus 29:45, Ezekiel 11:19, Ezekiel 37:25-27, James 5:12

Genesis 30:25-43 / Two deceivers

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 19:56:22 -0700

After 14 years in service to Laban, Jacob requests his leave. Laban, taking control, refuses Jacob to leave and continues his abominable behavior against Jacob and his family.

Additional Scripture: Romans 1:18-20, Genesis 29:14-25, Proverbs 12:20

Genesis 30:22-24 / Joseph

Bryce Ferguson — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:15:53 -0700

After ten sons by other women, because the Lord opened Rachel’s womb, Jacob and Rachel have a son, Joseph, who is eleventh in the birth order, but will be the chosen one to lead the covenantal family line of faith behind Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Additional scripture: Proverbs 16:9, Hebrews 13:8, Exodus 20:18-21

Genesis 30:9-21 / The ugliness of polygamy

Bryce Ferguson — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 20:28:41 -0700

Rachel and Leah continue in a polygamous marriage with Jacob, and add both of their servants as another two wives in the family. This is not God’s design, and yet, God opens the wombs of these women and gives Jacob ten sons, who would be the first ten of the future twelve tribes of Israel.

Additional Scripture: Psalm 37:4

Genesis 30:1-8 / Rachel's rush into sin

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:05:49 -0700

Faced with a terrible situation and a stressful life, Rachel lashes out in anger and runs to sin by essentially giving Jacob yet another wife, instead of turning to God. Jacob speaks truth to Rachel that the Lord is the one in control, yet Jacob participates in Rachel’s plan.

Additional scripture: Genesis 16:1-6, Ephesians 4:26, James 4:11, Proverbs 16:9

Genesis 29:31-35 / Leah's favor from God

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 22:09:20 -0700

Once Leah and Rachel both marry Jacob, the Lord opens Leah’s womb and she conceives, while Rachel cannot. And the Lord loves them both.

Additional Scripture: Psalm 24:1, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 31:30, and Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Genesis 29:19-30 / Laban's grievous evil

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:31:08 -0700

*Sensitive topic warning*

Jacob pursues Rachel through an arranged seven-year-long engagement, and, when the day of marriage arrives, Jacob is deceived in an act of evil by her father, Laban. And this controlling act of Rachel’s father will impact the lives of Jacob and Rachel for a very long time – because Laban chose evil.

Genesis 29:1-18 / Jacob meets Rachel

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:21:59 -0700

Jacob leaves with his parent’s blessing to journey to Haran to meet Laban and marry one of his daughters. Before he arrives to his house, Jacob meets one of the daughters at a well, she, who is "beautiful in form and appearance," Rachel.

Additional Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Genesis 28:10-22 / The ladder of heaven

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700

As Jacob flees from the great anger of his brother, he lays down to sleep in the wilderness and has an incredible dream. The dream is incredible because it is from the Lord, and the Lord speaks to Jacob as He reveals Himself at the top of a ladder in heaven.

Additional Scripture: Genesis 15:18-19, 26:4, 13:14-16, 22:17, 12:3, and John 1:43-51

Genesis 27:46-28:9 / It matters who you marry

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Despondent over Esau’s pagan wives, Rebekah and Isaac instruct Jacob to go back to get a wife from the house of Laban in Paddan-aram, because they will not permit him to marry a foreign woman. Esau, in turn, adds to his household another wife - this time a relative nearby.

Additional Scripture: Genesis 13:7-13, 24:1-4, 26:34-35. 2 Corinthians 6:14. Genesis 2:24. Genesis 9:18-19, 25. Genesis 15:18.

Genesis 27:30-45 / The result of deception

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700

The choice of Rebekah and Jacob to sin by means of the deception of Isaac changed their family forever. It turned Esau in great anger against Jacob, dishonored Isaac and shook his spirit, and betrayed the honor and respect of Rebekah's marriage and their family. Sin has consequences and sometimes the consequence is huge.

Genesis 27:26-29 / A prophetic blessing (the blessing received by Jacob)

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 26 May 2024 06:00:00 -0700

In the middle of Jacob’s deception, masquerading as Esau, Jacob receives Isaac’s blessing. And though Isaac believes he is blessing Esau, the prophetic blessing spoken from Isaac is a word from the Lord, and therefore later comes true in the life of Jacob.

Additional Scriptures:
Genesis 25:23, 28:10ff, 30:25ff, 32:22ff, 33:1ff, 32:28, 35:10, Ch. 42-45, 47:9, 47:28-29, 48:13-49:1

Genesis 27:14-25 / Bad character

Bryce Ferguson — Sat, 18 May 2024 13:41:15 -0700

After Rebekah plots deception against her husband, she and Jacob now bring this deception to pass before Isaac, bringing confusion and untruthfulness before him, before he is to give the blessing to Esau. In so doing, they do not bring truth and God’s word to Isaac, and therefore they do not act in holiness.

Additional Scripture:
Proverbs 14:25-26, Matthew 12:34-35, Exodus 20:3-6

Genesis 26:34-27:13 / Blindness and deception

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 05 May 2024 19:57:53 -0700

When Isaac is old, his focus continues to be for Esau. As his sight leaves him, he seeks to bless Esau. But Rebekah overhears Isaac’s intentions and, in a plot to deceive her husband and take advantage of his blindness, because her focus is Jacob, she recruits Jacob to pass himself off as Esau and be the supplanter.

[note: technical difficulties prevented an episode on 4.28.24]

Additional scripture:
1 Samuel 3:1-21, 1 Samuel 2:12-36, Matthew 13:10-15, 2 Timothy 3:12-13, John 3:19-21

Genesis 26:23-33 / Testimony

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 14:14:52 -0700

God appears to Isaac at Beersheba and reminds Isaac, “I am with you.” Isaac then receives an unexpected visit from Abimelech, who proactively reached out to Isaac for the purpose of peace. And the first words out of Abimelech’s mouth at their encounter is a testimony of the Lord.

Genesis 26:12-22 / God gives as God wills

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Isaac follows God’s leading into the land of Gerar, and as he plants, God blesses his yield. From there, God continues to give Isaac more until he had great wealth. So, how will Isaac steward that which he has been given? Because it is the Lord who decides who is given how much.

Additional Scripture Ref. Psalm 89:1,11 / Psalm 135:6-7 / Psalm 135:15-18 / Proverbs 30:4-9 / Zephaniah 1 / James 5:1-6 / Matthew 5:3 / Matthew 6:9-13 / Matthew 6:19-21 / Mark 8:34-36 / Eccl. 5:10,12

Genesis 26:6-11 / The path of fear

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Isaac follows God’s guidance during a time of famine to the land of Gerar. But then, Isaac takes his eyes off God, creating and following his own assumptions instead, and walking a dangerous path. But, while Isaac and Rebekah dwell there among a pagan people, God works through a pagan king to accomplish God’s purposes, and correct Isaac and Rebekah.

Genesis 26:1-5 / God's word to Isaac

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0700

God appears to Isaac and affirms that His call to Abraham and His covenant with Abraham and the blessing for Abraham, is also for Isaac, and for Isaac's offspring. God affirms the continuity that the covenant is an everlasting covenant, the possession an everlasting possession, and God's relationship with His people is present every single day. To God be the glory!

Genesis 25:29-34 / Dishonor and shrewdness

Bryce Ferguson — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:35:16 -0700

After the brothers are grown, true to their nature in the womb, they continue to be divided as one is careless and the other is shrewd in a disrespectful transaction over the birthright. Impulsively, Jacob asks for the birthright from Esau, and over a simple meal, Esau throws it to the wind.

Additional scripture: Hebrews 12:14-17, 25, 28-29, and Exodus 20:18-21

Genesis 25:19-28 / God's answer to Rebekah

Bryce Ferguson — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:19:14 -0700

In God’s chosen family line, Isaac encounters the same barrier his parents did, and he knew that God had promised in the covenant for a large nation of descendants – yet Rebekah was barren. And as they prayed to the Lord, they had to wait, a long time. When God brought about Rebekah’s pregnancy, God spoke to Rebekah, telling her the two children would not be peaceful, but rather divisive.

Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 33:2

Genesis 25:1-18 / Choosing the way of humility

Bryce Ferguson — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:35:38 -0700

When Abraham dies, his estranged son returns along with the son of his household. Both Ishmael and Isaac come together in respect to grieve and arrange the burial of their father. Two different lines of Abraham produce very different paths.

Genesis 24:62-67 / Isaac and Rebekah

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0800

After the servant’s long journey to find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac is comforted after his mother’s death, by his joining together in marriage with Rebekah. Each had sought the Lord first, and now they will seek Him together, in marriage.

Genesis 24:50-61 / A servant's obedience and Rebekah's faith

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800

As Abraham’s servant is about to leave on his journey back with Rebekah, to fulfill his commission, her family asks that she stay. The faith from the night before is now being tested at the moment of departure. The line of the covenant is at hand. And Rebekah says, “I will go.”

Reference texts:
Matthew 14:25-33
Genesis 22:17-18

Genesis 24:33-49 / The testimony of the servant

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800

The servant continues his mission in testifying to Rebekah’s family of God’s sovereignty and God’s leading, His provision and His goodness. The God of the covenant has led him here.

Genesis 24:22-32 / The Lord provides

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800

When Rebekah answers Abraham’s servant about her family line, the servant sees God has fulfilled his commission from Abraham. The initial faith of Abraham has now passed to his servant, and the servant testifies to Rebekah.

Genesis 24:15-21 / Rebekah's heart of generosity

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800

Before the servant was finished praying, Rebekah arrives at the well. The boldness of his prayer is met with a bold answer.

Additional scripture:
James 4:2-6, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 6:33-36, Matthew 22:35

Genesis 24:9-14 / A servant's faith

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800

Abraham’s servant swears to Abraham that he will venture the long distance to Mesopotamia to take a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac. And it will be an adventure of faith. As the servant nears the destination his prayer to God builds into a very bold request.

Genesis 24:5-8 / Abraham's faith re Isaac

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800

God has set Abraham’s gaze forward, tied to the covenant, tied to the promises, and tethered to God’s desires. In his spiritual maturity, Abraham focuses his gaze on being a provisional patriarch.

Ref.
Genesis 15:17-20, 17:7-8

Genesis 24:1-4 / Leadership for your offspring

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800

Abraham’s faith in God propels him to seek a godly wife for his son, Isaac. He knows the importance of a godly spouse and he knows the covenant of God will be continued through Isaac.

Reference Scripture:
Genesis 22:1-18
Matthew 10:37-38
Proverbs 22:6

Genesis 23 / Integrity in suffering

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800

After the child of the promise was born, after the dramatic test of Abraham’s faith on the mountain with Isaac, after the Lord stayed Abraham’s hand and provided a ram, there were many more years, and then came the death of Sarah. While grieving her loss, Abraham arranges her burial in this foreign land, and leads in the testimony of his faith.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20a
2 Corinthians 5:6-9
1 Peter 1:3b-9
Matthew 6:19-21

Recap 1st half of Genesis / God's call, God's provision

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

The origin story of mankind and earth is from God. The reason we are here is for God. The purpose is to glorify God. And our testimony is to proclaim His excellencies before all mankind.

Note:
Please join me in prayer as we consider and step forward toward 501(c)3 non-profit ministry status later in 2024.

Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Every single person on earth is struggling in some way, carrying a burden, affected by the sin of others and their own sin. In the sadness, depression, and loneliness, God reaches down to man, to be the ever-present Friend, the ever-present Guide, and the ever-present God to them. No longer need any single person be alone. Jesus has made the acceptable sacrifice. This is the story of Christmas.

Genesis 22 / The ultimate test of faith

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

After God brought forth the long-awaited child of the promise unto Abraham, God now commands something extremely costly from Abraham concerning this child. It surely must have been mysterious to Abraham that God would ask this, but God did. So, the real question is, how will Abraham respond - because how he responds will reveal the authenticity of his relationship with God.

Genesis 21:22-34 / God's leadership & peacemaking

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:18:33 -0800

After previous tension with Abraham, Abimelech approaches him for the purpose of a covenant. He desires Abraham to always be true with him and treat him well, and Abraham responds in faith. And when a dispute over a well is addressed, Abraham gives a gift to show the truth.

Genesis 21:8-21 / Jealousy, Not chosen, and still compassion

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Jealousy flares again in Abraham’s household because there is one “wife” too many. God had previously set forth the child of the promise, and God affirms the child of the promise will indeed be the chosen line. And in the departure of Hagar, we witness God’s affirmation of the words He spoke also to her.

Genesis 21:1-7 / The child of the promise

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

After a period of waiting, which turned out to be 25 years, God brings to Abraham and Sarah exactly whom He promised: their son, Isaac. God was faithful. And God was true.

Genesis 20 / Abraham's fatal fear of man

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

As Abraham and Sarah journey to a new land, Abraham’s faith is put to the test again, and he chooses the way of man. Despite the reckless behavior of both he and his wife, God intervenes to defend and to protect and to honor.

Genesis 19:30-38 / Deception and incest

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

*sensitive topic warning*
Lot finally flees up to the hills, where the angel had instructed, because even Lot thinks Zoar too dangerous. While living in a cave with the only family he has left, Lot’s daughters devise a plan to deceive and to harm, predicated on a lie.

Genesis 19:23-29 / Swift and utter destruction

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

After Abraham interceded for the righteous still in Sodom, after the angelic visitors encountered all the deviant and violent people of Sodom, and after Lot, his wife, and his daughters finally leave the city, God brings destruction. It is righteous. And it is just.

Into The Word - Genesis trailer

Bryce Ferguson — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:46:45 -0700

The historical testimony of the Holy Bible gives us the answers to how the earth was made, how mankind came to be, the purpose of mankind, the purpose for this world, and that God is very much involved in His mission in this world every single second of every single day. And He is calling us all to turn away from sin, and trust in Him.

Genesis 19:12-22 / Rescue despite Lot's apathy

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700

After a horrific encounter in the city of Sodom, the two angels tell Lot their mission to get him and his family out because God is going to bring judgment upon Sodom. In a foreshadowing of eternity, God, through the angels, saves them before the fire of judgment arrives.

Genesis 19:1-11 / The lawlessness of evil

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:36:57 -0700

*sensitive topic warning*
Chapter 19 deals with sensitive, biblical topics. Please use discretion when listening with younger audiences.

Summary:
The two angels of the Lord meet Lot waiting at the gate of the city. Lot greets them with humility and, knowing the city is dangerous, pleads with them to stay in the safety of his home. Later, all the men of the city gather as a mob and approach Lot’s house with evil intent.

Genesis 18:22-33 / Abraham's bold intercession

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700

After the Lord shares with Abraham the plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham stands fast before the Lord. He continues in conversation, pleading with God to stay the destruction of the cities, if so many faithful can be found. Because the Lord has a personal relationship with Abraham, He listens and responds to Abraham, and because the Lord chooses to, He adds a contingency to His plan, if so many faithful can indeed be found.

Genesis 18:16-21 / God's prophecy for Sodom

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:48:57 -0700

From the Lord’s visit with Abraham and Sarah, now God turns his path towards the wicked city where Abraham’s nephew chose to settle. God reveals to Abraham His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness, and God affirms to Abraham again that God has set Abraham apart to lead a great lineage in faithfulness.

Genesis 18:1-15 / Abraham's visitation

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700

After the long conversation God has with Abraham in Genesis Chapter 17, the Lord now walks on earth bringing two others with Him and approaches Abraham’s tent. Abraham’s response speaks volumes of what is driving his hope. And the Lord speaks outside the tent for Sarah to hear. Her response also speaks of what is driving her hope. The Lord is calling for us all to hope in Him alone.

Genesis 17:22-27 / Abraham's response to covenant

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:33:43 -0700

After God commands Abraham to be set apart, Abraham takes action to be set apart. The action is a direct reflection of the relationship - God mightily leading out front and inviting Abraham and his household to follow. And Abraham follows. He doesn’t simply speak the words; He also takes action.

Genesis 17:15-21 / The promise to Abraham and Sarah

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700

As God changed Abraham’s name earlier in Chapter 17, God now changes his wife’s name to Sarah. And because it seems that Abraham is still not understanding, God again makes clear the child of the promise will be from within the bounds of the Genesis 2 marriage covenant Abraham has with his singular wife, Sarah. And when there is a question of who will be the heir, God tells Abraham it will be the child to come from Sarah, and his name will be Isaac.

Genesis 17:9-14 / Circumcision, to set apart

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:31:56 -0700

After God establishes His covenant with Abraham, now God sets the charge to Abraham to keep the covenant. As Abraham is the father of a multitude of nations, so too the charge extends to all Abraham’s offspring as well. And the evidence of each man’s commitment in this covenant to God will be a physical mark on his body.

Genesis 17:1-8 / God's covenant with Abraham

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700

God has walked with Abram for much longer than a short stretch. He has carried him now 24 years. Out of the wilderness, out from obscurity, out from aimless wandering, and into God’s miraculous light. God calls him out from and in to relationship, mission, and purpose. And He does all this so when Abraham thinks of his life, he does so in a completely new identity.

Genesis 16:4b-16 / Hagar's sin and visitation

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:42:42 -0700

After Sarai, Abram, and Hagar all choose to sin, they now deal with the fallout. Strife enters their household and Hagar leaves. In the wilderness, she has a visit from the angel of the Lord who calls her by name, tells her to return, and acts in mercy. The child of the promise is still to be born, but it will not be from Hagar. God’s prophecy for Abram and Sarai is unchanged.

Genesis 16:1-4a - Abram and Sarai's disobedience

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 20:48:33 -0700

After 10 years of waiting, Sarai proposes to Abram an alternate path to having a child, instead of that which the Lord promised. And when he responds, Abram listens to his wife’s voice instead of God’s voice, which will have intense ramifications on their relationship. God’s desire for us is to patiently wait on Him, at all times - one day, one decade, continuously. It is a proof of our faith.

Genesis 15:1-6 / God's promise

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700

When Abram hears the words of the Lord, he questions. He questions how it can be that he is to have an offspring, since it has been a period of time since God said those words to him first in Genesis 12:7. Abram presumes one of the men from his house will inherit everything and God responds correctively, “your very own son shall be your heir.” God has promised Abram will have a son, and therefore it will be his son, and this will be the child of the promise.

Genesis 15 / Intense encounter

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700

God affirms His call to Abram from Genesis 12:1-4 and gives him a vision. Two visions, actually. The first, God tells Abram that he will indeed, though he hasn’t yet, have a son, and the son will be his heir. The second, in a dark and powerful dream, God speaks multiple prophecies to Abram and parallels His words in striking imagery of animal sacrifices for confirmation of covenant.

[Correction: Eliezer of Damascus was Abram's servant]

Genesis 14:17-24 / The glory is God's

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Can someone be both a priest and a king? A priest makes intercession to God on behalf of the people, and offers sacrifices for the people unto God, a priest keeps the house of God, serves in the house of God, for it is his home. A king is established by God to serve the people, and make decisions for the people, and set himself apart in holiness and lead by the way of righteousness, and lead with boldness, and receive and give in faithfulness. Melchizedek king of Salem leads with faith by speaking in worship to God Most High. Abram responds. And we also see the focus of the king of Sodom.

Genesis 14:1-16 / Political chaos and righteous rescue

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

After Abram and Lot went their separate ways, Lot gets caught in the middle of a war. Nation rises against nation, king against king, and because Lot chose to settle in Sodom, he gets carried away with the spoil of war. And because God has a plan, Abram finds out his kinsmen is in trouble and out of love for his brethren, gathers a large group of fighting men to get Lot back and bring him home.

Genesis 13 / Leadership in family disputes

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

As Abram and his nephew, Lot, enter the Negeb, they realize the area has limited resources for what has become two large families and herds living and moving together. When disputes arise among their workers, Abram suggests to Lot that they settle in two different areas (with more resources), and Lot chooses to head east toward Sodom. Abram then, settles in the West. Lot’s decision will have future ramifications.

Genesis 12:10-20 / Fear and Deceit

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Abram and Sarai are driven to Egypt because of a famine in the land. As they approach the city, Abram develops a disturbing plan, which risks Sarai’s life and wellbeing, and he does all based on an assumption of what may happen (in the future). And it happens because He has taken his eyes off the Lord. God is diligent to carry His plan forward and acts despite the foolish actions of both Abram and Sarai.

Genesis 12:4-9 / Abram’s response

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 15:00:51 -0700

God’s powerful call to Abram at the start of Genesis 12 evokes a response from Abram in verse 4. FAITH. Abram leaves everything he has known to follow God. God brings him to the outskirts of Canaan, to see what will become the Promised Land, and Abram responds in worship. God has spoken this blessing for Abram’s descendants (to be with them) and we know that promise also comes true. God is faithful.

Genesis 11:10-12:4 / God’s powerful call

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:26:06 -0700

From a heritage of paganism, God speaks to Abram and calls him to completely change his life. God changes the trajectory of Abram’s life from a life of worldliness, to a life of godliness. He gives him a new purpose. He gives him a new home. He gives him a new identity. And He gives him a new mission. And this is also what does for each of us who answer God’s call.

6.18.23 Devotional - Luke 22:24-34

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In Luke 22:24, the disciples get distracted and start thinking of themselves rather than Jesus. Jesus reorients their thinking to humility. He reminds them He came to earth in humility, to exemplify humility, and this He did, as King of kings and Lord of lords. So too, we as Christ followers must be ever-seeking, ever-pursuing, ever-reliant for all of our lives aspect on God alone. He is the Creator. He is the Savior. And He is the Sustainer.

6.11.23 Devotional - Matthew 5:3

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:07:01 -0700

Today, I bring a short devotional from the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Why are they blessed? Why does He begin the sermon with these? Because these recognize their hope is not in anything this world can offer. Because their fulfillment, their joy, their identity is only in Christ alone. Blessed are those who humble themselves before God.

6.4.23 Devotional - John 10

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:30:17 -0700

Due to recent sickness of the last two weeks, today's episode is an abbreviated devotional in John 10. Once my voice returns to normal, I will pickup again in our exegetical teaching in Genesis. Thank you for your patience and I look forward to reconvening in Genesis as soon as God wills (hopefully next Sunday). God bless you.

Genesis 11:1-9 / The tower of opposition

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 21 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In active disobedience to God's command to "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth," Ham's descendant, Nimrod, the so-called "mighty man," leads the people in centralizing the population, the culture, and the abandoning God's mission, to instead, build a mighty tower "up to the heavens." And the refusal to obey God, again, like in the Garden, has swift consequences. God takes away their ability to communicate - the most basic aspect of humanity.

Genesis 9:18-10:32 / Diversion

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 14 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives step foot out of the Ark and onto dry ground. Now is the time "to be fruitful and multiply on the earth." The three sons journey out to different lands on different paths, some holding true to God and some down unruly paths in opposition to their Creator. Their legacy will be determined by their choice in faith. What will they choose? And too, what will we choose? Or better said, Who?

Genesis 8:20-9:17 / Affirmation & Confirmation of the Covenant

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 07 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Since God is the Creator of all things and the Sustainer of all things, He could have ended it all prior to speaking with Noah in Genesis 6. Or He could have started mankind completely over with bringing an end to all flesh. But He didn't. He carried His people of faith, generation by generation, from before the flood, through Noah's family during the flood, and then by generation and generation after the flood, because God's love is extravagant. He makes covenants with His people and He wants to be in relationship with His people. And He remembers His covenants all the time. Just look at the rainbow in the sky! Because when you see each one, Genesis 9:16, God said He is remembering the covenant.

Genesis 7:24-8:19 / Utter dependence

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

The floodwaters have consumed the earth. And now days go by. Day after day, week after week, month after month. And 8 people aboard the Lord's vessel for salvation, must wait. This was the one method of deliverance and there was no other. They had to be patient - in a dark ark, in a smelly ark, in a crowded ark. Day after day. Week after week. Month after month. And their faith was put to the test. And God was with them. And God was delivering them, intentionally, purposefully, and in strength.

Genesis 7:6-23 / All but 8

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

God does what He said He would do. And after Noah obeyed Him in listening to God's instruction, in building the ark, in bringing the animals and the food and his family inside, and walking inside, God, Himself, closes the door - a confirmation of what God was about to do, a fulfillment of it all. And the floodwaters burst forth, flooding over all mankind and every living things that breathed on the earth. Evil was punished by God because God is the Judge and He is a God of Justice. In following Him, there is reward. In rejecting Him, there is punishment. God's call to us all is to follow Him.

Genesis 6:9-7:5 / Covenant with Noah

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In Genesis Chapter 6, the world catapulted from sin into utter lawlessness and violence. God expresses His extreme sorrow over the state of mankind and, in justice, declares His intent to bring about the consequence warranted by outright opposition to God. But, as is so often the case in punishment, God first rescues the faithful, to be with Him, to be safe, to be set apart from those destined for destruction - for salvation. God declares His covenant with Noah and specifically articulates how God will rescue Noah amidst the coming flood, and gives Noah the assignment to build the means of deliverance - a very large Ark.

Jesus Christ, The Savior

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Jesus is the undisputed King of the world, who in this age of grace, reigns at the right hand of God the Father, and one day will return to reign on earth. God always had a plan to be with His people and, though God was faithful in His covenants, the people fell short of faithfulness. Sin has always been pervasive. So, Jesus came on a rescue mission to earth, to die for the sins of mankind, of all who would repent and trust in Christ as their Savior, to save us from death, and, as He resurrected, so too would his children be resurrected after they die on this earth. Because God is the author and sustainer and keeper of life and death. He holds the keys and He fully reigns in power over all things. There is only One God and One Way, and His name is Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Genesis 6:1-8 / Pursuing evil

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In the wake of the genealogy of faith of Chapter 5, the world takes a hard turn in opposition to God's authority and pursues everything else. God stands and sees, the Judge of all the world, and watches as the world's culture has lost all sense of faith and morality. And God expresses Himself so openly to us who read His Word today - that "the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth" (6:6). This objectionable pursuit of sin by the world will not go unpunished, and God makes very clear what He will do - because justice requires action. And God, as The Judge, will bring it. But, in all the wickedness, there is one chosen by God, who walks with God, and his name is Noah.

Genesis 5 / Family, Faith, and Legacy

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

From the family line of Adam, there is both the fallout from tragedy (4:8) and a split of trajectories (4:25-26). God's plan and the family line of His people will be carried, not by the firstborn or second born, but by the third son, Seth. And God is faithful in continuing the line of His people, from Adam to Noah. Enoch is of particular example, because of his righteous walk with God, God did something miraculous. Many lessons in this passage for us to exemplify God's love, to seek His face and to pursue righteousness.

Quoted section of Matthew Henry's commentary re Genesis Chapter 5:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/5.html

All the patriarchs here, except Noah, were born before Adam died; so that from him they might receive a full and satisfactory account of the creation, paradise, the fall, the promise, and those divine precepts which concerned religious worship and a religious life: and, if any mistake arose, they might have recourse to him while he lived, as to an oracle, for the rectifying of it, and after his death to Methuselah, and others, that had conversed with him: so great was the care of Almighty God to preserve in his church the knowledge of his will and the purity of his worship.

Genesis 4:8-26 / Sin, Anger, and Murder

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In mankind's narrative, the second generation (Cain) chose sin, not unlike his parents, Adam and Eve. But, unlike Adam and Eve, God cautioned Cain after his misgiving, to choose good (God) and he would be accepted - but Cain does not. He lets sin fester until his anger drives him to murder, him of who Cain was jealous. Sin, when unchecked, when unrefuted, when unrepented, leads to obsession, and ultimately leads to death. Genesis 3 and 4 are in the Bible for our instruction - to know mankind's beginning, to know our God, and to know what happens when sin is chosen instead of obedience to God.

Genesis 4:1-7 / Acceptable and unacceptable worship

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

From Adam and Eve in Chapters 1-3, the next generation of humans is introduced at the start of Chapter 4, with the firstborn and the second born of Adam and Eve (Cain and Abel, respectively). We read both Cain and Abel work and bring an offering to the Lord, but they are very different offerings. One approaches God correctly (Abel) bringing a choice sacrifice, and one approaches God in a way to evoke God's response of "no regard" (Cain). But our loving God does not leave Cain in his sin of an unacceptable offering, God counsels Cain in that moment how to be in right relationship with Him and warns him that sin desires to well up in Cain. The choice now is that of Cain.

Genesis 3:20-24 / Exile

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0800

After God pronounces the curses to Eve and Adam, He now drives them from the garden of Eden. The garden had abundant food, beauty, and joy, but the greatest gift in the garden before was God's presence. Banished from the garden, the first two humans are now to cultivate food and live in hardship, in stress, and with pain. Death would await their future, but the relationship with God was not over. As will be common throughout the Old Testament, God makes commandments and covenants with His people, they are unfaithful, God sends them into exile, and God brings them back in restoration. The greatest restoration plan arrives for all God's children, in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who came to earth on a rescue mission, to die on the cross for our sins, and be resurrected to life again, a foreshadowing for all God's children who submit their lives to Jesus Christ.

"For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many." Romans 5:15

Genesis 3:14-19 / Curses

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800

For the direct justice of the law God established, with a broken commandment, is due the immediate punishment and God speaks it to them after the offense. God brings respective curses upon the serpent, upon the woman, and upon the man. God proves to mankind in this who He is and what His law means. There is also a foreshadowing of what is to come, in the fulfillment of God's plan on Earth and for His kingdom with respect to mankind, and with respect to Jesus' defeating death so all God's children can live, and how Satan will be defeated in the end by God. One thing is for certain, when you go against God's command, there will be pain.

Genesis 3:6-13 / Love and hate

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Satan tempts Eve and Adam to distrust God. They entertain the serpent. And in choosing what the serpent said to follow, they sinned and disobeyed God, which had a disastrous effect, primarily, on their relationship with God. And in their punishment, God is just. And in God's continuing love for them, God is faithful.

Genesis 3:1-5 / The enemy

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800

A serpent appears to Eve in the garden - to oppose God and to encourage her to oppose God. The serpent somehow knows the command that God spoke to Adam, and then pushes Eve to doubt God's command.

Genesis 2:18-25 / Woman

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800

One to help Adam shoulder the load, and a companion, the first woman on Earth is created with the hand of God, with particular attention and formed by God's hand. God also sets the standard here for marriage: one man and one woman. The charge before them is great: to exemplify God on Earth and to exemplify God to each other. The charge is the same for every one of us.

Article:
https://rabbiyeshua.com/articles-by-kehilat/item/49-divorce-remarriage

Genesis 2:4-17 / Authority, Responsibility, and Prohibition

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800

If God commanded you to do something or not do something, would you listen to Him? A command is not a request. It is not a petition. It has the weight of authority and it has consequences for disobedience. As we look around at all God has bestowed to us, the abundant provision and gifts, we clearly see the powerful love of Almighty God. Let this abundant love from God compel us to obey. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments" (John 14:15). So, our love for God is either shown or not shown in how we obey His commandments. And God is a loving Father. He created life, He knows the path to life, and He wants us on that path. His commandments are to that path. They are, to Him.

Genesis 2:1-3 / Sabbath

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800

God chose to rest on the seventh day and set it apart as holy. Because He did, so should we. When we rest, it is different from sleep, though sleep also is good and important. But resting in God, obeys God and shows trust in God, that we are building a legacy of His kingdom, and not a legacy built on us.

Genesis 1:26-31 / Mankind

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Different than the creation of the heavens and Earth. Different than the creation of water, of light, of plants, of animals, God creates humanity and specifically makes now mankind in His image and likeness. What does this mean? This means, the all-knowing and all-reigning God of all dominion, grants to mankind certain aspects of how He thinks, how He acts, how He loves, and also limited capacities in having dominion (over all living creatures on Earth). But with this creation, with this delegation, the responsibility is great, so the question is, what will mankind do with these giftings?

Genesis 1:3-25 / Creation and Order

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800

In the Beginning, when God created the heavens and the Earth, it was still a bit of a blank canvas, if you will. Then, God created land, sky, and the waters - and filled them, for a very specific purpose - it was to His glory. All that God was creating was to enable and sustain life on Earth for humanity, but it was step by step, intentional, planned, and specifically for Him, and for us. God detailed every step for humans and animals, in their need for oxygen, water, and food, and for plants, in their need for carbon dioxide, water, and sun. God knew it all because He created it. God knows all things and He created all things, but one element of creation with a particular gifting, was yet to come.

Genesis 1:1-2 / The Beginning

Bryce Ferguson — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800

God created all things and God was before all things. We read "In the beginning," in the first verse of the Holy Bible, but God was already there, living, dwelling, eternally existing, and active. Then, "In the beginning," the story of what humanity knows began. God created the heavens and the earth. And our concept of how the Earth began is known. God did it. And He was just getting started. God's preeminent purpose, planning, process, and tangible acts of creation brought the habitat forward for what would include man, and then He would bring mankind. And this is all for a very specific reason and purpose.