From Mourning to Healing: A Sermon on Understanding Grief and Loss | Genesis 23-25
In this final message on the life of Abraham from Genesis 12- 25, we delve into the intricacies of grief and loss, exploring the multifaceted nature of mourning and the path to healing. Drawing insights from Biblical wisdom and personal anecdotes, we unravel the stages of grief, from shock and denial to acceptance, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and processing our losses. Through heartfelt reflections and practical advice, discover how to support others through their grief journey and find solace in the promise of a better tomorrow.
Are We Saved by Faith or Faith Plus Works? | Genesis 22:15-18
Catholics and Protestants have been arguing for centuries over what the Apostles James and Paul meant when they referenced the righteousness of Abraham. Was he made righteous by faith alone? Or was it his works in sacrificing Isaac? Pastor Ross explores the passages in Romans 4 and James 2 and shows how both Paul, James, and the other Apostles are all in alignment.
God's Grace on Display - The Story of Abraham and Abimelech | Genesis 20:1-18
The story of Abraham and Abimelech feels like deja-vu from his journey into Egypt. Twenty-five years later, Abraham lies about his relationship with Sarah to protect himself out of a greater fear of Abimelech than his fear of God. But it is much more than a story of Abraham's failure. It is a story of God's grace and redemption of this righteous man.
Remember Sodom and Gomorrah | Genesis 18:16-19:29
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is an important and unforgettable one. And that is by God's design and intent because it was meant to be an eternal warning to everyone about the coming judgement that each person will face in the day of Jesus' return. But if we think that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was only their immoral behaviour, then we will miss the real sin - their lack of reverence and respect of God and His authority.
Pastor Ross guides us through the famous passage and helps us identify with each of the characters and what that means for us today and in the future.
Hearing God
Every relationship is only as good as the communication. That is true in marriages, friendships, and even with co-workers. And the same is true with God. When we struggle to hear from Him, it will limit the depth to our relationship. But is hearing God as difficult as we have been led to believe? Or is it something that we are invited to grow into with our loving Heavenly Father?
Dealing with Doubt | Genesis 18:1-15
Doubt is part of the human condition. Denial, pushing it down, or ignoring it won't stop them from eating away at our hope. In Genesis 17 and 18, we see Abraham and Sarah promised a miracle which they laughed at when God first told them. Yet, their doubt didn't decide their faith. Pastor Ross explores what to do when doubt fills our mind.
The Significance of Circumcision Today | Genesis 17:1-27
In Genesis 17, we have a continuation of the terms of the covenant between God and Abram and all his descendants. In chapter 17, God changes Abram's name to Abraham, and Sarai to Sarah. But He also implements a covenant of circumcision that is much more than a physical act. It was meant as a sign to point to a greater spiritual reality that God would accomplish in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus.
Sarah and Hagar | Genesis 16:1-16
The story of Sarai and Hagar in Genesis 16 is a sad tale of what happens when we operate out of the flesh, even trying to do God's will FOR Him, but in our own strength. God wants us to wait upon Him and His power, not do it our way and on our timeline - lest we produce an Ishmael and not an Isaac.
The Old Compared to the New Covenant | Genesis 15
The greatest mistake the Church has made is mixing the Old Covenant (The Law) with the New Covenant (Grace). In doing so, we lose the power of both. Pastor Ross compares the two covenants and shows how "You shall..." becomes "I will..."
Has God Forgotten His Promise to Israel? | Genesis 15:18-21
The covenant that God made Abram in Genesis 15 is actually the New Covenant that Christians have with God through Jesus Christ. That reality has profound consequences, specifically for the nation of Israel. Has the church replaced Israel (aka supersessionism)? Does Israel still have a role to play with God? These questions are more are answered in this message from Pastor Ross.