God’s Covenant with Abram, and More: Genesis 15

Abram looked at world-based facts, and he was confused, doubtful, and afraid. We noted yesterday that God’s first words to him were, “Do not be afraid.” Obviously, Abram was afraid and anxious in the long waiting time in which he had not children. Satan used the same technique he had applied in his conversation with… Read More

God’s Covenant with Abram: Genesis 15

Notice the first thing God said to Abram, “Don’t be afraid.” Obviously, Abram still needed reassurance even after all the evidence that God had chosen him, that God was with him, and that God keeps His promises. (Don’t we all?) Abram was anxious about the future—how could God’s promises come true when he didn’t have… Read More

Lot Settles, Abram Wanders, War and More, Genesis 14

It occurs to me that the traveling Patriarchs were home-schoolers. Abram and Sarai, as parents and tribal leaders, were responsible for the training of not only their own children, but those of the whole tribe as well. The training was spiritual as well as vocational. Abraham also kept his army in top form. As we… Read More

Lot Settles, Abram Wanders, and War: Genesis 14

This chapter begins with Abram avoiding conflict and ends with him leading an army on a rescue mission. RESEARCH NUGGETS In obedience to God’s command to travel around and see the promised land, Abram headed southward, until he reached the city of Kiryath Arba, later called Hebron. There he was welcomed by Aner, Eshkol and… Read More

Choices Have Long- and Short-term Consequences: Genesis 13

In Chapter 12 we watched a marriage pull apart as a result of circumstances, fear, lack of communication, and assumptions that the promises God said did or did not apply to themselves. Yet these two people, Sarai and Abram, are listed as heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:8-12). Like us, they charged ahead of God or… Read More

God Chooses the Most Unlikely People

The word Hebrew is understood to mean, “one from the other side (of the river).” That is certainly true of Abram. God made him a promise with one condition, obedience, and Abram walked away from everything he knew, from comfort and security, into Canaan to follow God’s plan. Biblical scholars use the term Hebrews to… Read More