The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Genesis Lesson 67: The Reaping Begins!

Jacob and Laban; reaping and sowing!  Oh my.

Genesis Lesson 66: New Home in Haran {Jacob Meets His ”Match”: Laban and Rebekah!}

Jacob will meet his match in Haran with his mother's brother, Laban.  He will also meet "the love of his life"!

 

Genesis Lesson 65: Pillow to Pillar {Vision Expansion and Vow Expressed}

Genesis 28:16-22

Jacob's life was a picture of the spiritual man struggling against his flesh (see Galatians 5:17).  His primary struggle was not about his love of the world, but it was about his own self-sufficiency - which, of course, boils down to a pride issue.  Time after time, Jacob took matters into his own hands without relying on God, in Whom he did believe.  

When we left Jacob in Lesson 64, he was still sleeping (on a rock pillow).  He fell asleep fearful, lonely, disgraced, exiled, and destitute, but the Lord gave him great tidings of promises and assurances by way of a marvelous dream (commonly called the dream of Jacob's Ladder).  In this lesson, we discuss the events that took place when Jacob awoke (it was a twofold awakening).  First, we discuss "Jacob's Vision of God Expanded" as he has a new awe for God and creates a new memorial for God (A PILLAR MADE FROM HIS PILLOW) and a new name for the place of his dream ("Bethel," "the House of God").  Second, we will talk about "Jacob's Vow to God Expressed" (and the two views about that vow).

Genesis Lesson 64: The Ladder Lord {Jacob’s ”Defining Moment” Dream}

Genesis 28:10-15

This is one of the major turning point in Jacob's life!  At a place Jacob named "Bethel," where he stopped to spend one of his many nights while en route to his mother's former home in Haran of Padan-aram, Jacob had his first personal encounter with the Lord.  This is the famous dream about the ladder from earth to Heaven, which Jesus later (to Nathanael) equated with Himself!  We will look at "The Darkness and the Pillow" (verse 11) and "The Dream and the Pronouncement" (verses 12 to 15).

A very exciting, informative lesson.  You will learn a lot.

Genesis Lesson 63: Jacob Leaves Home {He is Enrolled in "The School of Hard Knocks”!}

Genesis 28:1-9 

With this lesson, we embark upon a study of the life of Jacob, the third patriarch of Genesis.  The next 20 years of his life would be spent in God's "School of Faith" (in Jacob's case, it was more like "The School of Hard Knocks").  He had to leave home to save himself from Esau's rage and desire to kill him.  Jacob would never again see his beloved mother, though he did not know it at the time.  Twenty years of separation from his family would be a time of heavy and hard reaping of all he had sown, but he would return a far better man.

Genesis Lesson 62: A Divided Family - Part II {Deception leads to Dysfunction}

This is the continuation of a two-part series on the division that developed (really over years) in Isaac's family after he tried to give the covenant blessing (to carry on the Messianic line) to Esau.  Not only had Esau disqualified himself from receiving it, but the Lord had told Rebekah when the twins were in her womb that the blessing would go to the younger son (Genesis 25:23).  Isaac deliberately tried to circumvent God's will, and Rebekah and Jacob then deceived him so that actually God's will was accomplished, but not in the way He would have accomplished it!  It is never right to attempt to secure God's will in a sinful way, and deceiving your own father is definitely sinful.

Join us as we discuss the creation of a very dysfunctional family!  We will talk about "A Deceptive Conversation," "A Deceptive Coverning," "A Deceptive Cooking," "A Deceptive Kiss" - in the lesson to follow (63), we will study "A Divine Consecration".

 

Genesis Lesson 61: A Divided Family - Part I {The Domino Effect of Sin}

In this two-part study on Genesis chapter 27, we peer into the contents of a believer's home and are warned of what can happen to even the godliest of homes when one or more family members try to take matters into their own hands and do things their way rather than rely on God and do things His way! 

We will learn about the domino effect of sin!  Isaac's sin led to Rebekah's sin; Rebekah's sin led to Jacob's sin, and Jacob's sin led to Esau's sin.  It was a mess!  Yet, the terrible situation that resulted in "A Divided Family" did not develop in just one day.  It had been festering for a long time.  Parental favoritism and a lack of fatherly guidance and disciple regarding sibling rivalries had been brewing for many years.  Because these issues were not addressed by the spiritual head of the family (Isaac), and were even further aggravated by his obvious favoritism of Esau, a tragic splitting of the family occurred.  A GREAT LESSON TO STUDY TO LEARN FROM THE SAD LESSONS OF OTHERS!  

Genesis Lesson 60: The Testing of Isaac - Part II

Genesis 26:19-35

In the one chapter in Genesis that focuses of Isaac as the main character, we find him going through a series of testings, all intended by the Lord to refine him spiritually.  In Lesson 59, we looked at the first half of this two-part study on "The Testings of Isaac" (his famine, falsehood, and fruitfulness tests). 

With this study, we will look at four more tests presented to Isaac, son of Abraham.  They are "The Fighting Test" (verses 19-22), "The Fear Test" (verses 23-25), "The Forgiveness Test" (verses 26-32), and "The Fatherhood Test".  We learn a lot about Isaac in this two-part study!

Genesis Lesson 59: The Testing of Isaac - Part I {One Chapter in Bible Dedicated Exclusively to Isaac}

Genesis 26:1-18 

The life of Isaac is always connected, in one aspect or another, to the life of someone else, such as his dynamic father Abraham, his elder brother Ishmael, his strong-willed wife Rebekah, or his high profile son Jacob.  There is only one chapter in Genesis in which Isaac is the central figure, and that is chapter 26.  After coming down from Mount Moriah, where his life reached its spiritual climax, Isaac (like all of us) continued to face more trials and testings, all intended to refine him.  

In this lesson and the one to follow (#60), we will look at "The Testing of Isaac".  His first recorded test after his father's death was "the famine test".  Like his father before him, he was headed down to Egypt to escape, but the Lord stopped him and spoke directly to Isaac for the very first time!  His next test, also like his father, was "the falsehood test".  Unfortunately, Isaac repeated his father's sin, lying that Rebekah was his sister!  The next was his "fruitfulness test," and we are happy to report he did pass that one!

Genesis Lesson 58: Beans for the Birthright {The Importance of Choosing Right!}

Genesis 25:29-34 

This is about a swap between twin brothers; one in which  Esau, the elder twin, foolishly chose to trade the temporary and perishing (a bowl of "beans") for the eternal and lasting (the Messianic birthright).  Jacob's method of obtaining his brother's firstborn birthright may not have been good (he struggled his whole life with doing things "his way" instead of waiting on God), but what he desired was good (like Mary, Martha's sister, he chose that good part).  Jacob desired that which is eternal; his focus was on spiritual things.  Jacob wanted to be the spiritual head of the next generation of God's covenant line.  He wanted to carry on the line of the promised family that would ultimately lead to the Savoiur. A super-great lesson filled with practical application!

Genesis Lesson 57: Twin Troubles that Continue Today! {Esau and Jacob}

Genesis 25:19-28 

In this lesson, we find that as God took care of gaining a wife for Isaac, so  He took care of giving him offspring (even though Rebekah was barren).  The Lord would be faithful to His Messianic-lineage promise, even though Isaac and Rebekah were married 20 years before He finally opened her womb.  THEN the real troubles began!  "Twin Troubles" started in the womb and continue to this day through the descendant of Esau and Jacob!  Oh me.

Genesis Lesson 56: The Pilgrimage Ended {The Importance of Finishing Well}

Genesis 25:1-18

With Genesis chapter 25, we come to the last chapter of the life of the great patriarch of the faith, Abraham.  For more than a century, he had been on a pilgrimage of faith with the Lord God in the Promised Land of Canaan.  It was wonderful to learn how Abram (his original name) stepped out of Ur of the Chaldees to being his spiritual journey with God, but it is even more impressive to find that, more than a century later, he was still going strong for and with the Lord!  It is one thing to begin well with God, but it is even a better thing to finish well.  

In this lesson, "The Pilgrimage Ended," we discuss the deaths of both Abraham (25:1-11) and Ishmael (25:12-18).

Genesis Lesson 55: Coming of Isaac’s Bride {An Historic-Prophetic Love Story}

"I will go" were the three most significant words Rebekah ever spoke!  They formed the prompt and definitive answer to the question posed by Abraham's servant regarding her willingness to become the bride of his master's son (Isaac).  Rebekah had come to a quick and firm conviction that the call of God on her life was to be Isaac's wife.  She never met Isaac, but she committed herself to him based on the words about him from his father's servant (Eliezer).

The beautiful love story of Isaac and Rebekah goes much deeper than the surface level of the account.  It presents us with a marvelous picture - in many ways - of the great marriage arranged in Heaven by God the Father, Who sent His faithful Servant, the Holy Spirit, to call out a Bride (the Church) for His only begotten, beloved Son, the Lord Jesus.

Genesis Lesson 54: Call of Isaac’s Bride {Exciting Prophetic Picture of Christ and His Church!}

Incredible analogy-prophetic type of Christ and His Bride, the Church is presented in the account of how Abraham sent his faithful servant Eliezer to secure a bride (Rebekkah) for his son, Isaac.  You must hear!

Genesis Lesson 53: Quest for Isaac’s Bride {Packed with Fascinating Christology!}

Genesis 24:1-33 

Chapter 24 of Genesis is the longest chapter in the Bible.  It not only contains a delightful LOVE STORY, but presents a critical event in the history of man's redemption.  The picture (type) of Christ presented in and through Isaac did not end with Mount Moriah.  There are fascinating parallels between "The Quest for Isaac's Bride" (this lesson) and the calling out by the Spirit (represented by Abraham's faithful servant Eliezer) of Christ's Bride, the Church!

This is a great study - you do NOT want to miss the details!  Even though you may think you already know the account, you are going to learn something NEW!

Genesis Lesson 52: The Funeral Test {Maintaining a Godly Testimony in Time of Sorrow}

Genesis 23:1-20

In Genesis chapter 23, we learn how a believer can maintain a godly testimony even in the midst of dealing with the death of a loved one.  By Abraham's example as he coped with the death of his life-partner, we learn there is a time to express sorrow and deal with grief, but there is also a time to show responsibility and not be so overcome with grief that the believer presents a poor testimony of his/her faith.  

One of the most critical times in a believer's life to demonstrate the difference his/her faith in Jesus Christ makes is at the time of death!

In this lesson, we discuss a "Tribute to Sarah," the "Tears of Abraham," the great "Testimony of Abraham," and a business "Transaction with Ephron" (as Abraham secured a final resting place for his beloved wife).

Genesis Lesson 51: Stars and Sand {Isaac’s After-Moriah Mysterious ”Absence” - Another Amazing Picture of Christ!}

Genesis 22:15-24

This is the conclusion of a "mountain peak" chapter of Scripture (Genesis 22)!  One of the greatest principles of the Bible, taught from cover to cover, is that blessings follow obedience.  This truth was certainly made evident following Abraham's obedience in offering up Isaac - even though he did not need to carry through with that assignment (it was a God-given "test").  Among the blessings, Abraham received further confirmation from God about the covenant promises given him earlier.  

Learn why Isaac is not mentioned in Genesis 22:19, when he came down from Moriah with his father, and why he is not mentioned again until he appears to meet his bride (Rebekah) in chapter 24!  It is another amazing prophetic type of Christ, but one most people miss!  Be sure you don't!

Genesis Lesson 50: Where is the Lamb? {Learn of Abraham’s Incredible Gospel Prophecy on Moriah!}

Genesis 22:7-14

This is the continuation of Lesson 49 ("Clear Vision"); we left off  with Abraham and his son Isaac alone on Mount Moriah (leaving the two servants at the base of the Mount).  To this point, Isaac's faith had not been tested, for he did not know what the Lord requested of his father.  How would he respond when he learned he was to be "the lamb for the burnt offering" (22:7b)?  

There is an incredible prophecy given by Abraham in this passage of Scripture - Genesis 22:8.  Every Christian needs to know and understand the depth of that prophecy!  It is also important to know and understand why Isaac was never going to actually BE the sin-sacrifice and why he was replaced with a ram.  

Did Abraham understand "the Gospel" of the future from this experience?  Yes.  Jesus tells us he did (John 8:56).  You may also want to also listen to our podcast Lesson 11 under the tag "CHRIST in GENESIS" entitled "The Gospel of Moriah".  

Genesis Lesson 49: Clear Vision {The Gospel on Moriah! - A ”Holy Ground” Study}

Genesis 22:1-6 

This is the great message of "The Gospel on Moriah"!  In this lesson, we are on "holy ground" for it is one of the clearest events foreshadowing the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Calvary in the entire Bible!  Genesis chapter 22 is one of the "mountain peaks" of revelation concerning the redemptive work of the beloved Son of God - and it is through Abraham's obedient willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac!  Also pictured in this marvelous true account is the Lord's resurrection on the third day.  Listen and learn about Abraham's "Great Test," his "Great Love," and his "Great Faith" (see Lesson #50).

Genesis Lesson 48: Abraham and Abimelech {An Interesting Peace Treaty}

Genesis 21:22-34 

In this lesson, Abraham has his second encounter with Abimelech (a Philistine king).  It was much different than their first meeting four years earlier, which had been a humiliating experience for Abraham (he was rightly reproved by the king for lying about his relationship with Sarah).  This second encounter found Abraham in a much improved spiritual condition.  The two make a peace treaty, which is ratified with sacrifices, witnesses, and promises.  The treaty lasted 70 years; interestingly the one who broke it was Isaac, and he did so by repeating the sin of his father - he lied about his relationship with Rebekah!  Amazing.

Genesis Lesson 47: Separation of Hagar and Ishmael {Was this More Difficult for Abraham than when asked to sacrifice Isaac?}

Genesis 21:11-21

One of the most difficult separations Abraham faced in his life (and he faced many) was his separation from Ishmael, his illegitimate son born by Sarah's Egyptian handmade, Hagar.  The separation was necessary for the accomplishment of God's purposes for both Isaac and Ishmael, so Abraham obeyed by casting out both Hagar and Ishmael, even though it broke his heart.

It is wonderful to learn how the Lord God took care of Ishmael (and Hagar) and blessed him!  It is also interesting to learn how the Apostle Paul used the separation of Hagar and Ishmael from Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac as an allegory involving Law and grace (Galatians 4:21-31)!  A lot to discover in this deep lesson!

Genesis Lesson 46: Isaac and Ishmael {Finally, Some Laughter!} {Isaac, a Type of Christ}

Genesis 21:1-10 

After reading about the destruction of Sodom in chapter 18, the sad end of Lot in chapter 19, and Abraham's shameful return to the sin of lying about Sarah in chapter 20, it is great to break out in laughter in the beginning of chapter 21.  This lesson begins with the birth of Isaac, whose name means "laughter".  This promised son was a long time coming, but when he was finally born, he brought immense joy into the life of his family . . . well, with one exception, and his name was Ishmael.  

In this lesson, "Isaac and Ishmael," we look at the birth delight (21:1-7), the brotherly discord (21:8-10), and some amazing typology (Isaac as a type of Christ) in a section entitled Bible Depths.

Genesis Lesson 45: Oh No, Not Again! {Abraham’s Repeat Sin / Plus First Healing Miracle in Bible}

Genesis 20:1-18

This lesson is the account of the third major failure of Abraham.  Sadly, it was a repeat of his first failure, when he purposely hid the truth that Sarah was his wife and not just his sister.  If even a great man like Abraham (the "father of faith" and "friend of God") sins, we certainly know none of us are exempt!  One of the reasons (among multitudes) we know the Bible is truly God-inspired is because it always speaks the truth about people, even "the best" of God's people.  We read about Noah's drunkenness, Moses' temper, David's adultery, and Peter's denials.  

We look at Abraham's iniquity, God's intervention, and King Abimelech's integrity and inquisition of Abraham and Sarah.  In this account, we find the first healing miracle recorded in the Bible!  Find out what it was and on whom it was performed!

Genesis Lesson 44: Friend of the World - Lot Part II {We are ”in the days of Lot” Jesus Predicted - Luke 17:28}

Genesis 19:15-38

This is the second of a two-part lesson on Lot, "Friend of the World".  In lesson 43, we learned that Lot was a compromised believer, an ineffective leader, and a powerless witness for the Lord.  He was also a double-minded man.  He lingered too long in Sodom and longed for Zoar (another worldly city).  He also failed as a husband and was a pitiful father.

We need to learn from Lot's serious mistakes, for the Lord warned that the days preceding His Second Coming will be "as it was in the days of Lot" (Luke 17:28).  If you know anything about the immorality of Sodom, you know we are "there" today!

Genesis Lesson 43: Friend of the World - Lot {The Tragedy of the Compromised Christian Life}

Genesis 19

This is the first of a two-part study on Genesis chapter 19, which is about God's judgment on the exceedingly wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the tragic consequences of Lot's spiritual decline.  Lot, though a believer in God, evidently worked harder at being "The Friend of the World" than being "The friend of God, as his Uncle Abraham is called (see Lesson 42).

A study of Lot is important because many Christians attempt to live on a "Lot level" of spirituality.  They do not deny their belief in Christ, but neither are they "sold out" for Him, which they consider "too radical".  The tragedy is that the lukewarm, double-minded, compromised Christian does not experience the joy of his salvation.  Lot's life demonstrates this more than perhaps anyone in Scripture, for his life ended in one of the lowest conditions imaginable for a believer.  His life was almost completely wasted.  He was saved, "yet so as by fire" (I Corin. 3:15).  He was a compromised believer, an ineffective leader, and a powerless witness (in this first half of Genesis 18).

Genesis Lesson 42: The Friend of God {Abraham’s Distinct O.T. Title}

Genesis 18:1-33 

Abraham is referred to in Scripture by a number of names and titles ("father of many nations," "father of the faithful," "a prophet," "a mighty prince," a man "strong in faith"), but the most cherished title is "the friend of God".  Because he is the only individual in the Old Testament to have this compliment specifically said of him, we want to know why he "earned" this distinction.  The almost unanimous answer is derived from the intimate conversation between the Lord and Abraham in Genesis chapter 18, as well as the confidence in Abraham the Lord demonstrated in this same chapter.

 

Genesis Lesson 41: El Shaddai {All-Sufficient God}

Genesis 17:1-27 

This is the chapter in which Abram becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah - name-changes made by God!  This is also the chapter in which 90-year old Abraham laughs (in joy) when the Lord tells him that Sarah his wife will bear him the promised son (not some younger woman, like Hagar), and his name shall be Isaac (which means "laughter")!

One of the great names for God is "El Shaddai," meaning "the all-sufficient God"!  He was "all-sufficient" for Abraham, and He is "all-sufficient" for us today!  Amen!  Learn the context for the first time in Scripture God is referred to by this marvelous name!

Genesis Lesson 40: The Fruit of Impatience {The Conception of Ishmael}

Genesis 16:1-16

This is the sad account of the conception of Ishmael, and how Abraham wrongly heeded the suggestion of his wife to conceive an heir through her Egyptian handmade Hagar.  

In our discussion of this event, we look at: (1) The Scheme Proposed, (2) The Scheme's Problems (Hagar's pride, Sarah's anger, and Abraham's lack of leadership), and (3) the Servant Pursued (Hagar's wilderness encounter with the pre-incarnate Christ).

This is an important lesson about waiting on God and not taking matters into our own hands, "in the flesh".  This serious mistake committed by Abraham has consequences that still disrupt the peace of our world today in the on-going animosity between the sons of Ishmael and the sons of Isaac.

Genesis Lesson 39: Abraham’s Exceeding Great Reward {The first of God’s ”I AM” statements}

Genesis 15:1-21 

Following his physical battle against Chedorlaomer (king of the four-king coalition) and his spiritual battle against the temptations of Bera (King of Sodom), Abraham was concerned the wicked invaders he humiliated by defeating them with his much smaller band of men might return in vengeance.  He was getting old and still had no child or land, as per God's promises (12:2-7).  Lot returned to live in Sodom (a great disappointment), and Abraham was drained, physically and emotionally.  He needed some divine assurance, and the Lord delivered!  He graciously answered every one of Abraham's concerns.

In this powerful lesson, we discuss (1) A Mighty Shield (the first of God's great "I AM" statements), (2) A Multitudinous Seed, (3) A Monumental Statement (the doctrine of justification by faith is set forth for the first time), and (4) A Mysterious Ceremony (to seal the Abrahamic Covenant).  

Genesis Lesson 38: Abraham and Two Kings {Meet Mysterious Melchizedek! Was He the Pre-incarnate Christ?}

Genesis 14:17-24 

It is often the case for a believer to encounter a great temptation and/or danger after winning "a battle".  Abraham experienced a miraculous victory over a powerful four-king coalition from the East (which had just defeated a five-king confederation near the Dead Sea).  He outrageously rescued Lot from captivity, but as he was returning home from the physical battle, he was unexpectedly faced with a spiritual battle.  He was tempted with great wealth and acclaim by the King of Sodom.

But, in God's providence, Abraham first encountered "the King of Salem" (meaning "Peace"), who is also called "Melchizedek," which means "King of righteousness"!  This mysterious man (the pre-incarnate Christ?) brought bread and wine (first mention of these elements in Scripture) for Abraham and his men.  Melchizedek was "the Priest of the Most High God" - the very first Priest mentioned in Scripture!  

We discuss 5 interesting truths concerning Melchizedek:  His Provision,  His Priesthood, His Proclamation, Abraham's Payment (to Him), and His Person (identity).  This is intriguing, to say the least!

The lesson concludes with a detailed discussion of Abraham's meeting with the King of Sodom (named Bera) and how Abraham (like Christ) resisted temptation!

Genesis Lesson 37: The Dead Sea War {Aka ”Ten-King War” - First War in History!}

Genesis 14:1-16

We discuss the very first recorded account of war, not only in the Bible, but in all ancient literature!  It is called "The Dead Sea War" or "The 10-King War" (it was a rebellion of five kings against four kings, and the tenth "king" was Abram.  Also, after the war, a mysterious eleventh King appeared from seemingly nowhere.  His name is Melchizedek).

Through this encounter, Abraham faced three more "tests": (1) "The Compassion Test" - in which he risked his life to rescue his nephew, (2) a "repeat" on "The Courage Test," which he failed in Egypt, but passed with flying colors in his rescue of Lot, and (3) "The Completion Test," which he also passed with flying colors.

For more on the fascinating truths and prophetic aspect of this first recorded war of history, see Lesson 9 "The 10-King War and Melchizedek" under "CHRIST in GENESIS" on this podcast.

Genesis Lesson 36: Abram and Lot Separate {Being a Peacemaker}

Genesis 13:5-18

This lesson provides us with a sharp contrast between Uncle Abram and nephew Lot.  Both men had journeyed down to Egypt (out of God's will), but one returned wiser, while the other returned worldlier.  Abram learned his lesson, through Divine chastisement and by way of great humiliation, to walk by faith in God's Word.  He learned not to use circumstances or even self-preservation as his guides (although he would later slip in this area by repeating his sin about Sarah).  Evidently, Lot did not learn any significant spiritual lessons while in Egypt.  When Abram departed Egypt, there was no place for Egypt in his heart.  On the other hand, when Lot left Egypt, he took "Egypt" with him in his heart.  

 

Genesis Lesson 35: Abram; Canaan to Egypt {His Lie about His Wife}

Genesis 12:10-13:4

We continue Abram's journey of faith with God as he traveled from the land of promise (Canaan) to Egypt (picture of the world).  In the situation we discuss in this lesson, we (hopefully) learn from Abram's mistakes and his lie!  The four main divisions of our look at what some would call a "backsliding experience" are: (1) the famine, (2) the falsehood, (3) the failure, and (4) the return to fellowship!

It never pays to step out of God's will by devising our own schemes on how to handle difficult situations.  It never pays to doubt God in times of trials, and self-preservation is never an excuse for disobedience!  Time spent "in Egypt" is wasted time!  These are just some of the important spiritual lessons learned from Abram in this lesson.

Genesis Lesson 34: Abram; Haran to Canaan {The Beginning of Abraham’s Spiritual Journey}

Genesis 12:1-9

We begin the spiritual journey of the man called Abram (Abraham).  His walk began where our walk with God begins, which is with God taking the initiative!  God spoke, and it was the revelation from Him that pierced Abram's soul and began to break the hold the world, the flesh, and the devil had over him!  It was the Word of the God of glory that generated a response from Abram and began leading him down the path to eternal salvation.  It is fitting that God began His summons to Abram with a call to separation!  He was not only to leave his country (idolatrous Ur of the Chaldees), but also his idol-worshipping family!

Genesis Lesson 33: Introduction to Abram {Preserving the Promised Seed}

Genesis 11:10-32

Generation after generation following the dispersion at Babel was given opportunity to repent and turn back to God, but unfortunately the degenerate condition of man soon came to resemble pre-Flood days.  Tragically, the spiritual decline even affected the Messianic line.  But God had made a promise, and He keeps His promises.  He would send the Promised Seed of the woman, the Messiah/Saviour into the world to crush Satan and pay the wages of sin so those who believe on Him could be forgiven and saved. 

Thus, because God is the God of love, mercy, and grace; the God Who keeps His promises, He reached down to call a man out of a Shemite family; a man whose family worshipped idols; a Gentile living in Ur of the Chaldees (area of modern-day Iran).  His name was Abram.

In this lesson, we begin studying the life of a Abram - whose name was later changed to Abraham by God (17:5).  It was from Abraham's seed that the Messiah would come.  God would indeed preserve the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ!

Genesis Lesson 32: Tyrant, Tower, and Tongues (Babel)

Genesis 10:8-12; 11:1-9

There are four main subjects found in Genesis chapters 1 to 11: (1) the Creation, (2) the Fall, (3) the Flood, and (4) the Tower of Babel.  This lesson is on the Tower of Babel and the Lord's miraculous intervention at the time of its building, which was almost as critical as His Flood intervention.  

As we learn of the humanistic reasoning of the ancient people to deliberately disobey God and eagerly, instead, follow a proud and wicked man named Nimrod "to make a name for themselves," we see a reflection of our own society at large.  Man has not changed since ancient times.  In fact, from the Babel of Nimrod (Genesis 10, 11) to the Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5:30) to the one-world "Babylon" of Antichrist (Revelation 17, 18), natural men remain focused on the same goals: to gain their own fame, to find a "security-utopia" on Earth without from God, and (if he is religious) to attain Heaven by his own effort.  Those are all efforts in futility.

Genesis Lesson 31: Table of 70 Nations {Fascinating!}

Genesis chapter 10 contains the earliest "Table of Nations" know to man!  This is a remarkable historical document that even the Bible's most hostile critics confess is of extraordinary importance and reliability.  No record of the origin of the ancient nations can even remotely compare.  It is not only incomparable in its age, but also in its comprehensiveness and accuracy.  Genesis 10 is an ethnological table.  It tells us where the various nations and people groups of the world originated.  It is the historical record of the expansion of the people that descended from the three sons of Noah.  

This chapter is the single bridge or link that takes us from "pre-historic" antediluvian times (history for which we have no written historical records or documentation other than what is found in Scripture and ancient "traditions") to the historical times of Abraham and the nations of antiquity.  "The Table of Nations" is a genealogical record, a geographical atlas, and a history book all in one!

Genesis Lesson 30: Noah, Drunk and Naked {What?!}

Genesis 9:18-29

It would have been "nice," humanly speaking, if the Bible's account of Noah had ended with the beautiful rainbow placed in the sky as God's token "sign" of His covenant promise with Noah and the perpetual generations of mankind.  But, this is not where Noah's story ended - it moves from rainbows to shadows because Scripture does not conceal the "spots and blemishes" of men, including the "heroes" of faith, such as Noah (and Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, etc.).  It presents the truth about man, which thereby demonstrates to us that no individual is above sin.  "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), which is why we so desperately need a Saviour!

In this lesson, we look at (1) The Descendants of Noah, (2) The Drunkenness of Noah (three parts - Noah's Disgrace; Ham's Disrespect; Shem's Decency), (3) The Declaration of Noah {fascinating prophecy about the descendants of his three sons), and (4) The Death of Noah (the third longest living member of the human race).

Genesis Lesson 29: The Noahic Covenant {True Meaning of the Rainbow}

Genesis 9:8-17

Noah and his family members had no doubt been "wounded" in their souls from the traumatic encounter with God's wrath upon sinful man.  Knowing they, too, were sinners, they needed reassurance that they and their descendents would survive and still have the wonderful prospect of the coming Savior Who would redeem them from their otherwise hopelessly lost condition.  These concerns were addressed by God to Noah in what theologians called "The Noahic Covenant".  As we discuss this important covenant, we will look at its substance and its sign (the rainbow).

One Thing is Needful! {Tale of Two Sisters; Martha and Mary} NEW STUDY!

Luke 10:38-42

Although the two sisters are often contrasted, Martha being the pre-occupied worker-server, and Mary, the pensive worshipper-student (always seen in Scripture at Jesus' feet), this in no way indicates the Lord wants believers in Him to be either one or the other.  Personalities and spiritual gifts are different.  We are to do what we can with what we have and to do it wholeheartedly.  The sisters do not represent an either/or situation.  They represent a composite balance.  Discipleship is a balance of both Martha and Mary; we should imitate Mary in our worship and Martha in our work!  "As the days unfold before me, may this ever be my part, to serve with Martha's busy hands, and love with Mary's heart!" 

However, it is apparent from the situation presented in Luke 10:38-42 that there is an appropriate time to work and an appropriate time to worship.  Mary chose the good part when Christ visited their Bethany home on this particular occasion!  She chose the one needful thing that could never be taken from her - feeding her soul on God's Word, the eternal "Bread of Life"!

This is a serious and very practical lesson for all of us, whether women, men, or young people. It is also good to be able to sometimes laugh at ourselves, and so this is what we could call "a fun lesson".  There is a surprise ending that may tell us something about these two sisters (particularly Martha) during the days of the Early Church!  Click "like" if you enjoyed this lesson!

 

 

This is a subtle matter, for it seems good and right to provide for our own and to attend to household responsibilities, family businesses, our communities, and to our local churches.  But it is in these good things that the danger lies, for they can become snares to our hearts if they draw us away from time spent with God in worship and in fellowship through His Word and prayer.  We must hold the things of this world with a loose hand, not allowing anything to overtake God in our hearts. Everything else is a blessing for which to be thankful, but we should not let other matters so fill our mind, time, and energy that we trample  the  holy  things.  They are  dearly  purchased  if  they  cause  us  to  put eternity from our thoughts, forget our Bible reading, shorten our prayer lives, or cause us to become careless hearers of the Word of God.  "A little earth upon the fire within us will soon make the fire burn low."  (R. C. Ryle,

Joanna; A Unique, Fascinating Female Disciple NEW STUDY!

Probably few people know much about the unique New Testament woman named Joanna. Her story, learned by piecing together just a few verses of Scripture, all found in Luke (and possibly a greeting given by the Apostle Paul in the Book of Romans), is intriguing and convicting! This audio lesson is shorter than most of our studies, yet it is rich with nuggets of truth you possibly never thought about before! 

Do you know that Joanna was somewhat like Moses, Joseph, and Daniel? How? Listen and find out. Did you know that she was privileged to not only witness all three vital aspects of the Gospel message (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ), but was one of the first of just a few women to share that message (to the Apostles, who initially did not believe them)?! Do you know that Bible scholars credit her as one of Luke's valuable resources for his gospel record of Christ's ministry?!  Listen! Learn! Be encouraged and edified by this woman whose name means, "God is gracious," for indeed He is!

Samaritana - Life-Changing Encounter with Man 7 NEW STUDY! {Fourth Significant ”Well Meeting” of Scripture}

From this well-known account of Christ's "Divine appointment" with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (John 4), learn some very interesting information about the importance of certain numbers in this story (i.e., especially "6" and "7"). Learn from the Lord how to wisely and smoothly witness to someone by going from the physical realm to the spiritual. See how "Samaritana" progressively advanced in her perception of the 7th Man in her life and how He (the God-Man) broke down four cultural barriers in just a matter of minutes!

There is a fascinating look at the three famous Old Testament "well encounters" (Eliezer, on behalf of Isaac, and Rebekah; Jacob and Rachel; Moses and Zipporah) and how they were picture-types of Christ's "well encounter" with Samaritana - which, in turn, is a beautiful picture-type of Him and His Bride, the Church!

Did you know this is the longest recorded conversation between Jesus and someone in Scripture? Did you know that Jesus HIMSELF

first revealed His identity to this woman (half-Jewish/half-Gentile) as both Messiah and the great "I AM"?  Did you know that she was the first "non-Jewish" convert of His earthly ministry? Did you know that she was the first witness/evangelist to "non-Jews" regarding the arrival of the long awaited Messiah? Did you know that Samaritans were the first people to proclaim Jesus as "the Saviour OF THE WORLD"?  There is all this and much more in this "must" hear-to-get-it-all lesson on the changed life of a lonely, immoral, confused woman who finally met the "perfect" seventh Man in her life - the God/Man, Jesus Christ, Who truly came to seek and to save the lost!

Anna; Prophetess , Witness, and Evangelist - NEW STUDY

Anna is the only named "prophetess" in the New Testament. She was also one of God's two "mighty witnesses" to His Son's Identity as the long-awaited Messiah (on His first "visit" to the Temple at only 40 days of age). She and Simeon (both in their 100's) pictured the transition of the Old Testament to the New Testament (fascinating to realize). She is an amazing example, in many ways, of how to turn tragedy to triumph; how to be "happy" in spite of "sad" circumstances; to be faithful and consistent and patient and to trust in God's absolute Sovereignty over all things. Her name is significant; her father's name is significant; her tribal lineage is significant - in fact, everything about her is significant.  And then there is this: she was the first evangelist to the good news of Christ's arrival in the Holy City of Jerusalem!

Genesis Lesson 28: A New World Order

The world Noah and his family saw on their disembARKment was drastically different from the world they knew before the Flood.  The world, as Noah had known it, had "perished" (II Peter 3:6).  It was God's grace that provided the human race a new opportunity for a new beginning in an essentially new world.  

In this lesson on Genesis 8:20-9:7, we will look at a significant altar Noah built to rightly worship God through an extremely generous burnt offering!  We also discuss three promises made by God to Noah and four new conditions presented to Noah for "the new world order" of the post-Flood world.  Those conditions had to do with (1) protection regarding animals, (2) permission regarding meat, (3) prohibition regarding blood, and (4) punishment regarding murder (capital punishment).

Genesis Lesson 27: The Ark on Ararat {The Date it Rested is FASCINATING!)

In this lesson on Genesis 8:1-19, "The Ark on Ararat," we learn again of the incredible faith of Noah, as evidenced by his great patience in waiting to hear from God for the proper time to exit the ark.  We also learn of the faithfulness of God in keeping His Word by "remembering" those who belong to Him.  We discuss (1) the remembrance of God, (2) the recession of the flood waters, (3) the rest of the ark (on Ararat), (4) the restraint of Noah, and (5) the replenishment of the earth.

Did you know that the ark of Noah came to its rest on Mount Ararat on the very same day Christ, after going down into the deep "waters of judgment" for us (His death), resurrected from the dead! [For a deeper study on the Ark as a type of Christ, see lesson #6 from our study on "Christ in Genesis" on this podcast.]

We discuss the significance of the raven and the dove sent by Noah out of the ark, as well as the importance of the word "ruach" (Hebrew) for "wind" in Genesis 8:1.  These facts, plus a whole lot more in this study!

Genesis Lesson 26: The Noahic Flood {Three Sources of Evidence the Flood was Global}

Genesis 7:1-24

"Mabbul" is the Hebrew word for the Noahic Flood.  Many teach that it was merely localized.  Not so!  The Flood was global, and presented in this study is lots of evidence to support that claim! 

Did you know God predicted the beginning of the Flood through the name "Methuselah"?  Fascinating!  Do you know when Methuselah died and what occurred right after his death (fulfilled prophecy).  Why do you think Methuselah lived longer than any person "on record"?  What attribute of God does his longevity demonstrate?  

We discuss the geological, Biblical, and the "tradition-legend" worldwide evidences that support a global Flood.

Think how today's world is similar to the pre-Flood days of Noah's time, and and you will realize how close we are to another out-pouring of God's wrath on the entire globe!  Not another Flood (per God's promise), but definitely a time of global, unprecedented Tribulation!

Genesis Lesson 25: Noah and the Ark {How to Handle Life’s Storms, Including Persecution}

Genesis 6:9-22

In this lesson, we first have the joy of studying all about God's man, Noah.   There is a lot we can learn from Noah living in our quickly degenerating world today!  Against a hostile, godless, mocking world, Noah persevered for 12 decades!  He did not bail out on his service to or his faith in God.  He did not grow weary in well doing.  He did not grow faith when, year after year, he was labeled a "fanatic" and a "lunatic".  He only cared what God thought of him, not the opinions of evil men.  We also learn from Noah HOW TO HANDLE LIFE'S STORMS!!

After discussing "God's Man," we look at "God's Plan" (6:11-13) by discussing seven sub-divisions: (1) the Corruption of that day, (2) the Craft Noah was instructed to build - learn the interesting detail of the Ark, (3) the Cataclysm that God was going to bring upon the earth, which he shared with Noah in verse 17, (4) the Covenant God made with Noah to protect him and his family (in the ark) from the coming "flood of waters," (5) the Christ, as He was prophetically portrayed by the ark (more ways than you can imagine!), (6) the Cargo (how could all those creatures fit in the ark?  Find out.  The fact is, they could fit with plenty of extra space!  (7) the Concurrence; Noah did according to all that God commanded him (6:22)!

Genesis Lesson 24: Antediluvian Degeneracy {Fallen Angels’ Impact on Pre-Flood World}

 

THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING LESSON!!!  YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN!  We discuss FALLEN ANGELS and their impact on the world of the pre-Flood days.

Sin grew rapidly more widespread and wicked as a proud and godless society developed from Cain's descendants.  In time, the degeneracy of Cain's descendants spread to the descendants of Adam and Eve's other children.  Finally, even Seth's lineage (with the exceptions in the Messianic lineage) allowed the great vileness of their inherited sin natures to rule their lives.

We discuss the very perplexing passage in the opening verses of Genesis chapter 6 about "the sons of God" seeing the fair "daughters of men" and "taking them wives of all which they chose" and how the result of that "union" was "mighty men which were of old, men of renown" and there is even the mention of "giants in the earth in those days".  What is this all about?  We discuss the three primary interpretations of the passage - and, believe me, it is fascinating!  

 

Genesis Lesson 23: Descendants of Seth {The 10 Pre-Flood Patriarch’s Names Point to Christ!}

Genesis 4:25-5:32

We discuss what Scripture says about Seth (son of Adam and Eve) and his godly line of descendants (up to the time of the Flood).  When Seth was born, Eve understood he was the son (in replacement of Abel) from whom the Promised Seed of the woman (the Saviour/Messiah) would come.  With Seth's son, Enos, we read of the first spiritual "revival"; Genesis 4:26 says men began to call on the name of the Lord, recognizing their dependence on Him (quite the opposite of Cain's descendent Lamech, who boasted of his self-sufficiency).  

We discuss the antediluvian (pre-Flood) patriarchs: Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech (not the same Lamech of Cain's descendants), and Noah.  When we look at the Hebrew meaning for the names of these 10 men, we AMAZINGLY FIND A DESCRIPTION OF JESUS CHRIST!  We also learn about four antediluvian prophets (amazing men): Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah.

Genesis Lesson 22: Descendants of Cain {Who did Cain marry? Also, forget the ”Cavemen” Lies!}

Genesis 4:17-24. 

In chapters 4 and 5 of "the book of beginnings," we learn of the two ancestral lines of Cain and Seth.  Cain, of his own choice, was the firstborn spiritual seed of the serpent (see Genesis 3:15).  We learn about Cain after he murdered his brother Abel and was cursed by God to be a fugitive and vagabond all his life.  We discuss a topic that has provoked the curiosity and criticism of more people than on almost any other Bible-related subject: who did Cain marry?

We also discuss some of the primary descendants of Cain mentioned in Scripture, divinely selected to give insight into the Cainitic society that developed from Cain to the time when the Lord's toleration of ungodliness came to a head, and He sent the Flood.  We learn a great deal about the antediluvian period of history (pre-Flood) from the information provided in Scripture about Cain's descendants (and Seth's descendants discussed in Genesis 5).  We find a culture far removed from the brutish cave-men invented by the imaginations of modern evolutionists.  That culture, however, was piled high with sin.  Seven generations from Cain, we are given the first prophetic type of the coming Antichrist in a powerful, lawless, boastful, lustful, proud man named Lamech (also the first to break God's ordained principle of monogamy).