Laughing At The Promise

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 9/17/2023 10:00 AM

What if you discovered that waiting, often seen as a frustrating process, could be a beautiful and transformative experience? Join us as we journey through the poignant tale of Sarah and Abraham, gleaning wisdom from their long wait and the fulfillment of a promise that seemed impossible. This episode is an exploration of hope, hospitality, challenges, and the unwavering faithfulness of God. We examine the doubts and fears that come with waiting, and we analyze how these very obstacles can prepare us for God's blessings. 

Can you imagine being a catalyst for transformation within your community? Brace yourself as we discuss the potential for transformation that lies within each one of us. We pose thought-provoking questions about God's ability to make the impossible possible and about our roles as His messengers to those in need. We challenge you, our listener, to grapple with the reality of God's promises and to be an instrument of change in the world. As always, we're ready for meaningful and thought-provoking discussions, and we're excited to have you join us on this journey of discovery and transformation.

This service was initially livestreamed on Facebook Live.

Scripture:

  • First Reading: Genesis 18:1-15
  • Second Reading: Genesis 21:1-7
View Order of Worship View Message Transcript

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday Two Sons for Isaac and Rebekah: Genesis 25:19-28
Tuesday Jacob Buys a Birthright: Genesis 25:29-34
Wednesday A Scheming Son and Mother: Genesis 27:1-17
Thursday The Scheme Succeeds: Genesis 27:18-29
Friday Esau's Lost Blessing: Genesis 27:30-41
Saturday Jacob Prepares to See Esau: Genesis 32:1-8
Sunday Jacob Wrestles: Genesis 32:[9-13] 22-30

Each podcast episode features portions of our worship service and a deep dive conversation about its themes.

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Morning Prayer: Lord, as I start this day, I am inspired by the sermon on Sarah and Abraham's transformative journey of hope and faith. I pray that their story will instill in me the courage to face the unknown, and the faith to believe in the fulfillment of Your promises. I ask for the grace to trust in Your timing and the wisdom to understand that the power of waiting is a catalyst for change and transformation. May I be an instrument of Your love and peace in the world today. Amen.

  • Evening Prayer: Loving God, as I reflect on this day, I thank You for the blessings and challenges of this day. Help me to see them as a testament to Your unwavering faithfulness. I ask for the strength to wait on Your promises and the courage to be a catalyst for transformation in my community. As I prepare for rest, I pray for a peaceful night and the promise of a hopeful tomorrow. Amen.

  • Have you ever experienced a season of waiting where it seemed like God's promise would never come to fruition? How did you navigate through that season?

  • Sarah laughed in disbelief when she heard God's promise that she would bear a child in her old age. Have you ever doubted God's promises because they seemed impossible based on your circumstances? How did you overcome this doubt?

  • Sarah's initial laughter of disbelief was transformed into joy when God's promise was fulfilled. Can you share an experience when a moment of doubt or disbelief in your life was transformed into a moment of joy and blessing? 

  • This sermon talks about being God's hands and feet in our community. What does this mean to you, and how can you live this out in your daily life? (Refer to 1 Corinthians 12:27)

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