Genesis 21

In this week's lesson, God' fulfills His unlikely promise to Abraham and Sarah to make them first-time parents when each is around a century old. We also get a picture of God's mercy toward Hagar and Ishmael when they were in desperate circumstances, and we see a treaty reached between Abraham and Abimilech. A busy chapter. To see this week's lesson notes, click here.

Looking forward to Stephen Curtis Chapman / Michael W. Smith concert tomorrow!

Genesis 19:30 - 20:18

Since we didn't quite get through all of the study guide's "Lesson Six" last week, we'll pick up at the end of Lot's adventure (immediately following the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah), before moving into Genesis chapter 20 (part one of "Lesson Seven" in the study guide).

In Genesis 20, Abraham falls into the familiar and comfortable habit of sin when his circumstances become uncomfortable. This time, God intervenes before the victim of Abraham's sin (Abimelech) inadvertantly commits a serious sin of his own. Abraham is first given the role of "prophet" in his interaction with Abimelech, and he fulfills the first role of a prophet of God: intercession.

To brush up on last week's lesson and to read notes on the first few verses that we will cover this week (Genesis 19:30-38) click here for lesson notes intended for last week's class. To see lesson notes for this week, click here.

Genesis 18:16 - 19:38

This week's lesson has a mixture of the scary, the perverse and the astonishing. As far off as this time may seem, much can be learned from Lot, his wife, his daughters and the wicked people they chose to dwell among - even today. 

In addition to my lesson notes for this Sunday, I wanted to also post a couple other good resources. If you're interested in the phenomenon of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the reality of the existence of these cities, the archeological evidence for the Biblical account of their destruction, and an interesting take on fire, brimstone, and pillars of salt, try this link. You also can take a look at a map of the Dead Sea area and the archeological discoveries that may well be the very "Cities of the Plain" described in the Bible.

Victory Mission Bake Sale Project (PART TWO)

More pics from the January 22 bake sale gathering at the Morrows to help Victory Mission.

Victory Mission Bake Sale Project (PART ONE)

Better late than never. Here are pictures of those members of our ABF (and their kids) who participated in the Bake Sale project to benefit Springfield Victory Mission. These pics were taken at the Morrows' house on January 22, 2009.

Genesis 17 - 18:15

This week's lesson covers several big turning points in the early narrative of the Old Testament's original patriarch, Abraham. We see the covenant reiterated again. We are introduced to the covenant of circumcision as a reminder of God's promise. God changes the names of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. God puts a specific timeline and name to His promise of an heir to Abraham and Sarah. And the preincarnate form of Christ, the second person of the Trinity, visits Abraham and Sarah with an important message. 

To see this week's lesson notes, click here.

God bless you and I look forward to seeing you all Sunday. 

Guys, bring your guns and your appetite for fun. After class (barring rain) we'll take anyone who wants to go to the shooting range north of Springfield. Meeting at Jeff and Naomi Kallenberger's house at around 1pm.