Julian Zugg from MINTS shared an exciting update on how the Lord is using MINTS to equip and train ministers around the world.

Saul has died, but David’s path to the throne is far from clear. How will David navigate the delicate politics and what will guide his decisions? How will Abner, commander of Saul’s army, respond? How will the Lord orchestrate the protection of his people and the fulfillment of his promises to David in the midst of it all? Join us for 2 Samuel 2!

The generational sin of favoritism bears its wicked fruit as Joseph is betrayed, nearly murdered and then sold by his brothers. Jacob has lost a son. Reuben is distraught…but not over his guilt. Judah, the distant forefather of Christ, is boldly complicit in the affair. In the midst of all this wickedness, is there any hope for the chosen line of Abraham? Is the Lord absent?

The world around us is broken in ways we deeply feel, and so we long for things to be made right. And yet we often set our longing on things that fall short of what we and the world need. Join us as we see how Isaiah confronts our need and our short-sighted hope with God’s provision in Jesus Christ.

Rhonda Craig from Joni & Friends visited us this morning to update us on the ministry of Joni & Friends. We invite you to listen in, learn about the ministry, and hear Joni’s personal connection to the ministry in her own words.

In our Sunday School session today, we delved into Genesis 36 and 37. The scripture unfolds the lineage of Esau (otherwise known as Edom). He and his descendants dwell over and against their brothers, never to return to the promised land or to the Lord. Transitioning from this narrative, our focus shifted to Joseph—a bratty young man with dreams of grandeur.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His steadfast love endures forever. One reason we need the church is to take joy in the ways God delivers his people, because thanksgiving is a public matter. The Lord saves all kinds of people in all manner of ways, and he likewise commands us to consider the steadfast love he shows to others.

David and his men have retrieved their wives and children back from Amalekite bandits when yet another Amalekite stumbles into their camp. He brings along surprising news, betting everything that what he has to say will please Israel’s next king. It’s a deadly wager that costs him his life and displays for all to see that David’s respect for Saul’s position as the Lord’s anointed was real and that his affection for Jonathan ran deep.

Jacob, now back in the land with his family, is called by God to move to Bethel. But where did the idols come from, and why are people and places renamed for a second time? As we seek to answer these questions we see the promise to Abraham clearly restated in all of its elements to his grandson. Are we closer to seeing the promises fulfilled? And what do the stories of God’s continued faithfulness to Abraham’s children have to say to Israelites on their way out of Egypt, or to us?