In Genesis 28, Jacob is sent away and while on his journey, he dreams of a ladder connecting Earth and Heaven, with angels ascending and descending, and God affirms His covenant with him. Jacob awakens in awe, realizing God’s presence in that place, and names it Bethel, the “house of God.” He makes a vow to serve God and tithe, demonstrating his deep faith in the Lord. This chapter marks a pivotal moment when Jacob’s faith is solidified, setting the stage for his role as a patriarch of Israel.

We’ve heard much of external threats to the community in Ezra-Nehemiah, but here Nehemiah turns to confront internal struggles, as brothers and sisters suffer oppression—even from oppressors in their community! Yet see how, through Nehemiah, the Lord meets the needs of those who need provision and of those who need forgiveness and accountability. And let us see how Nehemiah points us to Jesus, who meets our deepest needs.

Once again Saul plots against David, but this time leaving Jonathan in the dark. As David brings it to light, Jonathan must now choose between honoring his father and obeying the Lord, and David must find a way of escape. What will become of them? Of Saul? Of Israel? Yet God is faithful, even when his king is not, and his people tremble.

How are prudence and preparation reflexes of faith? Consider with us how Nehemiah 4 demonstrates that the enemies of God’s people do not rest, that Christ equips his people to engage the enemy, and that God shows his strength in our weakness.

God’s election of Jacob over Esau works itself out as parental preference rots the relationship between siblings and each parent schemes to steal away the blessing on behalf of their favorite son. Join us as we continue in the patriarchal narratives and consider how the ugly side of the family of faith speaks a word of grace into our own lives.

Three more times Saul seeks to get rid of David; a third time, David evades his spear. Three posses can’t round him up but prophesy, instead—as does Saul, naked and shamed, divested of his robes of office by his own hand under the influence of God’s spirit. What will become of Saul’s reign as his own family publicly sides not only with David but against their father? What will become of David as he flees under cover of darkness? And what is up with the household idol, and what kind of field was he hiding in, anyway?

Today we considered the office of elder, both its qualifications and duties, as outlined by our Book of Church order and in light of the descriptions and charges given by Paul and Peter (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5). We ask you to join us in prayer as we consider whom to nominate to this office at Faith PCA, and as those nominated enter into a season of training and examination for office.

Nehemiah 3 What have we to learn from a long… read more

God has delivered Israel from Goliath and the Philistines by the hand of David—but it begins to dawn on Saul what that may mean. As all Israel and his own household fall in love with his new general, Saul fights against the Lord’s favor with secret plots. What will become of this jealous leader? How does God protect his people in the face of those who view gifted colleagues as a threat? Lord deliver us from this body of death!