Posts tagged Darien Gabriel
Are You Spiritually Healthy? | Jude 1:17-23
Are You Spiritually Healthy? | Jude 1:17-23

Series: Contending for The Faith

Title: “Are you spiritually healthy?”

Scripture: Jude 1:17-23 NIV

Bottom line: Healthy Christians remember the Words of God, remain in the love of God, and rescue those who wander from the mercy of God.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

OPENING STORY

Watch what a firefighter does before running into a burning building, and you’ll notice the order. The gear goes on first. The mask, the tank, the suit — minutes of careful preparation before they ever touch the fire. To an anxious bystander it can look like delay. It isn’t.

An unequipped rescuer doesn’t save anyone; he just becomes a second victim. This is exactly Jude’s order in verses 20–23.

First — build yourselves up, pray, keep yourselves in God’s love.

Then — go pull people out of the fire.

Most people hear “contend for the faith” and picture an argument. Jude pictures a rescue, and rescuers prepare before they run in.

CONTEXT

Up to this point Jude has kept the false teachers under the spotlight — Israel, Sodom, Cain, Balaam, Korah, waterless clouds and wandering stars, all paraded across the stage in a dozen blistering verses. In verse 17 the camera turns: “But you, dear friends.” For the rest of the letter the subject is no longer them but us. Jude’s first move is to steady the church — don’t panic, and don’t assume something has gone wrong. The apostles said this would happen; scoffers chasing their own ungodly desires were predicted, not accidental, a fixed feature of “the last times” we now live in. So corruption showing up in the church isn’t proof the faith has failed — it’s proof the apostles were right. Having calmed their fear, Jude hands them something to do, and notice its shape: one command sits at the center — keep yourselves in God’s love — ringed by the actions that make it possible (building up, praying, waiting) and the mission it spills into (mercy and rescue for others). This is where the “contend for the faith” of verse 3 finally gets its job description.

Bottom line: Healthy Christians remember the Words of God, remain in the love of God, and rescue those who wander from the mercy of God.

OUTLINE (Help from Shaddix/Akin)

God's prescription for spiritual health aka 3 Remedies that lead to healthy Christians:

I. Remember the words of God. (17-19)

A. Expect false teachers. (17-18)

B. Recognize false teachers. (18-19)

C. Jude and Paul call us to expect and be able to recognize false teachers:

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” -‭‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

II. Remain in the love of God. (20-21)

A. "Build" on the word of God. (20)

B. "Pray in the Holy Spirit" of God. (21)

C. "As you wait for the mercy of" God which comes from the Son of God. (21)

III. Rescue those wandering from the mercy of God. (22-23)

A. Deal gently with those who doubt. (22)

B. Deal quickly with those in danger. (23)

C. In 2004, during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, a British family was vacationing on a beach in Thailand when their 10-year-old daughter, Tilly, noticed something strange.

The ocean was behaving oddly. The water was frothy. It kept surging instead of rolling normally.

Two weeks earlier, her geography teacher had taught her about tsunamis and the warning signs that precede them. As she watched the water, she realized: This is exactly what he described.

She started warning her parents: “There’s going to be a tsunami!”

At first, they didn’t believe her. The sky was blue. The beach looked peaceful. There was no giant wave in sight. But Tilly became more urgent, more insistent, until finally her father trusted her warning and alerted others on the beach.

Moments later, a massive tsunami crashed ashore.

Over 230,000 people died across the region. But at that particular beach, not a single person died.

Why?

Because one little girl recognized the warning signs and refused to stay silent.

Her father later said, “If she hadn’t told us, we would have kept walking. I’m convinced we would have died.”

Jude is writing like that little girl. He sees warning signs others are ignoring. False teaching. Distorted grace. Spiritual drift. And he refuses to stay silent because the danger is real.

D. Deal carefully with those who are defiled. (23)

E. Alex the Jehovah's Witness encounter or

F. Every trained lifeguard learns one hard truth: a drowning person will pull you under. The instinct of someone panicking in deep water is to climb on top of whatever is closest, and that includes the person trying to save them. So lifeguards are taught to rescue and protect themselves at the same time — to reach the drowning without being dragged down by them. That’s the strange balance of verse 23: “snatch others from the fire,” but show “mercy, mixed with fear — hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Go in after people. Love them enough to reach. But don’t let the very thing you’re rescuing them from get its hands on you on the way out.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Healthy Christians remember the Words of God, remain in the love of God, and rescue those who wander from the mercy of God.

"The second picture is of the great preacher of the First Great Awakening, George Whitefield. His final day on earth exemplifies what it looks like to keep yourself in the love of God. He was only fifty-four years old, he had suffered much for the gospel, and he was near death. And yet he was intent on finishing well. His biographer writes:

'After preaching for a week in the Portland [Maine] area, Whitefield was again forced to recognize that he was too unwell to proceed....

Accordingly, he once more turned southward, to begin, as he thought, the long journey back to Georgia. The date was Saturday, September 29, 1770.

By noon of that day he reached the town of Exeter. He had not planned to preach there but on arriving found he could not refrain from doing so.

That is, an outdoor platform had been erected and a large company of people had gathered and were waiting to hear him.... Whitefield's sermon ... was two hours in length....

Following this tremendous effort Whitefield continued his journey and late that afternoon arrived at... Newburyport, Massachusetts ... the street in front of the house had filled with people, and as he began to make his way up the stairs, several of them were at the door, begging him to preach.

Unwilling, despite his weariness... he stood on the landing, halfway up the stairs, candle in hand, preaching Christ. He was soon greatly alive to his subject and becoming heedless of time he continued to speak, till finally, the candle flickered, burned itself out and died away. That dying flame and that burned out candle were representative that evening of the man himself and of his life?'

Whitefield went up to his room and died that very night. He had kept himself in the love of God — which meant keeping himself all the way to death. His message never changed. He kept the faith. He never perverted it by accommodating it to the age. He never denied Christ. He disciplined his life. He fled from the presence of sin. And he did it all until the candle of his life was extinguished. And on that night, as a result, he entered into the presence of God.

May it be so for you and for me. May our lives burn brightly in our keeping. And may we not live one day beyond their flame. Do you want to contend for the faith? Then remember the apostolic testimony and "keep yourselves in the love of God" until death." -Helm/Hughes

Next week Jude will remind us that the God who tells us to keep ourselves in His love is also the God who is able to keep us from stumbling.

We keep because we are being kept.

Pray

NEXT STEPS for you:

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for your small group:

Discovery Bible Study (DBS) process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

READ the passage together.

RETELL the story in your own words.

DISCOVER the story

  1. What does this story tell me about God?

  2. What does this story tell me about people?

  3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

"William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army. Booth is often credited with saying,

If I had my way, I would not send my workers to four years of college. If I had my way, I would not put them through three years of seminary. If I had my way, I would put all of my workers in hell for five minutes! That would be the best theological training they would ever receive. (Source unknown)" -Shaddix/Akin

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION


MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Jude" by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Jude, Shaddix & Daniel Akin

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Jude
How Do We Recognize Dangerous Spiritual Influence? | Jude 1:11-16
How Do We Recognize Dangerous Spiritual Influence? | Jude 1:11-16

Series: Contending for The Faith

Title: “How Do We Recognize Dangerous Spiritual Influence?”

Scripture: Jude 1:11-16 NIV

2 Cor 13:5 "test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves."

Genesis 5:21-24

Galatians 5:16-26

John 15:14-17

Numbers 16:1-3; 25:1-9; 31:1-16

Luke 6:41-42

Bottom line: False spirituality is ultimately revealed by its fruit: self-centeredness, greed, rebellion, and empty influence. Therefore, believers must examine themselves, discern others wisely, and remain anchored in humble obedience to Christ.

Or shorter:

Spiritual danger is revealed by fruit, not merely appearance.

For them, Self-interest > Submission to God.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

OPENING STORY

This is a strong illustration for Jude because it connects vigilance, discernment, warning signs, and the importance of listening before disaster strikes. Here’s a condensed and more sermon-ready version with a little more narrative flow and punch:

In 2004, during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, a British family was vacationing on a beach in Thailand when their 10-year-old daughter, Tilly, noticed something strange.

The ocean was behaving oddly. The water was frothy. It kept surging instead of rolling normally.

Two weeks earlier, her geography teacher had taught her about tsunamis and the warning signs that precede them. As she watched the water, she realized: This is exactly what he described.

She started warning her parents: “There’s going to be a tsunami!”

At first, they didn’t believe her. The sky was blue. The beach looked peaceful. There was no giant wave in sight. But Tilly became more urgent, more insistent, until finally her father trusted her warning and alerted others on the beach.

Moments later, a massive tsunami crashed ashore.

Over 230,000 people died across the region. But at that particular beach, not a single person died.

Why?

Because one little girl recognized the warning signs and refused to stay silent.

Her father later said, “If she hadn’t told us, we would have kept walking. I’m convinced we would have died.”

Jude is writing like that little girl. He sees warning signs others are ignoring. False teaching. Distorted grace. Spiritual drift. And he refuses to stay silent because the danger is real.

CONTEXT

Jude writes to Christians living in a dangerous spiritual moment. False teachers had quietly entered the church, distorting God’s grace and leading people away from faithful obedience to Jesus.

In verses 1–10, Jude warned believers to contend for the faith and stay spiritually vigilant. Now, in verses 11–16, he exposes the character and fruit of these false teachers more directly.

Using examples like Cain, Balaam, and Korah, Jude shows that rebellion against God often looks attractive, spiritual, or self-confident on the surface—but underneath it produces pride, division, greed, and destruction.

Jude’s goal is not to create suspicion or fear in the church, but discernment. Jesus said we would recognize people by their fruit. Jude wants believers to pay attention to the warning signs before spiritual drift becomes spiritual disaster.

Jude is exposing the inner motives and outward fruit of false teachers.

He is not merely warning against bad doctrine intellectually. He is warning against corrupted hearts that distort communities.

These people:

  • Look spiritual

  • Participate in the church

  • Speak confidently

  • Influence others

  • Yet are inwardly driven by self-interest rather than submission to God.

Jude’s concern is not merely:

“Watch out for wrong ideas.”

But:

“Watch out for people whose lives reveal rebellion against God.”

And the application is not only outward:

“Watch others.”

But inward:

“Examine yourself.”

This fits beautifully with:

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

Main Movement of the Passage

Jude moves in 3 major directions:

  1. Historical Examples of Corrupted Hearts (v11)

  2. Present Evidence of Dangerous Influence (vv12–13)

  3. Future Certainty of Divine Judgment (vv14–16)

So the sermon naturally flows:

Root → Fruit → End

  • Root motivation = Corrupted hearts (11)

  • Visible fruit = Dangerous influence (12-13)

  • Final outcome = Divine judgment (14)

That structure is extremely strong homiletically.

OUTLINE

1. Dangerous Spiritual Influence Begins With a Corrupted Heart (v11)

“Woe to them!”

Jude compares these people to:

  • Cain

  • Balaam

  • Korah

These are not random examples.

Each reveals a different form of rebellion against God.

A. The Way of Cain — Self-Centered Worship

Cain wanted acceptance from God without surrender to God.

B. The Error of Balaam — Greed Wrapped in Spiritual Language

Balaam used spiritual influence for personal gain.

C. The Rebellion of Korah — Pride Against God’s Authority

Korah rejected God-ordained authority because he wanted authority himself.

A. The Way of Cain — Self-Centered Worship

Genesis 4 - Key Insight

Cain wanted acceptance from God without surrender to God.

Application

It is possible to:

  • Participate in worship

  • Be religious

  • Serve in ministry

  • Yet still be centered on self.

Self-Examination Questions

  • Do I want God—or merely God’s approval?

  • Am I teachable?

  • How do I respond to correction?

  • Do I resent others whom God blesses?

B. The Error of Balaam — Greed Wrapped in Spiritual Language

Numbers 22–31

Balaam initially appears obedient:

“I can only say what God says.”

But his heart loved reward.

Eventually:

  • He manipulated people spiritually

  • Encouraged compromise

  • Profited from corruption

Key Insight - Balaam used spiritual influence for personal gain.

Application

This can happen through:

  • Platform-building

  • Manipulative leadership

  • Financial exploitation

  • Using spirituality to gain power, attention, or admiration

Self-Examination

  • Am I serving Jesus or leveraging Jesus?

  • Do I secretly crave recognition?

  • Is ministry becoming about me?

C. The Rebellion of Korah — Pride Against God’s Authority

Numbers 16

Korah claimed:

“Everyone is holy.”

Sounds humble.

Sounds fair.

Sounds democratic.

But underneath was rebellion.

Key Insight - Korah rejected God-ordained authority because he wanted authority himself.

Application

Our culture often:

  • Rejects accountability

  • Distrusts authority

  • Equates submission with weakness

Yet biblical humility submits to God’s order.

Self-Examination

  • Am I humble and teachable?

  • Do I resist accountability?

  • Do I constantly criticize leadership while avoiding responsibility?

Transitional Summary

Cain = self-centeredness

Balaam = greed

Korah = prideful rebellion

Different expressions.

Same root:

Self above God.

2. Dangerous Spiritual Influence Eventually Reveals Itself Through Fruit (vv12–13)

Now Jude shifts from historical examples to vivid metaphors.

False spirituality cannot stay hidden forever.

A. Hidden Reefs

Dangerous beneath the surface

They appear safe but destroy ships.

A hidden reef does not announce itself.

It destroys quietly.

Application

Not every danger in the church is obvious.

Some dangers:

  • Sound smooth

  • Look charismatic

  • Feel helpful

  • Yet slowly wreck faith

B. Shepherds Feeding Themselves

Leadership without sacrifice.

Contrast with Jesus

Jesus lays down His life for the sheep.

False shepherds use sheep for themselves.

Application

This applies to:

  • Pastors

  • Leaders

  • Parents

  • Anyone with influence

C. Waterless Clouds

They promise refreshment but deliver nothing.

Illustration

Like seeing storm clouds after drought—

but no rain falls.

Application

Some people:

  • Sound deep

  • Speak constantly

  • Promise transformation

  • Yet produce no spiritual nourishment

D. Fruitless Trees — “Twice Dead”

This is one of Jude’s strongest images.

Not merely weak.

Dead.

No fruit.

Uprooted.

Jesus Connection

Jesus repeatedly taught:

“You will recognize them by their fruit.”

Application

The issue is not perfection.

The issue is trajectory and fruit.

E. Wild Waves & Wandering Stars

Restless.

Chaotic.

Unstable.

Instead of guiding people they confuse and disorient them.

3. Dangerous Spiritual Influence Ends in Divine Judgment (vv14–16)

Jude quotes Enoch.

The emphasis:

God sees.

God knows.

God will judge.

This matters because false teachers often appear successful temporarily.

But Jude says: Their future is already settled unless they repent.

Important Balance

This passage should produce:

  • Sobriety

  • Humility

  • Discernment

NOT paranoia. Not fear of those around us.

The goal is not:

“Become suspicious of everyone.”

The goal is:

“Stay anchored in Christ and evaluate fruit carefully.”

Key Applications (Luke 6:41-42)

1. Examine Yourself Before Examining Others

This passage is not merely ammunition against false teachers.

It is a mirror.

Ask:

  • Is my heart humble?

  • Am I teachable?

  • Am I becoming self-centered?

  • Is my faith producing fruit?

2. Evaluate Spiritual Influence By Fruit, Not Charisma

Not:

  • Popularity

  • Intelligence

  • Confidence

  • Platform size

But:

  • Humility

  • Faithfulness

  • Holiness

  • Love

  • Obedience

3. Remain Anchored in Jesus

The solution is not cynicism.

The solution is abiding in Christ.

CONCLUSION

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

  1. What does this story tell me about God?

  2. What does this story tell me about people?

  3. If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Series: Contending for the Faith

“How Do We Recognize Dangerous Spiritual Influence?”

False teaching rarely looks dangerous at first. Like hidden rip currents beneath calm water, spiritual danger often operates beneath the surface—quietly pulling people away from Christ.

In Jude 11–16, Jude exposes the heart, fruit, and outcome of dangerous spiritual influence through the examples of Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

Bottom Line

Spiritual danger is revealed by fruit, not merely appearance.

Final Applications

  1. Examine Yourself Before Examining Others

  2. Evaluate Spiritual Influence By Fruit, Not Charisma

  3. Remain Anchored in Jesus

#Jude #ContendingForTheFaith

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Proverbs,” by Ray Ortland, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, Daniel Akin

Windows of Wisdom, Stephen Olford

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Darien Gabriel, Jude, Contending for the Faith, Jude 1, dangerous spiritual influence
How Do We Stand Firm in Truth and Love? Part 1 | Jude 1:1-16
How Do We Stand Firm in Truth and Love? Part 1 | Jude 1:1-16

Series: Contending for The Faith

Title: "How do we stand firm in truth and love?" Part 1

Scripture: Jude 1:1-16

2 Cor 13:5 "test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves."

Numbers 14 12 spies

Ezekiel 16:49 Sodom and Gommorah's sins

1 Cor 6:9-11 Wicked Corinth received cleansing

Bottom line: Standing firm means contending for The Faith, rejecting distorted grace, and staying vigilant in fruit-bearing of both ourselves and others in love and by love.

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

OUTLINE

CONCLUSION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

OPENING STORY(ies)

From the Lord of the Rings second book, The Two Towers

In The Lord of the Rings, King Théoden has slowly fallen under the corrupting influence of Gríma Wormtongue. Wormtongue constantly whispers lies, fear, half-truths, and discouragement into the king’s ear until Théoden becomes weak, passive, isolated, and unable to discern reality clearly. The corruption is subtle, not obvious. Wormtongue presents himself as a loyal counselor while actually undermining the king and the kingdom from within.

Then Gandalf confronts the deception directly. He exposes Wormtongue’s influence, calls Théoden to wake up, and helps him see clearly again. Once freed from that corrupting voice, Théoden rises, regains strength, and leads courageously.

That parallels Jude well:

False teachers rarely arrive looking dangerous.

They infiltrate quietly (“have slipped in among you” — Jude 4).

They distort truth while pretending loyalty.

Over time they weaken discernment, courage, holiness, and mission.

Jude, like Gandalf, is sounding the alarm: wake up, see clearly, contend for the faith, and do not surrender the community to corrupt influences. -ChatGPT

Jude is giving the Church a wake-up call to arms. It's a challenging call that most Christ-followers brush aside so it won't disturb their spiritual slumber.

Through Jude's letter, God is calling his church--his body--to rise up and contend for the faith, reject distorted grace, and stay vigilant with ourselves and others regarding ungodliness. We do all of this in love because we're loved.

This calling is for everyone. And it's a calling few are willing to step into. It reminded me of Shackleton's newspaper ad when recruiting and hiring men for his expedition to cross Antarctica:

Right image courtesy of John Hyatt http://johnhyattillustration.com

SHACKLETON Newspaper ad:

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."

CONTEXT

The book of Jude was written by Jude, who identifies himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James” (Jude 1). Most scholars believe this means Jude was also a half-brother of Jesus, making him part of Jesus’ earthly family (cf. Matthew 13:55). Rather than emphasizing his family connection to Jesus, Jude humbly identifies himself as Christ’s servant. He likely wrote the letter sometime before AD 70 to a group of Christians facing the growing threat of false teachers infiltrating the church from within.

Jude originally intended to write a positive letter about “the salvation we share,” but felt compelled instead to urge believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). The danger was not primarily persecution from outside the church, but corruption from inside it. These false teachers distorted God’s grace into permission for immorality, rejected God’s authority, and influenced others through arrogance, sensuality, and selfish ambition. Jude responds with some of the strongest warning language in the New Testament, drawing repeatedly from Old Testament history and vivid illustrations to remind believers that God takes both truth and holiness seriously. Yet the letter is ultimately framed by hope: believers are loved by God the Father, kept by Jesus Christ, and sustained by God’s power.

Bottom line: Standing firm means contending for The Faith, rejecting distorted grace, and staying vigilant of both ourselves and others in love and by love.

OUTLINE

I. Contend for "The Faith" by holding fast to the Truth (1-4)

  • It's about who we are in Christ. (1-2)

  • It's about being loved so that we love others. (1-2)

  • It's the purpose of this letter (3)

  • It's why this is the purpose of this letter (4)

II. Reject the distortion of grace and don't give in to licentious ways

  • You will be judged

  • Old Testament examples

CONCLUSION

““Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭41‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.6.41-42.NIV

“Because the church here is under a satanic lullaby and I’m falling asleep. Every time I try to wake up, the lullaby goes faster. Let’s go back to my country.”

According to the testimony, an Iranian Christian couple escaped persecution and moved to a Western country (often retold specifically as America). The husband believed they finally had “the abundant life” — safety, money, comfort, freedom. But after only a short time, the wife became deeply troubled and told him she wanted to return to the Middle East because the spiritual complacency of the Western church was more dangerous to her soul than persecution in Iran. 

It appears to come from interviews and testimony connected to the documentary Sheep Among Wolves Volume II and was later repeated on podcasts and blogs, including an interview on  Jennie Allen’s podcast/blog. https://www.jennieallen.com/blog/the-underground-church?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

What is God saying to you right now?

What are you going to do about it?

Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.

Retell the story in your own words.

Discovery the story

  1. What does this story tell me about God?

  2. What does this story tell me about people?

  3. If this is really true, what should I do?

What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

"A ten-year-old started screaming about a wave no one could see—and 100 people lived because her parents believed her.

December 26, 2004. Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, Thailand. Christmas holiday. Perfect weather. The Smith family walked along the sand on their first overseas vacation together.

Then Tilly noticed something wrong.

The water wasn't behaving normally. ""It wasn't calm and it wasn't going in and then out,"" she later recalled. ""It was just coming in and in and in.""

The sea had turned frothy—""like you get on a beer,"" she said. ""It was sort of sizzling.""

Any other ten-year-old might have thought it strange. Tilly knew exactly what it meant.

Two weeks earlier, her geography teacher Andrew Kearney had shown the class footage of the 1946 tsunami that devastated Hawaii. He taught them the warning signs: sea receding unusually far, frothy bubbling water, ocean behaving strangely.

Tilly was watching those exact warning signs unfold in front of her.

She started screaming at her parents. ""There's going to be a tsunami!""

They didn't believe her. They couldn't see any wave. The sky was clear. The beach was calm.

But Tilly wouldn't stop. She became more insistent, more frantic.

""I'm going,"" she finally said. ""I'm definitely going. There is definitely going to be a tsunami.""

Her father Colin heard the urgency in her voice. He decided to trust his daughter.

By coincidence, a Japanese man nearby overheard Tilly use the word ""tsunami."" He'd just heard news of an earthquake in Sumatra. ""I think your daughter's right,"" he said.

Colin alerted hotel staff. They began evacuating immediately.

Tilly's mother Penny was one of the last to leave. She had to sprint as the water began rushing in behind her. ""I ran,"" she recalled, ""and then I thought I was going to die.""

They made it to the second floor with seconds to spare.

Then the wave hit. Thirty feet tall.

Everything on the beach—beds, palm trees, debris—was swept into the pool and beyond. ""Even if you hadn't drowned,"" Penny later said, ""you would have been hit by something.""

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed over 230,000 people across 14 countries. Entire beaches in Phuket were wiped out.

But at Mai Khao Beach, not a single person died.

Because a ten-year-old girl paid attention in geography class.

Tilly was hailed as the ""Angel of the Beach."" She received awards, spoke at the United Nations, met Bill Clinton. Her story is now taught in schools worldwide.

Her father Colin still thinks about what could have happened. ""If she hadn't told us, we would have just kept on walking,"" he said. ""I'm convinced we would have died.""

Tilly still credits her teacher. ""If it wasn't for Mr. Kearney,"" she told the UN, ""I'd probably be dead and so would my family.""

Two weeks. One lesson. One hundred lives.

That's the power of education.

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Contending for the Faith | “How Do We Stand Firm in Truth and Love?”

Preacher: Darien Gabriel Series: Contending for the Faith Scripture: Epistle of Jude 1–16 (NIV)

Grace Christian Fellowship Grace Christian Fellowship

In a culture filled with spiritual confusion, distorted grace, and growing compromise, the book of Jude gives the church a wake-up call.

Jude urges believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). The danger wasn’t primarily persecution from outside the church—but corruption from within. False teachers quietly slipped into the church, distorted God’s grace into permission for sin, rejected God’s authority, and weakened discernment among God’s people.

In this message, Pastor Darien Gabriel walks through Jude 1–16 and explores what it means to stand firm in both truth and love.

Bottom Line

Standing firm means contending for the faith, rejecting distorted grace, and staying vigilant in fruit-bearing of both ourselves and others in love and by love.

In This Sermon

  • What it means to “contend for the faith”

  • Why false teaching is often subtle and deceptive

  • The danger of spiritual complacency

  • How grace can be distorted into license for sin

  • Why vigilance and discernment matter in the church

  • The examples of Israel, Sodom & Gomorrah, and rebellious angels

  • How believers can examine themselves faithfully and lovingly

  • Why truth and love must stay together

Key Scriptures

  • Epistle of Jude 1–16

  • Second Epistle to the Corinthians 13:5

  • Book of Numbers 14

  • Book of Ezekiel 16:49

  • First Epistle to the Corinthians 6:9–11

  • Gospel of Luke 6:41–42

Opening Illustrations

This sermon includes reflections on:

  • The Two Towers and the corrupting influence of Gríma Wormtongue on King Théoden

  • Ernest Shackleton’s famous Antarctic expedition recruitment ad

  • Testimonies from persecuted believers who warn against the spiritual complacency of the Western church

Jude reminds us that false teaching rarely announces itself openly. It slips in quietly, weakens discernment gradually, and lulls believers into spiritual compromise. But God calls His people to wake up, see clearly, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

Opening Prayer: “Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in Him and leading others to do the same.”

If this message encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with others seeking truth, discernment, and faithful discipleship in Christ.

#Jude #ContendForTheFaith

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Proverbs,” by Ray Ortland, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, Daniel Akin

Windows of Wisdom, Stephen Olford

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Jude, truth and love
How to Walk God's Way in God's World | Proverbs 3:1-12
How to Walk God's Way in God's World | Proverbs 3:1-12

Series: Walking Wisely

Title: "How to Walk God's Way in God's World"

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12 NIV

James 1:5-6

Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith [trust] it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." NIVish

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

OPENING STORY

A few years ago, our youth group had Pastor Ed Newton speak to them at camp. They loved him! Well, I at some point started following him on Twitter (back then) but X and had saved this tweet/post in my files. This was his quote:

"God's will? Find where you have been given favor, then follow favor, then be faithful to the place that God gave you favor!"

So this resonated with me. So I posted a question asking him the source of that inspiration. He replied Proverbs 3.

"Over the past several months, we walked through Book of Genesis in our series God’s Promises, Our Journey.

In Genesis, we watched God call imperfect people to trust Him with their future:

  • Abraham leaving home not knowing where he was going

  • Isaac learning to trust God’s covenant promises

But that raises an important question:

How do we actually walk that journey day by day?

That is where Book of Proverbs comes in.

If Genesis teaches us to trust God with the big story of our lives, Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God in everyday life.

Proverbs is not primarily a book of random sayings or good advice. It is a father teaching his children how to live skillfully in God’s world.

Wisdom in Proverbs is not merely intelligence, information, or success. Wisdom is learning to see life from God’s perspective and walk in God’s ways.

At the center of Proverbs is this foundational truth:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7)

In other words: true wisdom begins with a right relationship with God.

That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most loved and well-known passages in the Bible. It speaks directly into moments of uncertainty, transition, decision-making, and future direction.

And that makes this passage especially fitting today as we celebrate our graduates.

Many of them are standing at a major crossroads:

  • decisions about school

  • work

  • relationships

  • calling

  • identity

  • future direction

And Proverbs reminds all of us — graduates and non-graduates alike — that our greatest need is not simply a good plan, but wholehearted trust in God." -ChatGPT

We just spend 9 weeks learning that our journey is shaped by our belief/unbelief in God's promises. We said that God's promises (rightly believed) shape our journey for good.

Proverbs 3 seems like the next right step.

Why? Because it tells us how to walk God's way in God's world. Our journey.

  • “Wisdom is where knowledge and love kiss each other.”

  • “Power is simply operating in Christ’s authority with his resources.”

Father (King Solomon) is discipling his Prince son. Parents, are you paying attention here?

“Genesis showed us God’s promises in the journey. Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely in that journey.” -ChatGPT

Or

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

CONTEXT

What are the key traits of the book of Proverbs?

  • "Proverbs as wisdom literature" #wisdom #promises

  • "Solomon/father-to-son framework" #relationships #discipleship

  • "Fear of the Lord theme"

  • "Connection to Jesus as wisdom incarnate" #incarnation

-ChatGPT

"We're in Proverbs and that means wisdom literature. Why does that matter? Well, we read wisdom literature differently from other types of literature like narrative or didactic.

  • Wisdom literature often communicates general patterns.

  • Gospel and covenant texts often communicate definitive redemptive promises.

In other words, Proverbs teaches us the normal pathways of wisdom. Jesus announces the guaranteed promises of the kingdom."

-ChatGPT

Genesis showed us Abraham learning to trust God's audible voice with the big story of their lives.

Proverbs teaches us how to walk wisely with God's written word in everyday decisions.

“This is generally true now and will always prove true later.” -Daniel Akin

  • "Proverbs describes the normal moral order of God’s world,

  • but the fullness of these blessings is ultimately eschatological." -ChatGPT

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

OUTLINE (influenced by Danny Akin)

In the early 90s, Anita and I lived in Tampa Florida. Our time included joining Bell Shoals Baptist Church, where I was baptized. This is where I responded to Ministry. This is where I heard the preaching of Danny Akin for the first. I had never heard preaching like this before. It so impressed and influenced me that summer, that I went to the seminar where he was Dean of students. (SEBTS) He's now the president of the seminary. Today's outline is influenced by him and his son's efforts in a commentary I read this past week.

I. We Should Keep the Covenant PROVERBS 3:1,3,5,7,9

  • The odd verses give the obligations that we are called to live up to if we

are in a covenant relationship with the Lord.

II. God Blesses Covenant-Keepers PROVERBS 3:2,4,6,8,10

  • The even verses give the divine partner’s obligations.

III. This Is Generally True Now and Will Always Prove True Later

Proverbs 3:11-12

  • The proverbs are generally true now, but they are always ultimately true.

IV. Jesus Kept the Covenant for You

  • "The good news is that he represents us before the Father in this covenant relationship. He lived up to our obligations for us, and then

he took the curses of covenant breaking in our place." -Daniel Akin

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Wisdom is learning to walk in God's way (aka wisely) in God's world.

From ChatGPT:

The Pilot Through the Clouds (Excellent for “straight paths”)

One of the most dangerous moments for a pilot is flying through thick clouds without visual reference points.

Everything in the body starts lying:

  • up feels down,

  • left feels right,

  • motion feels still.

Pilots are trained not to trust their feelings in that moment. They must trust the instruments.

Some pilots have crashed perfectly good airplanes because they trusted their instincts more than the guidance system.

Proverbs 3 says: “Lean not on your own understanding.”

There will be seasons where:

  • your emotions will mislead you,

  • your instincts will fail you,

  • your understanding will be incomplete.

In those moments, wisdom means trusting the Lord more than yourself.

I found the incident you’re referring to, though the pilot’s name appears to have been spelled Vinson Kyle Perdue in newspaper reporting, not “Purdue.” The crash occurred in August 1981 near Dorchester Road in the Summerville area. 

What I could verify:

  • He was a young Air Force pilot from Summerville.

  • The jet crashed during a routine training mission near Dorchester Road.

  • The crash happened close to the Kings Grant area you mentioned. 

I could not verify from available sources that vertigo/disorientation was officially determined as the cause, though your memory of local reporting may absolutely be correct. Spatial disorientation/vertigo is a well-known factor in military aviation crashes, especially during instrument conditions.

For sermon purposes, I would be careful not to state definitively:

“The crash was officially caused by vertigo…”

unless you locate a direct source confirming that.

But you can still use the illustration powerfully and honestly by framing it like this:

When I was growing up in Summerville, there was a military jet crash near Dorchester Road across from Kings Grant where we lived.

I still remember how sobering that was as a kid.

And one of the things pilots are trained to understand is that when visibility disappears and disorientation sets in, your senses can begin lying to you.

Up can feel down. Motion can feel still. Your instincts can become dangerous.

That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments more than their feelings.

Proverbs 3 says something very similar spiritually:

“Lean not on your own understanding.”

There are moments in life where:

  • your emotions will mislead you,

  • your instincts will fail you,

  • your understanding will be incomplete.

Wisdom means learning to trust God more than yourself.

That keeps:

  • the local authenticity,

  • the emotional weight,

  • the aviation imagery,

  • and the pastoral application—

without overstating what can be historically verified.

And honestly, because this is tied to your own childhood memory in Summerville, it will likely land much harder emotionally than a generic illustration ever could.

From Claude.ai

What Was Found on Vinson Kyle Perdue

The primary verified source is a newspaper clipping from The Greenville News, dated August 26, 1981 — a clipping published in The Greenville News on August 26, 1981, mentioning Vinson Kyle Perdue in Greenville, South Carolina.  That confirms the name spelling (Perdue, not Purdue) and the August 1981 date align with newspaper reporting. The Newspapers.com record exists but sits behind a paywall, so the full text of the article wasn’t accessible — which means we can confirm existence of reporting but not the article’s specific content on cause of death.

No publicly accessible official USAF accident investigation report for this specific crash surfaced. The Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research database (which houses USAF accident reports from that era) exists but didn’t return this specific crash in searches.

Bottom line on the Perdue crash: Name, date, and general location are confirmed by newspaper record. Cause of death (vertigo/spatial disorientation) remains your childhood memory of local reporting — plausible and consistent with the era, but not independently verifiable from open sources right now.

What Was Found on Spatial Disorientation — and Why It Strengthens Your Illustration

This is where the research gets genuinely useful for your sermon. The data on spatial disorientation (SD) as a cause of military aviation fatalities is extensive and striking:

• Spatial disorientation accounted for 11% of all USAF crashes, with a crash fatality rate of 69% — and the SD rate was significantly higher in fighter/attack aircraft and helicopters than in training and transport aircraft. At night, 23% of all crashes were SD-caused.

• Even as overall military aviation accidents per flight hour decreased dramatically from 1958–1992, the rate of SD-caused crashes remained nearly constant — actually increasing as a percentage of all crashes, from 6% in 1958–1971 to 16% in 1972–1992.  Technology didn’t solve it. The problem is human physiology.

• Over a 21-year period (FY1993–2013), there were 72 spatial disorientation mishaps in the USAF, resulting in the loss of 101 lives, 65 aircraft, and $2.32 billion.

Spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot’s response to false sensations — of attitude, motion, velocity, acceleration, or position — causes the pilot to misinterpret his or her position in flight relative to the earth or other aircraft.  The instruments tell the truth. The pilot’s body lies to him.

How This Serves the Sermon

You don’t need the Perdue crash to be officially documented as an SD case to use SD as the theological hinge of your illustration. Here’s why: the statistics above are so overwhelming that you can say with complete accuracy:

“Spatial disorientation — where a pilot’s senses tell him up is down and motion is stillness — is one of the leading causes of military aviation fatalities. The pilot feels completely confident. His body is lying to him. That’s why pilots are trained to trust their instruments over their instincts.”

Then the transition to Proverbs 3 is natural and devastating: “Lean not on your own understanding” isn’t just piety — it’s survival logic. The human perceptual system is not reliable in conditions of low visibility and high stress. Neither is the unregenerate heart.

The local crash becomes the emotional anchor. The SD research data gives it theological weight that doesn’t depend on what you can or can’t verify about that specific August morning in 1981.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

  • Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

Proverbs 3:5-6 outline by Stephen Olford, Windows of Wisdom, pp. 17-19

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Walking Wisely, Ladson, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, non denominational church, Provers, Proverbs
Will You Trust God with Your Future Family? | Genesis 24:1-67
Will You Trust God with Your Future Family? | Genesis 24:1-67

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Will you trust God with your future family?"

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67 NIV

Hebrews 11:9-13

Bottom line: When we rest in God's promises, Grace finds us.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Bottom line: When we rest in God's promises, Grace finds us.

OPENING STORY

I find myself thinking more and more about the future. Between caring for our aging parents, supporting our kids and grandkids, and taking our health and finances seriously so that we minimize our burden on our kids, we're thinking more and more about the future. And when you do that it's tempting to become anxious and to try to do things without trusting the Lord by taking control where we should surrender to the Lord. This is common but not wise.

Today I want to challenge us with this question: Can you trust God with your future family? Can I? Will I?

My bottom line for today is this: When we trust in God's promises, grace finds us.

What promises?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son...(John 3:16)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life...(Romans 6:23)

If you confess with our mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart, God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)

I'm preparing a place for you (John 14)

I'm coming back. (Various)

Are you resting in God's promises? If you are, your life will look different. Your journey will be richer and more satisfying and will lead to life everlasting where the best is yet to come!

CONTEXT

Abraham is old. (140)

Sarah is dead. (Genesis 23)

Isaac is 40. Unmarried. No kids/grandkids.

God's promise that his descendants will be more than the stars in the sky and the sand on the sea shore is hard to believe at this point. Yet, Abraham is resolved to see this through. He will show that as he trusts God with the future of his family. He trusts God to keep his promise. And this affects his journey--how he will live in light of those promises.

OUTLINE

I. Abraham trusts God with the future. (24:1-9)

II. The servant trusts God with the process. (24:10-27)

III. Rebekah trusts God with courage. (24:28-61)

IV. Isaac trusts God to provide. (24:62-67)

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: When we rest in God's promises, Grace finds us.

When you look to the future, how can you best trust God's promises?

You believe and receive God's promises starting with the most important promise. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Have you done that? Have you crossed that line of faith regarding your future here and now, as well as, in the hereafter?

Turn from your wicked ways to a Savior who forgives and forgets. Who is preparing a place for you where the best is yet to come.

Believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ today!

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

  • Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Mothers Day, God's Promises Our Journey, bible-believing church, non-denominational church
Will You Trust God or Take Control? | Genesis 22:1-24 | Darien Gabriel
Will You Trust God or Take Control? | Genesis 22:1-24 | Darien Gabriel

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Will you trust God or take control?"

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-24 NIV

Hebrews 11:17-19

James 1:13-15

John 1:29

Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.”

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.”

OPENING STORY/ILLUSTRATION

Control vs. Trust

Imagine you’re riding in the passenger seat while someone else is driving…

Not just anyone—your spouse, your friend, maybe even your child learning to drive.

You’re coming up to a busy intersection…

You see the light turning yellow…

And what do you instinctively do?

You reach for the imaginary brake pedal.

You lean forward.

You tense up.

Why?

Because you’re not in control.

And when we’re not in control… we feel insecure.

That’s not just true in a car.

It’s true in life.

Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control.

And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust.

In Genesis 22, God puts Abraham in the ultimate “passenger seat” moment.

God asks him to do something that feels unthinkable… unreasonable… even unbearable.

And the question becomes:

Will Abraham trust God… or try to take control?

CONTEXT

The thread is security. Last week we saw...

  • Abraham seek security through deception (Gen 20)

  • Abraham seek security through control (Gen 21:1–21)

  • Abraham seek security through agreements (Gen 21:22–34)

This week, we hope to see Abraham find true security as he learns to trust in God's promises, obey his voice, and rely on his provision.

Why does God test us?

  • To reveal what we really trust (pleasing God)

  • To display His worth through our obedience (glorifying God)

God tests us to deepen our trust in Him and display His worth through us.

Because he’s teaching us to trust him as our ultimate security when we’re tempted to reach for control.

How do we handle God’s tests?

  1. By trusting his promises,

  2. Obeying his voice/word, and

  3. Relying on his provision

Or, more specifically…

  1. Expect tests from God (1-2)

  2. Focus on promises, not explanations (3-5)

  3. Depend on God’s provision (6-14)

  4. Look forward to what God has for you (15-24)

Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.”

First, there’s a difference between testing and tempting:

  • Temptation (James 1:13–15):

    • “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    • Comes from within and from the enemy → aims to pull us away from God → exposes weakness.

  • Testing (Genesis 22:1):

    • “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.” Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    • Comes from God → aims to draw us closer to Him → strengthens faith.

Temptation is designed to make you fall. Testing is designed to make you stand.

Consider how unreasonable God’s test was as you consider how we might respond to his tests in our lives…

OUTLINE (influenced by Warren Wiersbe & ChatGPT):

We handle God’s tests in life by:

  1. Trusting His promises

  2. Obeying His voice (word)

  3. Relying on His provision

  1. Expect tests from God. (22:1-2)

    1. WW writes, “In the ‘School of Faith’ we must have occasional tests, or we will never know where we are spiritually. Abraham had his share of tests right from the beginning.”“Family test” - leave nation, neighborhood and extended family and go

      1. “Famine test” - left Canaan and went to Egypt #FAIL

      2. “Fellowship test” - let Lot choose which way to go when they split up

      3. “Fight test” - rescued Lot and Sodom’s citizens and stuff

      4. “Fortune test” - declined Sodom’s wealth

      5. “Fatherhood test” - Sent Hagar & Ishmael away first time #FAIL

      6. “Farewell test” - Send Hagar and Ishmael away second time

    2. One test I faced was baptism. Another was my calling into ministry.

      1. Was “baptized” as an infant so didn’t believe I needed to be baptized after my conversion; it took 2 pastors and 10 years for me to see the truth

      2. Was “called” into full-time ministry within a month or 2 of being baptized leaving successful career in Engineering

    3. If you walk with God, tests are not the exception—they are the curriculum.

  2. Focus on promises, not explanations (3-5) “Faith does not demand explanations; faith rests on promises.” -WW

    1. “Our faith is not really tested until God asks us to bear what seems unbearable, do what seems unreasonable, and expect what seems impossible.” -WW

    2. When God sends a test or trial, our first response is usually, “Why me?” Or “Why, Lord?” Instead of

      “What can I learn through this?”

    3. "Deliverance will get you out of Egypt. But surrender will get Egypt out of you." (Or Sodom, or Babylon, or America...)

    4. We live by promises, not by explanations.

    5. Abraham says, “We will worship and then we will come back” → implicit faith in resurrection (cf. Hebrews 11:17–19)

    6. Faith doesn’t need to understand everything—it just needs to trust what God has said.

    7. If you wait for God to explain everything, you’ll never obey anything.

  3. Depend on God’s provision (6-14)

    1. Two statements reveal the emphasis in this passage:

      1. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering.” (8), &

      2. Yahweh Yireh, “The Lord will see to it.” (14) #provide

    2. “Where God guides, He pro-vides.” -Old Pastor

    3. How does God provide?

      1. Where…does the Lord provide? Where you sent you to walk in his will. Should we expect his provision when we don’t walk in his steps?

      2. When? Right when it’s needed. Sometimes at the last minute. He’s never late.

      3. How? Often simply. He surprised Abraham with the ram in the thicket right next behind him.

      4. To Whom? To those who humbly walk with him.

      5. Why? For his pleasure and his glory!

    4. What kind of provision is available?

      1. Resurrection-powered provision

      2. Ephesians 1:19–20 & 3:20

    5. You don’t experience God’s provision sitting on the sidelines—you experience it on the path of obedience.

  4. Look forward to what God has after the test. (15-24) What comes after the test?

    1. New Approval (12) “Atta boy!”

    2. New Son (13-14) → Isaac received back

      1. Isaac likely never the same.

      2. God gave. Abraham gave back. God gave back.

      3. Don’t let the gift replace the Giver—Abraham didn’t

    3. New Assurances. (16-18)

    4. New names for an expanded future. (14; 23)

      1. Yahweh Yireh (14)

      2. Rebekah (23)

    5. God is already preparing the next chapter while you’re still in the test.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: “We handle God’s tests by trusting His promises, obeying His voice, and relying on His provision.”

How do we handle God’s tests?

  1. By trusting his promises,

  2. Obeying his voice/word, and

  3. Relying on his provision

  • Every test exposes what we trust

  • Every test invites surrender

  • Every test reveals God’s sufficiency

What is your Isaac?

Are you trusting God—or trying to control the outcome?

Ram → Lamb → Gospel

Abraham looks up…

and there’s a ram caught in the thicket.

God provides a substitute.

Isaac lives…

because something else dies in his place.

Pause. Let that sit.

Expand the Pattern

This moment isn’t just about Abraham and Isaac.

It’s pointing forward.

Another Father…

another Son…

another sacrifice.

Connect to Christ

In John 1:29, we read:

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said,

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

On that day in Genesis 22—

God provided a ram.

But one day—

God would provide His own Son.

⸻

In Genesis 22…

God stopped Abraham’s hand.

At the cross…

God did not stop His own.

Let that land. This is your emotional peak.

⸻

Why?

Because our greatest problem isn’t lack of control—

it’s sin.

And our greatest need isn’t control—

it’s a Savior.

⸻

So the question isn’t just:

“Will you trust God in the test?”

The deeper question is:

Will you trust the God who gave everything for you?

⸻

You don’t have to control your life…

because the God who tested Abraham

is the God who gave His Son for you—

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

  • Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Darien Gabriel, Genesis, God's Promises, Our Journey
Where Are You Looking for Security? | Genesis 20-21
Where Are You Looking for Security? | Genesis 20-21

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Where are you looking for security?"

Scripture: Genesis 20-21 NIV

Galatians 2-5

Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control.

And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

OPENING STORY/ILLUSTRATION

Did you know you can insure your teeth and smile (Julia Roberts)… your hair Troy Palomalu)… even your taste buds (Gordon Ramsay)?

You can insure your wedding (rain), your golf shot (hole in one), even against alien abduction…

We laugh… but think about it—we are constantly trying to secure ourselves against what we cannot control.

And Genesis 20–21 shows us something uncomfortable…Abraham is doing the same thing.

CONTEXT

The thread is security:

  • Abraham seeks security through deception (Gen 20)

  • Abraham seeks security through control (Gen 21:1–21)

  • Abraham seeks security through agreements (Gen 21:22–34)

  • God shows that true security comes only from Him

OUTLINE (influenced by John Lennox & ChatGPT)

1. FALSE SECURITY: TRUSTING OUR OWN STRATEGIES (Gen 20:1–18)

2. PARTIAL SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD… BUT STILL CONTROLLING (Gen 21:1–21)

3. TEMPORARY SECURITY: TRUSTING HUMAN AGREEMENTS (Gen 21:22–34)

4. TRUE SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD ALONE (BRIDGE TO GENESIS 22)

Have you ever inflated your image or resume to look better? When we write a resume, we can get carried away over our accomplishments. Wording things to sound better than they really are.

And then there’s social media where we post pictures and poses of ourselves doing amazing things as if this is what our life is always like. We don’t usually post pics of ourselves in unflattering positions or looks. That may not be conscious but it easily could be in the back of our mind. It’s a fine line, right? What are our motives?

Not a full lie. Just a truth designed to make us look better than we are.

That’s kind of like what Abraham is doing here. Technically true but still deceptive.

And intentional—even strategic—deception is a sin. That’s the heart of what a lie is. Deception.

1. FALSE SECURITY: TRUSTING OUR OWN STRATEGIES (Gen 20:1–18)

Text movement:

  • Abraham repeats old sin (Gen 12 replay)

  • Lies about Sarah (half-truth still deception)

  • Abimelech acts with integrity (understood that Kings could take a woman)

  • God intervenes (Sovereign)

Key tension:

The man of faith still falls back into fear.

Key insight (pastoral):

  • Abraham is trying to protect the promise by human means

  • Fear makes us revert to old patterns

When we don’t feel secure in God’s promises, we start managing our journey ourselves.

Application/Diagnostic question:

  • Where do I bend truth, control perception, or manipulate situations to feel secure?

Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control.

And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust.

2. PARTIAL SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD… BUT STILL CONTROLLING (Gen 21:1–21)

Do you make “just in case” plans? Backup plans?

Do you have a financial emergency fund?

This can be a wise decision. But where is your ultimate financial security found? Are you trusting God with your finances? Are you generous with your finances or do you operate in fear of the future and lack generosity?

A. God keeps His promise (Isaac is born)

  • God is faithful

  • Laughter fulfilled (Sarah → joy)

B. Abraham expels Ishmael

  • Real tension: promise vs. threat

  • Abraham acts to “secure” Isaac’s future

Abraham removes perceived threats to secure the promise. (Lennox)

But God…

  • Sees Hagar

  • Provides a well

  • Keeps promise to Ishmael too

Key theological move:

  • God’s promise doesn’t depend on Abraham’s control

  • God cares for the “outsider” (Hagar/Ishmael)

Even when we try to secure God’s promises our way, God remains faithful to His purposes and our journey.

Application/Diagnostic question:

  • Where do I bend truth, control perception, or manipulate situations to feel secure?

  • Where am I trusting God—but still trying to control the outcome?

Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control.

And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust.

3. TEMPORARY SECURITY: TRUSTING HUMAN AGREEMENTS (Gen 21:22–34)

Contracts vs. Trust

We sign contracts because we don’t fully trust people

  • Prenups

  • Legal agreements

  • NDAs

“Agreements can create stability—but they can’t create ultimate security.”

Text movement:

  • Abimelech recognizes God is with Abraham (pattern continues throughout Genesis)

  • Covenant over wells

  • Beersheba established

Key idea:

  • This is not wrong—it’s just limited

Mutual security arrangements are still human-level solutions. (Lennox)

Key contrast:

  • This is horizontal security, not ultimate (vertical) security

“You can build agreements with people—but you cannot build ultimate security without God.”

Application/diagnostic questions:

  • Where do I bend truth, control perception, or manipulate situations to feel secure?

  • Where am I trusting God—but still trying to control the outcome?j

  • Where do I rely on relationships, systems, or resources as my ultimate safety?

  • Do people see that God is with you?

Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control.

And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust.

4. TRUE SECURITY: TRUSTING GOD ALONE (BRIDGE TO GENESIS 22)

This is where you preview without preaching Gen 22

The real test is: does Abraham’s security rest in God—or in Isaac? (Lennox)

Set it up like this:

  • Gen 20 → security through deception

  • Gen 21 → security through control and agreements

  • Gen 22 → God exposes the heart

“God will lovingly test whatever you trust most—because He wants to be your only true security.”

1. God’s faithfulness despite flawed faith

  • Abraham fails → God remains faithful

  • Strong gospel echo without forcing it

2. God sees the overlooked (Hagar)

  • Fits your church’s “best neighbors ever” vision

  • Missional application

3. Security vs. trust

  • Deeply relatable

  • Connects to anxiety, control, family, finances

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: Every time we feel insecure, we reach for control.

And every time we reach for control, we reveal what we really trust.

“You can insure almost anything in this life…

but there is no policy that can secure your soul.

Only God can do that.”

Pray

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

  • Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, God's Promises, Our Journey, Genesis
Where is Your Life Going? | Genesis 19:1-38
Where is Your Life Going? | Genesis 19:1-38

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Where is your life going?"

Subtitle: "2 Righteous Men, 2 Very Different Lives"

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-38 NIV

Ezekiel 16:49

Matthew 7:24-27

Luke 17:31-38

1 Cor 3:10-15

Hebrews 13:2

2 Peter 2:6-10

Jude 1:7

Bottom Line: Your walk with God determines the trajectory of your life.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Opening Illustration (

What do you want said about you at your retirement party?

I know I'd like people to say nice things about me, my family and how I lived. I'd love to hear stories of good memories from family and friends.

But most of all, I'd love to hear stories about how God did something beautiful in and through my life.

Not bad desires.

Because my walk with God determines the trajectory of my life.

My grandson has started T-ball. He's learning how to aim and throw a ball so that it ends up where he intends for it to. Because he's learning that how he aims and throws it determines the trajectory of that ball. He'll need to improve his strength, aim, and skill to get the ball where he wants it to be.

The same is true for our walk with God.

The question becomes: Is the trajectory of my life headed to where I want it be? Am I living my life wisely or foolishly? Or does it just look like anyone else's in the world?

Context (Opening Paragraph)

Today we're looking at 2 righteous men with very different lives. By contrasting them, we will not see a Believer and a non-Believer. No, we'll see 2 Believers who live very differently and their lives end up having very different outcomes in the short-term and in the long-term.

My prayer for you today is that you'll evaluate your life soberly and humbly. That you will make the changes needed to change the trajectory of your life. Why? Because your walk with God determines the direction of your life.

Bottom Line: Your walk with God determines the trajectory of your life.

OUTLINE (Genesis 19:1-38) Influenced by Warren Wiersbe

Contrasting Abraham, Lot and Jesus

I. Abraham, friend of God. (Genesis 18)

A. Abraham served the Lord. (1-8)

B. Abraham served his wife. (9-15)

C. Abraham served a lost world. (16-33)...as an intercessor

      1. For Lot

      2. For the residents of Sodom

II. Lot, friend of the world. (Genesis 19) Contrasting these two's...

A. Souls (position before God)

      1. "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6

      2. Lot was righteous too. 2 Peter 2:6-7

      3. Neither was seen as righteous by God because of their righteous ways. Based on these verses, we see this. Otherwise, we'd assume Abraham righteous but not Lot, because Lot's actions did not show much righteous fruit (in our limited view).

      4. They were seen as righteous because of their faith in God's promises.

      5. The same is true for us.

B. Locations

      1. Abraham continues to live in a tent as a pilgrim, just passing through, on his way to his heavenly home.

      2. Lot, by contrast, leaves the tents of Abraham, in the Promised Land, and the favor of his God, and...

        1. Moves towards Sodom into the Jordan valley (looks like Egypt and Eden to him),

        2. Then into the city into a house, surrounded by the wicked,

        3. He stays even after they were captured by Babylonian Kings and rescued by Abram,

        4. Then is found sitting at the city gates with authority and position (judge, city administrator of some kind),

        5. While you could argue he was being a missionary, it appears he was more influenced by Sodom than Sodom was influenced by him.

C. Visitors

      1. Only 2 angels visited Lot, for the Lord could not fellowship with Lot and his family as he did with A & S. Even though Lot was a believer, the Lord was not at home with him. This is the difference between

        1. Relationship, and

        2. Fellowship

        3. Not unlike a marriage where two people are in a covenant relationship but not always feeling the fellowship.

D. Hospitality

      1. Both showed hospitality, but

      2. Abraham's example was exemplary on multiple levels and Lot's showed skewed values re daughters.

E. Messages

      1. Joyful message to A & S--promised son in 1 year.

      2. Judgment and destruction for the people of Sodom (and Lot and his family, if they don't leave).

      3. God's message to a lost world is judgment as well. This event in history becomes the example people point to reminding them there's a holy God who will judge. (Jude 1:7) But he's also a merciful God saving all who repent, trust and follow him.

F. Influence

      1. Because of his faith and obedience, Abraham was a blessing to his family and the world. God blessed his family then and the world until he returns.

      2. Lot had little spiritual influence on his family nor the world. He had faith, which saved him, but he was more influenced by residents of Sodom than by the Lord.

G. Attitude

      1. Lot was rescued first by Abraham, along with the people of Sodom. Yet, he went right back to them. Later he had to be pulled out of the city by the angels the second time. He loved the things which are seen more than the things which are unseen. (2 Cor 4:17-18)

      2. Abraham yielded even his one and only son as he obeyed by grace through faith. (Genesis 22)

      3. How You Respond to God?

      4. Abraham → Runs to obey (18:2 “hurried… ran…”)

      5. Lot → Hesitates to obey (19:16 “he lingered…”)

H. Consequences

      1. The Lord's visit to Abraham led to new hope and a future.

      2. The Lord's visit was judgment and destruction for Sodom and 2 evil nations who would oppose the very God who saved Lot and his daughters.

      3. That said, one day, a young Moabitess named Ruth would marry Boaz and become the grandmother of the Lord Jesus Christ. This would be part of the mercy of God for the world.

      4. Principle:

      5. Walking with God → blessing flows out; Righteousness leads to life and legacy

      6. Walking with compromise → damage flows out; Compromise leads to survival but loss

      7. How Your Story Ends (Trajectory)

      8. Abraham → Future, promise, legacy

      9. Lot → Escape, loss, regret

III. Jesus, friend of sinners.

A. While Jude 1:7 tells us Sodom and Gomorrah will stand as the example of God's judgment on a wicked world,...

B. It will also stand as a mark of his mercy for his covenant people. We see this through the Moabitess, Ruth, grandmother of Jesus.

C. Jesus calls those saved, like Abraham, to:

      • Abide in the Lord,

      • Serve our faith family,

      • Serve a lost world through intercession.

D. When judgment day comes, will you be like

      • Abraham--no worries?

      • How--saved by the skin of your teeth but a horrible legacy?

      • Sodom--lost forever apart from your Creator?

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: Your walk with God determines the trajectory of your life.

Matthew 7:24-27 feels like it's written to the lost. And it certainly can be applied that way.

But I now think it's written to the believer. As Jesus wraps up his Sermon on the Mount, he ends with how a follower of his should apply all that he has heard--not for salvation but for fruitful living.

John 15:16 says...

God chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.

That means he chose you to live a fruitful, influential, peaceful, transformative life. One that leaves people praising God at your funeral instead of searching for kind things to say about you.

Questions (Write this down) - grab an index card and pen

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

  • Write this down on the index card in the seat pockets.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

The Legacy of Abraham

This quote by John Lennox speaks to my part:

“God first informs Abraham why he chose him. This is the only place in the Bible where he does so. The late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, comments:

This tells us three things about what it is to be an heir of Abraham.

First, it means that we are to be guardians of our children's future. We must ensure that they have a world to inherit...

Second, education - directing our children and our household after us - is a sacred task ...

Third, how do you keep the way of the Lord? By doing what is right and just.

It would be impossible to overstate the importance of these principles in a world where children so often bear the brunt of neglect, abuse and suffering.” Friend of God, p. 186

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, God's Promises, Our Journey, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Lot, Genesis
Are You Leading People to God? | Genesis 18:16-33
Are You Leading People to God? | Genesis 18:16-33

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Are you leading people to God?

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 NIV

2 Peter 2:6-10

Hebrews 13:2

Ezekiel 16:49

1 Cor 3:10-15

Luke 17:31-38

Jude 7

Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Opening Illustration (

Rowan Atkinson, a legendary icon of comedy, television, and cinema, has left even the world’s richest and most powerful figures stunned—not just with his words, but with decisive action.

https://substack.com/@ajw3477/note/c-213026215?r=ogd8w&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

At a glamorous red-carpet gala in Los Angeles on December 20, attended by film moguls, tech billionaires, and Hollywood’s most elite stars, Rowan Atkinson took the stage to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. But instead of offering a conventional acceptance speech, he chose a moment of truth—direct, fearless, and deeply human.

He did not thank the Academy. He did not reminisce about Mr. Bean, Blackadder, or decades of global laughter. Instead, Atkinson looked straight into the audience of wealth and influence and declared:

“We sit here surrounded by diamonds and artistic glory while the world outside is falling apart. If your voice can move millions and you choose not to use it for those who have no voice, then you are not creating change—you are creating noise.”

The room fell into complete silence. Film executives and invited guests sat motionless, struck by the weight of his words. He continued, unwavering:

“If you have more than you need, it no longer belongs only to you. Your responsibility is to lift up those who are still beneath you.”

And he did not stop at words.

That very night, Atkinson announced that all profits from his archived works and future creative projects—estimated at 160 million USD—will be donated to fund children’s health initiatives, climate action programs, and arts education for underprivileged youth.

His message was unmistakable:

“Legacy is not built on what you earn. It is built on what you give.”

In an era when celebrities are often dismissed as hollow symbols, Rowan Atkinson delivered a powerful reminder to the world:

true impact is not created by applause, but by easing the suffering of others.

Context (Opening Paragraph)

Abraham has been entertaining 3 strangers at his tent for most of the day. Two of them are about to leave and head to Sodom to investigate the outcry against the wickedness of that city. They will assist the Lord in deciding the fate of the city.

In the meantime, Abraham will have a conversation with God. He will intercede on behalf of those wicked citizens.

Abraham will model for us how we are to live so that our lives make a real difference in the world. Just like the affluent were challenged to do by Mr. Bean.

Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world.

OUTLINE (Genesis 18:16-33)

I. Abraham, friend of God. (Genesis 18) Blessed to be a blessing, Abraham...

A. Welcomed the stranger. #hospitality #love #care #lead (1-15)

      1. Qualified elders are required to be hospitable.

      2. Biblical hospitality is primarily geared towards strangers.

B. Taught his household. #instruction #education #discipleship #feed (17-19)

      1. Qualified elders are to be able to teach the word.

      2. We start discipleship with our immediate family members and work out from there.

      3. Abraham was like the mayor, CEO and pastor of 1,000 people. Ultimately, he would bless the world.

C. Interceded on behalf of Sodom. #mercy #intercession #prayer #mission #protect (16, 20-33)

      1. To intercede means to stand in the gap on behalf of others for their good.

      2. To intercede spiritually means to stand in the gap between them and God for their good.

      3. This is key to being an effective missionary.

CONCLUSION

My freshman year at college, when I was sitting in that auditorium at the end of the Christian concert, with my Christian friends, thinking I was a Christian the whole time, I heard the gospel message preached clearly for the first time.

At that time, more than any other reason, I was drawn by the idea that I could make a real difference in this world. It just required surrender rooted in faith that God through Jesus Christ could use me to make some of that difference our world needed. So I stood and trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior believing that his way of making a difference in our world was the best way...maybe the only way.

Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world.

So,

  1. Welcome the Stranger.

  2. Teach your household.

  3. Intercede for the world.

Are you leading people close to you to God?

Are you welcoming people into your life? Your home?

Are you teaching your household how to be salt and light by doing what is right and just?

Are you actively and prayerfully interceding on behalf of lost people around the corner? Around the world?

Are you leading people close to you and far from God to God though Jesus?

Pray

Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

The Legacy of Abraham

This quote by John Lennox speaks to my part:

“God first informs Abraham why he chose him. This is the only place in the Bible where he does so. The late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, comments:

This tells us three things about what it is to be an heir of Abraham.

First, it means that we are to be guardians of our children's future. We must ensure that they have a world to inherit...

Second, education - directing our children and our household after us - is a sacred task ...

Third, how do you keep the way of the Lord? By doing what is right and just.

It would be impossible to overstate the importance of these principles in a world where children so often bear the brunt of neglect, abuse and suffering.” Friend of God, p. 186

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Bible-believing church, non-denominational church, God's Promises, Our Journey, Grace Christian Fellowship
Can God Really Restore What's Broken? | Genesis 1:31-3:15, John 19:38-20:1-18
Can God Really Restore What's Broken? | Genesis 1:31-3:15, John 19:38-20:1-18

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Can God really restore what's broken?

Scripture: Genesis 1:31-3:15, John 19:38-20:1-18 NIV

Bottom Line: Because of the cross and resurrection, what was broken by sin can be restored by Jesus—if we repent, believe, and receive Him.

In fact, it will be restored for the Church. The real question today is will it be restored for you?

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  6. NOTES

  7. YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Marvel Universe

“If you’ve ever watched the Marvel movies, you know they’re not just random, disconnected stories.

At first, it feels like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor—they all have their own separate plots.

But as the story unfolds, you realize… it’s all connected.

Every movie is part of a much bigger story that’s building toward one climactic moment.

The Bible works the same way.

It’s made up of dozens of books, written over centuries, with different people and settings—but it’s telling one unified story.

And that story moves from creation… to brokenness… to redemption… to restoration.

Today, we’re going to step into two scenes in that story—

two gardens—

and see how everything connects… and how it connects to your life.”

OUTLINE (With help from ChatGPT)

I. Name the room: “We Know Something Is Broken”

Some of you walked in here celebrating...others are carrying heavy burdens

• Loss (recent deaths)

• Marriages under strain

• Financial anxiety

• Health struggles

• Relationships in crisis

“You don’t need a theology degree to know something is wrong with the world… you just need to live in it for a while.”

“The Bible tells one story that explains all of it—and offers one solution that can heal it.”

II. Eden: Where brokenness began (Genesis 1:31-3:15)

God designed life to be good and whole (Genesis 1:31-2:25)

Sin shattered what God made whole. (Genesis 3)

• Relationship with God → broken

• Relationship with each other → broken

• Relationship with self → broken

• Relationship with creation → broken

Tie directly to today:

“Every funeral, every divorce, every anxiety… traces back to this moment.”

Share the 3 Circles here--Link:

https://youtu.be/5W8ynRMr59k?si=6FZMytsIOhLmbQib

“So the question is not: Is there brokenness?

The question is: How do we get out of it?”

III. Cross/Good Friday - Jesus enters our brokenness on the cross (where sin was paid for)

Bring them to the cross.

• Jesus doesn’t ignore brokenness—He enters it

• He carries:

• Our sin

• Our shame

• Our suffering

IV. Resurrection/The Garden Tomb - Where restoration begins (John 19:38--20:1-18)

Jesus didn’t just die—He rose to restore.

• The tomb is in a garden

• Mary mistakes Jesus for the gardener (John 20:15)

That’s not accidental.

“In Eden, humanity lost the garden. In the resurrection, the Gardener begins restoring it.”

Tie her in personally:

• Delivered from demons → deeply broken

• At the cross → grieving

• At the tomb → confused

• Encounters Jesus → transformed

Key moment:

“Jesus said her name—‘Mary’—and everything changed.”

V. Connect to OUR Story

“Some of you feel like your story is too far gone…”

Apply specifically:

• “Your marriage…”

• “Your past…”

• “Your regrets…”

• “Your grief…”

Then:

“If Jesus can walk out of a grave, He can step into your situation.”

Name their pain again—but now with hope:

• Grief → “Death is not the end”

• Broken marriages → “God restores what seems beyond repair”

• Anxiety → “You are not alone in the garden”

• Shame → “Jesus already carried it to the cross”

Power line:

“The same Jesus who called Mary by name is calling your name today.”

VI. Call to Respond

A. REPENT

Turn from sin and self-rule

B. BELIEVE

Trust what Jesus did on the cross and resurrection

C. RECEIVE

Surrender to Him as Lord and Savior

Tie to Romans 10:9–10

VII. How baptism fits

“Earlier in the service, you saw people baptized—

that’s a picture of this very thing.”

Tie to gospel:

“Buried with Christ… raised to new life.”

Then pivot immediately:

“But baptism doesn’t start the story—Jesus does.”

VIII. Closing Image

Bring it back to gardens:

“We lost everything in a garden…

Jesus paid for it on a cross…

And in a garden, He began making all things new.”

Then:

“The question is not: Is restoration possible?

The question is: Will you come to the Gardener?”

John 15:1-5 "my Father is the Gardener"

As we move to celebrate the cross and resurrection through the Lord's Supper, where he instituted a perpetual reminder, we pause to confess our sins to a holy God, repenting of those sins, believing Jesus forgives and saves, and receiving the gift of salvation by grace through faith in him alone.

Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Pray

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

NOTES

Introduction (long version, but here it is stream of consciousness)

Marvel Studios turned their company around when they began making superhero movies. (Tell this story briefly how they went from near bankrupcy to box office success through the risk taking of Kevin Fahge and the first Iron Man movie) The idea became a series of movies (22?) that fit under the banner of phases 1-4 of the Avengers. (?) What makes this franchise pretty unique is that all 22 of these movies fit into a larger story arc that covered many (15 years?) years. Each superhero origin story and sequel contributed to the meta-story arc resulting in one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.

Why do I share this with you? Because it is very much like what the Bible represents in it's library of 66 books with dozens of origin stories all pointing to the meta-story arc from Genesis 1-2 through Revelation 21-22. The story: Creation-->Fall-->Redemption-->Restoration.

As I was preparing for today, I ran across this quip by author Leonard Sweet:

"How can a church silence or stifle the voices of women when you can't tell the story of Holy Week without hearing the voices of women?"

I'd already been considering the 2 gardens--2 women idea when I read that and sensed God confirming my direction.

As I was trying to decide what to preach this Easter Sunday, I seriously considered continuing through our Genesis series. But Sodom and Gomorrah. Not your typical "Positive and uplifting" Easter fodder.

Earlier that week, my wife gently suggested that it might be good to preach a resurrection sermon on resurrection day. Ha! So, believing that that was from the Lord, I pivoted to John 20:1-18, dipping back into that deep well of truth John writes about so well. And there I found a woman. Mary Magdalene or Mary from the town of Magdala. Tradition says she was a prostitute, though scripture does not back that up. However, she was demonically possessed. In Mark and Luke we read where Jesus delivered her from not 1, not 2 but 7 demons. She was thoroughly and completely enslaved to demons. Is anything too difficult for God?

She then begins to follow Jesus, though women were not permitted to be disciples formally. She was apparently a woman of some means. She followed Jesus and supported his ministry both financially and personally with all her time. She was as devoted as any of the twelve disciples were.

In John 20, we find her devotion unwavering as she approaches the tomb early Sunday morning. It's before dark as she heads to the tomb. Hence, many participate in sunrise services every Easter. At some point, 3 other ladies join her at the tomb. And none of them know how they'll actually get into the tomb with a giant bolder rolled in place to keep people out. Yet here she is. Here they will gather. But let's focus on Mary of Magdala. In a garden.

Joseph of Arimethia's tomb was in or near a garden. In fact, when Mary sees the resurrected Jesus at first, she thinks he's the gardener (v. 15).

What was lost in the Garden of Eden will begin to be restored at the tomb in another garden...a garden near Golgotha, the place of the skull. And if you think it's weird to have a garden close to tombs, think about cemetaries today. We cultivate gardens with flowers around them headstones and around the grounds. We want people to rest in a beatiful place symbolic of the most beautiful place they will (hopefully) end up in...the new heaven and the new earth.

We'll go back in time another 2,000 years to another garden and another woman. Eve, in the Garden of Eden, will disobey her father. She'll crave, take and then eat a piece of forbidden fruit, share a piece with Adam, and thrust humanity into darkness. We'll see the Fall of humanity in that moment where brokenness on earth began.

We'll also see a promise made by God to Adam and Eve. A promise that the "Seed" of Eve will make things new again. Will reverse the curse and re-establish a new garden and a new city.

We'll begin to see that we're in a meta-story. One that began with Creation that was good. (Genesis 1:31) We are in the part of the story between Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22. The bookends, if you will, of this meta-story. Z

Brokenness begins in Genesis 3.

Restoration begins in John 19-20.

The Bible tells one story that explains all of it. Good to broken to Good again.

The Bible is one story. His-story. History. The 66 books of the Bible include origin stories that all point to the meta-story. After all, it's the one story that matters most of all. But our story fits underneath this story arc. Our story matters. Our story is still being written today. How will it end?

“To quote another German one Nietzsche would have deeply disagreed with, the great Martin Hengel of the University of Tübingen concluded his groundbreaking study of the origins of the New Testament idea of atonement with these words. Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples, and in it, in a symbolic action, he related the broken bread to the breaking of his body, and at the end of the meal the wine in the cup of blessing to the pouring out of his blood, through which the new eschatological covenant with God would be founded, and atonement would be achieved for all. A story is told about the late Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Martini, and man, I hope it's an accurate story.

The Cardinalʼs Confession

Apparently, in a public lecture years ago, he told this lovely anecdote. He said he knew of three young men in Rome years before, who spent a debauched night out on the town together, which ended with them all sitting drunk on the steps of an old church in Rome. And high above them, they noticed on the outside wall of the church, there was a huge crucifix.

For a moment, they looked up at it, remembering the lessons from their childhood, and then one of them gave a dare. One of us should go in, find the priest on duty, and confess to him all the terrible things we've done tonight, and shock him by inventing further sins, and then just as a joke, do whatever penance he offers. One of them piped up and said he'd do it.

So he walked in, found the elderly priest on duty, sat down, and in excruciating detail began to describe all of the actual sins of the evening, and then some of the invented ones, hardly holding back the mockery. The priest apparently just listened patiently, and then said, I want you to do something for me. Outside our church is a large statue of Jesus on a cross.

He died for your sins. I want you to go down the front steps of the church, turn around, point your finger at it, and say out loud, I know what you've done, and I don't give a damn.

Will you do that?

It didn't sound like any penance the boy had heard about before, but he thought he'd give it a go. He ran outside. His friends were eager to hear what happened.

He walked down the steps. He turned around, and sure enough, there's the statue that somehow looked bigger and more serious than he remembered. And he pointed his finger at it and rehearsed in his mind the words, I know what you've done and I don't give a damn.

He couldn't do it. In fact, in front of his friends, he knelt down on the steps in remorse and respect. Now, when the Bishop of Milan told this story, he ended by saying, I want you to know this story is true.

I was that young man in Rome 40 years ago, and it was the pivotal moment of my life. What was it that changed him? Well, not a piece of religious penance, but confronting his guilt and shame while looking at the cross.

And my question this Easter, dear listeners, is how would you finish the sentence in the light of Good Friday? I know what you've done, and… For some, I'm sure it's going to be, and I don't give a damn.

For others, it might be, I need more time to think about it. For others, thank you. Thank you for Good Friday.

Good beyond compare.

On Undeceptions Podcast.”

From Undeceptions with John Dickson: 173. Good Friday, Mar 29, 2026

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undeceptions-with-john-dickson/id1478239058?i=1000758071210&r=3294

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey

Title: Can God Really Restore What’s Broken?

Scripture: Genesis 2:18–25; John 19:41–20:18

What if the Bible isn’t a collection of disconnected stories—but one unified story pointing to Jesus?

In this Easter message, Pastor Darien Gabriel walks us from one garden to another—from the Garden of Eden, where brokenness began, to the garden tomb, where restoration began through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We all feel it—grief, broken relationships, anxiety, regret. The question is: Can anything truly restore what’s been lost?

Through the cross and resurrection, we discover that Jesus doesn’t just meet us in our brokenness—He makes a way to restore us.

This message includes a clear, visual presentation of the gospel using the “3 Circles” and a powerful look at the story of Mary Magdalene, the first witness to the risen Christ.

If you’re searching for hope, healing, or a fresh start—this message is for you.

⸻

Bottom Line:

Because of the cross and resurrection, what was broken by sin can be restored by Jesus—if we repent, believe, and receive Him.

⸻

Next Steps:

If you made a decision to follow Jesus or want to learn more, we’d love to connect with you.

🌐 Visit: https://DarienGabriel.com

⸻

About Grace Christian Fellowship:

We exist to glorify God and enjoy Him forever by making disciples of Jesus Christ who make disciples—around the corner and around the world.

⸻

Stay Connected:

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe | 📤 Share

#brokennes #Jesus #salvation #gardens #marveluniverse

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Easter, God's Promises, Our Journey, bible-believing church, non-denominational church
Are You Marked by the Promise or the Promise-Maker? | Genesis 17:1-27 | Darien Gabriel
Are You Marked by the Promise or the Promise-Maker? | Genesis 17:1-27 | Darien Gabriel

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Are You Marked by the Promise or by the Promiser (Promise-maker)?"

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-27

Romans 4:9-12

Galatians 5:16-17

Colossians 2:11-12

Bottom Line: The sign (mark) identifies you—but the Promiser defines you.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

⸻

Context (Opening Paragraph)

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram and makes a life-altering promise—to make him into a great nation. (Among other things)

In Genesis 15, that promise becomes a formal covenant, secured entirely by God Himself. (Remember the flame and smoking pot? Abram sleeping?)

Now in Genesis 17, that same covenant is expanded—Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah, and God establishes circumcision as the covenant sign. The promise is now not only declared and guaranteed, but embodied and carried forward through generations.

This isn’t the first time God used a symbol to remind us of a covenant.

Rainbow (Noah)

Circumcision (Abraham)

Sabbath (Moses)

Baptism (New covenant)

There’s another one that isn’t in the bible but is used in Christian tradition…

⸻

Opening Illustration (Wedding Ring)

“When my daughters were younger, I used to tease them with my wedding ring. I’d slip it off and say, ‘Look, I’m not married anymore.’ Then I’d put it back on—‘Now I am.’ Back and forth—married, not married. They’d laugh, but also feel the tension. Then I’d say, ‘No, really—we’re still married whether the ring is on or off. The ring is just a symbol of the covenant promise I made before God.’

Think about the symbols we sometimes cling to—church attendance, family heritage, even baptism or communion. These are good, but they’re signs. The real question is: are we holding on to the sign, or the One who made the promise?”

⸻

Bottom Line: The sign identifies you—but the Promiser defines you.

⸻

Outline (Genesis 17) 13 years later...(after Gen 16)

1. God Reaffirms His Covenant (vv. 1–8)

• “I am God Almighty… walk before me and be blameless”

• Abram → Abraham (identity shift)

• Covenant remains rooted in God’s initiative

👉 Key Idea: Identity begins with who God says you are. (Which flows from who he is and what he does) #root2fruit

⸻

2. God Establishes the Sign (vv. 9–14)

• Circumcision = outward sign of covenant

• Required, but not the source of the covenant

👉 Key Idea: The sign points to the relationship—it is not the relationship.

⸻

3. God Clarifies the Promise (vv. 15–27)

• Sarai → Sarah

• Isaac promised

• Covenant will continue through promise, not human effort

👉 Key Idea: God fulfills His promise His way. He is faithful!

⸻

“Genesis 17 gives us the sign—but the rest of Scripture shows us what the sign was always pointing to.”

Genesis 17 is the shadow → Christ is the substance.

“Let me show you how this finds its fulfillment in Christ.”

Key Cross References (Keep It Tight)

1. Romans 4:9–12

• Abraham justified before circumcision

👉 Faith precedes the sign

2. Colossians 2:11–12

• Circumcision of Christ → baptism connection

👉 External sign points to internal transformation

3. Galatians 5:16–17, 25

• Walk by the Spirit

👉 Evidence of belonging is a Spirit-led life

⸻

Application (“So What?”)

• Don’t confuse signs with salvation (baptism doesn’t save…)

• Ask: Am I relying on what I’ve done or who God is? (We fail—he is faithful because of who he is)

• Obedience is not how we earn identity—it’s how we express it (Obedience is our evidence and witness)

• Walk in step with the Spirit, not just religious habits. (Daily disciplines are essential ingredients to transformation. But they shouldn’t be disconnected from God’s Spirit directing your transformation)

⸻

Closing Illustration (Adoption Story)

“Imagine a little girl who’s adopted into a loving family. At first, she clings to her adoption papers—proof that she belongs. She carries them everywhere. But over time, those papers stay in a drawer. Why? Because she no longer needs proof—she knows she belongs. She experiences it every day in her parents’ love.

In the same way, God hasn’t just given us signs—He’s given us Himself. The question is not whether you have the sign… but whether you’re living as someone who belongs to the Father.”

⸻

Closing Challenge

Are you marked by the promise… or by the Promiser?

NOTES

"This phrase. "And kings shall come from you" is the genesis of Palm Sunday. -Hughes

"God Commands Circumcision (w. 9-14)

The next section of God's speech details and proscribes the covenant of circumcision.

Sign of the covenant. Specifically, God said, "This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you:

Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you" (vv. 10, 11). As to its function as a sign, Ronald Youngblood explains:

As the rainbow is the sign of the Noahic covenant (Gen. 9:13), and as the Sabbath is the sign of the Sinaitic covenant (Exod. 31:16-17), so circumcision became the sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 17:11). The rainbow and the Sabbath already existed prior to the institution of the covenants they came to signify. So also circumcision did not originate with Abraham. It was practiced in Egypt and elsewhere centuries before his time, but it received new meaning in Genesis 17. Similarly, thousands of people were crucified before the time of Jesus, but the cross took on a vastly new and different meaning when our Lord was crucified.

Early on, circumcision came to symbolize the spiritual commitment of one's life to God. Moses wrote,

"And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live" (Deuteronomy 30:6).

Likewise Jeremiah challenged the people, "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 4:4).

As a sign, circumcision functioned much as a wedding ring symbolizes commitment." -Hughes, p. 248

Rainbow-->Noahic covenant

Sabbath-->Sinaitic covenant

Circumcision-->Abrahamic covenant

Baptism-->New covenant

Wedding ring-->Marriage covenant (traditional, not bibical)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Title: Are You Marked by the Promise or by the Promiser?

Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey

Scripture: Genesis 17

Preacher: Darien Gabriel

What really defines your identity—what you do for God, or your relationship with the God who made you His own?

In Genesis 17, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, gives him a new name, and establishes circumcision as the sign of belonging. But this chapter presses a deeper question: is it possible to hold onto the sign and miss the One it points to?

In this message, Darien Gabriel explores how God’s covenant shapes our identity, why outward signs were never meant to replace inward faith, and how everything in Genesis ultimately points forward to Jesus and the transforming work of the Spirit.

Bottom Line:

The sign identifies you—but the Promiser defines you.

Key Passages:

  • Genesis 17

  • Romans 4:9–12

  • Colossians 2:11–12

  • Galatians 5:16–17, 25

Whether you’re exploring faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will challenge you to examine what you’re really trusting—and invite you into a deeper relationship with the Promiser Himself.

—

🔗 Learn more: DarienGabriel.com

🌐 Church website: GraceToday.net

#Genesis #Faith #Covenant #Jesus #BibleTeaching

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship
How Can We Be Sure God Will Keep His Promises? | Genesis 15:7-21
How Can We Be Sure God Will Keep His Promises? | Genesis 15:7-21

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "How can we be sure God will keep his promises?"

Scripture: Genesis 15:7-21 NIV

Jeremiah 34:17-20

Galatians 3:13-16

Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

⸻

INTRODUCTION

The Wedding Vow

Most people understand contracts, but marriage vows are closer to biblical covenant.

In a wedding, two people stand before witnesses and promise faithfulness:

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.”

Those vows mean:

“I am committing myself to you even if circumstances change.”

Now imagine a wedding where only one person says the vows.

Imagine the groom saying:

“Even if you fail me, I will remain faithful to you.”

That would be startling.

But that is essentially what happens in Genesis 15.

Abram prepares for a covenant ceremony. He would have expected both parties to pass between the pieces. Instead, Abram is put into a deep sleep, and God alone passes through.

God is saying:

“Abram, this promise finally rests on Me.”

That is how we can be sure God will keep His promises.

Not because we are so faithful, but because He is.

⸻

CONTEXT

Genesis 15 comes in the middle of tension.

God has already promised Abram land, offspring, and blessing. But Abram still has no son. Sarai is still barren. The land is still occupied.

So Genesis 15 is about the space between promise and fulfillment.

And in that space, God does not rebuke Abram.

He reassures him.

Last week in Genesis 15:1, God said, “I am your sovereign/shield.”

Now in verses 7–21, God shows Abram WHY He can be trusted.

⸻

Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ.

SERMON

Genesis 15 has two halves:

• Verses 1–6: the promise believed

• Verses 7–21: the promise guaranteed

Last week we focused on Abram believing God.

This week we focus on God guaranteeing His promise.

3 BIG TRUTHS

1. God reminds Abram who He is and what He has done (v. 7)

“I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”

Before God explains what He will do, He reminds Abram who He is and what He has already done.

That is important.

God builds Abram’s confidence in the future by reminding him of His character and His track record.

Two anchors are right there in verse 7:

• Who God is: “I am the LORD”

• What God has done: “who brought you out of Ur”

God often strengthens our faith the same way.

When we struggle to trust His promises, He points us backward before He points us forward.

He reminds us:

• I am the LORD

• I have been faithful before

• I will be faithful again

Application

When your faith is weak, start here:

• Remember who God is

• Remember what God has done

Our confidence in God’s promises grows when we look at His character and His past faithfulness.

⸻

2. God’s covenant promise depends on His faithfulness, not Abram’s performance (vv. 12–17)

This is the heart of the passage.

Abram prepares the covenant animals. In that world, both parties would normally walk between the pieces. It was a solemn way of saying:

“May this happen to me if I break this covenant.”

But Abram never walks through.

Instead:

• Abram is put into a deep sleep

• God alone passes through the pieces

The smoking firepot and blazing torch represent the presence of God.

So what is God saying?

He is saying:

“Abram, I am taking full responsibility for this covenant.”

This promise rests finally on My faithfulness, not yours.

That does not mean Abram’s faith does not matter. It does. But the covenant is not secured by Abram’s perfection. It is secured by God’s commitment.

That is why Abram’s later failures do not cancel God’s promise.

Simple way to say it

Abram receives.

God guarantees.

Illustration

It is like an inheritance.

A father prepares something for his children.

The children do not create it.

They do not negotiate it.

They receive what the father establishes.

Genesis 15 shows us that God is building a covenant family, and Abram is receiving what God creates.

Application

That is good news for us.

If God’s promises depended mainly on our consistency, we would all be in trouble.

But the covenant rests on God’s faithfulness.

⸻

3. This covenant ultimately points to Jesus (Galatians 3; Lord’s Supper)

Genesis 15 does not end with Abram. It is foundational. It points forward to Christ.

Think again about the covenant ritual.

Animals are cut apart.

The covenant maker passes between them, saying in effect:

“May I bear the curse if this covenant is broken.”

In Genesis 15, God takes that oath upon Himself.

So the big question becomes:

If people fail God again and again, who will bear the covenant curse?

The answer is Jesus.

Galatians 3:13 says:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”

Galatians 3:16 says the promises were ultimately centered in Christ.

So Genesis 15 is pointing ahead to the cross.

At the cross:

• God keeps His promise

• God bears the curse

• God secures salvation for His people

What God symbolized in Genesis 15, He fulfills in Jesus.

God said, in effect, “I will bear the cost.”

And at the cross, He did.

That is why Genesis 15 is one of the clearest foreshadowings of the gospel in the Old Testament.

⸻

CONCLUSION

So how can we be sure God will keep His promises?

Because in Genesis 15, God does three things:

• He reminds Abram who He is & what He’s done

• He guarantees the covenant Himself based on His willingness to die for our failures

• He points us forward to Jesus

So when you struggle to trust God, remember:

• Look at His character

• Look at His past faithfulness

• Look at the cross

The cross is the ultimate proof that God keeps His word.

⸻

LORD’S SUPPER TRANSITION

As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise.

At this table we look back and remember:

• Christ has died

• Christ is risen

• Christ will come again

The bread and cup remind us that God does not just make promises.

He keeps them.

Jesus said in Luke 22 that the cup is the new covenant in His blood.

So today we come not trusting in our faithfulness to God, but in God’s faithfulness to us through Christ.

Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ.

CLOSING APPEAL

So what is God saying to you today?

Perhaps He is saying:

• Stop measuring My faithfulness by your circumstances

• Remember who I am

• Remember what I have done

• Trust My Son

And what will you do about it?

Will you trust Him again?

Will you rest in His faithfulness?

Will you come to the table grateful that Jesus has secured what you never could?

Amen.

Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey

Title: How Can We Be Sure God Will Keep His Promises?

Scripture: Genesis 15:7–21

Jeremiah 34:17–20

Galatians 3:13–16

1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Luke 22:14–20; 28–30

Hebrews 8:8–12

Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ.

⸻

INTRODUCTION

The Wedding Vow

Most people understand contracts, but marriage vows are closer to biblical covenant.

In a wedding, two people stand before witnesses and promise faithfulness:

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.”

Those vows mean:

“I am committing myself to you even if circumstances change.”

Now imagine a wedding where only one person says the vows.

Imagine the groom saying:

“Even if you fail me, I will remain faithful to you.”

That would be startling.

But that is essentially what happens in Genesis 15.

Abram prepares for a covenant ceremony. He would have expected both parties to pass between the pieces. Instead, Abram is put into a deep sleep, and God alone passes through.

God is saying:

“Abram, this promise finally rests on Me.”

That is how we can be sure God will keep His promises.

Not because we are so faithful, but because He is.

⸻

CONTEXT

Genesis 15 comes in the middle of tension.

God has already promised Abram land, offspring, and blessing. But Abram still has no son. Sarai is still barren. The land is still occupied.

So Genesis 15 is about the space between promise and fulfillment.

And in that space, God does not rebuke Abram.

He reassures him.

Last week in Genesis 15:1, God said, “I am your sovereign/shield.”

Now in verses 7–21, God shows Abram WHY He can be trusted.

⸻

Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ.

SERMON

Genesis 15 has two halves:

• Verses 1–6: the promise believed

• Verses 7–21: the promise guaranteed

Last week we focused on Abram believing God.

This week we focus on God guaranteeing His promise.

3 BIG TRUTHS

1. God reminds Abram who He is and what He has done (v. 7)

“I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”

Before God explains what He will do, He reminds Abram who He is and what He has already done.

That is important.

God builds Abram’s confidence in the future by reminding him of His character and His track record.

Two anchors are right there in verse 7:

• Who God is: “I am the LORD”

• What God has done: “who brought you out of Ur”

God often strengthens our faith the same way.

When we struggle to trust His promises, He points us backward before He points us forward.

He reminds us:

• I am the LORD

• I have been faithful before

• I will be faithful again

Application

When your faith is weak, start here:

• Remember who God is

• Remember what God has done

Our confidence in God’s promises grows when we look at His character and His past faithfulness.

⸻

2. God’s covenant promise depends on His faithfulness, not Abram’s performance (vv. 12–17)

This is the heart of the passage.

Abram prepares the covenant animals. In that world, both parties would normally walk between the pieces. It was a solemn way of saying:

“May this happen to me if I break this covenant.”

But Abram never walks through.

Instead:

• Abram is put into a deep sleep

• God alone passes through the pieces

The smoking firepot and blazing torch represent the presence of God.

So what is God saying?

He is saying:

“Abram, I am taking full responsibility for this covenant.”

This promise rests finally on My faithfulness, not yours.

That does not mean Abram’s faith does not matter. It does. But the covenant is not secured by Abram’s perfection. It is secured by God’s commitment.

That is why Abram’s later failures do not cancel God’s promise.

Simple way to say it

Abram receives.

God guarantees.

Illustration

It is like an inheritance.

A father prepares something for his children.

The children do not create it.

They do not negotiate it.

They receive what the father establishes.

Genesis 15 shows us that God is building a covenant family, and Abram is receiving what God creates.

Application

That is good news for us.

If God’s promises depended mainly on our consistency, we would all be in trouble.

But the covenant rests on God’s faithfulness.

⸻

3. This covenant ultimately points to Jesus (Galatians 3; Lord’s Supper)

Genesis 15 does not end with Abram. It is foundational. It points forward to Christ.

Think again about the covenant ritual.

Animals are cut apart.

The covenant maker passes between them, saying in effect:

“May I bear the curse if this covenant is broken.”

In Genesis 15, God takes that oath upon Himself.

So the big question becomes:

If people fail God again and again, who will bear the covenant curse?

The answer is Jesus.

Galatians 3:13 says:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”

Galatians 3:16 says the promises were ultimately centered in Christ.

So Genesis 15 is pointing ahead to the cross.

At the cross:

• God keeps His promise

• God bears the curse

• God secures salvation for His people

What God symbolized in Genesis 15, He fulfills in Jesus.

God said, in effect, “I will bear the cost.”

And at the cross, He did.

That is why Genesis 15 is one of the clearest foreshadowings of the gospel in the Old Testament.

⸻

CONCLUSION

So how can we be sure God will keep His promises?

Because in Genesis 15, God does three things:

• He reminds Abram who He is & what He’s done

• He guarantees the covenant Himself based on His willingness to die for our failures

• He points us forward to Jesus

So when you struggle to trust God, remember:

• Look at His character

• Look at His past faithfulness

• Look at the cross

The cross is the ultimate proof that God keeps His word.

⸻

LORD’S SUPPER TRANSITION

As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise.

At this table we look back and remember:

• Christ has died

• Christ is risen

• Christ will come again

The bread and cup remind us that God does not just make promises.

He keeps them.

Jesus said in Luke 22 that the cup is the new covenant in His blood.

So today we come not trusting in our faithfulness to God, but in God’s faithfulness to us through Christ.

Bottom Line: Our confidence in God’s promises rests in His character, His competency, His covenant, and His Christ.

CLOSING APPEAL

So what is God saying to you today?

Perhaps He is saying:

• Stop measuring My faithfulness by your circumstances

• Remember who I am

• Remember what I have done

• Trust My Son

And what will you do about it?

Will you trust Him again?

Will you rest in His faithfulness?

Will you come to the table grateful that Jesus has secured what you never could?

Amen.

NOTES

Numerology

1. The Difference Between 3 and 7

3 — Divine Witness or Divine Action

Three often signals that God himself is acting, confirming, or revealing something.

It frequently appears where God’s activity or testimony is emphasized.

Examples:

• Abraham, Isaac, Jacob — the patriarchal line.

• Jonah three days in the fish (Jonah 1:17).

• Jesus raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4).

• Peter’s threefold restoration (John 21:15–17).

In simple terms:

3 = God’s action or divine testimony.

It often marks a moment when God steps into history.

7 — Completion / Covenant Fulfillment

Seven signals completion, sacred fullness, or covenant perfection.

It often appears where God brings something to its intended completion.

Examples:

• 7 days of creation (Genesis 1–2).

• Sabbath on the 7th day.

• Sevenfold covenant symbolism in several passages (e.g., Genesis 21:28–31).

• Seven seals, trumpets, bowls in Revelation.

In simple terms:

7 = God bringing something to completion or covenant fullness.

A Helpful Way to Distinguish Them

Number Core Idea Function

3 Divine action / witness God stepping in

7 Divine completion God finishing what He started

So you might say:

• 3 = God acts

• 7 = God completes

2. The Number 2 Is Very Relevant in Genesis 15 as well

The Biblical Principle

Deuteronomy 19:15

“A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Ancient covenants normally involved two parties walking between the pieces (a self-maledictory oath):

“May what happened to these animals happen to me if I break this covenant.”

What Makes Genesis 15 Unique

Normally two covenant partners would walk the path.

But in Genesis 15:

• Abram does not walk through the pieces.

• Only God passes through (symbolized by the smoking firepot and flaming torch).

It means:

God takes the entire covenant obligation upon himself.

In other words:

• God is both witness and guarantor.

• Abram receives the promise by faith (Genesis 15:6).

3. How the Numbers Work Together in Genesis 15

Interestingly, several symbolic numbers converge here.

2 — Witness / Covenant Testimony

God acts as the covenant guarantor.

3 — Divine Action

The covenant ritual itself emphasizes God’s direct intervention in Abram’s story.

5 Animals (Genesis 15:9)

• Heifer

• Goat

• Ram

• Turtledove

• Pigeon

Some see 5 here as grace, though that connection is less certain.

⸻

4. The Real Theological Point

The numbers serve the story, but the story drives the meaning.

Genesis 15 shows:

• Abram believes (15:6)

• God guarantees the promise himself (15:17–18)

Which is exactly how Paul interprets the passage in Romans 4 and Galatians 3.

You could summarize it for preaching like this:

In Genesis 15, God doesn’t just make a promise to Abram—He walks the covenant path alone, declaring that the fulfillment of His promise ultimately rests on Him.

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGod's Promsies, God's Promises, Our Journey, Genesis, Darien Gabriel, Bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship
How Do God's Promises Shape Our Faith Journey? | Genesis 15:1-6
How Do God's Promises Shape Our Faith Journey? | Genesis 15:1-6

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: “How Does God’s Promise Shape Our Faith Journey?”

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6 NIV

Habakkuk 2:4

Luke 2-3

Ephesians 2:8-10

Romans 4:3-5; 20-22

Galatians 3:6-9, 14

James 2:21-23

Bottom Line: When we trust God’s promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“The Signed Contract Before the House Exists”

In 2006, we started looking for a house to buy in Summerville. We'd just accepted the position to come to Grace and were excited about what we might move into. But our excitement faded as we saw what we'd care for the money we were bringing from our last house sale. So, in the end, it made more sense for us to build a new house over buying an existing one.

Imagine a young couple buying a home that hasn’t been built yet.

There is:

• No framing

• No roof

• No walls

• Just dirt and a blueprint or rendering

But they sign a contract.

They put down earnest money.

They commit financially.

Why would they do that?

Because they trust:

• The builder’s reputation

• The written promise

• The legal agreement

They are acting today on something they cannot yet see.

That’s Genesis 15.

Abram:

• Has no son

• Has no visible nation

• Has no fulfillment

• Only a word from God

And verse 6 says he signed the contract in his heart.

“Abram believed the LORD…”

Faith is not pretending the house is already standing.

Faith is signing your life to the One who promised to build it.

That sets up:

• Romans 4 — persuaded God will do what He promised

• Galatians 3 — we inherit the same contract by faith

• James 2 — if you signed it, you start living like it

CONTEXT

Genesis 15 comes at a pivotal moment in Abram’s journey. In Genesis 12, God called Abram out of Ur with sweeping promises of land, offspring, and blessing — but Abram still has no child. In Genesis 13, he lets Lot choose the better land and must trust God again for the promise. In Genesis 14, Abram rescues Lot, defeats powerful kings, refuses the riches of Sodom, and is blessed by Melchizedek — demonstrating growing faith and allegiance to God alone. Yet despite spiritual victory, the central promise remains unfulfilled: Abram is aging, Sarai is barren, and the land is still occupied by other nations. Genesis 15 opens in that tension — between promise and fulfillment, between faith and visible reality — and God responds not with rebuke, but with covenant.

OUTLINE (with references):

1. Fear Meets God’s Promise (Genesis 15:1-2): Abraham’s fears—reprisal and no heir—are met by God’s protection and provision.

2. Who God Is in the Journey (Genesis 15:1, 5): Present, protector, provider, sovereign, life-giver—all shaping trust.

3. Faith Receives God’s Promise (Genesis 15:6): Abraham believed, and it was credited as righteousness.

SERMON

Review from Genesis 12:1-3:

  1. God Is the Initiator of Redemption

  2. God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him

  3. God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional

  4. God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places

  5. God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness

1. Fear Meets God’s Promise (Genesis 15:1-2): Abraham’s fears—reprisal and no heir—are met by God’s protection and provision.

2. Who God Is in the Journey (Genesis 15:1, 5): Present, protector, provider, sovereign, life-giver—all shaping trust.

The stars in the sky in Uganda. (Show Chris' pic)

"On a clear night, at most 5,000 individual stars can be seen with the naked eye, as well as objects like the fuzzy outline of the Andromeda Galaxy, with its estimated 100 billion stars, 2.5 million light years away!" -Lennox, p. 113

"ACCORDING TO THE WRITERS of Hebrews and the Genesis record, the link between faith and righteousness was not a New Testament invention, nor was it even a patriarchal innovation. Instead, the dynamic connection between faith and righteousness is rooted in primeval history well before the flood. The lives of three famous pre-diluvians-Abel, Enoch, and Noah— make this very clear.

Of Abel we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks" (Hebrews 11:4). Faith-righteousness was exemplified in earth's first family by the second son of Adam and Eve.

Of Enoch Genesis says, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (5:24). The metaphor "walked" indicates closest communion and intimacy—a righteous life. Enoch's godly walk grew out of his faith, as Hebrews makes so clear: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God" (11:5). According to verse 6, his God-pleasing faith believed that "God is" (literal translation of the Greek)-that the sovereign God of creation is God. He also believed that God "rewards those who seek him"-that God is positively equitable.

As a result, Jude 14, 15 records that he became a preacher of righteousness, apparently for his entire life, for some three centuries! Enoch's life demonstrated a righteousness based on faith.

Of Noah Genesis says, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God" (6:9). That Noah "walked with God" identifies him with the godly character of Enoch. But even more significant, the statement that "Noah was a righteous man" is the first occurrence of the word righteous tsadiq) in the Bible. Noah's righteousness was not derived from his being perfect or any antecedent righteousness, but because he believed God, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household" (11:7). The biblical doctrine of imputed righteousness (a righteousness from God) began here in primeval history before the flood!" -Hughes, pp. 221-222

3. Faith Receives God’s Promise (Genesis 15:6): Abraham believed, and it was credited as righteousness.

Cross-References for Genesis 15:6 - Faith credited as righteousness. #core

• Romans 4:3-5, 20-22 - Faith credited as righteousness. #standing #position

• Galatians 3:6-9, 14 - Faith connects us to the promise. #family #mission #nations

• James 2:21-23 - Faith is active, not passive. #living #practical #behaviors

Bottom Line: When we trust God’s promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step.

So How Does God’s Promise Shape Our Faith Journey?

He brings security, confidence and peace because of who he is and what he does as our personally present provider and protector.

More application:

First, when you face fear—whether fear of the future or uncertainty—remind yourself that God is both your protector and provider. Concretely, when you face a major decision, begin by praying for His presence in it.

Second, trust in God’s promise of righteousness—when you feel inadequate or guilty, recall that your standing is secure by faith. For example, when you fail, don’t retreat—confess and continue walking with Him.

Third, active faith leads to action—like Abraham, step forward in obedience. If God’s promise is sure, what step of obedience is He calling you to right now?

Fourth, when considering your connection to God’s larger promise (like in Galatians 3), remember that your faith ties you to a bigger family of faith. Practically, live out that community—extend grace and include others in your faith journey.

Finally, as James 2 emphasizes, ask yourself: How is my faith visible in action this week? Identify one tangible act of service or obedience you’ll do in response to trusting Him.

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: When we trust God’s promise, our journey is secure—He makes us right with Him and leads us step by step.

“The Shield You Carry vs. The Shield You Trust”

You could return to Genesis 15:1:

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield…”

In ancient warfare, a shield only works if you trust it enough to stand behind it.

If a soldier:

• Keeps peeking out

• Keeps lowering the shield

• Keeps running forward in panic

The shield cannot protect him.

The issue is not whether the shield works.

The issue is whether he will stand behind it.

Abram’s fear was real:

• Eastern kings

• No heir

• An aging body

God doesn’t say:

“Be brave.”

He says:

“I am your shield.”

And Abram stands behind that promise.

Romans 4 says he was fully persuaded.

Galatians 3 says we now stand in that same promise.

James 2 says if you really trust the shield, you’ll fight differently.

So the question becomes:

Are you standing behind the Shield?

Or are you trying to carry your own?

That lands the plane cleanly on:

• God as protector

• God as provider

• Faith that rests

• Faith that acts

INVITATION

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"As Von Rad has said, "But above all, his righteousness is not the result of any accomplishments, whether of sacrifice or acts of obedience.

Rather, it is stated programmatically that belief alone has brought Abraham into a proper relationship to God."

This understanding is revolutionary! Circa 2000 B.C., Abram was declared righteous because of his belief. This declaration was in profound accord with the primeval fathers Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Furthermore, the principle has remained operative through both primeval and patriarchal history and the entire old-covenant era and is the foundation of the new covenant." -Hughes, p. 225

"It has always been the same-in primeval times and patriarchal times. under the old covenant and the new covenant: Faith brings righteousness

and salvation.

So it was for Abel: "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain" (Hebrews 11:4). Abel was saved by faith, a faith that was not alone because it produced better works than Cain.

So it was for Enoch: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death" (Hebrews 11:5). But Enoch's faith was such that he "walked with God" (Genesis 5:22) before he was no more. His faith was a real faith a faith that worked.

So it was for Noah: "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" (Hebrews 11:7). Noah's profound faith produced a profound obedience. And his works were monumental: "He did all that God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22; cf. 7:5, 9, 16). His was a faith that worked.

So it was with Abram: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac" (v. 17a.). Abraham was saved by faith alone-a faith that was not alone faith that works!

We conclude this study with two penetrating questions. Have you rested your faith on God the Son, Jesus Christ, alone for your salvation? That is the first question. Are you trusting your works or Christ? Now if you answer, I am trusting Christ alone," then the second question is, has your faith produced works? Is your faith real enough that it has changed your life? These are salutary questions because you are saved by faith alone. But if it is true faith, it is faith that is not alone but a faith that works." -Hughes, p. 218

"When someone is called 'a person of faith' it usually means that they are adherents of a particular religious tradition. It does not normally refer to the obvious yet frequently overlooked fact that everyone exercises faith every day in a myriad different ways - just think what would happen if people did not place their faith/trust in maps, traffic lights, electric appliances, or doctors, surgeons, pilots, lawyers and so on. In that important sense, everyone is a person of faith. Faith, as such, is not a religious concept." -Lennox, p. 117

Below is:

1. A refined opening (pastoral tone)

2. A clean covenant pivot

3. A governing Big Idea

4. A simple sermon skeleton that keeps the focus where it belongs

🔹 Big Idea for Genesis 15

Here is a clear, governing sentence you can build the entire sermon around:

Because God alone guarantees His covenant promises, we can trust Him completely — even when fulfillment seems impossible.

Or slightly shorter:

When God makes a promise, He stakes His own reputation on keeping it.

That fits your series theme beautifully.

⸻

🔹 Sermon Skeleton (Text-Driven)

Genesis 15 naturally unfolds in four movements:

1️⃣ God Reassures a Fearful Abram (15:1)

“Do not be afraid… I am your shield.”

• God gives Himself before He gives land.

• The first promise in the chapter is protection, not territory.

• Application: The promise of God’s presence precedes the promise of provision.

⸻

2️⃣ God Counts Abram’s Faith as Righteousness (15:2–6)

Abram asks honest questions.

God responds with stars.

Abram believes.

God credits righteousness.

• This is the theological heart of the chapter.

• Paul builds justification by faith on this verse (Romans 4, Galatians 3).

The land promise sits inside a gospel promise.

⸻

3️⃣ God Formalizes the Covenant (15:7–17)

• Animals cut in two.

• Normally both parties walk through.

• Only the smoking firepot and blazing torch (symbolizing God) pass between the pieces.

Meaning:

“If this covenant fails, may I be torn apart.”

Abram contributes nothing to the covenant’s guarantee.

This is grace before Sinai.

⸻

4️⃣ God Defines the Land (15:18–21)

Yes — boundaries are named.

Yes — geography matters.

But notice the order:

Faith → Righteousness → Covenant → Land.

The land is downstream of relationship.

The promise of place flows out of the promise of belonging.

⸻

🔹 Pastoral Landing for GCF

Given your church’s mission —

“To love God and love people by making disciples of Jesus Christ…” —

Genesis 15 reminds us:

We are not sustained by what we secure.

We are sustained by what God guarantees.

Abram does not conquer land in this chapter.

He trusts a promise.

And every disciple-making movement begins the same way:

Not with control.

Not with strategy.

But with confidence in a covenant-keeping God.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Here’s the revised YouTube description, with the preacher and links cleanly integrated and placed where viewers expect them:

Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey

Message Title: What Are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live?

Scripture: Genesis 14:1–24 (NIV); Hebrews 7

Preacher: Darien Gabriel

What does it look like to live the life God calls us to live—especially when we’re surrounded by temptation, fear, and competing allegiances?

In Genesis 14, Abram steps into the first recorded battle in Scripture to rescue his nephew Lot. But the real battle isn’t fought with swords—it’s fought in the heart. Upon returning victorious, Abram is met by two kings and faced with two radically different offers. One tempts him with visible reward and fleeting gain. The other blesses him in the name of El Elyon—God Most High.

This mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, brings bread and wine, speaks blessing, and points Abram back to the promises of God. Hebrews 7 later reveals that Melchizedek is not just a historical figure—but a powerful signpost pointing forward to Jesus Christ, our eternal King and Priest.

In this message, we explore:

  • Why resting in what God has said is essential to faithful living

  • How righteousness, peace, and blessing flow from wholehearted allegiance to God

  • The contrast between living by sight (Lot) and living by faith (Abram)

  • Why Jesus is the better Melchizedek—our ultimate rescuer and eternal intercessor

Bottom Line:

When we rest in what God has said, we walk in His key ingredients—righteousness, peace, and blessing—so that we might be a blessing to the nations, just as He created us to be.

If you’re feeling torn between what you can see and what God has promised, this message invites you to lift your eyes—and your allegiance—to the King who is also our Priest.

🔗 Learn more about the preacher:

Darien Gabriel — https://dariengabriel.com

⛪ Grace Christian Fellowship:

https://gracetoday.net

📖 Scripture References: Genesis 14; Hebrews 7

🙏 Prayer Focus: Growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in Him and leading others to do the same

If this message encouraged you, consider liking, sharing, or subscribing to help others follow the journey of God’s promises together.

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabriel, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, God's Promises, Our Journey, Genesis 15, Abraham, Abram, Sarai
What are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live? | Genesis 14:1-24
What are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live? | Genesis 14:1-24

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "What are the key ingredients to the life God calls us to live?"

Scripture: Genesis 14:1-24 NIV

Hebrews 7

Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.

God reveals himself as our rescuing King and eternal Priest and calls us to wholehearted allegiance.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Free the Hostages

"ON JUNE 27, 1976, armed operatives for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) surprised the twelve crew members of an Air France jetliner and its ninety-one passengers, hijacking it to a destination unknown.

The plane was tracked heading for Central Africa, where indeed it did land under the congenial auspices of then Ugandan President Idi Amin. And there it remained apparently secure at Entebbe Airport, where the hijackers spent the next seven days preparing for their next move. The hijackers were by all estimations in the driver's seat.

However, 2,500 miles away in Tel Aviv three Israeli C-130 Hercules transports were secretly boarded by a deadly force of Israeli commandos who within hours attacked Entebbe under cover of darkness. In less than sixty minutes the commandos rushed the old terminal, gunned down the hijackers, and rescued 110 of the 113 hostages. A few days later, July 4, Israel's Premier Yitzhak Rabin triumphantly declared the mission "will become a legend"—which it surely has.' Israel's resolve and stealth in liberating her people is admired by her friends and begrudged by her enemies.

Actually, Israel's resolve is nothing new because the same quality can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of the Hebrew nation in the prowess of their father Abraham. The kidnappers in his day (the Middle Bronze Age) were an international coalition of four eastern kings headed by King Chedorlaomer who attacked the Transjordan, defeating the city states of Sodom and her neighbors, carrying off a large number of hostages That included Abram's nephew Lot." -Hughes, p. 213

CONTEXT

We've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith.

Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it.

Genesis 13 contrasts Abram’s faith-shaped restraint with Lot’s sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God’s covenant faithfulness.

In Genesis 14 we see the first recorded battle in scripture. We meet Melchizedek, and we see Abram draw encouragement from Melchizedek and rest in what God has said.

There's a powerful lesson for us here.

SERMON

Review from Genesis 12:1-3:

  1. God Is the Initiator of Redemption

  2. God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him

  3. God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional

  4. God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places

  5. God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness

Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.

Outline (help from Outline Bible):

I. THE COURAGE OF ABRAM (14:1-16)

A. The villains (14:1-11)

  1. The rebellion (14:1-4): Five Canaanite city-states rebel against Kedorlaomer of Elam.

  2. The retaliation (14:5-11): Kedorlaomer and his allies defeat the armies of the five city-states, plunder their cities, and carry many people away as slaves.

B. The victim (14:12): Lot, now living in Sodom, is taken away as a slave.

C. The victory (14:13-16)

  1. Abram's army (14:13-14): Upon learning of Lot's capture, Abram and his 318 trained servants ride out to rescue Lot.

  2. Abram's attack (14:15): Abram divides his men and initiates a surprise attack at night.

  3. Abram's achievements (14:16): Kedorlaomer is defeated, and Lot is rescued.

II. THE COMMUNION OF ABRAM (14:17-24)

A. The godly and priestly king of Salem (14:17-20): As he is returning from battle to his home in Hebron, Abram meets Melchize-dek, who blesses him. Abram offers him a tenth of all the goods he has recovered from Kedorlaomer.

B. The godless and perverted king of Sodom (14:21-24): In stark contrast, Abram refuses to have any fellowship with Bera, king of wicked Sodom.

My notes on Gen 14:

This sermon is sort of a part 2 to last week.

Abram rescues Lot and co.--people, possessions and all. And he's met by two kings upon his return: Melchizedek and the King of Sodom. (Name?)

Sodom's king can only see that his losses are back and he can get back at least some of them, thanks to Abram, who rightly deserves the spoils of war. He is consumed by what he can see. So he asks for some of it back, though he deserves none of it.

Melchizedek, however, is a mystery. He is there for Abram at a moment when he's tempted to also get seduced by what he can see. But he finds in Mel a kindred spirit of sorts. Actually, he finds a type of Christ.

This type of Christ behaves very much like Christ. He blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon and praises El Elyon for what he did. He honors the greater even as he blesses the lessor. He also blesses Abram and his men with bread and wine. Could this be a whisper to a future Last Supper?

Lot, fresh off his rescue, could easily be taking all of this in. He's no doubt glad to be alive. He is thinking of all his losses. He believes that Abram will restore his fortunes. He's focused on what he lost...what he could see and some of it he can still see. We know this because he follows the king of Sodom back to the city. He doesn't rest in what God has said. He's now further from that than he's ever been.

Abram, inspired by another person who knows El Elyon, rests in the promises of God and eludes the temptation to dwell on what he can see. He tithes 10% of it to Mel, tells Sodom to give his allies their portion for helping, and surrenders the rest back to Sodom, with the possible invitation for any of the rescued people to join him in his growing clan. It appears none take him up on it.

We're back to the contrast between Abram and Lot; a promise of God and a pile of possessions. Abram chooses well, helped by a mysterious king of righteousness, king of peace and priest of a different priesthood.

This mysterious priest shows up right when Abram needs him. He leads with generous gifts followed by blessings to Abram and adoration to El Elyon.

This is where we are as well. But we don't have a type of Christ showing up to help us right when we need him. We have Christ himself. And he showed up on a Roman cross and shows up for us every day at the right hand of the Father interceding for us in our need.

So the next time you're tempted, like I have been for over a week, to feel sorry for yourself, remember that it only would have been worse if he'd not been praying for you.

Chat GPT notes:

  1. Abram rescues Lot. (Temp salvation)

  2. Abram meets a Priest-King. (Melchizedek appears)

  3. Abram worships through giving. (Recognizes divine favor and responds)

  4. Abram refuses King of Sodom. (Allegiance clarified)

  5. Jesus is the better Melchizedek:

    1. Ultimate rescue

    2. Eternal priesthood

    3. Calls for total allegiance

Closing illustration

How many of you heard/saw last week's message?

I've never gotten so much positive feedback on a message in my life. It's just like God to take someone battling the temptation to have his own pity party to do something like that. God is faithful.

What's sad is that there were people online and on-site who heard the message last week and yet didn't get a thing out of it. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

How can that be? Life-changine for one--Apathetic sigh for the other.

Who's that on?

Abram and Lot were a part of the same war and rescue. But one of them turned away from what God said and went back to the wicked city that was defeated just days before. Like a dog returning to his vomit.

The other turned towards the God of promise: El Elyon. The God Most High. No, not high on a joint--high on his holy hill; holy throne; in his holy temple.

What about you?

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: When we rest in what God said, we walk in his key ingredients of righteousness, peace & blessing that we might be a blessing to the nations as he created us to be.

"Abram rescued Lot from four kings.

Jesus rescues us from sin and death.

Abram met a priest who blessed him.

We have a Priest who intercedes forever.

Abram gave a tenth.

We give our whole lives.

Abram refused Sodom’s reward.

We refuse a kingdom that is passing away.

Because our King is also our Priest." -ChatGPT

INVITATION

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

This is an important theological distinction—especially as you preach through Genesis and encounter figures like Melchizedek in Genesis 14.

Let me define the categories carefully and then contrast them.

1️⃣ What Is a

Type of Christ?

A type (Greek: typos) is a historical person, event, or institution intentionally designed by God to foreshadow Christ.

It is:

  • Real history

  • Symbolically patterned

  • Forward-pointing

  • Incomplete without Christ

The type is not Jesus Himself.

It is a divinely embedded preview.

Key Characteristics of a Type

  • Historical reality

  • Escalation or fulfillment in Christ

  • Often clarified by later Scripture

  • Analogical, not identical

Biblical Examples

Adam

Paul explicitly calls Adam a “type” of Christ (Romans 5:14).

Adam = representative head → Christ = greater representative head.

Melchizedek

Hebrews 7 presents Melchizedek as a type:

  • King of righteousness

  • King of peace

  • Priest of God Most High

  • Without recorded genealogy

But Hebrews never says Melchizedek was Christ — he was “made like” the Son of God (Heb 7:3).

Joseph

Rejected brother → exalted savior → forgives those who wronged him.

A clear Christ-pattern.

Definition:

A type of Christ is a God-ordained historical shadow that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

2️⃣ What Is a

Pre-Incarnate Christ (Christophany)?

A Christophany is an actual appearance of the Son of God before the incarnation.

It is:

  • A real manifestation

  • Personal and divine

  • Not symbolic

  • The second Person of the Trinity appearing visibly

This is not foreshadowing — this is presence.

Classic Christophany Texts

Angel of the LORD

In several passages:

  • Speaks as God

  • Receives worship

  • Forgives sin

  • Identifies Himself as Yahweh

Examples:

  • Genesis 16 (Hagar)

  • Genesis 22 (Abraham and Isaac)

  • Exodus 3 (burning bush)

  • Judges 13 (Manoah)

Many evangelical theologians conclude this is the pre-incarnate Son.

The “Commander of the Lord’s Army” (Joshua 5)

Accepts worship. Identifies ground as holy.

Definition:

A Christophany is a real, pre-incarnate appearance of the eternal Son of God.

3️⃣ The Core Differences

Type of Christ

Christophany

Symbolic foreshadowing

Actual divine appearance

Human or event

Divine manifestation

Points forward to Christ

Is Christ

Incomplete

Fully divine presence

Analogical resemblance

Ontological identity

4️⃣ The Melchizedek Question (Critical for Your Genesis 14 Preaching)

Some argue Melchizedek was a Christophany.

But Hebrews 7 does not say he was the Son of God — it says:

“He is made like the Son of God.”

That language supports typology, not incarnation.

Hebrews is arguing:

  • Jesus is not in the order of Aaron.

  • He is in the order of Melchizedek.

  • Melchizedek prefigures Christ’s eternal priesthood.

If Melchizedek were literally Christ, the argument collapses.

You can’t be “in the order of” yourself.

So for Genesis 14:

  • Melchizedek is best understood as a type.

  • The Angel of the LORD passages are stronger candidates for Christophany.

OUTLINES

SECTION OUTLINE SEVEN (HEBREWS 7) The author identifies and equates the priesthood of Jesus with that of Melchizedek. I. A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE (7:1-3) A. The person of Melchizedek (7:1 a, 2b-3)

  1. Who he was (7:2b): His name means "king of justice," and he was also the "king of peace."

  2. What he did (7:1a): He was both priest and king over the city of Salem.

  3. Where he came from (7:3): There is no record of either his birth or his death. B. The preeminence of Melchizedek (7:1b-2a)

B. The preeminence of Melchizedek (7:1 b-2a)

  1. The battle (7:2a): Following the defeat of his enemies, Abraham met Melchizedek and paid tithes to him.

  2. The blessing (7:1 b): Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

II. A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE (7:4-28): The author lists the various characteristics of Jesus, who, according to the Father's decree, is to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek (see Ps. 110:4). Thus, his priesthood would be: A. Royal (as was that of Melchizedek) (see 7:1) B. Superior (7:4-10)

  1. To whom? (7:5-7): To Levi, founder of the levitical priesthood.

  2. Why? (7:4, 8-10)

a. Abraham was the ancestor of Levi (7:9). b. The yet unborn Levi thus tithed to Melchizedek while still in the loins of Abraham (7:4, 8, 10). C. Independent (7:11-15)

  1. Independent of the law (7:11-12).

  2. Independent of the tribe of Levi (7: 13-15): Christ came from the tribe of Judah.

  3. D. Everlasting (7:16-17)

  4. E. Guaranteed (7:20-22): The Father himself took an oath concerning this.

  5. F. Continuous (7:23)

  6. G. Permanent (7:24)

  7. H. Holy (7:26)

  8. I. All-sufficient (7:18-19, 25, 27)

  9. J. Flawless (7:28)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Here’s the revised YouTube description, with the preacher and links cleanly integrated and placed where viewers expect them:

Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey

Message Title: What Are the Key Ingredients to the Life God Calls Us to Live?

Scripture: Genesis 14:1–24 (NIV); Hebrews 7

Preacher: Darien Gabriel

What does it look like to live the life God calls us to live—especially when we’re surrounded by temptation, fear, and competing allegiances?

In Genesis 14, Abram steps into the first recorded battle in Scripture to rescue his nephew Lot. But the real battle isn’t fought with swords—it’s fought in the heart. Upon returning victorious, Abram is met by two kings and faced with two radically different offers. One tempts him with visible reward and fleeting gain. The other blesses him in the name of El Elyon—God Most High.

This mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, brings bread and wine, speaks blessing, and points Abram back to the promises of God. Hebrews 7 later reveals that Melchizedek is not just a historical figure—but a powerful signpost pointing forward to Jesus Christ, our eternal King and Priest.

In this message, we explore:

  • Why resting in what God has said is essential to faithful living

  • How righteousness, peace, and blessing flow from wholehearted allegiance to God

  • The contrast between living by sight (Lot) and living by faith (Abram)

  • Why Jesus is the better Melchizedek—our ultimate rescuer and eternal intercessor

Bottom Line:

When we rest in what God has said, we walk in His key ingredients—righteousness, peace, and blessing—so that we might be a blessing to the nations, just as He created us to be.

If you’re feeling torn between what you can see and what God has promised, this message invites you to lift your eyes—and your allegiance—to the King who is also our Priest.

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, God's Promises, Our Journey, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Genesis, 29456
What Happens When We Rest in God's Unshakable Promises? | Genesis 13:1-18
What Happens When We Rest in God's Unshakable Promises? | Genesis 13:1-18

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "What happens when we rest in God's unshakable promises?"

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18 NIV

Matthew 6:33

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

James 3:13-4:10

2 Peter 2:7-8

Bottom line: When God’s people trust His promises, they can release what they see and rest in what He has said. Or

Faith chooses promise over possession.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

When I was in high school, I was encouraged by my dad to go to a good college to get a good job. A noble endeavor, as I saw it.

In college I chose an engineering degree that would provide for that vision.

I was focusing on what I could see.

I wasn't focused on what I could not see.

When God called me into the ministry, he called me out of a career of engineering. I'd been practicing civil engineering as a consultant for five years, and had finally found my footing and was beginning to be productive in the eyes of the company. I finally felt like I belonged.

God called me out of that into full-time ministry and I never really questioned the money piece. In other words by God's grace, I was able to look past the money to the Ministry that God was calling me too. I was able to walk by Faith instead of my sight.

In this passage today, Genesis 13 we'll see a contrast between Abram and Lot. Lot will choose based on what he sees. Abram chooses based on the promises of God.

When we trust in God's unshakable promises, we will release what we see, and rest in what he has said instead.

What are some of those promises?

God is able

God hears

God sees

God is with us

God cares

God satisfies

God approves

These are just some of the many promises throughout scripture that you and I have to bank on when we rest in him. Let's look at the life and the contrast of Abram and Lot and see how it plays out in chapter 13.

CONTEXT

We've gone from Promises of blessings to failure to rest in those promises to returning to the original promise keeper through repentance and faith.

Abram went down to Egypt but returned to between "House of Bread" and "Ruin". It is here he and Lot part ways. He watches Lot choose what he thinks is best for him and yet outside of God's promised land. No doubt he knows this. He just doesn't believe it or realize it.

Genesis 13 contrasts Abram’s faith-shaped restraint with Lot’s sight-driven ambition—and places both under the canopy of God’s covenant faithfulness.

SERMON

Review from Genesis 12:1-3:

  1. God Is the Initiator of Redemption

  2. God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him

  3. God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional

  4. God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places

  5. God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness

My notes on Gen 13:

God is.../God does...

  • Merciful / forgives, restores

  • West, spiritually (10) / Draws his people west, spiritually (10)

  • Holy, just judge (10) / judges righteously (10)

  • Permissive / allowed us to make mistakes and even sin

  • Faithful (14-17) / kept his promise (14-17)

  • Omnipotent (14-17) / able to deliver on his promise (14-17)

  • Worthy of our worship (18) / Receives our worship w/ pleasure when by grace through faith (18)

People are.../People do...

  • Can be faithful, humble (3-4) / repent, return to the Lord (3-4); call on the name of the Lord (4)

  • Tempted by riches (5, 10-11) / Pursue riches over God and end up in dark places (5, 10-11)

  • Divided, greedy (6-7) / Quarrelsom (6-7)

  • A witness to the world (7b) / A good or poor witness (7b)

  • Gracious; magnanimous (8-9) / yield to the underserving (8-9)

  • Brothers & sisters of humanity & sometimes in Christ (8) / Care about each other (8) or not

  • Lost; citizens of this world; born sinners (10-13) / Pursue the things of this world (10-13)

  • Faithful (at times), blessed (14-17) / Obedient, humble, grateful, faithful, believing (14-17)

  • Content for, yearn for God's presence (18) / Seek, pursue, rest in the Lord (18)

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: When God’s people trust His promises, they can release what they see and rest in what He has said.

"Fellow believers (Abram's spiritual seed), when we truly believe the promises that are ours in Christ, when we truly understand and believe that we are seated right now in him in the heavenly places, when we understand that all things are ours in Christ, we will cease our grasping. As Alexander Maclaren put it:

The less of our energies are consumed in asserting ourselves, and scrambling for our rights, and cutting in before other people, so as to get the best places for ourselves, the more we shall have to spare for better things; and the more we live in the future, and leave God to order our ways, the more shall our souls be wrapped in perfect peace.'" -Hughes, pp. 200-201

INVITATION

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

The Apostle Paul talks about 3 kinds of people in the world somewhere in 1 Corinthians I think. Lost people, carnal Christians, and spiritual Christians. I think I read this in a Warren Wiersbe commentary pointing to Lot as a carnal Christian when considering 2 Peter 2:7-8. Does Paul say this?

Short answer by ChatGPT:

Yes, Paul does describe three kinds of people in 1 Corinthians 2–3 — but he does not present them as three permanent classes of Christians.

He contrasts unbelievers with two conditions of believers.

That distinction matters.

Where Paul says this

1 Corinthians 2:14–3:3 (flow of thought)

Paul uses three Greek adjectives:

  1. ψυχικός (psychikos) — natural / unspiritual

  2. πνευματικός (pneumatikos) — spiritual

  3. σάρκινος / σαρκικός (sarkinos / sarkikos) — fleshly / carnal

These form the three categories you’re remembering.

The Three Types Explained

1. Natural person — unbeliever (2:14)

This person:

  • does not receive the things of the Spirit

  • considers them foolish

  • lacks spiritual discernment

This is clearly outside Christ.

Paul is describing someone without the Spirit.

So this one is not debated.

2. Spiritual person — mature believer (2:15–16)

This person:

  • discerns spiritual realities

  • has “the mind of Christ”

  • is walking under the Spirit’s influence

This is what we might call:

  • mature

  • Spirit-led

  • growing

  • responsive to God

This is Paul’s goal for every believer.

3. Fleshly / carnal believer — immature believer (3:1–3)

This is the key text:

Paul says to the Corinthians (paraphrasing):

I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ… you are still fleshly… there is jealousy and strife among you.

Notice carefully:

He still calls them “in Christ.”

So they are:

  • saved

  • but immature

  • behaving like unbelievers

  • dominated by worldly patterns

This is not a third ontological class — it’s stunted growth.

So what is Paul actually teaching?

Here’s the most accurate way to state it:

Not:

❌ Three fixed types of people

But:

✅ Two groups (unbelievers vs believers), with believers living in two possible conditions (spiritual or fleshly)

In other words:

Category

Spiritual Status

Condition

Natural

Unregenerate

Cannot understand

Carnal

Regenerate

Immature / worldly

Spiritual

Regenerate

Mature / Spirit-led

Where Wiersbe and others get “three kinds of people”

Teachers like Warren W. Wiersbe simplify Paul’s language pedagogically.

It’s a teaching framework, not Paul’s formal taxonomy.

Helpful for preaching.

But not meant as rigid categories.

Your Lot connection (2 Peter 2:7–8)

This is actually a good biblical illustration.

Peter calls Lot:

  • “righteous”

  • yet compromised

  • distressed

  • living foolishly in Sodom

So:

  • justified positionally

  • but practically worldly

That fits the carnal/immature believer concept very well.

So Wiersbe’s use of Lot is pastorally reasonable.

Theologically important clarification

Some traditions mistakenly build a doctrine like:

“There are three kinds of Christians: saved, carnal, and spiritual.”

Paul does not teach that.

His point is corrective:

“You should be spiritual by now — but you’re acting fleshly.”

It’s rebuke, not classification.

He expects growth.

Bottom line

Yes — Paul does describe:

  • natural people

  • fleshly believers

  • spiritual believers

But he is describing spiritual maturity levels, not permanent types.

The “carnal Christian” is:

not a category to settle into

but a condition to repent from.

If you want, we can next:

  • look at the Greek terms more closely

  • compare with Romans 8 (flesh vs Spirit)

  • or explore whether “carnal Christian” is the best phrase theologically (some scholars push back on that wording)

  • or build a teaching/diagram you could use in a sermon or class

Where would you like to go deeper?

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, 29456, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Genesis, God's Promises, Our Journey, rest
Where Do You Go When You Fail God? | Genesis 12:10-13:4
Where Do You Go When You Fail God? | Genesis 12:10-13:4

Series: God's Promises, Our Journey

Title: "Where do you go when you fail God?"

Scripture: Genesis 12:10-13:04 NIV

James 1:2-6

Bottom line: When we fail God, we return to the place where we left his presence and start again.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Many of you know that last week we were online only due to the snow and hazardous roads. I was super encouraged by the number of people who tuned in as well.

However, the most common feedback I got was interesting. Apparently, it looked like I was reading from the back of my Bible. But I was reading Genesis which is in the front of our Bibles. So, just to set the record straight, I was reading from the front of my Bible while my iPhone live-streamed the mirror-version of me reading. Some of you figured that out by looking at my rings or some other thing. I thought that was funny:-).

So "Hero to zero" is a term that athletes sometimes use to describe when a player follows an amazing play with a boneheaded play. I see this in Ultimate Frisbee a lot. (And have done it too)

You make an amazing, diving catch. The sidelines erupt with sounds of awe and groans of opposition. Then the player jumps up and instead of dropping it to the open handler poised to throw a scoring strike, they act on their inflated confidence and make a poor throw that ends up in the other teams hands. Hero to zero.

The psychological term is overconfidence effect.

I don't know if Abram is dealing with that but he definitely goes from a very high confidence in God to a very high confidence in himself.

Let's read this together now.

Shorter-

God initiates redemption, calls us to trust Him without all the details, blesses us for the sake of the world, anchors us with His promises, and forms a people who respond with obedience, worship, and witness.

Longer-

God is the One who initiates redemption. He calls people before they understand all the details, inviting them to trust His voice and follow His lead. God’s blessing is never merely personal—it is always meant to flow outward for the sake of others and ultimately for the nations. Along the way, God anchors His people in uncertain places with unshakable promises. And when God calls, His people respond—not perfectly, but faithfully—through obedience, worship, and public witness as they walk with Him step by step.

CONTEXT

**Genesis 12 marks a decisive turning point in the biblical story, as God initiates His redemptive plan through one man and one family, promising land, descendants, and blessing that will ultimately extend to all nations. God’s promises are spoken clearly and graciously at the outset, calling Abram to leave what is familiar and trust God with an unknown future. Abram responds in faith, worship, and obedience, yet the chapter quickly reveals that walking in God’s promises does not mean a flawless journey. Famine, fear, and failure follow obedience, exposing Abram’s weakness and need for grace. Throughout the chapter, God remains faithful to protect His promise, preserve Sarai, and continue His purposes despite Abram’s missteps. Genesis 12 therefore holds together both realities of our series, God’s Promises, Our Journey: God’s promises are unshakable, while the journey of faith is marked by growth, testing, and restoration rather than perfection.

SERMON (influenced by W Wiersbe, Kent Hughes, and Bethancourt)

Review last week:

  1. God Is the Initiator of Redemption

  2. God Calls His People to Trust Him Before They Understand Him

  3. God’s Blessing Is Never Merely Personal—It Is Missional

  4. God Promises to  Anchor His People in Uncertain Times & Places

  5. God’s People Respond with Obedience, Worship, and Witness

Truth 1: Tests often follow triumphs.

  • Moses gets Israel delivered from Pharaoh after the 10th plague followed by Pharaoh abusing the entire arm after them and trapping them against the Red Sea.

  • God brought them through the Red Sea only to test them with no water in the desert. Then no bread. Then no meat.

God's tests often come after triumph when we're tempted to think the victory was because of us--not God. We quickly forget God.

Of course, God doesn't have us face the tests alone. He allows them for our good* and for his glory. God is with us so we don't have to be afraid.

*James 1:1-12

Application: So after a faith victory, expect a trial or test. Humble yourself instead of swelling with pride by thanking God and asking him to not let you forget who made that happen or who the source of that grace and provision is.

Truth 2: Tests tempt us to run.

  • Ex. People travel up and down I-95 from NY to FL asking for $$$ from people and churches because they're running from crisis only to travel back a year later.

  • Ex. People move from one town to another trying to start over as if all their problems will stay behind.

12:10 Instead of staying (or even just asking God), Abram schemes his own plan. A plan with dangers and risks.

We go "down" to Egypt not just topographically (elevation is lower in Egypt) but spiritually, in the Bible. (Abe, Mo, Joe)

We go "up" to Jerusalem (where God lives) not just topographicaly (elevation is high) but spiritually, in the Bible.

Application: When testing occurs, stay put until God tells you to go.

  • Now, I've met with a lot of people who say God told them to go, even though their sitting in front of me in crisis. So this requires great discernment and prayer.

  • Faith moves towards peace and hope.

  • Unbelief moves towards restlessness and fear.

Truth 3: God is great! Therefore, he's in control so I don't have to be; he is able.

  • I am safer in a famine IN HIS WILL that in a palace OUT OF HIS WILL.

  • "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." (A saying)

  • Abe failed his test with God. This lead to more problems!

  • "When you enroll into the 'school of faith' you can't just drop out because of failure." -WW

It was the first nine weeks of my freshman year in high school. I'd just moved to Summerville 3 months before. And I just failed the first nine weeks of Alebra 1. I'd never failed any class or nine weeks before. I was scared to go home that day. My parents were concerned by supportive. We worked harder and I finished the year with a C average. I might have felt it was a little unfair since my teachers name was Mr. Phailer. But I digress...

Abram went down to Egypt moving from trust to scheming/grasping.

  • No altars built in Egypt.

  • No calling on the name of the Lord in Egypt.

  • No worship of God in Egypt.

  • When we stop trusting God's word, we start leaning on man's wisdom. -WW

  • Half-truths are used to deceive. In the 10 commandments, it says do not commit false witness. Do not deceive others. Abram did that.

Abram...

  1. Moves from trust to scheming or grasping

  2. Moves from confidence to fear ("I will" to "they will")

  3. Moves from "others" to self

  4. Moves from bringing blessings to bringing judgment

Truth 4: God keeps his promises. God graciously brought him (them) through it all. Mainly because it would have ruined his promise.

God rescued them from Pharaoh and sent them home well-provisioned.

This foreshadowed the fleecing that would occur when Moses led Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.

Truth 5: Repentance leads to New Beginnings. When you stop trusting God's word and disobey, the only right thing to do is to go back to where you left him and make a new beginning. (1 John 1:9)

  • Abram went back to his tent and altar in the Promised Land; to his life as a sojourner and stranger in this world.

  • What was the big deal?! He came out well-provisioned and safe.

    • It led to other problems with Lot

    • Sarai paid a price

Application: Never abandon your altar. Stay in fellowship with the Lord and his people no matter the crisis. Resist the temptation to run or isolate. Rest in his provision and protection found in his community. This is part of his covenant relationship we made with us. And he is faithful!

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: When we fail God, we return to the place where we left his presence and start again. A new beginning.

God's promises are unshakable. They are for Abraham and they are for us through Jesus Christ.

Will we have times of fear and doubt? Yes.

Will God be there for us no matter what? Yes!

How do we minimize the times of fear and doubt?

We humble ourselves and review God's promises thanking God for them and resting in them. We continue our journey by grace through faith. When we get off track, we return to where we got off track and make another new beginning. We remember these truths and receive his blessings by obeying God's word, worship God himself, and being a blessing in word and deed daily.

INVITATION

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"Fellow believers (Abram's spiritual seed), when we truly believe the promises that are ours in Christ, when we truly understand and believe that we are seated right now in him in the heavenly places, when we understand that all things are ours in Christ, we will cease our grasping.

As Alexander Maclaren put it:

The less of our energies are consumed in asserting ourselves, and scrambling for our rights, and cutting in before other people, so as to get the best places for ourselves, the more we shall have to spare for better things; and Whereas Abram was living by taith, Lot was living by sight, much as Proram had lived in Egypt."

-Alexander MacLaren, Hughes, pp. 200-201

Illustration from last week:

"I only have eyes for..."

AN EXTRAORDINARY ANECDOTE comes to us from the annals of ancient Mideastern history. As the story goes, Cyrus, the great conqueror of the then known world including Babylon, had a general under his authority whose wife was suspected of treason. She was tried before a great and austere tribunal, found guilty, and sentenced to death. After the sentence was pronounced, the woman’s husband (a general) made his way to Cyrus’s throne and requested, “King Cyrus, please let me take her place.” Cyrus, in awe at what was transpiring before him, said to his court, “Can we terminate a love as great as this?” He then paroled the woman to her husband. As the couple left the court, the general said to his wife, “Did you see the benevolent look in Cyrus’s eyes as he pardoned you?” The wife responded, “I only had eyes for the one who loved me enough that he was willing to die for me.”

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt

The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris

The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, Genesis, God's Promises, Our Journey
Will You Trust God Without Knowing the Details? | Genesis 11:27-12:9
Will You Trust God Without Knowing the Details? | Genesis 11:27-12:9

Will You Trust God Without Knowing the Details?
 Genesis 11:27–12:9
Series: God’s Promises, Our Journey
Sermon by Darien R. Gabriel (https://DarienGabriel.com)

What do you do when God calls—but doesn’t give you all the details?

In Genesis 11:27–12:9, God calls Abram to leave what is familiar and follow Him into an unknown future. There is no map, no timeline, and no explanation—only God’s voice, His promises, and a direction to move. This moment becomes a turning point not only in Abram’s life, but in the story of God’s redemption for the world.

In this message, we explore how God initiates redemption, calls His people to trust Him before they understand everything, and blesses them not merely for themselves but for the sake of the nations. God’s promises anchor us in uncertain places, and true faith responds with obedience, worship, and public witness, even when the journey is unclear.

This sermon launches a series through the life of Abraham called God’s Promises, Our Journey (Genesis 12–25) and invites us to wrestle with a question every follower of Jesus must answer: 

Will you trust God without knowing the details?

Key Themes:

  • Trusting God before clarity comes

  • God’s promises and global mission

  • Faith expressed through obedience, worship, and witness

  • Being blessed to be a blessing

  • Living as channels, not reservoirs, of God’s grace

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, details, God's Promises, Our Journey, non-denominational church, bible-believing church
What Happens When Jesus Shows Up? | John 20: 1-31 | Darien Gabriel
What Happens When Jesus Shows Up? | John 20: 1-31 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What happens when Jesus shows up?

Scripture: 📖 John 20:1-31 NIV

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Peace like Jesus gives can only come from belief in who Jesus is and what he did.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. 📖 SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. 🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

⸻

Opening Prayer

Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in Him and leading others to do the same. Amen.

⸻

INTRODUCTION

In 2003, I accepted an invitation to fly to East Asia to encourage and see the mission work being done by a young man from our church in North Carolina. He was serving with Cru on a college campus in central East Asia. His work was simple—friendship evangelism that led to intentional discipleship over time.

I believed I was supposed to go.

So I bought the plane ticket.

I got my passport in order.

I packed my bags.

I drove to RDU.

All evidence of belief.

The first leg of the trip was from Raleigh to Detroit. That’s where I was supposed to meet up with about fifteen others from all over the country—people going to the same place, for the same reason, led by the same group leader.

But when I arrived in Detroit… there was no group.

No leader.

No gathering crowd.

No familiar faces.

Boarding started.

And suddenly belief met resistance.

  • If I got on the plane and was wrong, I would land alone in East Asia without language, contacts, or a plan.

  • If I didn’t get on the plane and was wrong, I would waste thousands of dollars and miss what I genuinely believed God had called me to do.

I was afraid of going.

But I was also afraid of not going.

So I prayed.

And I got on the plane.

After we were airborne, I asked a flight attendant if anyone else was part of a group headed where I was going. She said yes—the group leader had missed the connection, but another leader was already on the plane.

Relief.

Peace.

Joy.

Looking back, the clearest evidence that I truly believed I was supposed to go wasn’t what I felt—it was what I did.

I got on the plane in Detroit.

And in the middle of that crisis of belief, Jesus showed up—not visibly, but powerfully—through a stewardess with good news of great joy.

So I want to ask the question John 20 presses on every one of us:

What happens when Jesus shows up?

⸻

CONTEXT

It’s Sunday morning.

The third day.

Still early—just after sunrise.

The disciples are not celebrating.

They are grieving.

Several women make their way to the tomb expecting to tend a body…

…but nothing about this morning will go the way they expect.

⸻

Takeaways for today:

  • Peace always precedes mission.

  • When Jesus shows up, grief does not get the final word.

Transition: What happens when, in our moment of need, Jesus shows up? Let’s answer that question by looking at 3 times this happened on the first Resurrection Day:

SERMON

I. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:1–18)

Mary comes to the tomb while it’s still dark—both literally and emotionally.

The stone is rolled away.

The body is gone.

Her grief deepens into despair. She weeps. She assumes the worst: someone has taken Jesus’ body away. Even when angels speak to her, grief clouds her vision.

Then Jesus speaks one word.

Her name.

“Mary.”

And everything changes.

The risen Christ meets her personally. She recognizes his voice. Recognition leads to belief. She sees more clearly. Belief leads to obedience. Jesus sends her to tell the others what she has seen. She goes.

When Jesus shows up, grief does not get the final word.

⸻

II. Jesus Appears to the Ten Disciples (John 20:19–23)

That evening, the disciples are together—but not in confidence.

The doors are locked.

Fear fills the room.

Then Jesus shows up.

He doesn’t rebuke them.

He doesn’t shame them.

He says, “Peace be with you.”

Twice.

He shows them His wounds—proof that the same Jesus (fully human) who was crucified now stands alive before them. (Fully alive)

Then He breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit. (Fully divine) And only after He gives them peace does He give them purpose:

“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”

Jesus never sends fearful disciples.

He sends peaceful ones.

Peace always precedes mission.

When Jesus shows up, grief does not get the final word.

⸻

III. Jesus Appears to Doubting Thomas (John 20:24–29)

Thomas isn’t there the first time.

When the others tell him they’ve seen the Lord, he refuses to believe. He wants more than words. He wants proof.

And Jesus does not reject him for that.

A week later, Jesus shows up again. This time, Thomas is there.

Jesus invites him to examine the wounds. To see. To touch.

And Thomas responds with the strongest confession in the entire Gospel:

“My Lord and my God!”

The doubter becomes a worshiper.

But Thomas’s story doesn’t end in John 20.

Church history tells us that Thomas carried the gospel east—into Persia and India—boldly proclaiming the risen Christ. According to early tradition preserved in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Thomas was eventually pierced with spears and killed for his faith.

The man who once doubted died a witness.

The ultimate evidence that Thomas truly believed wasn’t just his confession—it was his faithfulness to the end.

⸻

TRANSITION — John 20:29–31

At this point, John steps forward and tells us exactly why he wrote this Gospel.

Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John recognizes that this is where we enter the story.

  • Some believed because they saw.

  • We believe because of their testimony.

John then tells us that Jesus did many other signs—far more than he recorded. This Gospel is selective, not exhaustive.

And then John gives his purpose statement:

“These are written that you may believe…”

That Jesus is the Christ—Messiah, King, Lord.

That Jesus is the Son of God—fully divine.

And that by believing, you may have life in His name.

Jesus truly lived.

Truly died.

Was buried.

And rose again—bringing abundant and eternal life.

John wants belief to lead to life—Life lived like his was: Sent.

⸻

IV. What Happens When Jesus Shows Up?

We see a clear pattern throughout the chapter.

People move from grief, fear, and doubt…

  • to seeing and believing…

  • to peace and joy…

  • to awe, worship, and a desire to live sent.

Belief in John’s Gospel is never merely intellectual—it is embodied trust.

Peace is not the absence of trouble.

Peace is the presence of the risen Christ.

And Jesus always gives peace before He gives purpose.

⸻

CONCLUSION

So what happens when Jesus shows up?

He replaces grief, fear, and doubt with peace—and a willingness to live sent.

Peace always precedes mission.

When Jesus shows up, grief does not get the final word.

That’s what He did for Mary.

For the disciples.

For Thomas.

That’s what He did for me in Detroit.

And He still does it today.

So let me ask you:

Are you in the middle of a crisis of belief?

Are you carrying grief right now?

Are you living with fear about the future?

Are you struggling with doubt?

Jesus sees you.

Jesus knows.

Jesus cares.

And Jesus is able.

Are you paying attention?

Will you recognize Him when He shows up?

What happens when Jesus shows up?

I hope you’ll be ready to tell that story too.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

The 4 G's

God is great. Therefore, we don't have to be in control, for God is able.

God is gracious. Therefore, we don't have to prove ourselves to other people, for God loves us just as we are.

God is good. Therefore, we don't have to find satisfaction anywhere else. For God is more than enough for me.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

John Foxe, Foxe's Book of Martyrs (FBOM)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, John, Signs and Glory, God Shows Up
Why Obey God in Uncertain Times? | John 19:28-42 | Darien Gabriel
Why Obey God in Uncertain Times? | John 19:28-42 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Why Obey God in Uncertain Times?

Scripture: 📖 John 19:28-42

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Obedience doesn't depend on knowing the future. Obedience depends on knowing the One who knows the future.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. 📖 SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. 🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

A graduated from college with a civil engineering degree in December of 1987. I began working with a civil engineering consulting firm (KHA) and immediately realized I was on an All-Star team--but I was only a bench warmer in ability.

I graduated with a BS in civil engineering with a C average--the players on this team, in this company, were A students with masters degrees in civil engineering or business.

I struggled for the first 3 to 4 years. Many times I would go home to Anita and say I don't know that I can hack this or if this is what I really wanna do. I was always wrestling with the temptation of "the grass is greener over there" syndrome so each time I would say, "Well I guess I'll give it another year" and I would.

Around year four several good things-positive things-happened to me. First, I passed the PE exam.

Second I was transferred interoffice to work for a friend of mine who was a great mentor to me. I began to thrive under his leadership.

The third thing, I was asked to help pursue a project in the Tampa area of Florida and we won the project. As a result of winning the project, I got my first project to lead. Long story short things were coming together finally.

Ironically, about that time, I got a nudge to reconsider my career choice. But this time it was when things were going good. In response to a companywide memo sent to every employee in the company from the new president of the company, we were each asked to answer the question, "What do we have a burning desire to do or what is my passion." Assuming he wanted a company man answer I gave him one. But God used that memo to provoke me to answer that question more honestly.

That day I went home and said to Anita that I don't think I'm supposed to do this long-term. It was the first time I was saying that when things were going well. It was also the first time she said, "OK I'm ready."

The rest is history. We worked a one year plan and 13 months later we were at seminary beginning my schooling for a new career in full-time ministry.

The reason I share that story with you is because I got to a place--a fork in the road, if you will,--where I had to make a decision to obey, trust and follow...or not.

You see, I believe God was calling me into the full-time ministry at that point. I had a choice, obey and change careers and walk away from all the schooling and experience (and money)I had in any civil engineering. Or disobey. I didn't know the future. I didn't know how it was gonna play out. There were lots of questions and fears and doubts. But I didn't base my obedience based on what I knew about what. I did or didn't know about the future. I based my obedience on the One I know, knows the future, because I trust Him.

This is the point I want to make today. This is what the sermon is all about. We're going see two men who didn't know the future either but chose to trust and obey anyway. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both were secret Christians who came out of the dark into the light in the wake of the cross of Christ. When they had the most to lose, they stood willfully in the light and revealed themselves as followers of Jesus. They stand as great examples of those who will obey God, even though we don't know the future or even if it seems risky.

CONTEXT

It's the day Christ dies on the cross. We pick it up with Jesus dying and then being buried. It's a dark time in the history of the world.

SERMON OUTLINE

I. "It is finished" 19:28-30

Here we see Jesus say it's finished. Not just he's dead but it's completed. The debt of sin has been paid in full. It's what we want to see stamped on our mortgage paperwork so we never have to make another house payment again.

So what?

God keeps his word down to the littlest details. Fulfilled prophecy shows up again right here. "I am thirsty." (Ps 69:21)

The work is finished.

  • Sin is paid for

  • Judgment satisfied

  • Scripture fulfilled

  • Redemption complete

Christianity isn't about what must be done for God. It's about what has already been done by Christ for us.

II. More scripture fulfilled 19:31-37

"Not one of his bones will be broken" cf. Exodus 12:46 which says that the Passover lamb must not have any broken bones. Jesus is the lamb that the Passover lambs were pointing to.

"They will look upon the one they have pierced." Zechariah 12:10 mentions this.

So what?

  • God is in control even in the smallest details even when it seems like he isn't

  • Jesus is the true Passover lamb

  • Salvation is finished--but our response is still required

  • you can trust God when things look out of control

III. Secret disciples from dark to light 19:38-42

Both have a lot to lose coming into the light

  • They will likely lose their position in the Sanhedrin. Therefore they will lose financially, religiously, and socially.

  • They will could lose their lives being that they follow someone crucified for sedition and blasphemy going against Rome and the Jewish leadership respectively

  • Did they know the future? No. Even if they knew and believed that Jesus would be resurrected, they didn't know how that would impact them even in general terms, though it likely wouldn't go well.

So what?

They stepped out obediently by faith despite not knowing the future except that doing so would be extremely risky. This is what God calls us to do each day.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

The 4 G's

God is great. Therefore, we don't have to be in control, for God is able.

God is gracious. Therefore, we don't have to prove ourselves to other people, for God loves us just as we are.

God is good. Therefore, we don't have to find satisfaction anywhere else. For God is more than enough for me.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, John, Signs and Glory, non denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, why obey God, Grace Christian Fellowship
Why the Cross Matters at Christmas | John 19:1-27 | Darien Gabriel
Why the Cross Matters at Christmas | John 19:1-27 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Why the cross matters at Christmas

Scripture: 📖 John 19:1-27

Galatians 2:20

John 18:37

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: "The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. 📖 SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. 🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Hard seasons for us:

Grandparents funeral as a kid.

Break-ups in high school, college.

Divorce of my parents.

Failure at work; crisis of faith in my career choice.

Calling out of engineering into the ministry.

Children.

4 month old daughter in the hospital.

Marriage challenges.

Car accidents.

Death of my father.

Near death of my mother.

Accident Christmas 3 years ago.

To varying degrees, these have all been crises of faith for me. And while it was not always conscious on my part, my faith in Christ carried me through every one of them.

The one that it carried me through most intentionally was my father's death and funeral services. Because I had to process those quickly enough to speak at both funeral services.

Death is a spiritual sucker punch. You know it's coming but you don't know exactly when it's coming or how it will land...until it does.

When you get sucker-punched, what will you turn to? What will help explain the pain and meaning in life?

I believe it was my faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul put it this way:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is what carried me through some dark days.

It can carry you too...if you let it. If you let HIM.

Let's see how.

CONTEXT

At this point in the life of Jesus, he's looking at the cross full-on. It's the first Good Friday, if you will. He's about to die physically, yes. But he's also about to take on the sins of the world. He's about to take on all of my sin (past, present, future) and your sin. And it will kill him and separate him from fellowship with his Father which he's had for all eternity and will never lose again.

SERMON OUTLINE

““You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.””

‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭37‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Bottom Line

“The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

The Heart of the Sermon

Christmas only makes sense when viewed through the cross.

Jesus is not simply born to inspire us—

He is born to give Himself.

In John 19, Jesus is crowned, judged, rejected, and lifted up as King.

Not on a throne—but on a cross.

And that kingship explains everything about Christmas.

Simple Movement of the Text

1. Jesus Is Revealed as King (John 19:1–5)

Mocked, beaten, crowned with thorns—

Yet He stands silent, sovereign, unthreatened.

This is what God’s glory looks like.

2. Jesus Is Rejected by the World (John 19:6–16)

Pilate knows the truth but lacks the courage to live by it.

The crowd chooses Caesar over Christ.

Kingship is denied—but not undone.

3. Jesus Is Declared King for All to See (John 19:17–22)

The sign above the cross tells the truth even when no one wants it to.

God writes His verdict where no one can erase it.

Why This Matters at Christmas

Jesus did not come simply to be admired in a manger.

He came to be given on a cross.

That’s why Galatians 2:20 belongs here:

• Christmas answers who Jesus is

• The cross answers why He came

• Faith answers how we now live

Closing Truth

The question of Christmas is not:

Do you believe Jesus was born?

It is:

Will you live the life He died to give you?

Because the King born at Christmas

is the King who loved you

and gave Himself for you.

CONCLUSION

So why does the cross matter at Christmas? Because it matters all the time--even when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Especially when we celebrate the Christ child--the one who made it all possible.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Notice the second part of the verse. "The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

That is what carries me through the darkest days.

That is what can carry you through your darkest days.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

In light of John 18:37, this is a Christmas, Good Friday and Easter verse all in one.

As has been said, ‘Observe the postage stamp; its usefulness depends on the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.’

The 4 G's

God is great. Therefore, we don't have to be in control, for God is able.

God is gracious. Therefore, we don't have to prove ourselves to other people, for God loves us just as we are.

God is good. Therefore, we don't have to find satisfaction anywhere else. For God is more than enough for me.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YouTube Description

Series: Signs & Glory

Sermon Title: Forget the Reason, Misuse the Season

Scripture: 📖 John 18:37

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Every Christmas we hear the phrase “the reason for the season.”

But what happens when we forget that reason?

In this Christmas Eve message from John 18:37, Jesus tells Pilate plainly why He was born: to testify to the truth. Christmas is not just about receiving a gift—it’s about being reshaped and sent by the gift.

Through a simple but sobering illustration, we’re reminded that good gifts misused can cause real harm. When we forget the purpose of Christmas, we don’t just misunderstand it—we misuse it.

Jesus is the gift God has given the world.

But how does receiving Him change our mission, our lives, and the way we live sent into the world?

Bottom Line: 👉 When we forget the reason, we misuse the season.

This message invites us to move beyond sentimentality and into faithful witness—listening to the voice of the King who was born, crucified, risen, and who now sends His people to live and share the truth.

📖 Scripture Reading

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

— John 18:37 (NIV)

🙏 Opening Prayer

Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in Him and leading others to do the same.

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📍 Grace Christian Fellowship

📅 Christmas Eve Message

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, bible believing church, non-denominational church, Signs & Glory