Brad Simon
The delayed promise motivated Sarai to do what we all do so often. She took matters into her own hands. She convinced Abram to have a child with their servant girl. Maybe God will bless Abram’s descen...
Bethany Verrett
Understanding the nature of covenants as a sacred promise between individuals, humanity, and God opens up ways of understanding the Bible, its history, and how people can relate to the Lord....
Valerie Fentress
Judaism is one of the three major religions of our world. But when was Judaism founded? ...
Rachel Britton
As we have the ability to move from place to place easily by car, plane or train for business or pleasure, we may think traveling is a modern-day phenomenon. However, a closer look at Scripture shows ...
On the surface, the Tower of Babel story seems like a power struggle between God and humanity. But when you look at the literary and cultural context, another picture emerges....
Pamela Palmer
The life of Ishmael is tragic and confusing in some ways, but we find that God took care of Ishmael and his mother, Hagar. In Ishmael’s life, we see evidence of a loving God who is faithful and good. ...
Andy Lee
There are lots of obscure religious positions that don't affect our beliefs in major ways, but also some prominent ones that make a big difference. Covenant theology is one of the big ones, so here's ...
Kelly-Jayne McGlynn
Abraham is famous for trusting God to bear him at such a late stage in life, and he continued trusting him for another 75 years. But what else do we know about what Abraham accomplished in his long li...
Hope Bolinger
If you can stumble past the name "Melchizedek" then you'll find a brief, but interesting Old Testament story. What makes Melchizedek's short appearance in Genesis noteworthy though, is his later conne...
Heather Adams
Honestly, I used to be confused and put off by these “family trees” myself. But as I started to read more of the Bible, they started to come alive. Each member is part of a beautiful tapestry wo...
Dr. Sandra Hamer Smith
The 12 tribes or sons came from Jacob who the Lord renamed Israel in Genesis 32. If you read Genesis 49, you will see the 12 sons or what we now know as the 12 tribes. ...
Jessica Brodie
Why does God compare our relationship with him to that of a bride and groom? In short, it’s a poignant and real-world way to exhibit the covenantal love and the selfless, everlasting stability Go...
Clarence L. Haynes Jr.
The reason God had to allow Noah’s sons and their wives on the ark is because they had a mission to fulfill once the waters receded. Part of that mission was to repopulate the earth. Not only were the...
Clarence L. Haynes Jr.
The fact that they are referred to as God’s chosen people forces you to ask the question why did God choose Israel to be his chosen people? I pray these reasons I share with you will help you understa...
Tonilee Adamson | Bobbye Brooks
The more we learn the truths concerning spiritual warfare, the more prepared we can be to fight and to be victorious. In furthering our knowledge of spiritual warfare, this lesson addresses the strate...
Kristi Walker
In Deuteronomy, God says that the Israelites are His "treasured possession." So, does this mean that God is racist? Or to a lesser extend, is He showing preference for one group over another? Not at a...
Jessica Brodie
Reading the Old Testament with an eye on the New Testament indicates another perspective about the violence throughout the earth’s earlier days. We know God’s ultimate plan involves rescuing His peopl...
Emma Danzey
Within this beautiful passage, David shares, “The Lord is my strength and shield.” Why is this so encouraging, especially in hard times?...
Debbie W. Wilson
Many of us who grew up in church know the story of Abraham and Isaac. After waiting his entire long life for a promised son, God finally provides Isaac. A few years later, He commands Abraham to sacri...
Bethany Verrett
This blessing assured the soon-to-be nation of Israel that if they loved Him and kept His ways, He would bless them with good food, an abundance of water, and health. This covenant with the nation of ...