Stories of God: Why It's Worth Putting Faith in God's Promises

Genesis 15

The covenant God makes with Abraham in Genesis 15 sets up the entire Bible narrative for human redemption. God promises that Abraham’s descendants will be countless and that his offspring will bless all the nations forever. Even though Abraham is old in age and has no children, he responds with belief, and Abraham’s faith equates to righteousness in God’s eyes. Church leader Mark Skillin unpacks why belief matters to God so much. Mark also points out the ways Jesus will, 2000 years later, fulfill promises made in this covenant, and where we are today, eagerly waiting for the the rest of God’s promises to be fulfilled. Listen in for a deeper understanding of our faith in God and God’s faithfulness to us.

Stories of God: The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11: 1 - 9

When God saw people build a tower and he confused their languages and scattered them over the earth, it wasn’t because building cities are bad or making a name for ourselves is dishonorable; rather, God cares about the motives behind our actions and for us to obey His will. In that moment, humans were not filling the earth as God commanded, so God scattered them Himself. Studying the tower of Babel narrative, Pastor Scott shares what it means to follow the will of God.

Stories of God: Cain + Abel

Genesis 4

Cain, filled with anger against his brother Abel, murders him. God doles out both justice and mercy onto Cain in response t0 sin. This passage outlines the mess that humans have made in giving in to sin, as it festers, grows, and drives us into restless wandering. This passage also shows God’s character, in light of human evil. RenKids teacher Reid Megathlin shares teaching points prepared by Scott Axtmann about the Genesis narrative of Cain and Abel.

Stories of God: Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man

Luke 5: 17 - 26

It’s the 1st century AD. The people of God hold high expectations for a Messianic King to arrive at any moment. Prophecies foresaw this to happen around that time. Then Jesus enters the synagogue, and a new reality bursts upon the scene: “The Kingdom of God is near!” he preaches. And people react. Some reject, some doubt, and some drop everything to follow this Jesus. A few men even break through the roof of a crowded place to lower down a paralyzed man right to him. Here, Jesus sees their faith and forgives their sins. Then, he instructs the paralytic to walk, and the man picks up his mat and walks home. Who but the Messiah could heal AND forgive sins?

This message from Mark Skillin will give you a deeper understanding of the kingdom of God, of the beauty of faith embodied, and why Jesus is the Messianic King who is worthy to rule the world.

Stories of God: Adam + Eve

Genesis 1 - 3

Good stories often introduce the most important characters at the beginning of the narrative. The opening chapters of Genesis set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, casting who God is and how humans came to be. Listen in as Pastor Scott walks through the layers of Genesis 1 - 3.

Stories of God: The Widow and the Jar of Oil

2 Kings 4: 1 - 7

Told in 2 Kings, a widow is about to lose her sons to slavery if her debt is not paid, but through a miracle God multiples one jar of oil into many jars of oil, in order for her to sell them and pay off the debt. Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths shares how we can see God’s power and presence increase through small things. Imagine what we can see God do when we trust Him.

Stories of God: Mary and the Box of Perfume

John 12: 1 - 8

The Stories of God series highlights countless narratives in the Bible. This message looks at the account of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume one evening at dinner. One of the disciples rebukes her unusual offering, but Jesus advocates for her. Just as Jesus responded to Mary’s motives, Jesus notices and delights in the things we do for Him today.