Sunday, August 21, 2022

AUGUST 21, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 1) | GENESIS 21:15-23


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Promises, Promises

While it was my intent to finish Chapter 21 in today's sermon, I felt it necessary to go back and address in greater detail the gist behind Sarah's statement, "Cast out this slave woman - with her son." Does her statement and the Lord's affirmation of her reveal something deeper concerning the relationship between her and Abraham, between a wife and her husband in the bond of marriage?

In addition, I was compelled to address further Abraham's obedience to the Lord in casting out Ishmael. To obey the Lord in this matter without being displeased (v. 12) required a strength and trust beyond himself. So also in our obedience to the Lord a strength beyond ourselves is required. We will see today that the person of Christ, and how being united with Him, empowers us.


                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, August 14, 2022

AUGUST 14, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS (PART 3) | GENESIS 21:8-21

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AUGUST 14, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS (PART 3) | GENESIS 21:8-21

My Two Sons (Part 3)

Revisiting Genesis 21:1f, we will focus upon the joy of Isaac's birth and that great joy that accompanied "the day that Isaac was weaned." Isaac, by that time, would have most likely been around three years of age while Ishmael could have been 17 or slightly older. We will explore the contrast between the joy of this celebration and the mocking expressed by Ishmael. What was really happening when Ishmael was mocking Isaac? Was Sarah's response over the top when she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son?" Why must Ishmael go? Of course, these words caused great displeasure in Abraham. His affection for Ishmael made such a demand hard to carry out. It represented "loss" in his life, much like the losses we experience in our journey through life. Yet he responded in obedience to Sarah's wish because it was the Lord speaking through her.

These verses carry with them significant theological truths along with practical significance to us. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon you today.


                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson