The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

A Ladder to Heaven

Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven, and God's promise to Abraham was reaffirmed to Jacob . . . .  What is the Jesus connection?  What is our connection?  This discussion deals with Part II of Genesis 28.  

 

All passages come from the ESV translation of Scripture.  

The Hymn is Glory Be to Jesus #433, a Lenten Hymn in the public domain.  

To Be Cursed, Or To Be Blessed?

This week our discussion is on Genesis 28:1-9.  

Is a person's destiny inescapable?  We learn that God was actually patient with a line that was headed for disaster . . . .  When we put ourselves in Christ's hands, we will not be put to shame . . . .

 

The hymn this week is the public domain hymn: "Not All the Blood of Beasts".  #431.

Is That You, My Son?

This week we look at the continuing sibling rivalry between Esau and Jacob.  God's promises will now pass to Jacob's line, and Esau is so furious he wants to harm Jacob . . . .  What can we learn from their experiences when we face conflict with others in our lives?  

The text for our discussion is Genesis 27.  

The hymn this week is a different version of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" #425 that I've been thinking about and finally tried recording . . . .  

This is a public domain hymn.  

All of the Scriptures used in this podcast were from the English Standard Version of Scripture.  

Pardon and Peace

Just as tribes made covenants, pacts, and agreements with one another, in order to solidify peace, our God has made a new covenant with us, signed with the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion.  Through it, with have pardon and peace with God in our Savior Jesus.  The topic is Genesis 26.  

 

The hymn this week is the Lenten hymn, "On My Heart Imprint Your Image" #422, a public domain hymn.  

Ash Wednesday Observance, 2021

If you missed an opportunity to observe Ash Wednesday this year, I invite you to listen in to this observance . . . . .

 

We recall the words of Ash Wednesday: 

"Dust you are, to dust you shall return . . . ."  

Sibling Rivalry

As we look at Genesis 25 this week, we see the unexpected results of parental favoritism, and sibling rivalry.  Jacob, the younger would gain an advantage over his brother Esau . . . .

For us, God shows no favoritism - His Son Christ, died for ALL.  

 

The hymn at the end, "My Soul Now Praise Your Maker" is a sermon to itself that fits perfectly with our message today.  

Be Still My Soul

Sharing this comforting hymn in memory of special people who have gone to the Lord . . . . Jean, Chuck A., Tate, Waynette, Carolyn . . . .  God be with their families-may they be comforted, knowing that they have taken on the crown of eternal life.  

More Than Just a Chance

The circumstances surrounding Rebekah becoming Isaac's bride are miraculous.  Prayers were answered, even as they were spoken . . . .  Do you force things to happen in life, or do you also seek God's help in prayer?  We've probably all tried to make a situation work to our favor-only to find it didn't work when we tried to force the issue.  God knows our needs, and He does help us through . . . . 

Fight the Good Fight #664

Fight the Good Fight #664 - a public domain hymn.  

The View from the Cave

Abraham loses his wife Sarah.  A proper burial was so important in the ancient world-but there was someone else buried in a cave, and He lives-which means there is life beyond the tomb . . . .