Sermons based on readings from the Book of Genesis
(Genesis 12:1-9) Romans 4:13-25 Abraham is the Bible’s, and especially Paul’s, definitive person of faith. Time and again Abraham believes what God tells him, and time and again his life is reshaped as a consequence. Abraham, who at that point in his life was still called Abram, was told to move from Ur to Haran. …
A Sermon for the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (11/06/23): The Faith of Abraham Read More »
I’m taking another break from the lectionary this week, to celebrate Harvest Festival. Even in those congregations whose connection with rural life is very remote this seems to remain one of the more important occasions which we celebrate. I once attempted to lead a Harvest Festival in which I failed to include the “We plough …
A Sermon for Harvest Festival: What to do with an abundant harvest Read More »
Jacob Wrestling Genesis 32:22-31 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. Jacob is on his way home with two wives, two concubines, ten sons and a daughter. Coming home with more livestock than he could count. He is far better off now than when he left. And all of it, …
A Sermon for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (02/08/2020): Jacob Wrestling Read More »
God’s Promises Are Fulfilled Despite What We Do Genesis 29:15-30 Jacob has been confronting the question that all of us from time to time must face. What does the future hold? Where is his life going? Jacob at one level knows better than most some of the answer to that question. He is the recipient, …
Abraham’s Faith – the Binding of Isaac Genesis 22:1-14 Often when God speaks in the Bible it is to set a test. God speaks to Abraham, but what is the test which God sets? God said: “Abraham, Abraham!” . . . “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the …