Jacob
Discord & Destiny
29 December 2019
A New Start
Genesis 35
by Tan Huai Tze
Jacob has failed God and his family grievously, and yet God, in his grace still gives him a new start: he renews him by speaking to Jacob and showing himself to him, and Jacob resolves to follow God, even though the reality of sin and sorrow remain. We do the same, through Christ who is the word of God become flesh.
8 December 2019
Facing Injustice
Genesis 34
by Tan Huai Tze
This passage chronicles the tragic account of the rape of Jacob's daughter Dinah, and the massacre of the Hivites. This dark passage teaches us that neither fearful apathy nor furious anger are the right response to the injustice. The Gospel soothes our fury and arouses us out of apathy so that we can take faithful action in the world.
1 December 2019
The Deceiver No More
Genesis 32-33
by Wong Yann
After leaving Laban, Jacob returns to his hometown to face the brother he fled from 20 years prior. Jacob makes elaborate plans in an attempt to appease Esau, but something unexpected and mysterious happens to him instead.
24 November 2019
The God Who Protects
Genesis 31:19-55
by Tan Huai Tze
Jacob and family take the perilous journey back to Jacob's homeland. Laban pursues them and confronts them, but fails to cause them harm because God was protecting them. Ultimately, God protects us through the person and work of Jesus Christ: if we are in him, we have eternal life, we will never perish, and nothing can snatch us out of God's hand (John 10:27-28).
17 November 2019
The God Who Provides
Genesis 30:25-31:8
by Tan Huai Tze
God prospered Jacob while he worked for Laban, showing us God's providential care for his people. God blesses his people in order for us to be a blessing to others.
* Due to a technical glitch, we did not manage to record the sermon properly this Sunday. However, we have attached a link to a transcript of the sermon below.
10 November 2019
One True Love
Genesis 29:31-30:24
by Tan Huai Tze
Through Leah and Rachel's stories, this passage shows us that human affection and recognition will ultimately fail us. Our true hope for love and significance is to be found in God, through Christ.
03 November 2019
A Transforming Grace
Genesis 29:1-30
by Tan Huai Tze
Beyond forgiving us of our sins, God’s grace is at work making us righteous. This passage shows God’s work of providence in the life of Jacob, leading him through painful circumstances to deal with the sin and character flaws in his life. God does the same for us.
27 October 2019
Stairway to Heaven
Genesis 28:10-22
by Tan Huai Tze
Hungry for blessing, Jacob swindled, deceived and even blasphemed, but only to find his plan backfiring. While fleeing for his life, God meets him in a dream and shows him a stairway to heaven. Instead of the curse he deserves, Jacob received the blessing he did not. This ‘stairway to heaven’ is finally fulfilled in Jesus, who is the only way for God and humanity to be reconciled (John 1:51).
After an ugly family drama in Gen 27, what can we learn from the responses of Jacob, Esau and Isaac to the mistakes they each made?
20 October 2019
Confronting Our Own Mistakes
Genesis 27:46-28:9
by Wong Yann
13 October 2019
The Triumph of God’s Will
Genesis 26:34-27:46
by Aaron Akins
Isaac and Esau oppose Gods will, and fail. Rebekah and Jacob lie and cheat, and pay the price. But ultimately, God’s determination to bless the family of Isaac triumphs.
06 October 2019
God's Enduring Promise
Genesis 26:11-33
by Tan Huai Tze
God blesses his people on the basis of the certainty of his promise, not on the strength of their fidelity. In this passage, we see God’s promise bless enduring in spite of lack, human failure and conflict.
29 September 2019
God's Plan to Bless
Genesis 25:19-34
by Tan Huai Tze
God’s plan to bless the nations and reverse the curse of the fall takes place through a surprising channel: the dysfunctional family of Isaac, and his two sons Esau and Jacob. This shows us that salvation is never on the basis of human effort or pedigree, but by grace alone.