12: Abraham

This is the first episode of our next Thread Era: God's People Birthed. We'll be looking at the rest of Genesis and zooming in on the lives of Abraham and his descendants, known as the patriarchs, over the next 8 episodes. 

What do God's promises mean and how do they reshape existence itself? Join us for a special episode featuring Dr. Courtney Bailey, an attorney and a self-supporting Bible teacher hailing from Jamaica. Dr. Bailey adds layers of depth to our conversation as we examine the call of Abraham and Sarah. We unpack not just the formation of Israel, but the very reforming of creation, laying the foundation for a transformative spiritual journey. 

In our exploration, we dissect God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, and the implications it has for the chosen nation. Together with Dr. Bailey, we offer a fresh perspective on God's purpose for creation - to bless, and how He fulfills His promise even through the trials. Listen in as we unravel how Abraham's obedience acts as a passport to God's promises and protection, ending with the powerful affirmation - if God is on our side, who can stand against us? 

 Topics Discussed: 

• Introducing Dr. Courtney Bailey 
• Launch of a new 8-episode series, God's People Birthed, starting with the call of Abraham and Sarah. 
• The transformative power of faith, focusing on Abraham's obedience and trust in God's promises. 
• God's promise to bless and protect Abraham in Genesis 12. 
• The contrast between God's intention to make Abraham great and the self-focused ambition of the people of Babel. 
• Dr. Bailey's insights on the importance of humility in seeking greatness 
• The transformational work of God in Abraham's people. 
• Abraham's legacy and influence across various world religions and the far-reaching power of God's promises. 
• The seven promises made to Abraham and how they shape the narrative of the Bible. 
• How God's promise of land to Abraham signifies a new Eden, a place for God to dwell with His people. The revelation that the promise of kings coming from Abraham points to Jesus. 
• Understanding the power of God's promises, their eventual fulfillment, and the crucial role of faith and obedience in realizing these blessings. 

Quotes: 

“So God is willing to give to Abraham what the people at Babel were trying to take, just as he wanted to give to Eve what she was trying to take in the garden.” –Dr. Courtney Bailey 

“Part of what's so fascinating about this is that we see Yahweh's disinterest in a king.  

"We see that early on, right? He doesn't want his people to have kings and yet he says kings will come from you.” –Dr. David Pocta 

 “So, God has found a workaround through Jesus. It's an incredible promise and it's an incredible thread to trace all the way through scripture, from Abraham to Jesus. It really is amazing.” –Dr. Courtney Bailey 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

Dr. Courtney Bailey