From Sunday, July 12th to August 30th, the pastoral staff preached a series of sermons called, “Walking the J.T. (Jesus Trail)” based on the narrative of Abraham and Sarah from Genesis 12 to Genesis 22. Hearing and believing the incredible and impossible call of God to begin a family at an advanced age and go to a land not their own, Sarah and Abraham traveled by stages to the promise. (Genesis 12:9) Their walk is much like walking the Appalachian Trail (AT). The journey is long and often exhausting. However, this is an enduring picture of the life of faith and another view of the following Jesus as disciples.
 
Listen to the sermon series:
 
 
 

“Making Friends in the Desert”

Sunday, August 23, 2020
Genesis 21:1-20
Kelly LePenske preaching
 
Finally, the promise of an heir and therefore this hope is realized for Abraham and Sarah. Sarah continues her laughter and she welcomes everyone else on her block to join her. Once again, Hagar and Ishmael are driven away by Sarah. Once more, God remembers Hagar and her son.
 

 
 
 

“Laughing Your Head Off”

Sunday, August 16, 2020
Genesis 18:1-15
Kelly LePenske preaching
Sometimes God’s promise brings a laugh to our lips. When Sarah, now in her nineties learns that she’s about to have her first baby, she can’t contain her laughter. God’s good news sometimes sounds so unbelievable that our hearts can barely contain something that wonderful. God gets the last laugh as Sarah gives birth.
 

 
 
 

“God Hears and Sees in the Wilderness”

Sunday, August 9, 2020
Genesis 16:1-13
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
There’s trouble brewing in Abraham and Sarah’s blended family. Hagar, a servant of Sarah’s gives birth to a son, Ishmael. Sarah drives Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness and likely death. God meets this little family and from then on, Hagar refers to her God as “the God who sees me.” In our long journey on the J.T., we’re never not seen by the Lord.
 

 
 
 

“Handcuffed to the Almighty”

Sunday, August 2, 2020
Genesis 15:1-17
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
Communion
Having walked quite a while without claiming a single promise, God enacts the ancient covenant ceremony with Abraham. This mysterious moment confirms God’s most important promise that He’ll never leave or forsake. From now on as we walk the J. T., we’re handcuffed to the Almighty because He is the Promise Keeper.
 

 
 
 

“The Smaller Piece of the Pie”

Sunday, July 26, 2020
Genesis 13:1-8
Rev. Stuart Spencer preaching
As Abraham and his nephew Lot settle into the Jordan Valley, their growing herds and flocks create a need for the two men to separate. As the elder, Abraham could have rightly first decided where he would settle, leaving Lot in second place. Abraham settles for less as humility guides us to often do on the Jesus Trail.
 

 
 
 

“Progress Not Perfection”

Sunday, July 19, 2020
Genesis 12:10-20
Kelly LePenske preaching
Sarah and Abraham go following God’s call faithfully but not flawlessly. As such, this couple isn’t a perfect model of trusting God and following Him as they are a mirror of what we discover following is really like. Fear is a constant companion on the Jesus Trail. At times, Abraham and Sarah didn’t manage their fears very faithfully. Yet the Lord remains our constant companion on the trail.