Romans 9:6-13 If, as we saw in our last lesson in Romans 9:1-5, Israel seems to have lost out on the blessings that were once hers, can we conclude then that God's word has failed? This is the issue Paul addresses in this week's lesson. What is Paul specifically referring to when he speaks of God’s word? What is the idea of failing that Paul introduces? What is God's purpose for Israel? In Romans 9-11 Paul speaks of two different Israels. In verses 1-5, of what Israel does he speak? The other Israel he writes about is what we refer to as the true spiritual Israel. In some places Paul speaks of the true Israel or descendants of Abraham as being the whole church, Jews and Gentiles. This is not the case here. How do we know this? What is he referring to? How does Paul prove his point that not all the descendants of Israel are the true spiritual Israel? What are the two promises Paul cites which limit true Israel to less than all the descendants of Abraham and Isaac? Of what does God speak when He gives his promise to Rebekah concerning what she is experiencing in her womb? How do we know that this passage is not addressing God's dealing with individuals, but with nations or groups of people? What does God mean when He says "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated?" What is the main point that Paul seeks to establish in Romans 9-11, and how will we know if he succeeds? (62 min)

Keywords Israel, Promise, Predestined, Calling, Jacob, Esau, Ishamael, Isaac

Genesis 25:1-18 We come finally to the end of the story of Abraham. What is this about another wife? What lessons are there for us in the other sons of Abraham? Why does God give Ishmael his own toledot in the book of Genesis? At the end of Abraham's life we learn he was fully satisfied with life. How did this happen? How does this compare to the end of his grandson Jacob's life? Though satisfied with life, Abraham ends his life still longing for something else. What was that? Why does Hebrews say that God was not ashamed to be called Abraham's God? (56 min)

Keywords Abraham, Isaac, Ishamael, Hagar

Genesis 16:13-16 Hagar, who has grown up worshiping the gods of Egypt, encounters the Living God of Abram. How will she respond when she discovers that God has always had His eye on her? (Apologies for inferior audio quality.)

Keywords Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishamael

Genesis 16:7-12 Things are spinning out of control for everyone involved. Now Hagar, in an act of utter desperation, flees from Sarai. But she soon discovers that while she could hide from her mistress, yet God’s eyes are ever upon her. This turns out to be wonderful news for Hagar, as she discovers that He has been paying attention to all her suffering.

Keywords Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishamael

Genesis 16:4-7 In using a culturally accepted solution to his problem, Abram fails to exhibit that difference that makes others notice the greatness of his God. What happens when we try to take control of our lives from God?

Keywords Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishamael