God 8 - Barbara Lynn Seibel

December 10, 2023December 9, 2023

From Genealogies to Dreams: Obeying God | Matthew 1:18-25

The first chapter of the gospel of Matthew surprisingly starts with a genealogy.

After fifteen verses about who fathered what son and after mentioning a few unexpected mothers, we get verse sixteen:

¹⁶and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. ^{^[1]}

Verse seventeen then summarizes the royal genealogical record Matthew highlighted, reinforcing his opening verse statement that Jesus Christ is officially part of the promises made to Abraham back in Genesis and King David in 2 Samuel.

Then, Matthew explains the mystery of why he did not call Joseph the father of Jesus Christ.

December 3, 2023December 2, 2023

The Genealogy of Christ | Matthew 1

Do you like genealogical research?

Most of the time my answer would be not really.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of genealogical research.

And I am glad others take the time to do this type of research.

It just is not something I feel drawn to pursue for myself.

But the Bible contains several genealogical lists that intrigue me.

For example, the Gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy of Christ.

What can we learn from this odd way to open a book about Christ?

November 26, 2023November 24, 2023

Remembering to Give Thanks | Exodus 32:1-8

Why is it important to remember to give thanks?

Looking up the word thanks led me to the word gratitude.

In turn, looking up the word gratitude led me to the word grateful.

The definition of grateful then led me back to the words gratitude and thanks.

Oh, the fun of the English language.

Seriously, why is it important to remember to give thanks, express gratitude, and be grateful?

And what does this have to do with Exodus 32:1-8?

November 19, 2023November 18, 2023

Clinging Tightly to God

Imagine if you were the beetle in the picture above.

What circumstances would cause you to cling even tighter to the plant?

If the weather is mild, there would be no reason to cling even tighter to the plant.

But what if the weather was hazardous?

Or if another animal appeared to challenge you?

How does this relate to Jacob’s situation in Genesis 32:22-32?

November 12, 2023November 11, 2023

Fueling the Worship Response

What is your first thought when you think about fuel?

Gasoline or electricity is a typical fuel that enables vehicles to get us from point to point.

Wood is an excellent fuel for a campfire.

Physically, we use food as fuel to nourish and sustain our bodies.

But there are other fuels to consider.

For example, Exodus 12:27 ends with the phrase, “And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.”

What fueled this worship response?

November 5, 2023November 4, 2023

Why Do People Worship God? |Exodus 4:31 | Part Two

I’m back!

In Why Do People Worship God? | Exodus 4:31 | Part One, we considered the primary and secondary definitions of both the word worship and God using Merriam-Webster.com.

We then reviewed how the stage was set in Genesis 15:12-14 and how the plot developed from Genesis 41:41-43 through Exodus 4:17 before the people in Exodus 4:31 responded to the news Moses and Aaron presented to them by worshipping God.

Today, we will continue our study of Exodus 4, seeking to gain insight into why people worship God.

October 15, 2023October 14, 2023

Why Do People Worship God? |Exodus 4:31 | Part One

Answering the question of why people worship God seems both simple and complex.

The primary definition of worship is to honor or show reverence for a divine being or supernatural power.

But this definition implies that there are multiple potential divine beings or supernatural powers to choose from.

Further, the secondary definition reveals that worship may be directed toward other humans or physical objects.

The primary definition of God, according to Merriam-Webster.com, is the supreme or ultimate reality who is perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness and the creator ruler of the universe.

Yet, secondary definitions mention god as a being or object that has more than natural attributes and powers, one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality, a person or thing of supreme value, or a powerful ruler.

How can Exodus 4:31 help us unravel this simple yet complex question of why people worship God?

October 8, 2023October 7, 2023

Honoring God Through Worship | Genesis 24: 26-27 and 48

Genesis 24 is more than a simple story of how Isaac and Rebekah become husband and wife.

In fact, a significant portion of the chapter centers on Abraham’s servant.

Back in Genesis 15:2, before Isaac was born, we learn the name of Abraham’s chief servant is Eliezer. Abraham expresses to God his concern that he remains childless. As long as this continued, Eliezer would inherit Abraham’s estate.

Yet, Abraham did not remain childless. He received a child through his wife Sarah in their old age.

Following the death of Sarah, Abraham requests Eliezer take a special assignment.

What can we learn from Abraham’s chief servant about honoring God through worship?

October 1, 2023September 30, 2023

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 | Whose Instructions Do You Follow?

One member of my book club recently brought some dessert to share with the group.

She wrapped each piece of cake individually and brought her own metal forks to share with us.

After she had passed them out but had not picked up her own fork, one of us teasingly asked, “Do we need to wait to eat our piece until you have picked up your fork?”

With a glint in her eye, she quickly picked up her fork so we could enjoy the yummy treat.

What does this cultural practice of waiting for the hostess to pick up her fork before the guests can begin eating have to do with 1 Corinthians 11:17-34?

September 24, 2023September 23, 2023

Respecting God Through Worship | Genesis 22:5

What first leaps to mind when you think of worship?

Merriam-Webster.com defines worship first as offering reverence to a divine being or supernatural power.

We can express this reverence through a worship service where praises, hymns, thanksgiving, teachings, and prayers are offered to a divine being or supernatural power in a group setting.

We can also worship in smaller group settings or individually.

A secondary definition reminds us we can worship any person or object we choose to offer extravagant respect, admiration, or devotion toward.

Consider the following examples Merriam-Webster.com used to illustrate this secondary definition.

A celebrity is worshipped by his or her fans.
There are those who worship the dollar.

What does this have to do with respecting God through worship and Genesis 22:5?