Online Bible Institute | Jeff | Activity https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/members/jeffjacinto/activity/ Activity feed for Jeff. Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:45:03 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v=3.6.2 en-US 30 hourly 2 587eabf0e9c2087082080a74c8d451ec Jeff posted an update: Desecrating what is sacred means treating something […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89954/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:05:52 -0400 Desecrating what is sacred means treating something holy with disrespect. Shechem did a terrible wrong when he raped Dinah and hurt her dignity. But Jacob’s sons also did wrong. They pretended to make peace with Shechem’s people through circumcision, a sign of their covenant with God. While the men were healing, Jacob’s sons attacked and… Read more

]]> 1 06783016ecd7fbcd7419471b9e19aa09 Jeff posted an update: Jacob teaches me that it is okay to show our wounds […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89953/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:05:33 -0400 Jacob teaches me that it is okay to show our wounds and weaknesses. When he met Esau, he was limping because God had injured his hip. He bowed down to the ground to show his brother that he came in peace. He was no longer strong enough to fight. Instead of anger, Esau ran to Jacob and hugged him. He forgave his brother with love. I believe that… Read more

]]> 0 f3730274cba8f03dbf32a34dc955bedb Jeff posted an update: Some people think Jacob won the wrestling match because […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89952/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:05:11 -0400 Some people think Jacob won the wrestling match because he received God’s blessing. However, I believe God was the real winner. God touched Jacob’s hip, the part that helped him stand tall. This showed Jacob that he must bow down to God’s will and trust His strength, not his own. God also changed Jacob’s name to Israel. In the Bible, names often… Read more

]]> 0 daabb7960b18b331efdc30e5d33e93d0 Jeff posted an update: Jacob’s plan to meet Esau after twenty years shows that he […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89882/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:39:22 -0400 Jacob’s plan to meet Esau after twenty years shows that he was still afraid. Instead of trusting God fully, he sent his animals, servants, children, and wives ahead of him. It seemed like he was using them as shields to protect himself from Esau’s anger. Honestly, I did not like his plan because he put everyone else in danger while keeping… Read more

]]> 0 047dabc7e854f0a2b742be9c255d3256 Jeff posted an update: At the end of Genesis 31, Laban gives Jacob a veiled […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89881/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:39:00 -0400 At the end of Genesis 31, Laban gives Jacob a veiled threat. He seems to say, “I cannot trust you, and you cannot trust me. May God punish you if you hurt me or mistreat my daughters.” Last weekend, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines also gave a veiled threat, saying that China could easily defeat us in war. We should be thankful, he… Read more

]]> 0 1aad0cf8b0099ebd8a4cedda0f40679d Jeff posted an update: In Genesis 31, instead of focusing on the chase […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89880/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:38:29 -0400 In Genesis 31, instead of focusing on the chase between Jacob and Laban, like a scene from Fast and Furious, I want to focus on Rachel taking her father’s idols with her. This action tells us a lot about what is important to her. If we had to leave our homes tonight and move to another land, what would we bring? Some would bring clothes, while… Read more

]]> 0 4adbf04f87efd9de790b27e9f212692c Jeff posted an update: Jacob’s homecoming reminds me that life is not only about […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89768/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 03:02:22 -0400 Jacob’s homecoming reminds me that life is not only about our mistakes but also about finding our way home. Instead of focusing on how Jacob tricked Laban, I want to focus on his return to the land of his father. After many years away, Jacob was finally going home with his wives, children, and property. He was returning to the land God had… Read more

]]> 3 43565f1ce65b62f97ab534248d2b6b25 Jeff posted an update: Jacob outsmarted Laban and grew rich in livestock […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89767/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 03:02:01 -0400 Jacob outsmarted Laban and grew rich in livestock and property, even at the expense of his father-in-law. Now we know where the in-law wars began! Perhaps Jacob and Laban started the world’s first son-in-law versus father-in-law battle. Their story reminds me that family relationships can become difficult when money and personal gain come first.… Read more

]]> 0 ec1e4a186bf4113677ab2ff508d5567a Jeff posted an update: Leah and Rachel seem to repeat Sarah’s mistake when they […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89766/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 03:01:31 -0400 Leah and Rachel seem to repeat Sarah’s mistake when they give their slaves, Zilpah and Bilhah, to Jacob to have children. I know Tim taught us not to judge the Old Testament by today’s values. Still, I cannot help but see a sad picture of human trafficking. These women seem to have little say over their own bodies and lives. Their stories… Read more

]]> 2 1feb337f73a7e6bf874bff4cc7ce7ff3 Jeff posted an update: People often favor those who are beautiful, strong, […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89673/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:40:09 -0400 People often favor those who are beautiful, strong, or popular. In Jacob’s family, Rachel was loved, but Leah was not. Yet Genesis 29:31 says that God saw Leah’s pain and opened her womb to have children. Leah’s story shows that God sees those whom people ignore. He gives hope to the unloved and lifts up the lowly. Human favoritism may make… Read more

]]> 0 fde7fc7f18cd95e95bc9c2c5765f948d Jeff posted an update: I would not dwell on Jacob being tricked by Laban, as I […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89672/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:39:48 -0400 I would not dwell on Jacob being tricked by Laban, as I did in my two previous reflections. Instead, I will focus on holy courtship. Jacob worked for seven years to marry Leah and another seven years to marry Rachel. His story teaches us that true love takes time, patience, and hard work. Today, many young people follow hookup culture,… Read more

]]> 2 db24ef5332af3ba8199ac669a6f7dfbd Jeff posted an update: Jacob once tricked his father to get the blessing meant […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89671/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:39:21 -0400 Jacob once tricked his father to get the blessing meant for his older brother, Esau. Years later, Jacob learned what it felt like to be tricked. He wanted to marry Rachel, but Laban gave him Leah instead. It was like Laban telling him, “I do not know where you come from, but here, the firstborn comes first!” Old Testament scholar Robert Alter… Read more

]]> 0 968d3a9555722855c63761b2dbc4eed9 Jeff posted an update: Jacob saw a ladder in his dream, with angels going up […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89603/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:19:45 -0400 Jacob saw a ladder in his dream, with angels going up and down between heaven and earth. He was running away from Esau because he was afraid. But even in his trouble, God met him and gave him hope. This teaches me that when we face problems, we can also have special encounters with God. Sometimes, our troubles bring us closer to Him. The… Read more

]]> 1 4fdde488cf7963f831867f4c1ddcdfc8 Jeff posted an update: Sometimes, parting ways is good because it can help us […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89602/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:18:59 -0400 Sometimes, parting ways is good because it can help us avoid sin and trouble. Jacob had to leave home because Esau wanted to kill him after he stole his blessing. If they had stayed together, they might have hurt each other. In the same way, John Mark and Barnabas parted ways with Paul and Silas. Their separation allowed them to continue… Read more

]]> 1 7258b7f19c5d80e69b84f8fb55d5c3d2 Jeff posted an update: Robert Alter helps us see how blindness plays an […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89601/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:18:37 -0400 Robert Alter helps us see how blindness plays an important part in Isaac’s story. Isaac gives Jacob the blessing because Jacob tricks him while his eyes are blind. Jacob wears Esau’s clothes and goat skins to fool his father. Isaac cannot see the truth, and the blessing goes to the wrong son. Later, Jacob will also be deceived by his future… Read more

]]> 1 9fc96961c865041a1899ccd23005b6c2 Jeff posted an update: God had a plan for Jacob and Esau. Before they were […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89527/ Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:03:34 -0400 God had a plan for Jacob and Esau. Before they were born, God said that the older son would serve the younger. However, Isaac loved Esau more and wanted to give him the blessing. Rebekah knew God’s plan, but she did not wait for God to fulfill His promise. Instead, she made a trick to help Jacob receive the blessing. She dressed Jacob like Esau… Read more

]]> 1 94f7e888b65b395053e1bf87a0be635f Jeff posted an update: God promised Abraham that his family would bless […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89526/ Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:03:14 -0400 God promised Abraham that his family would bless all nations. Isaac had to learn that this blessing meant more than having land and water. He also had to become a man of peace. Robert Alter explains how repeated story patterns, called type scenes, help us see important lessons in the Bible. Isaac’s fights over wells repeat family struggles, but… Read more

]]> 0 296a3a50390b3a541b8f719b079a241c Jeff posted an update: Isaac’s story teaches the writer that God can give […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89525/ Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:02:49 -0400 Isaac’s story teaches the writer that God can give blessings even in a dry land. Isaac dug wells to find water, but his neighbors became jealous and filled them with dirt. Still, Isaac did not give up. He kept digging until he found a place where there was enough water. God also guided Isaac’s life and helped him find Rebekah as a wife through… Read more

]]> 0 d7f146d295d58845d38b0009d4f34b28 Jeff posted an update: In Genesis 26:6–11, Isaac repeats the mistake of his […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89524/ Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:02:11 -0400 In Genesis 26:6–11, Isaac repeats the mistake of his father Abraham by saying that Rebekah is his sister. Abraham did this twice, but Isaac still falls into the same trap. He could have trusted Yahweh to provide for him during the famine instead of giving in to fear. Robert Alter’s idea of type-scenes helps us see this story as a repeated… Read more

]]> 0 5835f39dfb17f06bee631cdbadabc26e Jeff posted an update: In Genesis 26:6–11, Isaac repeats the mistake of his […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89419/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:21:42 -0400 In Genesis 26:6–11, Isaac repeats the mistake of his father Abraham by saying that Rebekah is his sister. Abraham did this twice, but Isaac still falls into the same trap. He could have trusted Yahweh to provide for him during the famine instead of giving in to fear. Robert Alter’s idea of type-scenes helps us see this story as a repeated… Read more

]]> 2 e11929c926c13a3527a5877fa0f65168 Jeff posted an update: Jacob took advantage of Esau’s hunger to get his […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89418/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:21:19 -0400 Jacob took advantage of Esau’s hunger to get his birthright (Genesis 25:29–34). Robert Alter’s idea of the economy of language helps us see Esau’s animal-like character through his strong desire for food. Esau gave up something sacred for a simple bowl of stew. His choice shows that he did not value his birthright. Today, many people do the… Read more

]]> 2 5611bcced054f313b3dfb312fe995490 Jeff posted an update: The oracle at the birth of Jacob and Esau said that […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89417/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:20:55 -0400 The oracle at the birth of Jacob and Esau said that two nations would come from them and that the older would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). This promise began to unfold in their lives. Esau was born first, but Jacob followed, holding his brother’s heel. This small act gives us a clue about their future struggle for the birthright and… Read more

]]> 1 f9f643bc18cbb5cce0bdacdaf7e9e295 Jeff posted an update: Abraham’s deception of Pharaoh and Abimelech (Genesis […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89271/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:26:05 -0400 Abraham’s deception of Pharaoh and Abimelech (Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–18) is like Jacob’s deception of Esau and Isaac (Genesis 25:29–34; 27:1–40). Abraham lied to protect himself, while Jacob tricked his brother and father to gain the blessing. Both stories show how fear and human plans can lead to wrong choices. Yet God continued to work… Read more

]]> 0 c2f7254a11c4099c978f267615df5009 Jeff posted an update: Jacob’s story has a special melody that repeats stories […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89270/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:25:40 -0400 Jacob’s story has a special melody that repeats stories from earlier in Genesis. Robert Alter calls these repeated story patterns “type-scenes.” For example, a younger brother tricks his older brother, a barren wife hopes for a child, and a man meets a woman at a well. These scenes help readers connect Jacob’s story with other Bible… Read more

]]> 0 e2792a0553b5e5bbbcedce877698d421 Jeff posted an update: Jacob’s life shows how God can use a person with many […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/89269/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:25:18 -0400 Jacob’s life shows how God can use a person with many flaws to fulfill His good plans. Jacob was a deceiver, yet God chose him to carry the blessings He first gave in Eden. While living with Laban, Jacob suffered under a foreign master who also deceived him (Genesis 29–31). His story was like a small picture of what Israel would later… Read more

]]> 0 3ff79024be2490f9e9ab09cddf116f4f Jeff posted an update: I agree with Tim Mackie’s method of teaching the story of […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88713/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:08:27 -0400 I agree with Tim Mackie’s method of teaching the story of Abraham to different groups and situations. I like his idea that we learn better when we try to teach what we have learned to others. When we explain Abraham’s story to children, friends, or church groups, we understand the story more deeply. I also agree that each small story in the… Read more

]]> 0 e2b72415b3a1beaa59505ca4ed9d814f Jeff posted an update: Abraham can be seen as a “New Adam.” Adam was placed in a […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88712/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:08:02 -0400 Abraham can be seen as a “New Adam.” Adam was placed in a garden and was tested to trust God’s wisdom through the Tree (Genesis 2–3). Abraham was brought into Canaan and was also tested many times. He had to trust God’s promise instead of trying to make his own plans for safety and blessing (Genesis 12:1–3). Adam chose his own way and brought… Read more

]]> 0 e065147b4853afaa4f82f72dc5043271 Jeff posted an update: The stories of Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, and […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88711/ Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:07:30 -0400 The stories of Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, and Jacob and Esau show a sad pattern of divided brothers in Genesis. Their stories teach me that God gave us brothers and sisters, and we must never forget that we belong to one another. Tim Mackie points to a “gleam of hope buried within” these stories. This hope can be seen when Ishmael and… Read more

]]> 0 2e4980efdbf0a828a74096769644910d Jeff posted an update: Isaac’s betrothal to Rebekah shows how God can guide a […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88549/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:20:01 -0400 Isaac’s betrothal to Rebekah shows how God can guide a family toward His promise. Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own relatives (Genesis 24:2–4). The servant prayed for a sign, and Rebekah came and showed kindness by giving water to him and his camels (Genesis 24:12–20). Her actions showed that she was generous and… Read more

]]> 1 0ba47602493fb07cd55d2fddad195966 Jeff posted an update: When I read Genesis 23, I see Sarah’s tomb as a small […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88548/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:19:34 -0400 When I read Genesis 23, I see Sarah’s tomb as a small picture of Eden. God had promised Abraham the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7), but Abraham owned almost none of it. Yet, when Sarah died, he bought the field and cave of Machpelah and buried her there (Genesis 23:17–20). The tomb became the first small piece of the promised land owned by… Read more

]]> 1 f2a312b6a764f75e2e5e1e277dd47a23 Jeff posted an update: God’s choosing of one family does not mean that He […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88547/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:19:11 -0400 God’s choosing of one family does not mean that He rejected or demonized all the other families. In Genesis, God chose Abraham and his family to become a blessing to others: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). God’s choice was therefore a mission, not a reason to hate those outside the chosen line.… Read more

]]> 2 96aa7faa56e8855b3d7ec7b89c0592ae Jeff posted an update: Abraham’s total surrender in Genesis 22 helps me see God […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88435/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:53:49 -0400 Abraham’s total surrender in Genesis 22 helps me see God the Father’s great love for humanity. Abraham was willing to give up his beloved son, Isaac. In an even greater way, Yahweh gave His Son, Jesus, for our salvation. Isaac was a willing victim, and Jesus freely gave His life on the cross. Isaac carried the wood for his sacrifice up Mount… Read more

]]> 0 5df6c02e5d0e5297d22ab40a88a3aab3 Jeff posted an update: Genesis 22 teaches me that trials are not always for God […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88434/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:53:14 -0400 Genesis 22 teaches me that trials are not always for God to know what I will do. God already knows my heart. Sometimes, a test is for me to discover if I really trust Him, especially when I do not understand His will. Abraham was promised that he would become the father of many nations, yet God asked him to offer his only son, Isaac. It must… Read more

]]> 0 f220fe006717fa8c8ef844ead72d4b53 Jeff posted an update: The true measure of a civilization is not its […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88433/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:52:47 -0400 The true measure of a civilization is not its infrastructure and commerce or how strong its market is. It is not even about laws and regulations. The true measure of humanity and civilization is how we uphold human dignity by treating the poor and vulnerable well. Genesis 21 reminds me of this through Hagar and Ishmael. They were sent away… Read more

]]> 0 e82270f89239afcf81aa2b868f154185 Jeff posted an update: I am amazed that God chose Abraham to become a source […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88010/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:49:28 -0400 I am amazed that God chose Abraham to become a source of blessing to the whole world. Before this, Genesis had many dark and murky stories of sin, violence, curses, and human failure. But God did not give up on humanity. Instead, He chose one man to bring His blessing to many people. Jack M. Sasson says that God’s promise not to destroy humanity… Read more

]]> 4 f46f1a9cb12bb8df573a5ebaac5d51a9 Jeff posted an update: Genesis 20 teaches me that even a person who does not […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88009/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:49:05 -0400 Genesis 20 teaches me that even a person who does not know God well can show good character. Abimelech, the Canaanite king, acted more honestly than Abraham when he learned that Sarah was Abraham’s wife. Abraham, God’s chosen servant, became afraid and did not tell the whole truth. Robert Alter explains that this story follows a… Read more

]]> 2 313e7666ca5878f15279000c5e8bc2e7 Jeff posted an update: Genesis 19 teaches me an important lesson through Lot […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/88008/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:48:42 -0400 Genesis 19 teaches me an important lesson through Lot and his daughters. After Sodom was destroyed, Lot and his two daughters lived in a cave. The daughters were afraid that there were no men left to continue their family line. Because of their fear, they took matters into their own hands. They got their father drunk and had an… Read more

]]> 2 b2644673e67443ee7dfb2eec1682713d Jeff posted an update: In Genesis 19, I see that God is patient, but His […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87918/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:55:15 -0400 In Genesis 19, I see that God is patient, but His patience has a limit. The people of Sodom continued in wicked ways, and God finally judged the city with fire, brimstone, and sulfur. In Session 18 Dr. Tim Mackie explains how Lot and his family were rescued from this destruction. This teaches me that God does not ignore evil forever. He… Read more

]]> 3 e455c137cb1feb73b460ec5916c83cc3 Jeff posted an update: For me, Genesis 18 shows that one true work of a prophet […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87917/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:54:54 -0400 For me, Genesis 18 shows that one true work of a prophet is to pray for other people. Abraham did not only receive God’s promise. He also stood before God and asked Him to have mercy on Sodom. I see this as a picture of true intercession. Gary Anderson explains that Abraham’s role is connected with standing before God on behalf of others.… Read more

]]> 1 c95b8454cda512a7e03a77974f3f6c5e Jeff posted an update: Genesis 3 and Genesis 18 show two very different ways […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87916/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:54:32 -0400 Genesis 3 and Genesis 18 show two very different ways people respond to God’s presence. Adam and Eve heard God in the garden, but they hid because they were afraid and ashamed. Robert Alter points out how Genesis makes the scene very human: God calls to Adam, asking where he is, even though God already knows. In Genesis 18, Abraham does the… Read more

]]> 1 8be9a2a38dc0e5075e93aca591b36e2c Jeff posted an update: Session 15 The covenant of circumcision I see the drop […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87689/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:33:57 -0400 Session 15
The covenant of circumcision

I see the drop of blood in Abraham’s covenant as a sign of a serious promise with God. As part of the covenant, all the male descendants of Abraham were to be circumcised as a sign that they belonged to God’s covenant family. Abram and Sarai also received new names, Abraham and Sarah. Their new names… Read more

]]> 2 4fdb8b75e70fc37cd16a19956024b9ca Jeff posted an update: Session 14 The oppression of Hagar I learned from […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87688/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:33:31 -0400 Session 14
The oppression of Hagar

I learned from previous studies to read Genesis through the lens of ancient Hebrew culture. However, the story of Hagar and Ishmael is difficult to read without seeing the oppression they experienced. From a modern view, what Abraham and Sarah did can be compared to human trafficking because Hagar was treated… Read more

]]> 2 e1c26b518e4ed44b4033e49d4e85ddaa Jeff posted an update: Session 13 God's covenant with Abram I learned […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87687/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:32:15 -0400 Session 13
God’s covenant with Abram

I learned from Abraham’s covenant that making a covenant is a serious promise. In ancient times, animals were divided as part of the covenant ceremony. This showed that the promise was not something to make or break easily. A covenant also joins two people or families in a special relationship. This is like… Read more

]]> 0 1a91bf28a3211563310226fc1396462e Jeff posted an update: I learn from Abraham that I must trust God’s promise even […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87630/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:46 -0400 I learn from Abraham that I must trust God’s promise even when I cannot see its fulfillment. In Genesis 15:5–6, God told Abraham to look at the stars and promised that his descendants would be as numerous as them. Abraham could not yet see this promise becoming true, but he trusted God, and his faith was counted as righteousness. This reminds… Read more

]]> 2 edd1384cf9bbc61904a4c299e04c343d Jeff posted an update: I learn from Genesis 1–11 that learning from the past can […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87629/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:23 -0400 I learn from Genesis 1–11 that learning from the past can help me make better choices and trust God more. The stories of Adam and Eve, Cain, and the generation of the Flood show a repeating pattern of sin, disobedience, and its consequences. They often chose their own understanding of what was good instead of trusting God’s definition of good.… Read more

]]> 1 cba1f310cee65096eef30a84f73cdc28 Jeff posted an update: The story of Abram and Melchizedek teaches that tithing […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87628/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:03 -0400 The story of Abram and Melchizedek teaches that tithing is an act of gratitude to God. After Abram won the battle, he met Melchizedek, the king and priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abram with bread and wine, and Abram gave him a tenth of everything he had received (Genesis 14:18–20). This shows that Abram understood that his victory… Read more

]]> 0 8b90cfdf1c5d65d56789f1f178971b66 Jeff posted an update: Less is more. Abraham had only 318 trained men, yet […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87583/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:55:39 -0400 Less is more. Abraham had only 318 trained men, yet they defeated powerful kings and armies. This was not because Abraham had the biggest army, but because he trusted Yahweh. His small army reminds us that real strength and victory come from the Lord. Today, the world still sees wars between nations. We see powerful armies fighting, but war has… Read more

]]> 1 b76b8ffe450ba1709c804f80d60b9cc5 Jeff posted an update: God is like a car navigator. It gives us a direction […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87582/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:55:08 -0400 God is like a car navigator. It gives us a direction and recalculates the route when we make a wrong turn. In the same way, God does not leave us when we lose our way. He gently calls us back and invites us to continue our journey. While Lot stayed in Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham continued his journey to the land God promised. God spoke to… Read more

]]> 1 b45f77fd4fdf33c14e3927c6fda7402b Jeff posted an update: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87581/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:53:58 -0400 “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses himself?” Wealth is not always a blessing when it is gained in the wrong way. Abram’s riches from Egypt brought more animals, silver, and gold, but they also brought trouble. His great wealth became a reason for conflict between his family and Lot’s family. When they… Read more

]]> 0 72cf4ee7ca415ab65f21e13ac1ff2e51 Jeff posted an update: Sometimes, even people who truly want to walk with God […] https://onlinebibleinstitute.org/activity/p/87482/ Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:34:58 -0400 Sometimes, even people who truly want to walk with God will fail. Abram was called by God, but when famine came, he became afraid and went to Egypt. He even lied about Sarai because he wanted to save himself. His fear put Sarai and God’s promise in danger. Abram was not perfect. Neither are we. There will be days when we are tested, afraid,… Read more

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