What if the most important part of Abram’s story isn’t the battle he won—but the mysterious priest who shows up with bread, wine, and a glimpse of Jesus?

In Genesis 14, Abram steps forward in bold faith to rescue his nephew Lot, defeats enemy kings with just 318 men, and refuses to profit from the king of Sodom—declaring that only God, not man, will get credit for his blessing. But right in the middle of this heroic tale, a strange figure suddenly appears: Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High.

Though mentioned in just three verses, Melchizedek disrupts the story like a spotlight on the gospel. He offers bread and wine, blesses Abram, and receives a tithe—actions rich with meaning that echo all the way to Psalm 110 and the book of Hebrews. There, we learn that Melchizedek is more than a historical footnote; he is a prophetic preview of Jesus Christ.

This sermon invites us to zoom out from the battle and fix our eyes on the deeper revelation: Jesus is our true and better Melchizedek—the perfect High Priest and eternal King. He mediates for us, sacrifices for us, reigns over us, and welcomes us to live under the refuge of His blessing.

Whether your faith is developing like Abram’s or you’re exploring what it means to follow Jesus, this story reminds us that God still steps into our lives with bread, wine, and an invitation to know Him more deeply.

Sermon Text: Genesis 14

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Sermon Date: July 27, 2025

You can’t hold onto God’s plan with one hand and your backup plan with the other.

The Scripture tells the story of Abraham’s journey in Genesis 13, revealing the ongoing process of learning to trust God’s command, promise, and calling. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and kindred, yet Abraham brought Lot along—a small act of disobedience that reveals a bigger struggle: trusting God fully when the promise doesn’t seem possible.

The passage shows Abraham returning to Bethel, retracing his steps after a failure in Egypt—a spiritual reset. Scripture shows that as Abraham separates from Lot, his faith deepens. Lot chooses what looks good to the eyes—the well-watered Jordan Valley—despite it being outside the land of promise and near Sodom. Abraham, in contrast, chooses to trust the Lord, growing in confidence that God will bless him wherever he goes.

Scripture reveals this is not just a story of land and livestock. Galatians 3 interprets the promise to Abraham’s offspring as pointing to Christ. Those who put their faith in Jesus become Abraham’s children and part of the “dust of the earth”—the fulfillment of God's promise reaching even to us.

The Word warns against partial obedience and relying on plan B when God calls for full surrender. It also challenges believers not to make decisions based only on what looks good, but to filter choices through God’s command, calling, and promise.

Through Abraham’s story, Scripture teaches that spiritual growth comes step by step, with setbacks and restarts, but always under the patient hand of a faithful God.

Sermon Text: Genesis 13

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: July 20, 2025

The Scriptures declare that even the faithful can falter, yet God remains steadfast. Genesis 12:10–20 recounts how Abram, the man of faith, failed in his first trial after receiving God’s great promises. Faced with famine, Abram left the land God had shown him and went to Egypt. Fearing for his life, he deceived Pharaoh by claiming Sarai was his sister. Though his plan succeeded on worldly terms, it exposed a deep lack of trust in God’s promises.

Yet the Lord, true to His word, intervened. He afflicted Pharaoh’s house with plagues and protected Sarai, preserving the promise of offspring. God’s faithfulness endured even when Abram's faith crumbled. This episode echoes the gospel’s core: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5). Just as God remained faithful to Abram, He is faithful to us even in our weakness.

The Scriptures teach that our calling and God’s promises are not in conflict with our good—they are our good. We often attempt to control outcomes, crafting plans that bypass reliance on God. But true life is found in clinging to His Word, trusting His timing, and walking in His calling. Psalm 34 reminds us: “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Let the Word be louder than our fears. Let the promises of God guide us through our trials. And let us live each day not for “that it may go well with me,” but for the glory of the One who is always faithful.

Scripture: Genesis 12.10-20

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: July 13, 2025