The Rise and Fall of Abram - With astonishing regularity, reports that some celebrity has converted to Christianity fill our news feeds. Invariably, the newly baptized actor, musician, or sports star is invited to speak at big churches and write a book about his or her conversion. Soon, videos of them “preaching” are shared by people who long to find some sense of confirmation for their own belief in their newfound hero’s faith. It all comes crashing down, of course, when news of infidelity, drug use, or a profanity-laden video emerges. The Bible is more realistic about its heroes. It doesn’t shy away from revealing them in all their glory and in all their sad frailty and sin. None more so than Abraham. This week, we return to Genesis and begin the story of Abraham, which will dominate the rest of the book. This Sunday, we’ll see his rapid rise and just as rapid fall as he struggles to believe God’s promises. The way God brings him back to faith is a great comfort to me, and I trust will be a great comfort to you, as well. Genesis 11:27--13:1.
