"What Will You Give Me, Lord?"

This sermon, preached by Pastor Josh Major on July 13, 2025, titled "What Will You Give Me, Lord? Trusting in the Promises of God," zeroes in on Genesis chapter 15, which the speaker highlights as one of the most vital chapters in the Bible. It explores Abram's long wait for God's promise from Genesis chapter 12 to be fulfilled, and how this led him to question God's faithfulness.

Unpacking the "Firsts" in Genesis 15:1

The sermon delves into some significant "firsts" found in this foundational verse:

  • "The word of the Lord came": This phrase marks a pivotal shift in how God communicates. It signifies a move from direct speech to individuals like Adam and Noah, towards revealing His word through prophets.

  • "In a vision": This is also the inaugural appearance of this phrase, indicating that visions would become a more common method for divine communication among Old Testament prophets.

  • "Fear not": The initial instance of this comforting phrase in scripture, offered as an encouragement to a fearful Abram.

Abram's Fear and God's Shield

Abram's fear is understandable, stemming from his recent victory over four kings in Genesis chapter 14. This triumph put him at risk of a counterattack, especially since he had refused King Sodom's offer of provision, choosing to rely solely on the Lord.

God directly addresses Abram's fear by declaring, "I am your shield." This is the first time God uses a metaphor to describe Himself in scripture, implying all-encompassing protection. The sermon clarifies that being God's shield doesn't mean protection from all afflictions, but rather an ultimate security in God through Jesus Christ.

The Promise of an Heir and the Stars

Abram's primary concern revolves around his childlessness. Despite God's promise of a great nation through his offspring, his heir is Eleazar of Damascus, not his own son. Notably, 20 years have passed since the initial promise, with Abram in his 80s and Sarah in her 70s.

God provides a twofold answer to Abram's distress:

  1. Abram will have his own son, and his descendants will be as numerous as the stars.

  2. God is the one who called Abram to give him the land to possess.

God reaffirms, "This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir." He then instructs Abram to look at the stars, proclaiming, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believes the Lord, and it is counted to him as righteousness. This belief is tied to the New Testament, specifically Galatians 3:29, which states that those who are in Christ are Abram's offspring and heirs according to the promise.

Applying God's Promises to Our Lives

The sermon offers two key applications for believers:

  1. Like the Israelites, we must remember God's deliverance and promises when we find ourselves perplexed or in difficult circumstances.

  2. We must understand what God's promises are and are not. God never promised perfect health, wealth, or a life free from problems. Instead, His true promises include a coming Messiah, salvation through faith in Jesus, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus' ultimate return. Knowing these helps avoid unmet expectations.

The Covenant of Land and God's Unfailing Commitment

Abram's second concern is how he can truly know God will fulfill His promise of the land. God instructs Abram to prepare for a covenant ceremony involving the cutting of animals in half. This was a common ancient practice where two parties would walk between the divided pieces, signifying that they would suffer the same fate if they broke the agreement. Abram's act of driving away birds of prey during this waiting period demonstrates his faith and patience.

As the sun sets, a deep sleep falls upon Abram, followed by a "dreadful and great darkness." This darkness symbolizes a future period of affliction for Abram's offspring, who would be sojourners and servants in a foreign land for 400 years. However, God promises to judge the nation that afflicts them and bring them out with great possessions. The delay in the promise's fulfillment is explained by the "iniquity of the Amorites" not yet being complete, showcasing God's patience and mercy.

Crucially, God alone passes through the divided pieces as a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch, symbolizing His divine presence and taking full responsibility for fulfilling the covenant. This signifies that the covenant cannot fail because God cannot fail. The promised land stretches "from the river of Egypt to the great river, to the river Euphrates."

Courage to Advance

The sermon concludes with two final applications:

  1. Like Israel, believers must view God's promises in light of their distress and adversity.

  2. Like Israel, believers can have the courage to "cross the Jordan" and advance the news about Jesus into "enemy's territory," fully trusting in God's covenant.

Ultimately, the greatest gift God gave was His son, Jesus, offering ultimate protection and a sure inheritance to all who believe.

God's Call & Promise to Abraham

Embracing the Unknown

Abraham's journey began with a divine instruction: to leave his homeland and venture into unfamiliar territory. This act of obedience, despite uncertainty, underscores the essence of faith—trusting in God's plan without having all the answers.

The Promise of Blessing

God's covenant with Abraham wasn't just about land or descendants; it was about being a conduit of blessing to all nations. This promise illustrates God's expansive vision and His desire to use individuals to fulfill His broader purposes.

Faith in Action

Abraham's life serves as a testament to active faith. His willingness to act on God's promises, even when fulfillment seemed distant, challenges believers to live out their faith through tangible actions and unwavering trust.

Reflection for Today

Consider your own responses to God's call. Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the path isn't clear? Do we trust in God's promises, believing that He can work through us to bless others?

And God Blessed and Made a Promise

And God Blessed Noah and his sons (v1-7)

Enjoy repopulating the earth: Get married, have families, build homes.

Enjoy eating whatever you like: plants and meat

Ensure human life is revered: God made man in His own image.

Human life is the most sacred of all life. It must be protected from the first second of conception in the womb to the very last breath of the aged.

The nuclear family is the foundation for human and societal flourishing.

And God made a promise to them and to all future generations of the earth.

I have set my rainbow in the cloud serving as a reminder I will never flood the earth again.

When I bring clouds upon the earth, I will see the rainbow and remember my promise.

The rainbow is my everlasting promise to everyone and to all the earth.

How can we cultivate a consistent awareness of God’s promises, symbolized by the rainbow?

Then Noah and his sons went forth in to the new world (v18-29)

Noah became drunk and uncovered

“He uncovered himself” is associated with shame and is incompatible with living in God’s presence.

Though Noah is described as a man “blameless" in his generation” and who “walked with God” sin still had to be mastered in a post-flood world.

Post-flood humanity still had a sin nature to be ruled over lest it rule over them.

Ham saw his father uncovered and left him that way.

“He looked searchingly” is associated with dishonoring image bearers of God.

He told his brothers is associated with the shameful mention of sin.

The besetting sin of every nation has roots found in the ancestors of those nations.

Shem and Japheth id not see their father uncovered but covered him.

“Blessed be the Lord” associates Shem in relationship with God (Yaweh) personally and recognizes Shem as the Messianic line (Luke 3:36). Shem’s line becomes Israel.

“May God enlarge” associates Japheth in relationship with God (Elohim) as the only creator. Japheth’s line becomes the Gentiles.

All nations need Christ’s work and redemption.

“When Man Began to Multiply Upon the Earth” (Genesis 6-7)

Introduction: What was supposed to happen as man began to multiply upon the earth (Gen. 1:26-28)?

1. The Sons of God took the daughter of man as their wives (v1-2).

2. The Nephilim were on the earth in those days–the children born to them (v4).

  • The Lord saw, regretted and was grieved to his heart (v5-6):

3. One man found favor in the eyes of the Lord, Noah (v8-10):

  • The Lord said to Noah (v11-21): 

  • Noah did all the Lord commanded him (v22). 

  • The Lord said to Noah (7:1-4): 

  • Noah did all the Lord commanded him (v5). 

4. One man and his family were saved from God's judgement upon the wickedness of man (v6-24). 

  • "The waters of the flood came upon the earth" (v6-10).

  • "The waters prevailed above the mountains until all was gone (v11-22).

  • "Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark" (v23-24).

"It's All Empty in the Garden"

The Lord God says three things to the serpent.

  1. You will be more cursed than all the other animals and crawl on your belly all your days.

  2. I will put hostility between you and the woman- between her seed and yours.

  3. Her seed will put an end to you forever; your seed will wound her seed greatly.

The Lord God says three things to the woman.

  1. I will multiply the pain you experience in giving birth.

  2. You will have a sinful desire to control your husband.

  3. Your husband will have a sinful desire to run and not lovingly lead, protect, and provide.

The Lord God said three things to the man.

  1. You’ve listened to your wife and not me so now I’ve cursed the ground because of you.

  2. I will multiply the pain you experience in providing for your family.

  3. There will be no relief from this as long as you live.

The Lord God made three final decisions.

  1. The Lord God provided garments to cover Adam and Eve’s shame.

  2. The Lord God sent them out of His good garden and their good home.

  3. The Lord God guarded the tree of life so they would not live forever.

"It's All Good in the Neighborhood"

“It’s all Good in the Neighborhood”

(Genesis 2:4-25)

  1. The Name(s) of God in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2.

    1. Genesis 1: God is the sovereign God who creates the heavens and the earth. God is the majestic God who speaks and it is done. He is Elohim. 

    2. Genesis 2: God is the personal God who breathed his life into man. God is the self-existent God who establishes relationship with man. He is Yahweh. 

  1. The Lord God formed man from the ground and breathed into him the breath of life (v7). 

  1. The Lord God prepares a delightful and gorgeous garden as the home for man (v8-16).

    1. The Lord God planted a garden and put the man in it (v8). 

    2. The Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food (v9). 

    3. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden to tend and keep it (v15). 

    4. The Lord God gave one command to the man in the garden (v16). 

  1. The Lord God provides a person who is categorically different from him in such a way that it completes him (2:4-25). 

    1. The Lord God said it is not good for the man to be alone in the garden and decide to make a helper comparable to him (v18). 

    2. The Lord God gave Adam authority to name all the animals and he could not find his counterpart among them (v19). 

    3. The Lord God put Adam into a deep sleep, took a rib from him, and made it into a woman and brought her to him (v21-22). 

    4. The man says, finally! He and his wife became one flesh–All was good in the garden (v23-25). 



And Behold, It Was Very Good

Introduction: “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Psalm 8

Four important distinctions between the created material world and mankind.

“Let there be” to “Let us make man”

Pivot from the impersonal to the personal, from the special to the unique special

“According to their kind” to “In His image and likeness”

Image of God was reserved for a Pharaoh or king

Everyone else was seen as lower value and dignity

Image of God is assigned to every human being everywhere.

“Be fruitful and multiply” to “Be fruitful and multiply and have dominion”

This is the first great commission. Exercising royal rule over the earth is the basic purpose for why God created us (mentally, morally, and socially).

“According to their kind” to “male and female He created them”

Male and female He made them. That’s it. There is no “each according to their kind” differences. Only after the fall are distinctions and divisions made among the human race.

God’s final assessment: “And He saw that it was good” to “And behold, it was very good!”

"Form & Fill"- Genesis 1:3-31

Introduction: Days 4-6: God fills the heavens and the earth

The message of Day 4: God is not the sun; He is its designer. God is not the moon; He is its maker; He’s the One who assigned their purpose in His vast creation

  • To give light upon the earth

  • and to rule over the day and the night

  • and to separate the light from the darkness

The message of Day 5: God is not a sea creature; He is their creator. God is not a flying bird; He is their maker.

  • He made them in a variety of ways. Each according to their kind

  • He blessed them by telling them to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth

    Let the waters teem and let the birds fly and God saw that it was good.

The message on Day 6: God is not an animal of the earth; He made them too.

God made them in a variety of ways. Each according to their kind.

The central message: From the teeny, tiniest bug to the gigantic expanding galaxies, in the beginning God created all of them.

Two essential responses: obedience and worship.

"In The Beginning God"- Genesis 1:1-13

Getting Started in Genesis 1

The primary purpose of Genesis 1: to instruct the Israelites about the God who had redeemed them, letd them, and promised to be with them as their God.

The primary application of Genesis 1: to worship and trust God by revealing all his instructions as they crossed the Jordan River.

Why does it matter…

Genesis was written to us so that we worship God in awe, fear, wonder, trusting and obeying Him for our future.

Who is God in Genesis and why does it matter to us as believers today?

God creating all physical reality. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”

“God” = “Elohim” means “supreme one” or “mighty one”.

God as three in one in Genesis 1:1

God speaks and commands His creation into existence: “and it was so”

God saw and evaluated His creation: “God saw that it was good”

God separated and named His creation: “God separated,” “God called”

The days of Creation: God formed on day 1-3 and God filled on days 4-6.

Day 1: Light and Darkness

Day 2: Sea and Sky

Day 3: Land and Vegetation

"The Beginning" - The Big Picture

Finding our way into the Old Testament and into Genesis:

Why preach a series on Genesis?

Knowing and living out the New Testament requires a growing understanding of the Old Testament

Jesus affirmed the Old Testament at divinely authoritative Scripture. It was HIS book!

We must have the Old Testament and the New Testament included in our discipleship.

Genesis will strengthen our faith and will help us in our evangelism and defending of our faith.

It's Reasonable to Be Radical- Romans 11:33-12:2

Radical speaks to the origin or root of something but not to the extreme version.

It’s reasonable to be radical because:

  • it’s all about God

  • of His mercies toward us

  • God gives the ability to do the “unreasonable”

  • God is pleased with such sacrifices

  • Giving your all to God is logical service (worship)

Living sacrifices

  • offer themselves voluntarily

  • offer up themselves daily

  • can crawl off the altar

Unwavering Hearts of Worship in Warfare (Psalm 108)

Unwavering Hearts of Worship in Warfare

(Psalm 108)

In Psalm 108, David declares that his heart is fixed (unwavering, steadfast) upon His God. He exclaims, "I will awaken the dawn!" in worship of Him. I will sing loud among all the people. The occasion is that a real and very present threat against him and his people has come– a very real and present war has arrived. For David, the reality of God is his all-consuming focus, and unwavering worship is his weapon. Satan hates worship. We can become easily distracted with a hundred disappointments, conflicts, irregularities, challenges and yes, demonic opposition too. My prayer for us is that, like David, we have hearts fixed on God and unwaveringly worship in the real and present spiritual war we wage each day. 

May our hearts be unwavering in our worship of God (1081-4). 

  • for His love is unwavering for us. It measures beyond the heavens. 

  • for His faithfulness is unwavering toward us. It reaches to the clouds. 


May our exaltation of God be in accordance with his immeasurable love and the reach of His faithfulness (108:5).

What unwavering worship and exaltation accomplishes for us.

  • It helps sets our hearts right as we face distress and it postures us to depend solely on His holy promises (v6-12).

  • It helps set our faith properly in God so we can win great victories and accomplish great things through Him (v13). 


“Worshiping God in the Wilderness” (Psalm 63)

Introduction: Each Psalm is about an experience in life with God. Psalm 63 was written by King David during one of the most stressful and agonizing "wilderness" experiences of his entire life. Even still, David worships his God. Even still David longs for God more than anything–even the very things that keep him alive like food and water. He remembers his God is better than life. So no matter what He will keep blessing Him as long as he lives. Psalm 63 teaches us to worship in the wilderness.

Summary of David's "wilderness" experience with God (Ps. 63:9-11; 2 Samuel 15-19). 

  • A conscious and conniving effort to remove David from being King was enacted (2 Sam. 15:4-6).

  • David must flee for his life into the wilderness (2 Sam. 15:12-14, 23).

  • David does what is right and resolves to let God do whatever he decides is good (2 Sam. 15:24-26). 

  • David refuses to seek revenge or curse in return when slandered, leaving everything in God's hands (2 Sam. 15:28-16:12).


What the wilderness taught David and what it teaches us today.

  • The wilderness tested David’s resolve to keep God as His God & develop an appetite for Him above all else (v1).

  • The wilderness taught David to long for & appreciate the “sanctuary” experiences with His God (v2).


  • The wilderness taught David that God’s love is “better than life” and to bless Him as long as he lives (v3-4).

  • The wilderness taught David to fight by faith in the future promises of God knowing he will be satisfied (v5-6).

Questions for Whole-hearted Worshipers - Psalm 150

What?

Praise the Lord!

Halal- to shine, to glory, to boast

For whom?

Praise..the Lord!

Don’t worship what man’s hand has crafted (idols)

Don’t worship what God’s hand has created (nature)

Don’t worship what man’s mind has concocted (speculations)

Where?

Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.

Immanence of God- He is near us, with us, and within us.

Transcendence of God- He is beyond us. He is infinite and uncontainable.

Why?

Praise Him for His mighty deeds. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

How?

Praise Him with trumpet sound. Praise Him with the harp and lyre (with music)

By whom?

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Publically and privately

Recounting and Rejoicing in the

Attributes and actions of the

Infinite and immanent

Sovereign God of

Earth and eternity

The Last Sermon in 1 John

The big picture of 1 John was written…

  • So that we may have fellowship with God and one another

  • So that we may not sin

  • Because we know the truth

  • Because there are those trying to deceive us.

  • So that we may know we have eternal life.


Knowing we have eternal life gives us confidence before God.

If we ask God for anything He hears us and gives it to us according to His will.

If we see a God-believer commiting sin not leading to death we ask God to give him life. We can be sure that He hears us and gives us what we ask.

  • There is a sin leading to death we are not obligated to pray for that.

  • Sin not leading to death vs sin leading to death. Possible interpretations:

    • Physical death

    • Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

    • Apostasy

    • Those who were from us but not of us.

      The final three assurances in 1 John

      • We know that all believers are secure and protected by God from the evil one.

      • We know that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one

      • We know that the Son of God has come that we may know him and have relationship with him.

“The Effects of God’s Love on our Fear of Judgement" (1 John 4:13-21)

The trustworthy testimony of John and the Apostles (v13-15). 

1. They have fellowship with God because he gave them His Spirit (13). 

2. They have seen and told others the truth about the Father and the truth about His Son (14). 

3. His hope was that all respond by faith so they too can have fellowship with God (15) 

The trustworthy conclusion of John and the Apostles (v16)

1. We all have come to personally experience God's love for us (v16a)

2. We all realize that God is love (v16b). 

3. When we all live in love we are living also in God and God is living in us (v16c). 

How does this affect us today in our relationship with God and then with each other (v17-21).  

1. It gives us confidence on judgement day (v17).  

2. It casts all fear of God's judgement out of our lives because fear involves punishment (v18).

3. Since God will not judge or punish us on judgement day we love each other as he loved us. (v19-21).

“Practice Makes Perfect–God’s Love and Ours”  1 John 4:7-12

“Practice Makes Perfect–God’s Love and Ours” 

(1 John 4:7-12)

I. You and I are dearly loved ones by God so let's practice loving one another (v7-8).  

Because... 

1. The source of love is God. 


2. The nature of God is love. 

Implication & Application:


II. God's love was revealed by who he sent to us (v9-10). 

  1. He sent His only Son so that we could model our life after His (v9). 

  1. He sent His only Son so that we could see and experience God's all-in and costly love for us. (v10).  

So what? 

1. If God loves you and me so much, we ought to practice loving each other so much (v11). 

2. No one has ever seen God. He is seen in our practice of love for each other: Practice makes perfect (v12).