Grow Guide | Sept 27, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, September 27, 2026
Series Theme: People and Promise
Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Tell about a couple, like Abraham and Sarah, that inspire you. Why?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Loving God, by covenant promise and enduring mercy you have joined us to yourself forever. By your Spirit may we join with all your faithful people in trust and hope, through Jesus Christ, our true King, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CONTEXT
Our sermon series, People And Promise will focus on the ways God shows up! Throughout history, God’s people have celebrated God’s goodness and trusted in God’s mercy. However, God’s people have also fallen short of what God desires, leaving behind suffering and pain. Scripture reminds us that God still loves and claims us! Just as God met people of the Old Testament where they were and worked through them to fulfill God's promise. A promise to be in relationship, to be life affirming, to defend, especially to remain with us even when we stray. God is with us today, in the joys and struggles, praise be to God!
From Dr Terry Fretheim at EntertheBible.org:
God “elects” or chooses creatures in and through which God will work in the world. The special election of Abraham (and his descendants) is for the sake of “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3). This initially exclusive divine move is for the sake of a maximally inclusive end.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Our theme is “People and Promise.” God’s promises are deeply woven in relationships we have with one another. What is one relationship that you wish to improve? Why?
Open to Genesis 17. Who do we meet in this story and what is the first detail we learn?
Does our society value elders? Why or why not? What might the disconnects be?
The Lord appears to Abram and by what? Compare it to Exodus 6, 3.
Two commands are given. What are they? Does Jesus give commands like this? Why or why not?
In verse three, Abram chooses a posture. What is it? What does that communicate with you?
What does God promise Abram? Did Abram ask for this?
Why does God change Abram’s name? Have you changed your name? Why or why not?
God also promises that “kings” will be part of Abram’s lineage. How does this connect with Jesus?
What happens to Sarai in verse 15?
What is communicated about her? Why might God choose this couple and this kind of gift? What’s the larger message?
Google the song “All the Stars” by Caroline Cobb. What does the song share? What does the video show?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church invite others to live in community? What is life giving to be found at this church?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
It can be hard to receive gifts. Why? How might the next time someone shares a gift with you, even a kind word, be practice on being grateful for God’s presence in our lives. Try it!
Sending Prayer
O God, you made us in your image and send us into the world you so love by your Spirit’s power. As you have called all people to you, make us one in your name. Through your grace, let us live in community to the glory of your Son, for we pray in Christ’s holy name. Amen.