Family of Promise: Our Frailty, God’s Fortitude

Family of Promise: Our Frailty, God’s Fortitude

Welcome to another episode of the Descend Podcast! If you’re new here, welcome! Every two weeks, we take Sunday’s sermon and descend into what it looks like to live it out in our everyday lives as we share the love of Christ with those around us. Our prayer is that this podcast would encourage you and remind you of God’s goodness throughout your week. This week, Haley is joined by Shane Rasch (Discipleship Director) and Marc Emery (Executive Director and NEW Pastor) as we continue through our newest series “Family of Promise”. [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/series-index/family-of-promise/] Jacob Chacko taught on Genesis 35 this past Sunday on a sermon titled “Our Frailty, God’s Fortitude”. Listen HERE [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/sermons/our-frailty-gods-fortitude/]! * When you think about your own frailty (those moments when you feel weak) how has God met you there in a surprising way? * When you hear the phrase ‘God’s fortitude,’ what comes to mind? What aspect of God’s character are you most grateful never changes? * Jacob’s story is messy. There’s sin, family dysfunction, grief, and yet God remains faithful. Why is it important for us to remember that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on us getting everything right? * Genesis 35 is packed with loss, but God keeps reaffirming His promises. Why do you think God so often reminds His people of His promises in seasons of grief? * One of the challenges from the sermon was rethinking what blessing really means. How has your definition of blessing changed as you’ve gotten older? What’s a blessing in your life today that your younger self probably wouldn’t have recognized as a blessing? * Marc, as you’ve stepped into a pastoral role, have you found yourself relying on God’s faithfulness in new ways? * As we close, if someone listening today is really feeling their frailty right now (whether that’s through sin, grief, disappointment, or just feeling worn out by life) what would you want to encourage them with this week? * Resources * “Lead” by Paul David Tripp [https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Gospel-Principles-Leadership-Questions/dp/1433599317/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=181580665330&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.F3KN4jjEjS5GfRKy-_LRlhK2FbJ1eT2Ld6aQYkgahW99Gwl0N_qCwxGmri5Q28OHnUDaDbxfecu2nRhkOdGOssWhMrRsRI0wKykkgqHJ2ZAmSbCVmQklL36zRAFNqWfP-TPPKNKF6l6TeGrV3IWkA0JG-ugHj49kZYEje4f98aWaCBAbeyV2rxAXUQURqFSbCtDAZDEoDfIsW7UpqRdDgQ1e7e4GUiUd7gXob30jf_k.pFJzXHXgw67Wqfy8bUjkk4l5pmGiiCUqhXXk_wjIJQA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779516975883&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9028897&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=3949607083622959652--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3949607083622959652&hvtargid=kwd-965789667095&hydadcr=17806_13794478_2332481&keywords=lead+by+paul+david+tripp&mcid=0338412d138f3818909be2e618e4a470&qid=1782250746&sr=8-1] * “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop [https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Clouds-Deep-Mercy-Discovering/dp/1433561484] Descend Podcast is going to take a little summer break! We’ll be back at the end of July 2026 with a new episode! [https://feedpress.me/link/23852/17366196.gif]

Family of Promise: Jacob Wrestles with God

Welcome to another episode of the Descend Podcast! If you’re new here, welcome! Every two weeks, we take Sunday’s sermon and descend into what it looks like to live it out in our everyday lives as we share the love of Christ with those around us. Our prayer is that this podcast would encourage you and remind you of God’s goodness throughout your week. This week, Haley is joined by Shane Rasch (Discipleship Director) and Jacob Chacko (Pastor) as we continue through our newest series “Family of Promise”. [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/series-index/family-of-promise/] Jacob taught on Genesis 32 this past Sunday on a sermon titled “Jacob Wrestles with God”. Listen HERE [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/sermons/jacob-wrestles-with-god/]! * Jacob’s story shows how easy it is to chase after good things (even God-given blessings) and slowly make them more important than God Himself. What are some signs that we’ve started doing that in our own lives? And how does that shape our understanding of what it really means to be “blessed”? * In American Christianity, we often associate blessing with comfort, success, or ease. How does Jacob’s story challenge that assumption? * Jacob’s limp became a lifelong reminder of his encounter with God. Have either of you experienced a season where something painful, disappointing, or humbling became one of the primary ways God deepened your faith? * God “lost intentionally” because His goal wasn’t to defeat Jacob but to reshape his heart. What does this reveal about God’s character, and how does it help us understand the way God meets us in our own struggles? * Throughout Scripture, significant encounters with God are often accompanied by a new identity or a new name. Why do you think identity is such an important part of God’s work in our lives? How does remembering who we are in Christ help us fight against old patterns of self-reliance or a need to control? * “Who am I fighting? Why am I wounded? Where is my true blessing?” Which of those questions do you think people are most resistant to asking themselves, and why?  [https://feedpress.me/link/23852/17352081.gif]

Family of Promise: Jacob’s Children

Welcome to another episode of the Descend Podcast! If you’re new here, welcome! Every two weeks, we take Sunday’s sermon and descend into what it looks like to live it out in our everyday lives as we share the love of Christ with those around us. Our prayer is that this podcast would encourage you and remind you of God’s goodness throughout your week. This week, Haley is joined by Shane Rasch (Discipleship Director) and Calder Marriott (Church Planting Resident, heading to Boulder, CO this summer!) as we continue through our newest series “Family of Promise”. [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/series-index/family-of-promise/] Calder taught on Genesis 29:31–30:24 this past Sunday on a sermon titled “Jacob’s Children”. Listen HERE [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/sermons/jacobs-children/]! * How can we recognize when an initially good desire has ultimately become an idol in our hearts? * Verse 17 says that “God listened to Leah,” even in the middle of all the dysfunction, sin, jealousy, and broken motives. What does that teach us about God’s character and the kind of people he responds to? Why is that aspect of grace so important? * One thing that stood out in the sermon was that God was still working even through sinful motives and messy circumstances. How do we hold together personal responsibility for sin while also trusting God’s sovereignty over it all?  * How has this passage been shaping the way you think about ministry, waiting, and trying not to force outcomes? (In relation to planting a church in Boulder) * Is there a season in your life where you can now see God working, even though you couldn’t see it at the time? * God sees, remembers, and shows grace to sinful and suffering people. Why should those truths in Old Testament narratives encourage us today? * Resources: * “Spectacular Sins” by John Piper [https://www.desiringgod.org/books/spectacular-sins] * “The Bruised Reed” by Richard Sibbes [https://www.amazon.com/Bruised-Reed-Puritan-Paperbacks/dp/0851517404] * “The Glorious Feast of the Gospel” by Richard Sibbes [https://www.amazon.com/Glorious-Feast-Gospel-Richard-Sibbes/dp/180040090X] * “The Search for Significance” by Robert S. McGee [https://www.amazon.com/Search-Significance-Seeing-Worth-Through/dp/0849944244] * “Respectable Sins” by Jerry Bridges [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=respectable+sins+jerry+bridges&adgrpid=186693681295&hvadid=779637496952&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9028896&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=13715680784383936717--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13715680784383936717&hvtargid=kwd-366957722397&hydadcr=17833_13794506_2332441&mcid=59150315a75134be8a6bfb73e82e2267&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_11kfqfr9s6_e] [https://feedpress.me/link/23852/17343752.gif]

Family of Promise: Jacob’s Dream

Welcome to another episode of the Descend Podcast! If you’re new here, welcome! Each week, we take Sunday’s sermon and descend into what it looks like to live it out in our everyday lives as we share the love of Christ with those around us. Our prayer is that this podcast would encourage you and remind you of God’s goodness throughout your week. This week, Haley is joined by pastors Aaron LeDuc and Jacob Chacko as we continue through our new series “Family of Promise”. [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/series-index/family-of-promise/] Jacob taught through Genesis 28:10-22 this past Sunday on a sermon titled “Jacob’s Dream”. Listen HERE [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/sermons/jacobs-dream/]! * Why do we sometimes feel like we need to wait until we have things figured out before we come to God sometimes? What does God actually want us to do? * Jacob you mentioned that our culture really prizes self-reliance. Being capable, independent, and in control. Where do you personally struggle with that idea? * Can we expand a little more on the gospel tie-in from yesterday’s message? If someone in our church is in a season where they feel uncertain, tired, or like they’ve made a mess of things, what would you not want them to miss from this passage as it relates to the gospel? * How do we tend to miss God’s presence in ordinary moments or stressful seasons? What can we do in those situations to reorient our gaze on God? * What could it look like for you this week to live more aware of God’s presence instead of just trying harder to manage life? What’s something practical you want to surrender to God this week? * Resources: * “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund [https://www.christianbook.com/gentle-lowly-heart-christ-sinners-sufferers/dane-ortlund/9781433566134/pd/566134?mt=b&mt=b&utm_source=google&dv=c&p=1237903&cb_src=google&cb_typ=pmax&cb_cmp=21575499752&cb_adg=&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21575516336&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHZsyLvvcKkoWSSTrtKTW_yMq&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh-HPBhCIARIsAC0p3cfaGG3RMUrOff9RUZ-0PZPQYlEOS0nYyfbaRxJ0py2UENQ-RdJl2VYaAtz0EALw_wcB] * “Prodigal God” by Tim Keller [https://timothykeller.com/books/the-prodigal-god] * Pathways of God’s Grace sermon series from 2025 [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/series-index/pathways-of-gods-grace/] [https://feedpress.me/link/23852/17332381.gif]

Family of Promise: The Promise Continues

Welcome to another episode of the Descend Podcast! If you’re new here, each week we take Sunday’s sermon and descend into what it looks like to live it out in our everyday lives as we share the love of Christ with those around us. Our prayer is that this podcast would encourage you and remind you of God’s goodness throughout your week. This week, Haley is joined by Aaron LeDuc (Pastor) and Shelley Bogus (Kid’s Ministry Director) as we start a new series “Family of Promise”, which continues through the book of Genesis. We first started teaching through Genesis on the Life of Abraham [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/series-index/life-of-abraham/] in 2021 if you’re interested to go back and listen to any past sermons! Aaron kicked off this new series, teaching through Genesis 25:19-35 in a sermon titled “The Promise Continues”. Listen HERE [https://mvcchurch.org/resource-library/sermons/the-promise-continues/]! If you just listened to this podcast and you want to learn more about serving in MVCC Kids this Summer or Fall, fill out an interest form HERE [https://mvcchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1005582]. * The main idea was that “God chooses the undeserving to be his victorious people”….and that’s good news! Why then does that tend to make us uncomfortable at first, and how does it actually become a source of security for us? * Jacob tries to control the promise, and Esau trades it for immediate satisfaction. We don’t really have ‘birthrights’ today, but where do you see those same instincts show up in us? And how can we start helping our kids recognize that pull between what they want right now and trusting God? * When you’re teaching a story like this, how do you keep it centered on the bigger story of the Bible—pointing kids to Jesus—instead of it becoming just a moral lesson like ‘don’t be like Jacob or Esau’? * Why is it important to look back at these Old Testament stories if ultimately we’re pointing forward to the story of Jesus? * For parents who feel unsure where to start, what are some simple, everyday ways they can have these kinds of conversations at home without overcomplicating it? How do you see MVCC Kids coming alongside and partnering with parents in that? * If someone came away from the sermon yesterday thinking “I’m chasing that bowl of stew” or “I’m trying to force God’s hand and manipulate his promises”, Aaron you said the response would be to come to God in repentance. After that, what encouragement would you give them as they learn to keep trusting the Father?  * Resources * NIV Action Bible [https://www.amazon.com/NIV-Action-Study-Bible/dp/0830772545/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=185691637145&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U9dTeTmknhViWqgv4-Qh8Cy0QVPJGMeg34we4U3O0mWK2kk788LwvFmRg_TtFgTAeLalYdSpyXLUydFvqyzKFfdvZbIxlx5WFjjYS4UtPPuQw31USgLxJyNjo5KGygcxNitJufgbAD6FLfYWW325Y3DtfLo5IljDWteY3-97Gpqq2LXtvlbRVjeQgRP5mPuwicRfm9oyOBmcIJeJUs3E3zFBUBlOq-qOVQMADCleFnk.9vo96lFQc4VMwtpF0bBwXVbMSsKqQDNCD729ITJLI8k&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792894973623&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9028896&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=1290908342067588333--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1290908342067588333&hvtargid=kwd-420368237255&hydadcr=3596_13892459_2446138&keywords=niv+action+study+bible&mcid=d884f35016bd3a31916fc37d92fe476d&qid=1776718051&sr=8-1] * “God’s Big Picture” by Vaughan Roberts [https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Big-Picture-Tracing-Storyline/dp/0830853642/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LXPIMH3N9DA6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nQWx1lWsUowAv1ibPr4r9UausySgRErTdcqYrFh_LdQ2L5u6s655VrQJtIG0_jGAcmPSBMOcgWmycIpXaLwFNM0ko8SUgPnRYFg9qgovFxfmkBeNClaAOx-e87sW262-M5zmxZnMc0j5k6cCCW8K0A.tvHSmrjaHPhTHEwqVQfyT-AheV52-RdV0aHp7ctLqwU&dib_tag=se&keywords=god%27s+big+picture+vaughan+roberts&qid=1776718073&sprefix=god%27s+big+picture%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1] * “Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church” by Michael Lawrence [https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Theology-Life-Church-Ministry/dp/1433515083/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YR2CTCL2U2G8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nYeFs-WaO1DlpTPxB_8DVIF23cOaIj52IoZ-g2WmPfQSYlEGB1CRrftFtNOKRNV07DV-dsnZpjnFl837mPrp7Gnm3XsIR5hijIOXeHs2wDz6IdhkwNxjjVdZr2YUqpkE5Q9BQymviFgRqJk65YhLgTjF3jtN00s4BRIV8C-sQ1O5kOxuJ7f_H9MuL5lgL-QRXfCWS4i4m_qDXBe2IhaCzzLG1UtwA7w1nEFIqUVDeKU.3MFTHyASH5g2XoSUrdIkoHVdPEvgDuoG-Etv8Uhdi-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=biblical+theology+by+michael+lawrence&qid=1776718102&sprefix=biblicial+theology+by+michael+lawrence%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1] * Paul David Tripp [https://store.paultripp.com/collections/parenting] * Parenting Resources (coming soon to the MVCC website!) * Read ahead on the book of Genesis as we work our way through this series! [https://feedpress.me/link/23852/17322496.gif]