This past Father's Day weekend, Pastor Gustafson shared a profound message with us, drawing from Genesis 22. We explored the powerful narrative of Abraham's faith and obedience, highlighting themes of sacrifice, service, and divine adoption. Whether you were present or missed the sermon, here are some key takeaways to reflect upon:

Faithful Sacrifice: Pastor Gustafson reminded us of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, as a testament to his unwavering faith in God. This narrative challenges us to consider what sacrifices we are called to make in our own lives, trusting in God’s greater plan.

Service and Gratitude: Sharing personal experiences from his recent military service, Pastor Gustafson expressed gratitude for the congregation's support, which enabled him to minister to soldiers. This serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the impact of our contributions to others' spiritual journeys.

Divine Adoption: Through Christ, we are adopted into God's family, a theme Pastor Gustafson emphasized with the analogy of a father’s love surpassing all understanding. This adoption is a profound gift, urging us to live as beloved children of God, embracing His grace and love.

As we move forward this week, let us reflect on these themes of sacrifice, service, and divine adoption. May we find ways to embody these principles in our daily lives, offering ourselves in service to others and embracing our identity as God’s children.

Study Guide: June 15th, 2025 Sermon by Pastor Gustafson
Reading

• Genesis 22:1-14

Warm Up

• Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision or sacrifice. How did you feel during that process?
• What is your current understanding of what it means to be a child of God?

Scripture Exploration

• Read Genesis 22:1-14. What stands out to you about Abraham's response to God’s command?
• How does Pastor Gustafson connect the story of Abraham and Isaac to the concept of sacrifice?
• What do you think is the significance of God providing a ram in place of Isaac?

Personal Reflection

• What does the story of Abraham and Isaac teach us about faith and obedience?
• How does Pastor Gustafson’s experience in the military illustrate the concept of sacrifice and service?
• Reflect on the idea of being adopted by God. How does this shape your understanding of your relationship with Him?

Personal Application

• Consider your role in your community or family. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your daily interactions?
• What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God, acknowledging your adoption as His child?
• How can you support those in your community who are serving or have served in the military, as Pastor Gustafson mentioned?
• Plan a specific action you can take to share the message of God’s love and sacrifice with someone who may not be aware of it.