S1E88 - Pastor Gerald D.A. Murphy on Genesis 15:1 – “God is Our Reward”

Pastor Gerald D.A. Murphy is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast today. Gerald received his Master’s Degree in Christian History and Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary, and he currently serves as the Director of Community Development with Catalyst For Columbus, and is the Pastor of the Columbus Dream Center. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Genesis 15:1. Gerald begins by sharing his summary of the passage, its meaning for him, and the notion of how God wants to be understood by humanity which he finds within it. He and Mark then explore the significance of God telling Abraham not to be afraid and choosing stars as an analogy for the number of his children, as well as Abraham’s challenge to God and how it relates to us choosing to bring our doubts to God. They also examine Abraham’s reward of his covenant relationship with God, and how Martin Luther King internalized this passage. Gerald concludes the discussion by sharing the lessons he has learned about humankind, which leads to a further discussion regarding what many people expect about having a relationship with God. As you listen in today, you will quickly discover that Gerald has much to teach us all as he turns his formidable analysis to this ‘awesome passage of Genesis 15:1 and the existential questions that follow’. Episode Highlights: · Gerald’s summary of the passage and its meaning for him · How God wants to be understood by humanity · The significance of God telling Abraham to not be afraid · Abraham challenging God · Choosing to bring doubt to God · God choosing stars as an analogy for the number of Abraham’s children · Abraham’s reward of his covenant relationship with God · How Martin Luther King internalized this passage · The lessons about humankind that Gerald has learned · What many people expect about a relationship with God Quotes: “God, He actually defines Himself, He names Himself.” “God wanted…to be known as Abraham’s shield, his defense, and as his exc