What does faith look like when the promises of God collide with death?
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our Hall of Faith study in the book of Hebrews in which we examine the final moments of the patriarchs as they face death with their eyes toward the future…toward the horizon.
They know that death will not hinder the promises of God in any way and that the future will continue to unveil God’s perfect plan — which will be moving forward until that great day of consummation and resurrection.
For God had a message that would not only break 400 years of His silence, but would announce the birth of two sons: John and Jesus — the Baptizer and the Christ.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues in his Advent series this season, further telling us about the greatest miracle of all: the birth of Jesus.
John the Baptist played a crucial part, though, for he was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. And while the story of Jesus’ birth is one that we are all familiar with, what we can often miss is that every aspect, of this story we know so well, is rooted in the prophesies of God concerning the Messiah.
And Jesus fulfilled them all.
The Almighty God and Creator of the universe had veiled Himself in the flesh of a helpless infant.
This baby, had come through the most unexpected mother, in the most unexpected way, to be the long-awaited Savior of the world.
We’ve reached the end of the book of Genesis, and it ends with death…
…the death of Jacob and Joseph. It’s a stark reminder that the curse of Genesis chapter 3 is still upon mankind, even those called by God.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao concludes our study in the book of Genesis and shows us that though it ends with the reminder of the curse, it also ends, like Genesis 3, with hope as well… Hope that the promises of God will one day be fulfilled, and that this dreadful curse will ultimately be destroyed at the consummation of Christ’s kingdom.
Description: As we come to the last pages of the book of Genesis, we see Jacob – the father of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin – performing his last great act as Patriarch, blessing his sons.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao shows us how in this fatherly act of Jacob for all his sons, we also see a blessing for all mankind… a promise of a King who will one day come and vanquish all of our enemies and create a safe land of prosperity and godly rule.
Description: The aged Jacob is near death and soon to join his fathers.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao nears the end of our study in the book of Genesis and shows us that though Jacob’s life has been marked by trials throughout and, at times, significant moral failings, he finishes strong.
Jacob fulfills his calling as patriarch and reminds Joseph and his sons of God’s goodness and promises. And then in a surprising turn of events, Jacob blesses Joseph by giving him a double portion and adopting his sons, making them chiefs among Israel.
Description: As we begin to approach the end of our study in the book of Genesis, it’s easy to overlook the 47th chapter – often lost in the shadows of the ones that precede and follow it.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao takes us to Genesis chapter 47 to mine its depths. For it is in this chapter – long before the days of slavery and the Exodus – that we see the distinction God places between Israel and Egypt. And it is in this chapter that we also witness how great God’s provision was for the needs of His people. And through all this we glean a proper perspective of the brevity of life in light of eternity and the promises of God.
Description: The long awaited reunion of father and son is here. Joseph finally gets to see his dad again! But surprisingly this get together is only allotted two verses.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis and shows us that while you’d expect the reuniting of Joseph and Jacob to receive more airplay, the bulk of chapter 46 is focused on the entrance of Israel into Egypt and the fulfillment God’s promises. But we also see, how in the Almighty’s providence, this entire turn-of-events is by God’s governing over the affairs of men to bring about His purposes.
Description: We’ve waited, and now it’s time. Joseph will reveal himself to his brothers. …And in doing so we witness another “revealing”: two of the most important truths that every Christian should know.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis where he shows how both of these truths powerfully unfold before us in the life of Joseph and his reconciliation with his brothers. The first is that God is sovereign – even over evil; the second, that God can bring healing and restoration to the most broken of relationships.
Description: The final test of Joseph’s brothers has come, and only one chapter remains before their long-awaited reunion. But before that, the brothers will have to face their greatest temptation yet.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis where we see Judah once again arising to lead his brothers successfully through Joseph’s chain of tests – and by doing so, showing himself as the new leader of the family.
Judah is not only demonstrating leadership that guides, but, as we will see, leadership that reunites… for it is through his selfless actions that Joseph – the highest-ranking official of Egypt – will soon be in a place where he is able to finally reveal himself as their brother.
Description: The tests of Joseph’s brothers continue, and in it all, we see the next leader of the family rising to the top.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis where we see this rising leader guiding the brothers through Joseph’s next series of tests. But, perhaps more importantly, we also see this leader pledging himself – not another – for the safe return of the brothers from Egypt – especially Benjamin.
Whereas Jacob would not let his sons go with Reuben leading, he does under this new leadership… the leadership of Judah.
Description: It’s been 20 years, and Joseph finally gets to see his brothers again.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis and shows us that this time the situation is quite different for Joseph: he now sits on the throne as the highest ranking official of Egypt, and his brothers – not recognizing him as the very brother they sold into slavery – are bowing at his feet.
What is Joseph to do??? Should he trust them after what they did? Should he sentence them to imprisonment… or worse? And, more importantly, how will he know – if after 20 years – they have changed?
Description: Out of all the chapters in the book of Genesis, forty-one can be argued to be the most pivotal… but it is also the most misunderstood.
Gen 41: Most Pivotal… Most Misunderstood
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis and explains that when we incorrectly interpret Genesis 41, we see how a faithful man can climb the corporate ladder. But, when we correctly interpret Genesis 41, we see how to remain faithful to a sovereign God and to set our eyes on a kingdom that is not of this world.
This was the question the imprisoned Joseph asked his two cellmates when they awoke saddened, not being able to make sense of the dreams they just had.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis to illuminate the significance that this small glimpse into Joseph’s life tells us. It tells us that in even in the midst of betrayal, kidnapping, slavery, and now imprisonment … Joseph’s faith was still in God – the same God who sees every injustice and who is always in control.
Description: Genesis chapter 39 oftentimes is looked at as an example of how blessings can come to those who act righteously. But is that really what this chapter is here to show us?
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis and points out that when we remember Joseph’s success came to him as a slave, and then later as a prisoner, it kind of changes our perspective.
What does it mean to be a successful slave or a successful prisoner?
Perhaps God’s intent with Genesis chapter 39 is to teach us something different. Perhaps we are to understand that He is in control and that no matter what life brings – from slavery to imprisonment – we can bear it. Because, just as God was with Joseph, He is with us as well.
Question: What happens when you combine hatred and opportunity?
Answer: You see the evil that dwells in the hearts of men.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis where we see EXACTLY what happens when hatred meets opportunity as we witness brothers selling their own into slavery… but we also see how God is able to redeem what man plans for evil in fulfilling His purposes.
Description: God often uses things in our life to prepare us for a road that He will have us walk.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Genesis in which we see God preparing Joseph – Jacob’s second youngest son, who’s now 17 years old – for the trials that await him. God sends Joseph dreams that we all know will one day encourage his heart, but presently seem to do nothing but drive a wedge of further bitterness into his already divided family.
It’s in the trials we face, though, that God’s gracious hand leads us every step of the way, not only during – but as we’ll learn – before.
Description: The story of Joseph from Pit to Prison to Palace holds many insights into the workings of God in our lives. This message is intended to speak to the children in our congregation to help them realize that they are unique and special.
Description: This sermon provides five answers found in Scripture for the question, “Why a virgin birth?” This doctrine is a basic dogma of the Christian faith.
Description: Jesus is calling His first followers; those with whom He would spend three years, teaching them all they needed so to know God. They would be the authority to be the foundation that Christ used to form the Church to worship Him and proclaim the new age of the Kingdom of God.
Description: God has a plan that is as eternal and perfect as He is. Understanding that God is in control should provide us with a boldness and confidence in approaching God and dealing with the circumstances of life.
Sermon Archives
Given New Life
in SBC Classic Edition
We’re in the process of digging through the colossal SBC Sermon Archive Library to bring forth the rich and timeless Biblical Truths found within the hundreds and hundreds of sermon cassettes from yesteryear, in our Tape to Podcast Project.
Currently on the workbench:
The Jim Allen Lamentations Study (1998-1999) has joined our SBC Classic Edition.
The Jim Allen MARK Study (1999-2001) is (finally) complete! …as part of our SBC Classic Edition.
Watch our Steeple Study grow! … Great for a listen-study through a book or series.
Our Find-A-Sermon resource page helps you find what you’re looking for.
With the increased release of sermons from our archives, SBC Classic Edition is now podcasting on its own dedicated feed, separate from our current Sunday sermons.