As we continue our study in the first book of the Bible, this Sunday we come to a pivotal passage, Genesis 15. 

While Abram has been promised offspring to outnumber the stars in the sky, he remains childless in old age. The Lord comes to him and renews the covenant: God will indeed provide an offspring. Abram believes, and that belief is "counted to him as righteousness." 

Abram is on the quintessential hero's journey. He bravely sojourns, does what's asked of him, and exemplifies righteousness in many ways. And yet, the author wants us to see that this isn't a story of self-actualization; it's a story of grace. Abram isn't the hero of the story, God is. The promised-child, the great nation, righteousness itself--all of it is gift. 

We need to be reminded where our righteousness comes from, because each of us is tempted to locate our worth before God in our own piety and morality. None of us have shoulders big enough to bear that weight. This Sunday will be an announcement of the mighty works God has done. In the Abram story, yes, but also in each of our individual stories. We are a people formed, shaped, and sustained by grace.

Our very dear friend Kurtley+ Knight will walk us through this passage. Fr. Knight teaches spiritual formation at Portland Seminary and often helps lead the liturgy at ASD. A man of deep learning and profound faith, you won't want to miss the message he'll share! If you'd like to learn more about Kurtley+, you can watch this great introduction to his life and work.

I look forward to seeing you all Sunday!