All Nations Presbyterian Church: Afternoon Sermon Series

Genesis 2:4-9, 3:22-24; Revelation 22:1-5 - The Tree of Life

Last Sunday afternoon, we looked at the tree of life as it appears throughout the Bible. We saw that the tree of life shows up at each of the major four sections of the Bible’s story: creation, fall, salvation, and new creation. In creation, the tree of life reminded Adam of the promise of eternal life if he obeyed God. Tragically, however, Adam disobeyed God, plunging this entire world into death and blocking our access to the tree of life. Now, because of both Adam’s sin and our sin, we live in a world that is dying, and we see and feel the effects of death all around us. Yet there is hope. Jesus died on a tree of death and cursing, taking the judgment that our sins deserve. Now, through faith in Jesus, we have the forgiveness of sins and new life in our hearts. And an even better day is coming! When Jesus returns, we will live in a new creation and have the right to eat of the tree of life. When we do, we will never be able to sin or die again, and we will enjoy perfect life in the presence of our God forever! This week, take some time to thank God for His wisdom and grace in saving sinners like us through the work of Jesus. Thank God for the hope that Jesus gives us both now and for all eternity.

Genesis 2:1-3 - Sabbath Rest

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard about the Sabbath together from Genesis 2:1-3. We saw that the Sabbath is a creation ordinance, with the pattern of six days of work and one day of rest being built into creation itself. This reminds us that we all need Sabbath rest. Even Adam in the garden of Eden was not made to work non-stop. Indeed, following God’s own pattern of work and rest, we are commanded and invited to rest one day a week. Such rest is not a burden. Instead, Sabbath rest is a blessing and gift in the middle of our busy lives. Yet the rest of the Sabbath is not simply physical rest; it is also the spiritual rest of worship. The Sabbath is day for us to gather with God’s people and worship our Creator and our Savior together. As we gather for worship on the Christian Sabbath, we are looking forward to our eternal Sabbath rest that is coming in the new creation, bought for us by the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week, take some time to thank God for the gift of Sabbath rest in our busy world, and prayerfully consider how you can make the most of the weekly Sabbaths that God gives us in 2026.