In this episode we study about secularism in the United States and its impact on religious beliefs and practices. We consider pluralism and how most people have accepted it as the proper philosophy when it comes to morals and religion. In contrast to this, the Bible presents a standard that opposes pluralism and condemns secularism. If we are going to claim the Bible as our guide, state that it is God's divine word, then we must reject and resist the secular culture around us and take a clear stand for truth – no matter who it offends.

Genesis 47:7-10, "Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, 'How old are you?'

And Jacob said to Pharaoh, 'The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.' So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh."

Jacob states that his days, at 130 years old, were few. What a remarkable comment, but it is in light of the days of his fathers who lived much longer. Noah's life (950 years) overlapped with Abraham's. Shem's life (600 years), Noah's son, overlapped Jacob's life.

In this episode we focus on the "evil" part of Jacob's comment to Pharaoh. His life was adventurous, if you will. He had conflict with his brother Esau and his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob had trouble with his wives and seemingly unending difficulty with his sons – 12 boys who were prone to rash actions springing from violent tempers. Still, Jacob was persistent in seeking God's blessings, specifically the Abrahamic blessings.

In this episode we look at a famous set of twin brothers, Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 27:41 we read, "So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" How did it get to this point? Why would one brother purpose and plan to kill his twin? What we will see is the selfish, faithless attitudes and actions of both parents and sons. However, that is not all we will see. The record of their lives also shows great faith on the part of some, but especially Jacob as he matures into Israel, the prince of God.