Calvary Chapel Ellicott City | Midweek

When you read the Old Testament, especially the part about all the sacrifices of lambs and bulls, you might wonder if this is still important to know about.  If so, you'll be fascinated by the many ways Pastor Dan shows today that everything in the Old Testament in some way points to Jesus.  Yes, there were a tremendous number of sacrifices, and yet they all point to God's final sacrifice of His Son.  The sacrifice of Jesus is a reminder of your sin, your need, His sacrifice, and your forgiveness. 

An interesting question arose for Moses when he was preparing to divide up the Promised Land. Some women came to him, daughters of a father with no sons.  And they pointed out that Moses's plan would give them no inheritance to carry on their father's name.  Today, Pastor Dan notes that there was nothing written in the Law to cover this situation.  So what did Moses do?  He inquired of the Lord.  God's Word is the rule of your life.  But not everything is spelled out.  That's when you need to ask for His wisdom.

If you're an athlete, such as a baseball player or a marathon runner, you know how important it is to train.  You want to do everything you can to make yourself stronger for your sport and avoid everything that will make you weaker.  Today, Pastor Dan shows that training in godliness must be approached in that same way.  When you're focused on living for Christ, you're strengthening your faith and your spiritual life.  And by avoiding sin, you're saying “no” to those things that will injure you spiritually. 

It's interesting to note that when God commanded Moses to take a census of the nation of Israel – twice, it was calculated by counting the men aged twenty and above.  Today, Pastor Dan draws out an insight from this: In God's design, there are children, and there are adults.  If you're a young person living at home, God's call upon you is to learn from your godly parents and leaders while you can.  Then, as an adult, your responsibility is to take ownership of your own relationship with God.

Reading the Old Testament, you can find lots of history about God and how He deals with people.  And when you do that, it could be just a bunch of interesting facts.  Or, it could be more.  Today, Pastor Dan unpacks an incident where Phineas* takes care of a sin problem within the camp of Israel.  But it's not just a history lesson.  It points to Jesus Christ, Who is the sin solution for all people today who will accept Him.  Your faith in Christ comes from a long lineage of God's history.  Hold to it gratefully and diligently.

As Christians, we like to remind ourselves that “the war has already been won”.  And that's true, praise God!  But today, Pastor Dan reminds us that we're still in daily battles with the enemy of God.  God will never stop loving you and pursuing you.  But you have the choice every day, in every situation, whether to pursue God and His holiness, or to seek your own desires and interests.  That's why it's important to stay focused on God, and not to allow your eyes to be overly dazzled by this world.

There was a pagan sorcerer in the Old Testament named Balaam.  And he was hired by a man named Balak to curse the people of Israel.  But whenever Balaam tried to curse God's people, God Himself intervened and prevented him from doing so.  Today, Pastor Dan shows how this principle is carried forward into the New Testament.  God will never forsake you.  He'll never stop caring for you.  But he does allow you the choice, on a daily and moment-by-moment basis, whether or not to follow Him.  

It's truly amazing to read some of the prophecies in the Old Testament, and to understand their meanings.  Today, Pastor Dan explains a prophecy made by a pagan sorcerer named Balaam*.  Through this man, God spoke a prophecy of a star, representing deity, and a scepter, representing the King, coming from Israel.  Have you noticed the stars in Jewish symbolism?  Do you remember what guided the magi from the East?  This prophecy is about Jesus the Messiah: your God and your King.

Have you ever known someone who's making an important decision, and they consult some pretty unusual sources?  Maybe the horoscope, maybe a medium, or perhaps they're looking for signs in the stars or their lottery numbers.  Today, Pastor Dan says: don't be surprised by that.  It's been a practice for ages, to consult the gods by omens and numbers.  But that's not the way to consult the Living God.  And that's what our man Balaam* will learn in today's message.  And that message is a reminder for you too.

Imagine you're on a flight and the captain comes on with some bad news.  Or at your job, the announcement comes that your company just got bought.  What do people do?  Well, according to Pastor Dan, if they're anything like most people, most often, they'll all start praying to all kinds of gods.  Today, you'll see how this happened with a character named Balaam*, who was hired to curse Israel.  He called on seven gods.  But he heard back from One. The question is: which God are you calling on?

Do you ever laugh at jokes you don't really find funny, agree with opinions you don't actually share, stay late when you don't need to, dress differently, or act more confident than you feel—just to be liked? It's easy to shape what you say or do to please other people. But God isn't impressed by performance. Today, Pastor Dan tells you that there's nothing you can do to earn God's approval. All you have to do is receive His grace and mercy, freely given to you. 

You've probably heard the phrase, “Give an inch, take a mile.” That's exactly how the enemy works. When you start compromising—telling yourself that certain little things are no big deal, even though you know better—the devil uses that opening to push further. He takes advantage of small compromises and turns them into bigger ones. Today, Pastor Dan reminds you that you can't afford to give the devil even an inch, because if you do, he'll take as much ground as you let him.

It's easy to settle into life's rhythms and get comfortable. Daily routines can lull you into thinking everything's fine and under control. But as one of God's people, you do have an enemy. Pastor Dan reminds you that the devil is real, he hates you, and he wants to do real harm. Yet it's easy to live as if he doesn't exist. Today's message challenges you to ask yourself: Are you staying alert and resisting the enemy, or are you drifting through life unguarded?

Have you ever been forced to take a detour because of traffic or construction—especially when your phone didn't warn you? It's frustrating when the longer route wasn't part of the plan. The Israelites knew that feeling well, as they wandered through the desert, growing discouraged along the way. When your own plans get rerouted, life can feel even more disappointing. Today, Pastor Dan encourages you not to grow weary when life doesn't unfold the way you expected, and to trust God, even in the detours.

When there are problems in life—even ones of our own making—it's natural to try to fix everything ourselves. God's people did that, too. They faced serious situations, many of their own making, yet God still provided the solution. They didn't have to save themselves; they just had to look to what God had given them. In the same way, God offered the ultimate solution for our problems, Jesus. Today, Pastor Dan reminds you that you can't fix your deepest problem; only Jesus can do that. 

As the Israelites made their way through the desert, they weren't just tired—they were under attack. Their enemies saw God's people as a threat and waited for the right moment, going after them when they were weak, discouraged, and worn down. In a lot of ways, that hasn't changed. As God's people today, we face enemies too, and they use the same strategy. Today, Pastor Dan reminds you to stay alert, especially when you're exhausted or frustrated, because that's often when you're most vulnerable to being taken down.

When the Bible talks about Aaron's death, it says he was “gathered to his people.” For those who believe in Jesus, death isn't the end—it's actually the beginning. It's union with Jesus, and it's a reunion with the loved ones who've gone ahead of us and are already with Him. Today, Pastor Dan invites you to think about some important questions: When your time comes, who will you be gathered to? Will death be a reunion for you? And are you ready for that reunion with Jesus and with fellow believers?

Even the most respected people fall short of God's standards. Moses and Aaron were used by God in amazing ways. But when the people complained about not having water in the desert, Moses and Aaron didn't follow God's instructions, as He told them to. Because of that, they didn't get to see the fulfillment of God's promise firsthand. Today, Pastor Dan reminds you how important it is to do what God asks of you, so you don't miss out on experiencing the fullness of what God has promised.

Have you ever stopped and wondered why God has you right where you are? It's not random. God has always been intentional about where He places His people. He put Israel right at the crossroads of different nations so they could point others to Him. Today, Pastor Dan explains how God has strategically placed you exactly where you are for a reason—to use your life to direct the right people to Him at the right time.  He wants to work in you, to show that He's in control, and for you to invite others into His family.

Moses was God's representative to the people of Israel. What he said and did was meant to reflect who God is. Most of the time, he did that really well—but he wasn't perfect, and at one point, he messed up in a big way. In the same way, as followers of Jesus with the Holy Spirit living in us, we represent Jesus to the world around us. Today, Pastor Dan reminds you that you're an ambassador for Christ, and challenges you to ask an honest question: Are you giving people an accurate picture of Jesus?

When someone wrongly blames you for something, your first instinct is usually to snap back—“That wasn't me!” or “It's not my fault!” That's exactly what the Israelites did when things got hard—they blamed Moses and Aaron. But instead of firing back, Moses and Aaron took it to the Lord in prayer. Jesus did the same thing when He was falsely accused. Today, Pastor Dan challenges you to show self-control and respond differently—to go to God first in humble prayer, instead of reacting in anger.

Sin has a way of stealing time from us—years, even decades. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, not because God failed them, but because they didn't trust His promises. It was a lot of that time was simply wasted. The same thing can happen to us. Time spent apart from Jesus doesn't produce anything that lasts. Today, Pastor Dan challenges you to make the most of your time, stay close to Jesus, and live in a way that produces fruit that matters for God's Kingdom—now and forever.

As you dive into God's Word, you'll stumble upon this intriguing figure known as the Antichrist. Do you ever wonder what inspired this name for him? In today's message, Pastor Dan dives into the intriguing topic of the Antichrist and explores his role in the final days of our world. He would present himself as the Messiah, pulling the wool over the world's eyes. He would then seize control of Israel and set his plans in motion, aiming to spread darkness and target all those who believe in Jesus.

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through the news and reading about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and thought about what really went wrong between the two? Today, Pastor Dan explains how the red heifers, carefully prepared by the Israelites, played a role in igniting the war. Red heifers signal that Israel might be gearing up to construct the third temple, and Hamas is determined to stop that from happening at any cost. Hey there! Tune in to hear Pastor Dan share more about it!

If you're feeling under the weather with a cold and happen to cough around others, there's a good chance they might catch it too! Just like that pesky cough, our sins can spread and impact those around us, too. No matter how much effort you put in, sin has a sneaky way of creeping in and causing chaos in your life. But did you know there's a remedy out there, too? Today, Pastor Dan shares how Jesus is the only one who can save you from the sneaky snare of sin. All you have to do is believe in Him!

Have you ever found yourself curious about where all that money from your offerings and tithes actually ends up? The folks in the Old Testament were on the same wavelength, too. But Paul made it clear to everyone through the scripture that the money was meant to support him while he dedicated his life to God. This way, he could fully concentrate on his ministry without the distraction of having to work. Today, Pastor Dan explains how this same logic resonates with our generation!

So, when Peter said he didn't know Jesus not once, not twice, but three times, it's safe to say he missed the mark on his mission. So, does that mean Jesus just threw in the towel on him? No! Instead, Jesus embraced him with forgiveness, showered him with love, and set him on a fresh path of purpose. Maybe you're a bit like Peter, who has stumbled in his journey of serving God at times. But as Pastor Dan shares with us today, God isn't going to just walk away from you. He'll always come around!

Have you ever thought about what really sets Jesus apart from other religions and those so-called false gods? When you read about other religions and their deities, you might start to see something common: every so-called god has met their end. But guess what? Jesus is alive! In today's message, Pastor Dan shares some insights on why Jesus is the one and only Saviour you need. He gave His life on the cross for your sins, but then He triumphed over death and now reigns on the throne in heaven!

You are not your parents, and you're not your past choices, or theirs, for that matter. God created you, and He knew you before you were born. He knew the sin that would fill your heart and reign in your life. Yet, He sent His Son to save you. He sees you as a long-lost child, and He's waiting for you to come back to Him. As Pastor Dan will point out in today's message, just as God redeemed the children of Korah, He wants to use you to accomplish His good and perfect will. 

While Moses wasn't a perfect leader, he demonstrated reliance on the perfect, holy God Who chose him to lead the nation of Israel to freedom. In today's passage, Pastor Dan will look at the story of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, as they rose up, driven by envy, to rebel against Moses and Aaron's leadership. Moses models godly leadership in his response, as he turns first to prayer, instead of relying on his own reasoning or reacting in anger. God faithfully comes through and solves the problem for him.

Envy is a sinful mindset that most of us have struggled with on some level. As we continue our study in the book of Numbers with Pastor Dan, we'll find envy infecting the hearts of some zealous men who felt that Moses and Aaron were taking on more authority than they deserved. Envy looks at others with bitterness when they experience success in some way. It's a destructive attitude, and in this case, deadly, as it results in the death of those who rose up against God's appointed leadership.

When you think of a priest, you probably think of a man in robes, or a guy behind a lectern wearing a black collared shirt. Maybe you even think of Pastor Dan! However, in today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that if you're a follower of Jesus, you should probably be looking in the mirror, because that makes you a priest. Your whole purpose – your “why” – is to be a priest and minister to God. It's to worship Him and serve Him by serving those around you and sharing the Gospel.

On family game night, there are two types of people. Those who follow every jot and tittle in the rule book, and those who would prefer to establish their own chaotic set of guidelines. And, well… unsurprisingly, the game never tends to run as smoothly when people try to play according to their own rules. In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that the Bible gives every believer instructions on how to live God's way. Don't be surprised when things go south when you try to live by your own rules.

As parents, we want to spoil our children, don't we? We want to buy them that new car when they turn 16, or take them out for ice cream after dinner. We want to see their beautiful smile. However, sometimes their disobedience causes us to have to put those treats on hold. In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that God, too, wants to see His children smile. He wants to bless you, but sometimes disobedience can cause those blessings to be delayed, just like they were for the Israelites in the Old Testament.

Think of a lamp that's plugged in but never turned on. It has all the power it needs, yet it sits in darkness. That's how it can be in our relationship with Jesus. We can believe in Him but still live apart from His presence. Today, Pastor Dan will tell you that God doesn't just want to save you for eternity; He wants to bring light, peace, and purpose into your life right now. When you walk closely with Him each day, you get to experience the blessings and the fullness of what He's been wanting to give you all along.

Nothing is impossible with God. We've heard that phrase so many times it can start to sound like a slogan, but it's the truth that changes everything. The God who spoke the universe into being, who parted seas and raised the dead, still works powerfully today. Pastor Dan will remind you today that whatever looks too big, too broken, or too far gone, He can handle it. Your limits don't limit Him. When you trust in His power instead of your own strength, you'll see that the impossible isn't a barrier to God.

God had delivered Israel from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and provided manna from heaven—miracle after miracle. Yet when it came time to enter the Promised Land, they doubted. They saw giants instead of God's power, obstacles instead of His promises. How often are we the same? We've seen God provide and lead us through impossible situations, yet we still struggle to trust Him. Today, Pastor Dan will remind you that unbelief keeps you wandering, but faith leads you into the Promised Land.

Envy is like rust on metal; it doesn't destroy all at once, but slowly eats away from the inside out. It starts small, just a thought or comparison, but before long, it corrodes our joy, our peace, and even our relationships. Pastor Dan will explain to you today that when you envy what others have, you stop seeing what God has given you. Proverbs 14:30 says envy rots the bones; it drains life from the soul. The cure isn't getting what others have; it's gratitude and trust that God's plan for you is good.

It's easy to look at another church or ministry that's growing and feel a twinge of envy. Maybe they have more people, more influence, or more excitement. But when that envy turns into criticism, we're no longer protecting truth; we're protecting our pride. Today, Pastor Dan will share with you the truth that God's Kingdom is bigger than any one church or style. If Jesus is being lifted up, you should celebrate, not compete. Instead of tearing down others, stay faithful to what He's called you to do.

Imagine a parent in the grocery store with a child begging for candy before dinner. The parent says no, not because they're mean, but because they know what's best. In the same way, God sometimes withholds things we think we need. It's not punishment; it's protection. Pastor Dan will tell you today that Psalm 84:11 says God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. So if He's saying “not yet” or “no,” it's not because He's holding out on you. It's because He loves you.

Imagine the beginning of autumn. You're walking through the neighborhood, and all the flowerbeds seem to have a nice, fresh batch of pine straw. However, the more you look, the more you realize that the pine straw isn't just in the ground… It's woven within the plants themselves. That must mean that the shedding trees are pine trees! Today, Pastor Dan teaches that people know who you are by what you produce. Will you be identified as someone who produces the love and grace of God?

For many of us, the idea of stepping out in faith can be daunting. Sure, some of us are a little more free-spirited and like to act first and think later, but the vast majority of people need to have some sort of plan in place before they take action. Today, you will learn that, sometimes, action needs to be taken before all of the answers are known. There may be some unknowns in your life that are weighing heavily on you, but as Pastor Chuck Smith said, “Just start walking, and the stone will be rolled away.”

What do you do when everyone around you tells you to do one thing, but your conscience tells you to do another? Will you allow your morals and code of ethics to be compromised by what is convenient, trendy, or comfortable? Today, Pastor Dan teaches that you have a calling in your life. Jesus has called you to follow Him, which might mean giving up some things. It might mean going against the grain of society. In the end, when Jesus calls you to “Go,” there can only be one response… “Where?”

Nothing can stop God's plans from coming to fruition. When it came to Jesus' birth, God really wanted that to happen. It was His act of love to send His only Son just to be destined to die for your sins. Today, Pastor Dan will show you that when you look back at the prophecies about Jesus' birth, you can clearly see how God's plan did ultimately come to pass. This means there's a way to have eternal life through faith in Jesus. The real story behind Christmas is Jesus' birth, which started it all.

The real story behind Christmas is often lost in the hectic Christmas season. It's not reindeer or Christmas trees, and it's not even dinner around a warm table. It's the story of the birth of Jesus: when His earthly ministry began. Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you how prophecies from hundreds of years before pointed to Jesus' unique and miraculous birth. Everything in God's Word is accurate, and you can be sure when you read it that it's true. The real reason for Christmas is to remember Jesus' birth.

Jesus came to the earth with a plan. He came to the earth just as God willed it. What was that plan? It was to make a way for you to come directly to The Father and be forgiven of your sins. It was all made possible by Jesus. Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you that every part of Jesus' life gave glory back to God, and that included His birth. He was born of a virgin, fulfilling centuries-old prophecies. The day Jesus was born is the day you remember now when you celebrate Christmas. That's where it all started.

Even though you might celebrate Christmas every year, do you know the reason? Do you know where it all started? Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you that the very first Christmas was an act of love towards you. Jesus was sent to the earth, destined to live a perfect life and die as a sacrifice for your sins. The first step of Jesus' earthly life for your salvation was His miraculous birth. That day is what we celebrate on Christmas today. It mustn't be overlooked in all the hustle of the holiday season.

You can do anything you want in order to achieve or earn eternal life, but you won't find it without Jesus. Without Him, you can't find true peace for your soul. Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you where that peace is found. It's through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He came to earth and died for you. His whole ministry started with His miraculous birth through His virgin mother. That day is why we celebrate Christmas. That's the true story behind all the hustle and bustle and celebration of Christmas today.

God became a man the day that He sent Jesus to the earth. Jesus was God in human form. He lived a perfect life as a man, so He could be the perfect sacrifice for your sins. Today, Pastor Dan's going to point you back to where it all started: the first Christmas. While it wasn't like we see it today, with the lights and wrapped gifts, it was important. It was miraculous. That's the true story behind Christmas. That's where it all started. And all of it came in God's perfect timing, according to His plan.

Jesus came to the earth for a reason. At the exact time God had planned, He sent Jesus to the world to be born of a virgin on the first Christmas night. That's the reason we celebrate Christmas. That's the true reason behind the lights, the presents, and the Christmas trees. Today, Pastor Dan will remind you that the first Christmas started the events of Jesus' life that would eventually lead to his sacrifice and resurrection. Jesus made a way for you to have eternal life by dying for your sins. In Him, you don't have to fear death or eternity. In Him, you're secure. 

Through Jesus's resurrection, you have salvation. His controversial but perfectly lived life leading up to it all started on that first Christmas through the virgin birth. That's the miraculous event we celebrate at Christmas: the real reason for the season. Pastor Dan's going to remind you in today's message that it's a story of love. It's The Father's love for you that was so great, He sent His only Son to the earth to be a sacrifice for your sins so you could be forgiven. That first Christmas in Bethlehem started it all.