Podcasts about egypt god

Sometimes, we can be walking in the promises of God, and things start getting tough.  Opposition.  Battles.  What's going on?  Is it time to give up? What happened to all those promises?   THE SPIRITUAL BATTLEFIELD Well over these last weeks on the program we've been looking at the fact that it's time to take the Promised Land. God makes so many promises of peace and of joy and His protection and forgiveness and eternal life, the list goes on and on and you know you and I can come up with so many excuses in our lives as to why those promises couldn't possibly ever be for us. It's true, we do. In a sense those excuses are completely natural and understandable. There was a young woman who wrote recently in response to a program, I want to share with you what she wrote because it's kind of a road we all travel sometimes, this is what she said: For a while now I've been getting negative thoughts and saying negative things, I know the devil's doing it and not God but it won't stop. I want so much to do Gods will and to walk in His ways, am I going mad? Will this wreck my relationship with God? I so much want to do His will for His glory and not mine. I want to be a serving and faithful servant for Him. I have all these problems; I say bad and negative things. I can say things without thinking, I tell lies and other unchristian things, what does it mean for me? Is it going to ruin my relationship with God? See this young woman is struggling with the realities of life. She wants to live in that Promised Land but somehow she's just, she just can't see how it's for her, she just can't seem to get there. We all struggle with these things, we struggle with doubt, we struggle with our failings, will this wreck everything with God? We go over that over and over again. Listen to me, it is time to take the Promised land. Over the last three weeks on the program we've been looking at Israel. God promised to Abraham, the father of Israel, this land of the Canaanites, the Promised Land. And centuries later, centuries, after Israel had grown into a large and mighty nation in slavery in Egypt God brought Moses and through a series of miracles he brought the nation of Israel, His chosen people, out of Egypt, through the Red Sea and they wandered in the desert for forty years as God purified them. And then one day under the leadership of Joshua because Moses had just died, they're standing on the banks of the Jordan River and finally ready to cross into the Promised Land. And what they discover is that there's already a whole bunch of other people living there, the Canaanites and the Jebusites and the Amorites and all those other little vegemites were already there. And even though this was Gods Promised Land it wasn't going to be delivered to them on a platter like a pizza, they had to go out and take it, they were on a war footing. They had to fight battle after battle beginning with Jericho, they went through a lot of battles to take the Promised Land. You know something, it's the same with you and with me and with that young woman, we live on a spiritual battlefield. That is the reality of life. And the moment we step out and we believe in Jesus, the moment we step out and say, "Lord, I'm going to follow you in your promises", we step onto that spiritual battlefield. John Eldridge in his book Waking The Dead makes this powerful statement, he says: Things are not what they seem, this is a world at war. And then he goes on to explain what he means, he writes this: The world in which we live is a combat zone. A violent clash of kingdoms, a bitter struggle unto the death. You were born into a world at war and you will live all your days in the midst of a great battle involving all the forces of heaven and hell and played out here on earth. Until we come to terms with that war as the context of our days, we simply will not understand life. See this is why over the last few weeks we've been working our way through this series in the Book of Joshua called, "It's Time To Take The Promised Land" because the context is war. The devil is not going to hand us God's promises on a silver platter. In fact, he is going to try to rob us of Gods promises at every turn. We'd like to think, particularly those of us who live in the affluent west that being a Christian means living in the blessings of God and having a comfortable life and having plenty of money and taking it easy. Well I don't know if you've noticed but life is not like that especially when we step onto the spiritual battlefield by giving our lives to Jesus Christ. The moment we do that all the forces of hell are unleashed against us. That's the reality, we shouldn't be surprised. I think that the surprise element is what makes it worse. We have these expectations of an easy and comfortable life and when satan unleashes all his devils against us, of temptation, of doubt, failure and opposition and trials and on and on and on, over and over and over, we start thinking 'wow there must be something wrong with me'. Au contraire! Inevitably when we decide to take hold of the promises of God in our lives there will be a battle involved. Don't be surprised by this, it's in the Bible. C S Lewis in his book Mere Christianity put it like this: One of the things that surprised me when I first read the New Testament, seriously, was that it talked so much about a dark power in the universe. A mighty evil spirit who was held to be the power behind death and disease and sin. This universe (writes Lewis) is at war. Wake up! The world is at war. The context of our lives following after Jesus Christ is a spiritual battlefield. See Israel was promised this land through Abraham centuries before they even got there. Do you think when God made that beautiful promise to Abraham that he expected battles and wars and stuff? Listen again just briefly to this beautiful promise to an old man, this impossible promise in Genesis chapter 15. The word of the Lord came to Abraham in a vision. He said 'don't be afraid, I'm your shield and your very great reward'. But Abraham said, 'O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus.' Abraham said, 'you have given me no children so a servant in my household will become my heir. And then the word of the Lord came to Abraham, 'this man will not be your heir but a son who comes from your own body will be your heir' and God took Abraham outside of the tent and said, 'look up at the heavens and count the stars if indeed you can count them' and then He said , 'so shall your offspring be. And Abraham believed the Lord and God credited it to him as righteousness. And God also said to him, 'I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.' But Abraham said, 'O Sovereign Lord how can I know that I will gain possession of it? So the Lord said to him, 'bring me a heifer and a goat and a ram, each three years old along with a dove and a young pigeon'. Abraham did that he brought all of those things and cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other. The birds however he did not cut in half. And then the birds of prey came down on the carcasses but Abraham drove them away and as the sun was setting Abraham fell into a deep sleep and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him and then the Lord said to him, 'know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and they will be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years but I will punish the nation they serve as slaves and afterwards they will come out with great possessions. You however will go to your father's in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure. And when the sun had set and the darkness had fallen, the smoking fire pot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and said, "To your descendants I give this land. From the river of Egypt to the river of the Euphrates. The land of the Kenites and the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites and the Rephaites and Amorites and Canaanites and the Girgashites and the Jebushites. This was a serious promise, who would have ever had expected that is would involve battle after battle after battle after battle.   IT'S TIME So let's go from that promise of God to Abraham centuries before into the midst of the taking of the Promised Land. Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, crossed over, they fought battle after battle, they'd taken Jericho and city after city has fallen before them. Why? Because that's what God promised and we're going to pick up the story in Joshua chapter 18, they're not quite half way through taking this Promised Land. There are twelve tribes in Israel, five tribes have their land and seven are left to go, seven have yet to get their Promised Land. It must have seemed like an eternity. You know when you face battle after battle, we're tempted to pull over and stop, to take a breather that kind of turns into a lunch break that turns into a holiday that turns into long service leave and before you know it we haven't got what it takes to keep going again. I tell you, in my life in this ministry Christianityworks, I've been involved now for just on three years and the call on my heart as I took over to start producing radio programs again we weren't on any stations three years ago and today we're on over seven hundred stations in eighty countries around the world. I have to tell you it was hard work, battle after battle after battle. Sometimes there were not enough funds and people said they'd help but then they realised how hard it was to do this work and they just didn't deliver and they fell by the wayside. And people criticised and people didn't understand, you know what I'm talking about and you get tired, you get exhausted. It would have been so easy just to pull up, to slow down, to give up, what a temptation. And yet there was this promise of God in my heart that He'd called me to do this. But we're all tempted to give up half way. You know the only reason I haven't is because along the way I've had some great teaching on this subject from a wonderful teacher called Joyce Meyer and there was just one message and God wrote this stuff on my heart, 'to keep going' and that's my prayer for you today, just this one message that in these few moments we spend together that He will write His word on your heart to keep on pressing forward into the promises of God. Whether we're struggling with fear or sin or addiction or a tough relationship and we hear about Gods promises so we set out on that journey of faith but after a while, oh it's hard work and there is opposition and there are battles and we want to give up, you know what I mean. In fact my hunch is you know exactly what I mean. And it was the same with Israel, they were almost half way into taking the Promised Land, if you've got a Bible open it up, lets listen to Joshua chapter 18. The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up there the Tent of the Meeting. The country was subdued before them but there were still seven Israelite tribes who had not yet received their inheritance. So Joshua said to the Israelites, 'how long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers has given you. Appoint three men from each tribe, I will send them out to make a survey of the land to write a description of it according to the inheritance of each then you will return to me. You are to divide the land into seven parts. Judah is to remain in its territory on the south and the House of Joseph in it's territory on the north. After you have written the descriptions of the seven parts of the land bring them here to me and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the Lord. The Levites however do not get a portion among you because the priestly service of the Lord is their inheritance and Gad and Rueben and the half tribe of Manassah have already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, Moses the servant of the Lord gave it to them. As the men started on their way to map out the land Joshua instructed them, 'go and make a survey of the land, write a description of it then return to me and I will cast lots for you here at Shiloh in the presence of the Lord'. So the men left, they went through the land, they wrote its description on a scroll, town by town, in seven parts and returned to Joshua in the camp of Shiloh. Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the Lord and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions. I love this passage because they're almost half way through and it begins by saying, "the whole land, the whole country was subdued before them". See so much of the work had already been done , God had done so many things, they were so far down the track and sometimes when we're tired of the battle after battle we lose sight of how far we've come. We look back and then, then we see the mighty hand of God at work in the victories. Isn't it the same in our lives? You get tired and you think, "argh Lord this is too hard". It's time to just take a quick look back and see all the mighty things that God has done in our lives. I get such great courage from just looking back, even over these last three years in the ministry of Christianityworks and I think, "man, look at what God has done." And once they've looked back Joshua asks the sixty four million dollar question. Joshua said to the Israelites: How long will you wait before you take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers has already given you? How long will you wait? See you're almost half way there. You take a breather, you pull over, you stop, you get set in your ways, you can't go any further, you lose heart, what are you people doing, how long will you wait? What came next? There was work to be done. They sent the men out, they looked forward, they divided up the land into seven portions. See God always, ALWAYS involves us in what's going on, He never lets us become spiritual couch potatoes, He sent three men from each tribe out to survey the land, to record the land and to choose the seven divisions. And next they came back to Joshua and in the presence of the Lord Joshua cast lots. Really what Joshua was saying there is, "we're going to leave this up to God, we've got some work to do but God is in charge. We're going to cast lots for this land between the seven tribes in front of God and we will let God choose through the lots who gets what land." See there's a message for us here. If we're a people thats pressing forward into the promises of God don't stop, don't pull over, don't give up. If it's a tough relationship that you've been praying over and the Lords has been leading you to do good things, to serve and to support, to humble yourself and you're tired and you want to take a breather and you think, "augh, it's just not going to happen" and get to thinking, "this isn't working, it's not going anywhere, it's time to give up". Or God's called you to something, a ministry or a job or whatever it is that somehow, as you look back you can see all the good things He's done. But the promises seem like such a long way off. Whatever the situation, how long will you hang around here before you take the land that God has already given to you. Come on! Get up and do the things you know you have to do, do them under God and, and what? Do you think God is going to fail you? Do you think God is just leading you up the garden path? Do you think that God has put you up the creek in a barbed wire canoe without a paddle? Are His promises faithful, are they worth following, are they worth it?   THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD Well are the promises of God real? In a sense in theory we can all answer, "sure, I mean if God is God and He makes a promise then it has to be real". But you know something, the theory and the reality can be two different things. I shared a little before about the battles over the last three years that I've travelled through in taking this ministry from, I guess, pretty much nothing to reaching millions of people each week. Now I don't want any of that to seem remarkable because it's nothing that we did, God opened door after door and performed miracle after miracle to do that and it's what God's called me to do, He's called you to something different. So let's not compare as I share my story, hear what God is saying to you today about your story. Now I'm someone who knows the theory of God's promises as well as anyone. I mean a big part of my job is to study God's Word to put together these programs. So I'm "in the theory" if you like all the time but the reality has been that it's been lots of hard work and there have been disappointments and setbacks. And one of the hardest things has been often the people closest to us, people in our own Church, who haven't understood what we do or supported us or encouraged us, there's so many times the finances looked critical. It's still something that happens now and I find myself thinking, "why is it that the people in our own Church don't even support us?" Or one station where we've had a huge audience for a number of years was talking about taking our program off air and we've had to pray and pray and pray and then finally see God's victory. And sometimes I think, "God why can't it be easier than this? God why does there have to be so many battles along the way?" And you know what Gods answer has been to me, so that you my child would discover my faithfulness for yourself. See God wants us to experience his faithfulness, not in theory but in practice and you know something, I know so much more today about the faithfulness of God than ever have simply by travelling through battle after battle and seeing the victories that God has brought along the way. And there is such an intense satisfaction as I look back on that and I can truly say, "yes Lord, it's been hard work but all the glory goes to you and not to me because I could never have done this". The Book of Joshua that we've been travelling through these last weeks is about Israel's battles on the journey of taking the Promised Land. And when finally all the land is taken and allocated to all the tribes have a listen to what God's Word says, if you've got a Bible open it at Joshua chapter 21 beginning at verse 43. So the Lord gave Israel all the land that He had sworn to give their forefathers and they took possession of it and settled there and the Lord gave them rest on every side just as He had sworn to their forefathers, not one of their enemies withstood them, the Lord handed all their enemies over to them, not one of all the Lord's good promises to the House of Israel failed, every one was fulfilled. WOW! Let's just let that sink in for a minute. Not one of all the Lords good promises to the House of Israel failed, every one was fulfilled. When God makes a promise he never ever fails to deliver. When Jesus promised that He came that we would have life in all its abundance, that is a promise of God and it's a promise He intends to keep in your life and in mine. And as we travel through battle after battle and hang close to Him and just let those promises of God glow in our hearts and we hang on to them through this spiritual battlefield the devil comes after you with a meat cleaver and you fail some days and you stumble and you remember Jesus on that cross, you remember He purchased that life for you, we can know in our hearts that now, now it's time to take the Promised Land. And not one of all the Lord's good promises to you or to me will fail; every one of them will be fulfilled. It is time to take the Promised Land.

Have you ever had a dream but found yourself stuck in Egypt? Life often takes us through unexpected detours, leaving us in places we never imagined. In today's message, we dive into the story of Joseph—a man who had a vision for his life but found himself betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned. Yet, through it all, God was with him. In this powerful sermon, we explore:

God Exists In All Time (Tribute to Mr. Brightside by The Killers) Original by Brandon Flowers & Dave Keuning Lyrics: Writing of God, so many a page Prophets living in each time God testified through them, one by one Because He died for us all Jesus was cucified for our sins To save everyone Everyone remembers Moses Through God, His people were delivered from Egypt God gave them deliverance Joshua conquered Jericho Entered Canaan with help from Rahab Esther defeated Haman Hung him from his own deathtrap, so sad... Samuel worked between Saul and David Then prophets like Elijah scared kings, wicked Jesus raised people from the dead And proved God's power on Mount Carmel, wow Hundreds of other prophets hurting themselves and crying out To Baal Out of control ~ When they got no answer Elijah asked if their gods might be asleep? Then fire, He brought down from heaven The alter, by God, stoked Zealously Saw through their culture's false prophecy From Isaiah to Jeremiah, they testified Tried to warn their people of incoming exile, oh my! Like David, sing to God, a song of praise Like Hezekiah, reopen the temple of the Lord's glory From prophets, judges, & Kings They all remind That God exists in all time Writing of God, so many a page Prophets living in each time God testified through them, one by one Because He died for us all Jesus was cucified for our sins To save everyone Everyone remembers Noah's ship Through God, His people were delivered from the flood's depths He gave them deliverance Joseph interpreted dreams But Daniel knew them, so glad That his people were saved Next he survived a night in the Lion's den, alas Because he trusted in God His problems were solved supernaturally quick Know God's alive; He's not dead Proven on Mount Carmel, wow Hundreds of other prophets hurting themselves, crying out To Baal Out of control ~ When they got no answer, Elijah asked if their gods might be in the potty? Then fire, He brought down from heaven The alter, by God, stoked Zealously Saw through their culture's false prophecy From Josiah, Asa, & Jehoshaphat they testified Tried to warn their people to avoid sin Follow the divine! Like Solomon pray, to God, a prayer of thanks Like Hezekiah, reopen the temple of the Lord's glory From prophets, judges, & Kings They all remind That God exists in all time Forever And ever Forever And ever End Tribute by Melissa SmithBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mel-s-music--3634451/support.

Basic Bible Study | Ezekiel 24-29 & Jeremiah 21, 31-34, 39-40 (Part 3) This is part 3 of 7 In today's podcast, join Amy and Robyn as they continue their discussion in Ezekiel 24-29 & Jeremiah 21, 31-34, 39-40. Here is a breakdown of what was discussed: - Ezekiel 29-32 contains seven prophecies all dealing with judgment on Egypt - God is in charge of everything - Egypt became proud & arrogant “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABOUT Opening a Bible for the first time can be intimidating. Join Amy & Robyn in an easy-to-follow discussion. This Basic Bible Study is perfect for beginners & those who have never read the Bible. Look for new podcasts every Tuesday & Friday! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BIBLE RESOURCES https://biblehub.com/ https://www.bible.com/ http://betterdaysarecoming.com/bible/pronunciation.html https://biblespeak.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/mybasicbiblestudy WEBSITE http://www.mybasicbiblestudy.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can contact us through e-mail or regular old snail-mail: Basic Bible Study 7797 N. 1st St. #34 Fresno, CA 93720 basicbiblestudy19@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How do you WIN in the wilderness? The Israelites were led by God into the wilderness, not the enemy. In your life, when a season of walking through the wilderness comes, what is your perspective? Are you complaining? Are you looking back at the Egypt God pulled you out of and wishing to go back? Or are you looking for God in a new way? God brought the nation of Israel out into the wilderness, and He did not abandon them. In fact, He revealed Himself to them in a new, deeper way, and assured them that He was NEVER without them. In your wilderness season, God will never leave you. He wants to speak to you in new ways, reveal Himself in new and deeper ways, and He is leading you through the wilderness. So what is your heart posture as you go through a wilderness season?   Monologue: Autumn shares how she navigated a tough moment when her youngest daughter, Haven, came home after another child at school made fun of her for being adopted. Message: Autumn reminds believers that the enemy is not the one that puts them in the wilderness, but God does, because He has something to show you about Himself. Question: “I need help studying the Bible. Can you recommend any authors or commentary study books?” Praise Report: A listener shares how God has made a way for them to move up into a new position at work.    Bible References: Exodus 13-14 Luke 4:1-2   Links from the show BOOKS: www.autumnmiles.com/resources SPEAKING: www.autumnmiles.com/speaking MERCH: autumnmiles.square.site   If you have a question for Autumn, testimony to share, or other inquiry for the Autumn Miles Ministries, click here and fill out the form, or send us an email at hello@autumnmiles.com    Join us on social media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheAutumnMiles/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/autumnmiles/   Click here to join our weekly and monthly newsletters and get updates on our podcast and exclusive content! If you feel led to give to the Autumn Miles Ministries, click here to donate. Thank you for supporting Autumn Miles Ministries!

TEXT: NUMBERS 13:26-33 | INTENTIONAL PURSUIT OF GOD INTRO EXPLANATION : Israel had escaped Egypt God delivered them in a miraculous way Now, God's plan for the Children of Israel was for them to enjoy the blessings of a land He had promised them. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men,…

December 17, 2023 - Rev. Earl J. Spivey, Jr.

Sometimes we get confused when God moves us, especially when it doesn't make any sense. Today we will see how this plays out as Jacob and his family have to move from Israel to Egypt and what we learn is this: no matter what is going on in our life, God is with us. God has a plan. God is always working behind the scenes. Join us today as we continue through Genesis.

Sometimes we get confused when God moves us, especially when it doesn't make any sense. Today we will see how this plays out as Jacob and his family have to move from Israel to Egypt and what we learn is this: no matter what is going on in our life, God is with us. God has a plan. God is always working behind the scenes. Join us today as we continue through Genesis.

Becoming God's people begins with Beholding God's presence. Ultimately, we become what we behold.  Austin Johnson Exodus 16 & 17

Episode 228 – Seriousness of Sin – Part 7 – A Flood of Sin Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. Genesis, Chapter 6, verse 5, New International Version ******** VK: Hello! Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. If this is your first visit with Anchored by Truth we want you to know that Anchored by Truth has a single focus – to restore a widespread understanding that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. For thousands of years God has guided His people with His special revelation. Those cultures and communities that have embraced His guidance have been blessed. Those who have rejected it have suffered. And while many in our culture think that they may safely dismiss the Bible’s transcendent truth they are wrong and our society is paying the price. That’s why we’re so happy that you are able to join us today on Anchored by Truth. We’re in the midst of a series we call “The Seriousness of Sin.” Thus far in this series we have talked about both the current and eternal consequences of sin, the reality and nature of hell and, most recently, the enormous consequences of the first sin in the Garden of Eden. As he has been throughout this series, to help us continue to think through hard truths that accompany sin’s existence, we have RD Fierro. RD is an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, in our last two episodes of Anchored by Truth we talked about the consequences that arose because of that first sin in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. And today you want to point to another Biblical illustration of how seriously God treats sin. Where are we going today? RD: We are going to move forward in the book of Genesis and look at possibly the second most serious consequence of sin described in the Bible – the flood in Noah’s time. VK: Why do you say the 2nd most serious consequence of sin? Seems like a flood that wiped out all the people, birds, and land animals except for those on the ark is about as bad as it gets. RD: Because without a doubt the most serious consequence of sin in all of history – the most serious consequence possible – was the death of God’s only Son on the cross. The flood of Noah was about as serious as it gets on this earth, but the implications of Jesus’ death on the cross transcended space and time. VK: Well, the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15, verse 33 does say, “Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, … ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” That is a fascinating verse of scripture. Jesus was God incarnate. How could God incarnate be abandoned by anyone much less someone He would address as “my God?” As you said the implications of the transaction that took place on the cross boggle the mind. RD: Right. As many Bible commentators have noted at that moment on the cross heaven and earth were once again connected by the Divine Being that had created both. Every sin committed by every human being was committed on earth. Yet every sin has heavenly implications because all sin is rebellion against a God who presides over heaven and earth. Jesus was both fully divine as well as fully human. He had to be fully divine for his death to be of infinite value. When a human sins against God they sin against an infinite Being incurring an infinite debt. A finite person can never pay an infinite debt. VK: Which is why finite people when they are consigned to hell must remain there eternally. Their punishment lasts eternally because they are there to pay an infinite debt. But they can’t. Only a being of infinite value can pay an infinite death. Because Jesus was fully divine as well as fully human His sacrifice was fully sufficient to satisfy our sin debt to God. When we place our trust in Jesus God applies Jesus’ righteousness to our account. It’s similar to an accounting transaction on earth. You or I may owe a debt that we cannot pay. Then our father walks into the office, takes out his wallet, and says “how much do my children owe?” It doesn’t matter how much we owe because when we accept Jesus as our Savior our Heavenly Father looks at Jesus’ account instead of ours. Jesus’ sacrifice is credited to our account. That’s why it is so important for us to engage in that transaction while there is still time. RD: Correct. Jesus paid the infinite sin debt that we owed when He died on the cross for all those who place their trust in Him. So, in terms of value, nothing can exceed the value of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. But, to get back to the topic of our series, the seriousness of sin, Jesus’ sacrifice would have been unnecessary if man had not sinned. That’s why we have to take note that the most serious consequence of sin was that it necessitated that God sacrifice His only Son to atone for sin’s consequences. If sin were not so serious, Jesus would not have had to die. But sin is serious. And one way we can see how serious sin is by looking at what happened when God surveyed the earth and could only find one righteous man on it. VK: We heard part of that portion of the Bible in our opening scripture. In verse 5 of the 6th chapter of Genesis we hear that “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” Verses 6 through 8 go on to say, “The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” I don’t suppose there can be anything much more serious than when human beings do something that causes the Lord to “regret” that He had made them. Wow. The human beings of Noah’s age were so wicked they gave the Almighty and Perfect King regret. RD: Well, a couple of notes are necessary here. When the Bible says that the Lord “regretted” that He had made people, that is what is called anthropopathism. VK: It’s a what? RD: Saying that God regretted making man is anthropopathism. The term “anthro” just refers to something pertaining to human beings. Anthropology is the study of human beings. The Bible in this case is depicting God in terms of human emotion and experience. God is omniscient. God knew that after Adam and Eve’s first sin the world would continue to descend into more and more wickedness. God was not surprised by the descent but He was saddened by the descent. God is a Personal Being and He experiences emotions and the Bible records these emotions from time to time. But, God continued to give warnings to people just as He had warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. VK: The fall in the Garden of Eden is described in chapter 3 of Genesis. In chapter 4 we have the famous incident of Cain and Abel. Even before Cain killed his brother Abel God said to Cain “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” You might have thought that Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden would have been a severe enough punishment to make sure that they and their descendants avoided sin for decades or centuries. After all, they had just experienced, in a very real way, the consequences of sin. You might have thought the consequences of the very first sin would have been enough of a warning. But a gracious God continued to give explicit warnings to His children. RD: You might have thought that Adam and Eve losing paradise would have been enough of a warning, but, no. Sin begets sin. It did then. It does now. The very next chapter in Genesis we hear the Lord warning another human being, Cain, of the consequences of sin. But, of course, Cain didn’t listen. Cain killed his brother, Abel. And as a consequence Cain was also cast out from his homeland. VK: Verse 16 of chapter 4 says, “So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.” Adam and Eve sinned and were cast out of the Garden of Eden. Cain killed his brother and was even sent away from the region of Eden. Our first parents weren’t deterred by the seriousness of sin nor was their oldest son. RD: And things didn’t improve in succeeding generations. While Biblical scholars aren’t unified in their opinions on when the flood of Noah actually occurred, Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, the Lead Scientist for Creation Ministries International, places the date of the flood 1656 years after creation. Dr. Sarfati provides a detailed discussion of his calculations in his commentary on the first 11 chapters of Genesis, The Genesis Account. I would highly recommend serious Bible students have a copy in their personal library. So, taking Dr. Sarfati’s date, we know that for the next 1,600 years following Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden and Cain’s murder of Abel things just continued to get worse. They got so bad that the Bible uses the human emotion of regret to express what God felt about people continuing to engage in ever more sinful behaviors. VK: And just as with the first sin, consequences were going to follow this steady progression of sin. The first sin in the Garden of Eden brought death into the created order and caused mankind to lose paradise. Cain’s sin resulted in him being sent away from his family and home. But in Noah’s day sin had proliferated so much that expulsion was no longer appropriate. Mankind had pushed God from expulsion to extermination. RD: Yes. The flood of Noah which resulted of the death of all the people, animals, and birds except for those on the ark is, to say the least, a very graphic illustration of how seriously God treats sin. But God always precedes the consequences with a plain warning of the consequences. God warned Adam and Eve that if they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they would die. They didn’t listen and death entered creation. God warned Cain that “sin was crouching at this door” and he needed to “rule over it.” But Cain didn’t listen. He didn’t get a handle on his anger and it cost him his home and family. By Noah’s day this pattern of not listening had been going on for 1,600 years. We are not given the all the details of the progress of sin but its progression was so bad that there came a time when “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” VK: We know that sin has multiplied in our culture in recent decades. Behavior that would never have been tolerated in previous times is now routinely featured on TV, in movies, on the internet, and sadly on our streets. We can see sin’s progression in our time and we know that things are bad now. I’m not sure we can envision how bad they must have been in Noah’s time for God to record in His word that “every inclination of human hearts was only evil all the time.” Yikes. RD: Exactly. The people of Noah’s day knew or should have known how serious sin was. Noah’s life span overlapped Adam’s great-grandson Cain’s life by as much as 300 years or so. It’s entirely possible that Noah was alive when Adam’s grandson, Enoch, was alive. Noah’s father, Lamech, and grandfather, Methuselah, were alive while Adam was still living. The knowledge of Eden and what happened in Eden was readily available. We have to get our knowledge of the first sin and its consequences from the Bible (and thank God we have it) – but there were a great many alive in Noah’s day who could have gotten it from Adam himself. VK: You know that’s something we never think about. In our world 1,600 years spans a lot of generations. But in the pre-flood world it wasn’t that way. Noah was only in the 10th generation down from Adam. As you said it was possible that Noah’s own father could have spoken to Adam face-to-face. And yet the availability of that personal knowledge did not stop sin from steadily escalating. RD: And that’s how dangerous sin is. That’s how serious sin is. Noah’s father and grandfather could have spoken personally with the very first sinner and obtained first-hand knowledge of how serious was. But for whatever reason they didn’t and they died in the flood along with everyone else. If they had been as righteous as their son or grandson they could have had a place on the ark. But they weren’t and they didn’t. They paid the price for their wickedness alongside everyone else of their generations. VK: That’s something we rarely contemplate. We see the names in the Bible, especially the ones in Genesis, and we think that all of those people must have been godly people. I mean they are in the Bible. But Noah’s own father and grandfather died in the flood that God sent into the world to punish the wickedness of that time. Most commentators think that it took Noah 50 to 75 years to build the ark. Now, we don’t know whether Noah built the ark near his father or grandfather but he might have. It’s an amazing thought that Noah’s father could have witnessed his son building this huge boat for 50 to 75 years and yet been so complacent about sin that he ultimately died even when salvation might have been right over the next ridge. RD: And of course that same observation could be made of everyone else alive on the earth at that time except for Noah and his family. They were so insensitive to the seriousness of the steadily increasing evil that they just kept partying right up to the point that God made it clear He won’t put up with sin forever. VK: Jesus observed in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, verses 26 and 27, “When the Son of Man comes, things will be just as they were when Noah lived. People were eating, drinking, and getting married right up to the day when Noah went into the big boat. Then the flood came and drowned everyone on earth.” That’s from the Contemporary English Version. RD: The phrase “when the Son of Man comes” is a euphemism for Jesus’ return. What Jesus said was that just as in Noah’s day there will be a time just before His return when sin will be so pervasive people a great many people will be indifferent to it even though destruction is right around the corner for them. VK: Why is that? RD: Jesus’ return will usher in the beginning of eternal bliss for His children but it will usher in eternal destruction for those who have rejected Him. Just as the people of Noah’s day could see Noah preparing a means to be saved from the judgment of the flood and rejected the means, people today are rejecting the only means of being saved from a coming worldwide flood of judgment. Let’s take a quick look at how God has always dealt with the human race. God initially created everything and then shaped it to be a perfect world for man to occupy. VK: Man was not created until day 6. By this time the sun was in the sky providing light and warmth, the oceans had been restrained so he was able to walk about, and their plants in place bearing edible fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the land animals had been created so Adam had the opportunity to be productive and creative right from the start. And Adam and Eve had each other so they had companionship. We hear all that in Genesis, chapter 1, verses 27 through 29 say, “God created humans to be like himself; ... God gave them his blessing and said: Have a lot of children! Fill the earth with people and bring it under your control. Rule over the fish in the ocean, the birds in the sky, and every animal on the earth. I have provided all kinds of fruit and grain for you to eat. … And so it was.” That’s the Contemporary English Version. RD: And let’s not forget that God had put them in the midst of a garden designed for them. They had everything they needed to live peaceful, joyful lives including the ability to add to their family. God created the world and shaped it for man to fulfill the purpose for which man was created. But man chose to ignore God’s warning and creation was blighted. God then immediately began a plan of redemption. Fast forward 1600 years. Man has, in fact, multiplied but not in a good way. Man’s increase has been accompanied by an even greater increase in sin. VK: So, God again issues a warning. The warning was given to Noah but all of Noah’s neighbors would have heard about the warning. Building a big boat for 50 to 75 years would surely have occasioned some neighborhood gossip. But no one but Noah and his family heeded the warning. The consequence about which Noah had been warned then occurs. The flood arrives and God reshapes the world by it. We don’t have time today to go into all of the reshaping that took place but even secular scientists agree that at one time in the past a super-continent was broken up into the configuration of the continents we see today. RD: The dispersion of the land masses around the world then helps promote the worldwide dispersion of animals and people. This is consistent with God’s initial instruction to “fill the earth.” We see, then, three major themes repeated through the flood that we saw when we looked at the very first sin in the Garden of Eden. First, God warns people about the consequences of sin. Then man sins and the consequences of the sin arrive just as God warned. But, second, God continues His plan of redemption just as He had purposed before the foundation of the world. And, third, God continues to bring about the original mission He gave to Adam. VK: Said slightly differently, man’s disobedience does not derail God’s sovereign ordination. This is a truly amazing thought. Man’s sin does not and cannot affect God’s sovereignty over the created order. Again, it boggles the mind how God can keep His plans on track regardless of whether man chooses to be obedient. RD: Yes. God never enacts consequences for sin without giving a warning first. We see that pattern repeated throughout scripture. When the Israelites were coming out of Egypt God promised them blessings if they were obedient once they arrived in the Promised Land and warned them they would fall into exile and captivity if they began worshipping idols. They did exactly what God warned them not to do and they were eventually conquered by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. VK: But through the Persians God kept His plan of redemption on track and the Jesus, the Messiah, was eventually born in the Promised Land just as God had ordained. The disobedience of the Israelites caused them to suffer but it did not derail God’s plan to bring a Messiah out of the nation descended from Abraham or His grand plan of redemption. God warned the people of Noah’s generation of the consequences of their continued wickedness. But, as Jesus observed, they ignored the warning completely – until they were destroyed. And one of the reasons we are taking the time to go through this history is to point out what happens when people don’t learn the lessons that God is trying to teach. We are all confronted with that same choice today. Obey God, accept Jesus, and be blessed for all eternity or disobey God, reject Jesus, and reap an eternity of condemnation. It’s a stark choice. RD: It is a stark choice. That’s how serious sin is. Unconfessed sin and sin for which we do not repent has consequences. It has consequences in the here and now and it has even graver consequences after this life is over. God gave us the example of the flood of Noah as part of the warning to our world and our generation. The wise among us will learn from the lessons that are contained in the Bible. VK: And just to be sure that those lessons were clear Jesus restated them during his earthly ministry. Most Christians, and even a lot of non-believers, know John, chapter 3, verse 16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” RD: But most people do not know John 3:18, just two verses later. “Whoever believes in [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Sin is serious. I don’t know how the Bible could convey that more clearly. In example after example in the Bible we see that we ignore God’s warnings at our peril. And, as this verse says, the biggest warning that the Bible conveys is the danger of ignoring Jesus. The people in Noah’s world ignored the warning that God was going to punish the widespread wickedness of the day. I’m sad to say that it appears that many in our generation are making the same mistake. VK: So, the big idea that we wanted to introduce today is that once sin began in the Garden of Eden it did not stop. Cain continued the sin by killing Abel. And as succeeding generations were added they continued adding to the warehouse of accumulating sin. Eventually, God saw only one righteous person left and so God reshaped the world by a flood to continue the progress of His plans. We cannot derail God’s plans but we can create suffering for ourselves and others by trying. Sin is serious in part because sin causes misery and suffering. We should imitate Noah and heed God’s warning to us by being obedient. Our obedience does not save us. That is accomplished by the blood of Jesus. But our obedience can keep us safe through the storms of life while those about us are perishing. This sounds like a great time to pray. Today let’s listen to a prayer for persecuted Christians – our faithful brothers and sisters who holding on to Christ’s promises despite the storms they are facing. ---- PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS (TREY) VK: We’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not perfect but our Boss is!” (Opening Bible Quote from the New International Version) Genesis, Chapter 6, verse 5, New International Version

Pastor Phil's sermon on the Israelites' rescue from Egypt: God's Justice & Creating a Missional Community

Pastor Phil's sermon on the final plagues of Egypt: God judges sin & God saves his people

As Israel prepared to leave Egypt God wanted to make sure they would never forget the important lessons they were learning about Him. He knew human nature tends to quickly forget spiritual lessons and ceases to be thankful. And when this happens people are forced to keep relearning painful lessons, and those who fall into that cycle are prevented from maturing. Forgetting also leads to thanklessness and that is an even greater danger for it allows pride to grow and pride in time will always lift God's hand of blessing. So to protect them as well as their descendants from falling into this trap He instituted three ceremonies which He wanted to become traditions. He said from the moment they left Egypt onward they were to observe: the feast of Passover; the feast of Unleavened Bread; and the dedication of firstborn sons and livestock. He wanted these events to regularly remind them of the great miracles He did for them, and then He wanted them to talk about those miracles so their faith would be passed on to their children. These were lessons that must never be forgotten, and these were lessons that every generation must learn. Therefore He commanded that they become traditions… memorials built into the patterns of their lives. Today we'll look at the continuing power of traditions and consider how they can be a blessing to us as well.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to Study Hosea 11. This chapter is a powerful and emotional depiction of God's love for Israel, despite their constant rebellion and disobedience. God reveals himself to be both frustrated with Israel's sinful behavior, but also tenderly compassionate towards them. God's desire for His people to repent and be restored is evidence of the incredible depth of His love and mercy. It reminds us that no matter how far we may stray, God's love for us is unfailing and unending. The book of Hosea is a love story with a twist. It tells how God commanded Hosea, a prophet, to marry Gomer, a wife who would be unfaithful to him. God wanted Hosea to feel firsthand the pain of betrayal as he sent him out to prophesy to the people of Israel how they had been unfaithful to God. Hosea still loved Gomer and pursued her and restored her as his wife. This was a picture of how God pursued Israel despite their sin and rebellion and offered them grace and mercy if they would return to Him.

Part 2 of Journey To Sinai by Pastor D. Learning Objective - There are number of lessons you must learrn from your adoption and ancestral family - the "Fussing, Fighting & Flip-Flopping" of the Israelites on their Journey to Sinai & the Promised Land! We need every page of the Torah to Reveal & Teach us the eternal truth's about God's Sovereignty & Character; His Providence and Justice; His Voice & Obedience; His Love, Grace & Faithfulness! You must Remember, "Everything Written in the Days of Old (OT) was recorded to give you instructions for living! Powerpoint Wisdom Key - As a "Born-again Believer - Grafter into the Family of Israel, you are very much a part of the same Deliverance & Freedom from the "Bondage to Sin in Egypt" God promised & provided Israel! "Egypt" Represents every form of Bondage to Sin & Idolatry(Addictions, Sexual Immorality, Pride, & Unrighteousness) in Your Life! Big Question - What's on you -- Does it represents the same thing that's in you? God works in Covenants. He established a covenant with Israel: A Covenant with God is When you voluntarily enter in mutual consent to fulfill your responsibilities within the covenant! Israel refused to "Unhook" themselves from the "Egypt" living in them! Unlike Israel, can you "Unhook" yourself from what's wrong in you instead of the false presentation - Thats's on you? Can you Live in "Egypt" & still claim " I'm in Covenant with God?" Please click here to view the sermon notes

Heart City Church exists to raise up a people that pursue His presence and bring His kingdom. Join us as we pursue the Lord together! #iamHeartCity #HeartCityColumbus #live

Heart City Church exists to raise up a people that pursue His presence and bring His kingdom. Join us as we pursue the Lord together! #iamHeartCity #HeartCityColumbus #live

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep101 - The 10th Plague of Egypt; God vs the Egyptian gods Aker, Aten, Ra, Ma'at and Pharaoh

Quiet Moments w/Russ Ep100 - The 9th Plague of Egypt; God vs the Egyptian gods Khepera, Aten & Akera

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep99 - The 8th Plague of Egypt; God vs the Egyptian gods Gerb, Osiris, & Min

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep98 - The 7th Plague of Egypt; God vs the Egyptian god Nut

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep97 - The 6th Plague of Egypt; God vs the Egyptian gods Typhon & Imhotep

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep96 - The 5th Plague of Egypt; God vs the Egyptian gods Hathor & Ptah

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep95 - The 3rd & 4th Plagues of Egypt, God's power over false gods on full display

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep94 - The 2nd Plague of Egypt: God vs the god Hekt

Quiet Moments w/Russ Earl Ep93 - The 1st Plague of Egypt; God vs the god Hapi

When Israel left Egypt God made a covenant with them. He became tbeir husband. They were his bride. God promised to guard, guide and provide for them. Israel vowed to obey and honour him. God kept his side of the bargain but Israel did not. We can learn a lot by studying the history of Israel and to ensure that we do not copy their mistakes. They turned away from the living God and took unto themselves other gods whom they served with all their heart. Let us not do the same. Let us not follow their path and make the same mistakes.

God comes to us at the time we need him the most. He comes to us, to rescue us from the dark. Isaiah 50:10 says that whoever walks in the darkness, and has no light - can trust and rely upon God. Christmas is a celebration of light, filled with wonderfully illuminated homes, storefronts, and candle-lit carols. All of this is to remind us that Jesus is God's marvelous light. In him there is no shadow of change. Mighty God comes to us midwinter. Welcome to Redemption Church in Plano, TX. I pray that this Christmas season is merry & bright. My name is Chris Fluitt and I greet you all. “Praise the Lord” to everyone worshipping with us in person. And a “Praise the Lord” to everyone worshipping with us online. We are in the 2nd week of our Sermon Series – Midwinter. Midwinter We are using winter as a metaphor for the condition of the world at that first Christmas. Winter is… dark, cold, lifeless, difficult, and lonely. Christ came to a world that was in midwinter. The Christmas story reveals how God responds to a world midwinter.The Christmas story reveals how God will respond to us midwinter. Isaiah 9:6(NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Last week, in the first week of this series we talked about how the world at that first Christmas was lacking wonder and help. God responds to this dark struggling world by sending us someone wonderful and who would be a counselor. In your bleak midwinter God will send wonder and help to you through Jesus Christ. 400 years of silence We told you last week about the 400 years of silence that preceded the first Christmas. For 400 years God was silent, Heaven seemed closed, there was no prophet or revelation, and there were no supernatural demonstrations of God's power. What is going on here? Why is God silent for 400 years? Let's see if you notice a pattern… God creates the world and walks with Adam & Eve… When Adam & Eve sin they are removed from God's presence and expelled from the garden. The world continues to grow evil, so God sends instruction for salvation to a man named Noah. Only 8 people receive God's Word, and the rest of humanity is separated outside of the ark, while 8 are saved within. Israel has 12 sons, but in their jealousy the sons sell their brother Joseph into slavery. This evil act sown; generations later reap slavery for every son of Israel. For 400 years in Egypt God is silent and seems distant and separate. God uses Moses to deliver the slaves. God gives His law to the people, but they do not keep it and instead the people worshipped other Gods. They willfully sinned against God's commands, and for the rest of the Old Testament there is a pendulum pattern of Israel separating, reuniting, separating, reuniting, and separating with God, again. The God who formed man with his own hands, and intimately breathed his Spirit into us and brought us to life; this God who is so near, can become distant. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Is it possible to be separated from God? Your iniquities… your evil, your perversity & depravity, your evil actions & thoughts… have separated you from your God.Your sins… your unclean works and command breaking…. Have hidden God's face from you, so that He will not hear. Does this sound like the condition of the World at that first Christmas? 400 years of silence God was separate.God was hidden.God was not hearing.…for 400 years. It is possible for you to be in this same condition.You can be separated from God.God can be hidden from your eyes.Your prayers can go unheard.This is life midwinter. Are you living midwinter? Are you in the same condition that the earth was in that first Christmas?

As Israel prepares to leave Egypt God is at work on multiple levels to prove He is the One True God. Of course He wants the people of Israel to see Him as their God, protector and deliverer. But He also wants the Egyptian people to see that He is more powerful than the numerous false gods they currently follow and finally He wants Pharaoh to come to grips with his own mortality and weakness. All of this hinges on an individuals obedience that leads to deliverance.

As Israel prepares to leave Egypt God is at work on multiple levels to prove He is the One True God. Of course He wants the people of Israel to see Him as their God, protector and deliverer. But He also wants the Egyptian people to see that He is more powerful than the numerous false gods they currently follow and finally He wants Pharaoh to come to grips with his own mortality and weakness. All of this hinges on an individuals obedience that leads to deliverance.

When the Israelites were set free from Egypt God led them through the wilderness with a cloud of smoke and a cloud of fire. His presence was marked by the cloud, it's the place of protection and guidance. Just like the Israelites we too are invited into that place to be overshadowed by the cloud of God. In this season of turmoil and change, God promises protection and rest and guidance under his covering.

God's Presence In Their MidstExodus 40:30 “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”Did you know that when Moses led the Israelite's out of Egypt God's presence was with them?  When they were wondering in the desert God's presence was with them.  He was leading them.  We use that expression a lot. God is leading you to where you want to go and this is true.  The Holy Spirit within you is guiding you.  This is not what I am talking about though.  They could actually see God's presence guiding them.  It describes this in Exodus 13:21-22 “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.Can you imagine this?  I often have prayed things like, “God, please let me know if I am going in the right direction.”  Also, “God, please let me know what your will is.”  The Israelites didn't have to ask this question.  They had God right there in their midst guiding them.  I wonder what that was like for them?  I wonder if they were just walking around in awe the whole time?  If you read the book of Exodus you will see that doesn't appear to be the case.  Even with God's presence right there in the camp with them, they tended to veer off course.  They tended to forget what Moses told them and do things that God told them not to do.  I often wonder how someone could witness the miracles of God every day and then still not live by His laws.  I often think that if I was around in Jesus' time that I would definitely have been a follower of Jesus.  I would have been such a good Christian because I would want to please the Lord and follow the rules.  I am very much a rule follower.  However, then I wonder, the Jews that were persecuting Jesus, they felt they were following the rules.  They were confused because they lived by a very strict set of rules and now Jesus is coming and breaking a lot of those rules.  He is saying things that they just can't wrap their head around.  I am not condoning what they did and how they did it.  I am just saying that it is easy for us to judge what happened thousands of years ago with all the knowledge and hindsight passed on to us from those that lived before us.I struggle to understand how the Israelite's could live with all those miracles they witnessed and yet then still worship other God's and do things that go against what God teaches.  It makes no sense to me.  I feel like if I witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, I would never doubt again.  Did you know that God produced mana every day for them to eat.  Each day they went to bed without food and each day they woke up with exactly enough mana, which is like a sweet bread type substance, for that day.  They literally witnessed a miracle every day and yet they got tired of it because it was the same thing every day.  It just boggles my mind.When I start to think like this the Holy Spirit reminds me not to judge.  He reminds me that I have witnessed plenty of miracles and yet I am not perfect.  Maybe nothing like the parting of the Red Sea, but I was one of 11 children growing up.  My dad had a good job, and yet there was never really enough money to go around because of the sheer number of mouths to feed and the size house we lived in.  Yet, we never went without.  Anytime my parents thought we may have to go without something, God always came through and provided it.  I remember my mom making us tuna melts when we were younger.  She would use 2 cans of tuna and feed how ever many of us were home that day.  I have tried this at my house, and 2 cans of tuna is enough for Tony and I and that is about it.  However, at my house growing up it seemed like no matter how much food my mom cooked, it was the perfect amount.  We never ran out.  It reminds me of the story of Elijah and the Widow in 1 Kings 17:7-16.  “Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.  Then the word of the Lord came to him:  “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”  Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.  For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.'” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.  For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”I was young when my mom was making those sandwiches, and when the food never seemed to run out and I did not think of it as a miracle.  Looking back now though, I can see it was.  There was another time when my dad's car broke down on his way to work one day.  He was worried because we lived about 20 minutes away from where he worked and we needed that income to survive.  He had no idea what he was going to do. He decided to not tell my mom until after dinner as we usually eat right at 4:45 when he got home.  During dinner the next door neighbor came over and rang the doorbell.  My dad knew this neighbor, but they weren't really friends.  They had gotten into an argument before over something to do with the kids in the neighborhood.  Anyway, when my dad answered the door he handed my dad car keys.  My dad was stunned.  He asked what this was for.  The guy asked my dad if he needed a car.  My dad said he did, but asked the guy how he knew, since my dad had not even told my mom about his car yet.  The guy said he wasn't sure.  He just had a feeling that he was supposed to come over and give my dad the car.  He said his wife no longer needs a car.  The car is ours to do with as we please.  He doesn't want anything for the car and he is not expecting to get the car back.  If we happen to not need it and want to give it back at some point we can, but it is not expected.  I tear  up every time I recount this story because I can't believe how amazing our God is.  I can't believe how he uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.  I wonder if the neighbor even knew he was helping God complete a miracle.  I wonder how many times we have been part of one of God's miracles and we didn't even know.  I bet God has used each one of us many times.  We thought we were just doing a kind deed.  However, you never know when a kind word or deed from you feels like a miracle to the person receiving it.  You never know when that kind thing you are doing is actually the exact answer to someone's prayer.  This is why it is so important to listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings.  If you feel called to do something.  Even if you are not sure why, try to do it.  It could just be that you are being called to complete a miracle.  Even though I have either heard about or witnessed these miracles, I still don't always follow in God's footsteps.  I still mess up, I still sin, I still worship false Gods.  Well, I don't intentionally worship false God's.  I definitely do not think that anything or anyone is more important than God.  And yet, my actions don't always back that up.   Sometimes I know God is waiting for me to do something and yet I sit down and watch TV instead.  Is that putting TV ahead of God?  Yes.  Is it worshiping a false God?  I honestly don't know.  I felt led to write that, so I am guess it could be.  Or are we worshiping the actors or sports players above God?  I think it could be different for everyone.  I don't think there is a blanket answer.  I do think that we should all take a look at our lives and consider if there is anything that we could work on.  This is what I mean when I say the Holy Spirit reminds me not to judge.  When I start to wonder how the Israelites kept getting it so wrong, the Holy Spirit brings these thoughts to the front of my mind.  He reminds me that I am doing the same thing, just in different ways.  He reminds me that none of us are perfect and yet God is forgiving and patient and will keep being there for us when we repent and turn back.  I know this episode is long already, but I wanted to just take a minute to explain that the Holy Spirit always brings up these thoughts in a loving way, never in a condemning way.  If you are having thoughts that make you feel terrible about yourself, these are not from the Holy Spirit.  These are from the enemy.  I won't go into a long explanation, but if you are ever wondering if the thought is from the Holy Spirit or the enemy, that's the difference. The Holy Spirit convicts you in a loving way and the enemy condemns you and makes you feel bad about yourself.  Dear heavenly father I ask that you bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord we thank you for all the miracles you do in our lives. Lord we ask that you help us to recognize all of the miracles you do for us and others. We ask that you open our eyes wide so that we don't miss any of it. Lord we ask that the Holy Spirit convict us when we are having judgmental thoughts. None of us are perfect Lord.  Instead of looking and judging at what others are doing wrong we ask that you help us turn that gaze inward and show us how we can live more fully in your ways.  Lord, we ask that you help us listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and give us the courage to follow through on any promptings that we hear. Lord we ask that you use us as your instruments to carry out miracles here on earth.  Lord we love you so very much and we ask all of us in accordance with your will and in Jesus holy name amen.

Message from Rev. Dr. John Yates III on August 1, 2021

Returning to Egypt God finally decides the Two Legged is their business

The sons of Israel were captive in Egypt for hundreds of years until God began to liberate them. Using Moses, to pronounce judgment against Egypt God would use darkness as one of His judgments. God sent darkness over the land of Egypt, but the Bible says the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings. Darkness could not invade the houses of Israel for the God who is light illuminates their darkness. This Christmas let us remember Jesus is the light that illuminates our darkness today

All For My Glory God’s Autobiography His book starts with a preface - Before the Beginning Genesis 1:1. - In the Beginning … GOD John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. While the Bible is God’s story in relation to us, He did not start on day one. God exists - always has; always will. It would be great to have a sequel to the Bible describing God’s back story - but His purpose in the Bible is to describe how all that is - is for His Glory. HIStroy Begins Wait a minute - didn’t you just say that God always has existed and always will? Yes - but time has not. Time was created by the one who is timeless (this is where the scify part of the Bible comes in) History exists because time exists and the introduction to the entire Bible starts with - God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) In the subsequent 30 verses found in Genesis 1 we find that God created all things for His Glory - Sun, Moon, Starts, Planets, Water, Land, Fish, Birds, Animals and yes - even Humans. All created in perfection. All created from His power and, like a great painting or piece of artwork, creation points back to the creator. Romans 1:19-20 - For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. But our story turns quickly - All Is Not Well in Paradise Into this wonderful creation that existed to bring Glory to the Creator - entered that which defiled His Glory. Man who was created in God’s image, possessing knowledge, self awareness and the will to act determines that they know better than the creator of what is good for them and they go against the rules of order that God established. That which was created for His Glory in perfection becomes cracked and broken through disobedience. Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6 Broken, but not Forgotten Genesis 3:8-15 God did not need to - but He chose to seek us out in our place of failure. FOR HIS GLORY. God provided a way out of our dilemma - FOR HIS GLORY. God’s Autobiography then introduces character after character - from generation to generation - stories that intertwine one message - the message of His redeeming love that brings healing and hope. Men and women who He used not because they were great or worthy - but because they pointed to the one who is. Page after page we see God working out a great plan of salvation ALL FOR HIS GLORY! Let me point you to just a few that are found among the hundreds of examples: Abram and Sarai - Their eyes were fixated on the fact that they were barren, childless - without anyone to carry on their family lineage. Into their dark moment God brings light - but not merely an answer to their family problem - it is an answer to the problem of all humanity. They are granted a child (Isaac) Fast forward - The nation God established through Abram is placed into hundreds of years of slavery in Egypt - God sends a deliverer (Moses) into their hopeless situation. But God did not choose Moses because he was a great leader or wonderful orator or a powerful warrior - no, he chose one that was weak and flawed because it would point to HIM. The people of Israel are freed and delivered ALL FOR GOD’S GLORY. As chapter after chapter unfolds in God’s story, character after character that we are introduced to declare that every element of the story is FOR GOD’S GLORY. Jump ahead again to yet another unlikely person in God’s Autobiography: Joshua 2:1-15; 6:22; Matthew 1:2-5 Enter in Jesus at the climax - Here we see The Cost of Redemption What would it take for things to be set right and for God to be Glorified? Colossians 1:15-20 Matthew 27 Colossians 1:21-23 As we continue to read we see that this was not the end. God continued to use interesting characters to bring the message of redemption to those who were still far from Him. Even in this we see that it is all done for God’s Glory. And this story is not yet done - but unlike other historical biographies, we get to see the end of this one before it has actually taken place. God tells us what will take place. What will be A Glorious Ending All for His Glory. Revelation 22 Next Week: What is your part in God’s Story? And now - we have the distinct privilege to be involved in the story. Just as God used Abram, Moses, Rahab, David, Samson, Isaiah, Peter and Paul - God will use you The Gospel - The Best Story Ever - It is the Good News (Romans 1:16)

Moses Part 1 - Out Of Egypt - God Is... by Re:Hope Glasgow

As Jacob prepares to leave Canaan and enter Egypt God appears to him in a dream and assures him that He is going before him as he leaves the land of his forefathers. In speaking to him, God makes provides for Jacob the reassurance he needed to know that he was trully following God and that God was with him. God makes those same provisions to you as well. Read His Word. Listen to Him and learn how he is walking with you during these uncertain days!

Moses tells of the covenant God made with Israel in Horeb—He reviews the Ten Commandments—Sabbath observance also commemorates the deliverance from Egypt—God talks with man—Blessings flow from obedience. The post Deuteronomy 5 appeared first on Sacred Text Daily.

Find how some additional Old Testament prophecies came to light and came to fulfillment as the young Christ Child wa moved around by the divine hand of His heavenly Father.  In this lesson, "Prewritten Pathways," we discuss two journeys made by Joseph and Mary during the early childhood years of Jesus.  First, there was their journey from Bethlehem to Egypt (at the direction of a God through a messenger angel to escape the wrath of Herod), and then there was their journey (again at God's direction after the death of Herod) from Egypt to Nazareth. Learn how these divinely orchestrated movements of Jesus fulfilled three Old Testament propecies: Hosea 11:1 (out of Egypt God would call His Son), Jeremiah 31:15 (Rachel would weep over a massacre of infants, which occurred with Herod's "Slaughter of the Innocents"), and Isaiah 11:1 (the coming Messiah would be called a Nazarene).   It always perlexed the Old Testament scholars how one Messiah could fulfill all three Messianic prophecies concerning His "origin"!  How could He be born in Bethlehem Ephrata (Micah 5:2), be called by God "out of Egypt" (Hosea 11:1), and be called a Nazarene, meaning from Nazareth (Isaiah 11:1)?  Well, in Jesus Christ all three prophecies were fulfilled!  What other possible "would-be" Messianic candidate would ever be able to fulfill them?  Yet, the Jews still await a messiah other than Jesus.  

Moses tells of the covenant God made with Israel in Horeb—He reviews the Ten Commandments—Sabbath observance also commemorates the deliverance from Egypt—God talks with man—Blessings flow from obedience. The post Deuteronomy 5 appeared first on Sacred Text Daily.

How does faith grow? The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God and according to Jesus, can grow from small to great over time. Studying the life of Abram teaches us how God can take a person of no faith, to great faith, and ultimately friendship with Him. In his first season of Abram's walk with God, Abram’s life  Abram and his family are faced with famine. How will this test ultimately affect Abram's faith? IQ: What are you trusting to protect, provide, and promote you?

Faith Community Church Woodstock Podcast

In chapter four Moses and God continue their conversation at the burning bush. Moses expresses his concerns and God answers with miracles. The miracles will be a sign to the Hebrew people and will eventually cause Pharaoh to let God's people go. On the way back to Egypt God makes sure all is in order and Zipporah circumcises Gershom.

When the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt God heard the cries of his people and sent Moses to deliver them. But God also wanted to show the world that Yahweh is God and that any other deity is a false god...even Pharaoh. Once they were delivered from Egypt, they were to celebrate the Passover every year so that they could remember, experience, and teach a new generation of God's faithful deliverance. On one such Passover meal, Jesus changed the memorials, the symbols, the meaning to all of it and gave the Lord's Supper to the church so we could always remember Jesus Christ and our deliverance.

In the OT God revealed His plan for His children through men and women of God who spent time with Him in prayer.  - God revealed Noah the coming destruction upon the land- God revealed Abraham the blessings His descendants are going to experience- God revealed Moses concerning the sufferings of God's children in Egypt- God revealed Samuel the one who is going to rule the nation of Israel- God revealed Elijah who is going to be the successor in His prophetic ministry ----more---- We can go on and on...Prayer reveals God's plan for us today. Prayer not only opens the doors of heaven,not only shuts hell,not only changes things around us,not only releases the God's Power,prayer also reveals God's plan to us.

Big Idea:  We can deal with Egypt on our own, or we can leave Egypt to God alone. The post January 13, 2019: Exodus 2 “How to Face Egypt God's Way” appeared first on Cornerstone Church.

2018/11/18 David Yu Categories: Video: https://hongkong.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/step-up-and-be-used-by-god 興起來讓神去使用你！ Step Up And Be Used By God！ 出埃及記3章8,10-12 (NCV) 8 所以我下來，要救他們脫離埃及人的手，領他們脫離那地，到美好寬闊之地，到流奶與蜜之地，就是到迦南人、赫人、亞摩利人、比利洗人、希未人和耶布斯人的地方。 10 所以現在你來，我要派你到法老那裡去，使你可以把我的人民以色列人從埃及領出來。 11 ”摩西對　神說：“我是誰，竟能到法老那裡去，把以色列人從埃及領出來呢？” 12 神回答：“我必與你同在；你把人民從埃及領出來的時候，你們要在這山上事奉　神；這就是我派你去的憑據。” Exodus 3:8, 10-12 GNB “and so I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them out of Egypt to a spacious land, one which is rich and fertile and in which the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites now live. Now I am sending you to the king of Egypt so that you can lead my people out of his country.” But Moses said to God, “I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.” 申命記 28章13節 (NCV) 耶和華必使你作頭不作尾，居上不居下，只要你聽從耶和華你的　神的誡命，就是我今日吩咐你的，謹守遵行； Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." 要認知你在神裡的身份 Know who you are in God 約翰一書 3章1節 (CUV) 你 看 父 賜 給 我 們 是 何 等 的慈 愛 、 使 我 們 得 稱 為 　 神的 兒 女 ． 我 們 也 真 是 他 的兒 女 ． 世 人 所 以 不 認 識 我們 、 是 因 未 曾 認 識 他 。 1 John 3:1 NLT “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” 要知道你的力量是從神而來 Know your strength comes from the Lord 腓立比書 4章13節 (NCV) 我靠著那加給我能力的，凡事都能作。 Philippians 4:13 NLT For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 要有更大的想法 Dream even bigger 以弗所書 3章20節 (NCV) 願榮耀歸給　神，就是歸給那能照著運行在我們裡面的大能，充充足足地成就一切，超過我們所求所想的。 Ephesians 3:20 NLT Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and ... Read moreExodus 1 – Slaves in Egypt, God's Word Fulfilled

The book of Exodus is the account of how God rescued the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, freeing them to become his people and He their God. But it is even more significant than that. The Exodus account is a foreshadowing of the greater work of Jesus Christ in our deliverance, redemption, and salvation. Colossians 1:13-14 Exodus 7:1-7 1. "I have made you like God" - Moses is God's representative to Pharaoh. Literally speaking for God, telling Pharaoh what God demanded. 3. "I will multiply my signs and wonders" There are "signs" (some miraculous, some not) throughout the Bible. There are two specific clusters of signs and wonders in the Scriptures. 1. Israel's release from Egypt 2. Ministry of Jesus and his Apostles The signs and wonders in Israel's release are the 10 plagues that God uses to judge Egypt and release the Israelites. The plagues demonstrate that the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has power and authority over Egypt and her gods. The Israelites were powerless against Pharaoh, but The Lord will show by multiplying signs and wonders that He is The Lord and there is none like Him. Exodus 7:14-18, 19-24 The first plague would strike at the center of Egypt's financial and spiritual center. The Egyptians worshipped Hapi, the god of the Nile and two other gods that they believed controlled the annual flooding of the Nile. But God would demonstrate that He is the God of the Nile. He is the God Who brought them water for drinking, and growing crops, and fish. Water changed to blood is a foreshadowing of God's judgment. Each successive plague demonstrates God's power over the physical world of the Egypt: Nile, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock, health, weather, light, and life and death. Each successive plague also demonstrates God's power over the supernatural. God is The Lord, not the Egyptian gods, not even Ra, the god of the sun, not even Pharaoh, who was worshipped as a demi-god. One by one, God is revealing He is The Lord and the Egyptian gods are frauds. Through the 10 plagues on Egypt - God reveals His power and authority as supreme. - He exposes the false gods of Egypt as frauds. - His acts bring judgment on the Egyptians. - His acts demonstrate His kindness to Israelites. In the Gospels, Jesus performs signs and wonders. He taught with authority, heals the sick, makes a paralytic walk again, healed leprosy, he speaks peace to a storm and to rough seas, he raises a dead girl to life and then a man who was dead for three days - and then he raises himself from the dead . He is The Lord over sickness and disease, He is The Lord over creation, He is The Lord over spiritual powers, He is The Lord of life and death - even his own. We need God to reveal our idols for what they are: frauds. When you chase after wealth or popularity or beauty you need him to show you that they are all frauds. They are not bad on their own, but when they become your pursuit, they are idols. He alone is The Lord. There is no other. He will allow your idol to fail you so that you can turn from it to Him. It is an act of grace that God pulls back the curtain on our idols to show us they cannot do what they promise. Only he can. 17. "You will know I am The Lord." The Egyptians will know that Yahweh is Lord Exodus 6:7 "then you (Israel) will know I am The Lord." God uses the enslavement of Israel to reveal Himself and His plans for His people. He is the Lord Who keeps His promises. He is The Lord Who is powerful. He is the Lord Who will fight for His people. He is The Lord Who brings freedom. The response of the Egyptian captors will be defeat. His people's response will be worship - serving God instead of Pharaoh. (v. 16)

Moses begins his journey back to Egypt God is going to use him , But first off The Lord gives some needed information and Moses is shocked into realizing that the priority in his life is not just ministry for God but obedience to God

Moses begins his journey back to Egypt God is going to use him , But first off The Lord gives some needed information and Moses is shocked into realizing that the priority in his life is not just ministry for God but obedience to God

Even in Egypt God's people can thrive.

Phil started a new series looking at key events in the book of Acts. To view Phil's slides (in PDF format), click here. Acts – A new Beginning We want to build a church freed from complacency and endeavouring to grow in gospel impact, faith, prayer, generosity, action and influence. Introduction • It's a new day • We look back on all Gods done its brought us this far • We love forward as there is so much to be done, vision to be fulfilled, Gospel impact to be made Acts 11 v 19 – 30, The Antioch Church Scattered through persecution Gospel was only for the Jews Here we have a gigantic step forward in the history of the church • Used the opportunity to advance the Kingdom – Preached Jesus as Lord to the Gentiles • Gospel impact – A great Number Believed and turned to the Lord, no one turns to the Lord without first believing • Social Action • Holy Spirit upon them • Exhorted the faithful to the Lord • Steadfast Purpose In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. We Must be ready for Jesus to take his Church Forward • The early Christians were bold, daring and adventurous in doing something that had never been done before We Must be ready to see what God is doing and do it with him • Barnabas saw what God was doing • Doing it with God • Encourage new Christians who might be different from us • Dependant on Grace • Exhorted the young christians • Stayed full of the Holy Spirit We too can have the experience Barnabas had and see the Lord add to his people. Some words of caution. Danger of Looking back We can get caught up with what's and be consumed with what's gone before because we don't handle change and advancement well It's not like it used to be ! We must be careful we are where we are because • God has lead us • spoken to us through the prophets • Opened doors for us • Sent workers for the task So to look back in • Not looking back in nostalgia • Not looking back in false sentiment • When facing difficulties only have just left Egypt God’s people looked back saying it was better in Egypt and wanted to go back, We know that was not true. Will only serve to hinder our future, just as it did for God’s people To be complacent to be complacent is to be self-satisfied and unconcerned. Someone who is selfsatisfied is someone who has accomplished something but is now resting on their laurels, no longer concerned about the things that once led to their success. Nobody ever plans on complacency, it just sneaks up on you, and when it does it can be devastating. • We have good projects running • We do lots as a church • When you think of all we do • Jigsaw – inc food bank, café, clothes bank, assisting with accommodation, furniture, advice • Totzone – 2 sessions on a Tuesday full of unreached people, serving lonely mums with children in our community • Mens ministry – men can be lonely too, • Women's ministry • Community bible study • Alpha We have done and are doing a lot of things but we can become complacent in these things The churches described in the book of Acts particularly the Antioch church seem anything but complacent. Right from the beginning, in Jerusalem, we see a radical church growing in gospel impact, faith,prayer, generosity, action and influence. These characteristics were then repeated as new churches were started in other regions. Looking forward - The Future Belongs to those who pray How can we avoid looking back with longing for what's gone before and complacency? 2 Keys Prayer Presence of the Holy Spirit These 2 things were key in the early church in Acts It is Prayer invites the wind of the Holy Spirit, and It is prayer that hoists the sail to catch the power of the wind to propel us into God's mission All that we have have accomplished has been through prayer and God speaking and leading us in those times Wherever we see gospel impact, exploits of faith, radical generosity, social action and pervading influence, we find It's God moving

Exodus 12:37-13:22As the Israelites leave Egypt God's provision and guidance are demonstrated through the Passover and we remember His provision and guidance today.

And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Mat 2:15) Main points 1)      Out of Egypt God called his son Israel 2)      Out of Egypt God called his son Jesus 3)      Out of a spiritual Egypt God called his son Jesus 4)      Out of […]

Children’s Bible Reader, part thirteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "God sends disasters to Egypt" "God sends the worst plague of all"

After the deiverance from Egypt God teaches the Israelites a new way to live

GLOBAL CHAOS. IS IT ALL ABOUT YOU?