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When the Lord instituted the seven feasts in Leviticus 23, He gave Israel a prophetic calendar that not only marked their national life but laid out, in exact order, the future timeline of the First and Second Advents of Jesus Christ. The seventh of these feasts, the Feast of Tabernacles, stands out as the great concluding celebration—a picture of joy, harvest, and God dwelling among His people.“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, because it is the seventh feast, it speaks of completion—and nothing is more complete than the finished work of Christ at His First Advent and the future restoration at His Second. To understand Tabernacles properly, we apply the Law of First Mention, which sets the foundation for how a subject develops throughout Scripture. The first time we encounter this feast is in Exodus 23:16, where it is called “the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year.” Immediately we see three themes: ingathering, ending, and completion. God is showing us that Tabernacles marks a final harvest and a time of rejoicing in His presence and provision. The first mention of the tabernacle itself also reinforces this. In Exodus 25:9, God commands Moses to build a sanctuary “that I may dwell among them.” This is the heartbeat of the Feast of Tabernacles—God dwelling with man. In the wilderness, God's presence was visible in cloud and fire above the Tabernacle; but this was not the final fulfillment. It was a picture, a shadow, a type pointing forward to something far greater.
This sermon explores the origins and significance of baptism and communion, tracing them back to their roots in the Exodus story. It explains that these sacraments are not random rituals but divine institutions commanded by Jesus, prefigured in the Old Testament, and practiced by the church for thousands of years.Scripture ReferencesMatthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission to baptize.Luke 22:7-20: The Last Supper, instituting communion.1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul's instructions on the Lord's Supper.Exodus 12:1-28: The Passover, the origin of communion.Exodus 12:29-51 & 14:1-31: The Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea, the origin of baptism.John 1:29: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God."1 Peter 1:18-19: Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.Key PointsCommunion: The Passover Fulfilled To understand the Last Supper, we must understand the First Supper (Passover). In Exodus 12, God provided a substitute (a lamb) to save the Israelites from judgment. This lamb had to be:Pure: Without defect.Personal: Kept in the home for four days.Killed: A true sacrifice.Applied: Blood on the doorposts (faith in action).Consumed: Totally devoured (we take all of Jesus).Taken in Faith: Eaten in haste, ready to move. Jesus is the fulfillment of this Passover lamb. He is the pure, personal sacrifice whose blood is applied to our lives, saving us from judgment.Baptism: The Red Sea Crossing Baptism is framed by the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). It involves three movements of salvation:Leaving the Old Behind: Just as Israel left 430 years of slavery in Egypt, baptism symbolizes leaving our old life of bondage.Surrendering to God: At the Red Sea, Israel was trapped and terrified. Moses told them, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Baptism declares our trust in God to fight battles we cannot win.New Identity: Passing through the waters, Israel was born again as a free nation. They emerged on the other side with a new identity as worshipers, erupting in song. Baptism marks our entry into a new life and identity in Christ.Why We Do It We practice baptism and communion because Jesus commanded them, the early church practiced them, and they powerfully reenact the story of our salvation. They are not just rituals; they are "sacraments" that mark the church and remind us of who we are and whose we are.ConclusionThe sacraments of baptism and communion are God's way of "resetting our clocks" and marking us as His own. Just as the Passover changed the calendar for Israel, meeting Jesus changes everything for us. We leave behind the old, trust God to fight for us, and step into a new identity as His people.Calls to ActionRemember Your Baptism: If you are a believer, recall the moment you "crossed the Red Sea" and left your old life behind.Take Communion in Faith: When you participate in the Lord's Supper, remember the cost of the Lamb and apply His blood to your life by faith.Stand Firm: If you are facing an "impossible" Red Sea situation, hear the word of the Lord: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
In Exodus 2:15–22, we meet Moses in a season of dislocation—fleeing Egypt, finding refuge in Midian, starting a family, and naming his son Gershom, “a foreigner in a foreign land.” This moment opens a deeper question the passage raises for us today: What does it mean to leave a legacy? Not a legacy of success, achievement, or family status, but a legacy shaped by the ongoing work of God in a life that is still in process. Recorded November 30, 2025.
In Exodus 3, Moses encounters a burning bush—a fire that blazed with God's presence yet did not burn out. That same picture reveals God's desire for us today: to move from a life that fizzles to a faith that sizzles with passion and purpose.Be part of what God is doing at Mount Holly. To learn more about our ministries, our pastor, and to plan your visit, click here: https://www.mountholly.orgBecause of your generosity, we're able to continue leading people into the life-changing presence of God. If you feel led to give, click here: https://www.mountholly.org/give
Last week we considered why God saves His people. But God's salvation and judgement often go hand in hand. Indeed God' s judgement of His enemies is often the means by which He saves His people. In Exodus 7:8-10:29, we are given three reasons why God judges the Egyptians; To reveal Himself to the world, to display His power and authority and humble both His enemies and His people. The implication for God's enemies is that they should repent and turn to Him for salvation while His people should learn to serve Him in humility because they recognise that except by His miraculous power, no one can be saved from his judgement.
In Exodus 6, we find a seemingly dry genealogy delivering a startling truth: God knows exactly who He calls, why He calls them, and how their small story fits into His gigantic redemptive plan.Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time. In this episode, Paul shows how Moses' lineage reveals a God who calls us intentionally, equips us purposefully, and weaves our stories into His covenant promises.For more of these Bible studies, visit PaulTripp.com/Exodus.
In Exodus 6, we find a seemingly dry genealogy delivering a startling truth: God knows exactly who He calls, why He calls them, and how their small story fits into His gigantic redemptive plan.Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time. In this episode, Paul shows how Moses' lineage reveals a God who calls us intentionally, equips us purposefully, and weaves our stories into His covenant promises.For more of these Bible studies, visit PaulTripp.com/Exodus.
Moses wasn't looking for God—but God came looking for him. In Exodus 3, the eternal Jesus appears in the burning bush, revealing His holiness, His compassion, and His plan to rescue His people. The same “I AM” who stepped down to deliver Israel is the One who steps into our world and calls us into His mission.
Why does God save His people? There are several reasons that the Bible gives for God saving His people; to rescue us from sin, because of his mercy and goodness towards us, because He loves us, to spare us from his judgement, to restore our broken world. All these are right reasons for God saving His people, but they are deficient. They are deficient because they reduce God's saving purpose to our comfort. In Exodus 5:1-7:7, God lifts our eyes beyond ourselves and shows us that the primary reason He saves His people is to reveal himself so that He might be worshipped by all.
This week in our series Follow: The Story of Exodus, we step into one of the most profound moments in all of Scripture—the Passover.As God brings the final plague upon Egypt, He reveals His ultimate authority over life and death…and the way of salvation that would echo for generations. In Exodus 11–12, we see the spotless lamb, the applied blood, and the night when God both judged and redeemed.But this moment wasn't just Israel's deliverance—it was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb. From the timing of the week to the shedding of blood, every detail pointed forward to the cross where Christ would become our substitute, our atonement, and our life.In this message, Pastor Tommy shows:Why the Passover is the clearest picture of the gospel in the Old TestamentHow Jesus fulfills every part of the Passover patternWhy the blood of the Lamb is our only hopeAnd how remembering His sacrifice keeps our hearts anchored in graceWe closed the service at the Lord's Table, remembering that our redemption came through the blood of a spotless substitute—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.If you've ever wondered how the story of Exodus connects to the cross, this message will open your eyes to the beauty of God's plan from beginning to end.
Ever felt like God isn't showing up when you need Him most? In Exodus 17, God's people—fresh from miracles—face thirst in the desert and start demanding answers. This story isn't just about water from a rock; it's about hearts under pressure. What happens when we put God to the test—and discover He's testing us too? Join us as we explore a God who can do the impossible, who reveals what's inside us through trials, and who responds with grace even when we fail.
In Exodus 5-6:12, Moses meets with Pharaoh to ask him to let the people go out of Egypt. Pharaoh, not knowing who God is, refuses.
As we read Moses' birth narrative, we are introduced to some very interesting people. In Exodus, chapter two, we will learn about Miriam, Moses' sister, and the role she played in his early life. We will wonder why Pharaoh's daughter, who pulled Moses from the Nile, let a Hebrew woman nurse him (instead of hiring an Egyptian). We will be amazed by the "rest of the story"" of Pharaoh's daughter's later life. And we will try to determine who gave Moses his name. This episode is all about the women in Moses' early life!
Every story of redemption bleeds. From Genesis to Revelation, the theme is the same: sin brings death, but God provides a substitute. In Eden, He clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a sacrifice. In Exodus, a lamb's blood on the doorposts saved Israel's firstborn. But at the Jordan River, John the Baptist pointed and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”For centuries, people had brought their lambs to God. That day, God brought His Lamb to the people.Jesus wasn't a victim of Rome or religion. He was the willing substitute. Isaiah 53 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” The cross wasn't an accident — it was an altar.Sin demanded justice. Love supplied Jesus. When He hung there, He absorbed every ounce of wrath that should've been ours. Every sin, every shame, every secret — nailed, judged, and finished.You don't need to carry guilt another day. Grace doesn't deny your sin; it declares it paid in full. The Lamb of God didn't just cover sin temporarily — He canceled it eternally.So when you stumble, don't hide in shame. Run to the Lamb. He's not surprised; He's already paid.
Every story of redemption bleeds. From Genesis to Revelation, the theme is the same: sin brings death, but God provides a substitute. In Eden, He clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a sacrifice. In Exodus, a lamb's blood on the doorposts saved Israel's firstborn. But at the Jordan River, John the Baptist pointed and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”For centuries, people had brought their lambs to God. That day, God brought His Lamb to the people.Jesus wasn't a victim of Rome or religion. He was the willing substitute. Isaiah 53 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” The cross wasn't an accident — it was an altar.Sin demanded justice. Love supplied Jesus. When He hung there, He absorbed every ounce of wrath that should've been ours. Every sin, every shame, every secret — nailed, judged, and finished.You don't need to carry guilt another day. Grace doesn't deny your sin; it declares it paid in full. The Lamb of God didn't just cover sin temporarily — He canceled it eternally.So when you stumble, don't hide in shame. Run to the Lamb. He's not surprised; He's already paid.
What if the obstacles in your life aren't punishment—but God exposing what you trust more than Him?In Exodus 7–10, God unleashes the plagues of Egypt—not as random acts of judgment, but as a divine confrontation with false gods. Each plague tears down an idol Egypt trusted for life, pleasure, security, and control. And the truth is, God still does the same today.He confronts our idols—not to shame us—but to set us free.Freedom begins when we stop worshiping what cannot save and remember that our God alone reigns.
In Exodus 25, God gives instructions for building a sanctuary—not because He needs a place to live, but because He desires to be close to His people. This message explores what it means to serve a God who doesn’t stay distant, but chooses to dwell with us. From the tabernacle in the wilderness to the presence of Jesus and the Spirit today, we’re reminded that God’s greatest desire is relationship, not ritual.
Human beings have always prided themselves on the advantage gained from possessing knowledge that others lack. We boast of being smarter, more informed, more enlightened—as if we were the elite guardians of some secret insight reserved for our sect, our institution, or our circle. Whether the advantage lies in religious doctrine, education, status, political ideology, or modern technology, it always devolves into the same pattern: insiders against outsiders, the few who “know” against the many who do not.From ancient cults, esoteric associations, and manufactured religions (steeped in symbols wrongly appropriated from sacred texts) to modern marketing campaigns promising the “secret to success,” humanity's obsession with exclusive knowledge endures. Yet all of it is vanity—corruption and folly dressed as wisdom. Whether through ritual, ideology, or playground-style cliques, every claim to possess hidden knowledge and to exercise control over others is sublime vanity, doomed to folly.There is only one source of knowledge—the Father of all—and he alone is the fountain of might, power, and strength. Scripture repeats this warning at every turn, and when human beings ignore it, all things collapse in ruin. The arrogant, trusting in themselves, gleefully amplify human chaos in opposition to him, emboldened by misguided self-confidence.Indeed, their knowledge springs from self-importance, and their strength from oppression. In their false eschaton, the work of men's hands turns to dust, even as the God of Abraham remains—ever present, all-knowing, all-wise, and all-powerful. Moreover, as Matthew wrote, this God stands as the enemy of those among them who invoke his name, “Lord, Lord.”But Yahweh, our Elohim, is always in control despite the schemes of Baal's followers who deceive the devout who have fallen for the institutions he destroys.“For they plan, and God plans; and God is the best of planners.”وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَwa-makarū wa-makara llāhu, wa-llāhu khayru l-mākirīn(Qurʾan, Surat Āl ʿImrān سورة آل عمران “The Family of Imran” 3:54)Every time the human being seizes power or claims insight as his own, the result is the same: pride, decay, and judgment. Yet each collapse becomes Elohim's opportunity to remind us of his immutable sovereignty. He alone commands and restores. As it is written by Paul's right hand:“God is not mocked.” (Galatians 6:7)His wisdom is not ours to possess, let alone to control or co-opt. His dominion is written into the fabric of creation itself. The heavens do not father the earth; both submit to the patriarchy of the one God of Abraham, the Master of all things.This is the reality encoded in Scriptural grammar and function and fulfilled in the obedience of Jesus. It is the recognition that knowledge and strength proceed only from God's command, which has the power to heal even Israel.This week, I discuss Luke 8:46.“ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· Ἥψατό μού τις, ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔγνων (י-ד-ע) δύναμιν (ח-י-ל) ἐξεληλυθυῖαν ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ.”“But Jesus said, ‘Someone did touch me, for I was aware [ἔγνων (egnon) / י־ד־ע (yod–dalet–ʿayin)] that power [δύναμιν (dynamin) / ח־י־ל (ḥet–yod–lamed)] had gone out of me.'”(Luke 8:46)γινώσκω (ginosko) / י-ד-ע (yod–dalet–ʿayin) / ع-ر-ف (ʿayn–rāʾ–fāʾ)In its scriptural itinerary, יָדַע (yadaʿ) functions as relational recognition rooted in revelation and obedience. Gnostics invert this by treating knowledge as an object of possession: a secret commodity that grants status or liberation to a spiritual elite.The Itinerary of Knowledge“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew [וַיֵּדְעוּ (wayyedaʿu)] that they were naked.” (Genesis 3:7)When Adam and Eve transgress the divine command, their eyes are “opened,” and י-ד-ע (yod–dalet–ʿayin) marks the moment of realization. They do not gain divine insight; they recognize their separation and vulnerability.“You shall know [וִידַעְתֶּם (widaʿtem)] that I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:7)In Egypt, Yahweh assured deliverance. Israel will know him as the mighty one who was victorious against the elite rulers who burdened his people. Knowledge comes through divine encounter (in this case, remembrance at the opportune time) and obedience, not human speculation.“Then they shall know [וְיָדְעוּ (weyadeʿu)] that I am Yahweh.” (Ezekiel 6:7)The same Yahweh declares judgment upon Israel for their idolatry. Weyadeʿu means that through destruction and exile—the opportune time—through divine encounter, the people will come to recognize his immutable sovereignty.“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge [דַּעַת (daʿat)].” (Proverbs 1:7)Wisdom begins not in self-referential discovery but in submission. Daʿat, י-ד-ע (yod–dalet–ʿayin), denotes divine instruction. It is submission to God's ordering of creation that begins with fear, that is, reverent submission to his command.“But Jesus said, ‘Someone did touch me, for I was aware [ἔγνων (egnon)] that power had gone out of me.'” (Luke 8:46)When the woman touches Jesus' garment, ἔγνων (egnon) expresses not psychological awareness but recognition of divine power at work. In Genesis 3:7, Adam and Eve know [wayyedaʿu] only after breaking the divine command. What they perceive is separation, not illumination. In Exodus 6:7, Israel knows [widaʿtem] Yahweh because at the opportune time, they remember his act of deliverance; the exiles know [weyadeʿu] Yahweh through judgment. In every case, knowledge is not a self-referential human discovery but an encounter with God's judgment. Even in Proverbs 1:7, daʿat signifies not human moral or ethical insight but awareness of divine instruction grounded in reverent fear.When Jesus knows that power has gone out from him (Luke 8:46), the same dynamic unfolds: divine initiative, human encounter, recognition, and restoration. The “knowing” is God-referential. It is an acknowledgment of divine operation rather than an act of introspection.This same itinerary and literary pattern continues in the Qurʾan, where the Arabic triliteral root ع-ر-ف (ʿayn–rāʾ–fāʾ) appears frequently. Its core function is to know, recognize, acknowledge, or make known. It parallels the Hebrew י-ד-ע (yod–dalet–ʿayin) and the Greek γινώσκω (ginosko) in expressing knowledge as submission to God rather than human possession.“And say, ‘All praise be to God! He will show you his signs, and you will recognize them [فَتَعْرِفُونَهَا (fa-taʿrifūnahā)]. And your Lord is never unaware of what you do.'” (Qurʾan, Surat al-Naml سورة النمل “The Ant” 27:93)The Prophet is commanded to proclaim divine praise. God will reveal his آيَات (āyāt, “signs”), and humans will recognize them. تَعْرِفُونَهَا
Ever feel like following God has made life harder, not easier? Like you traded predictable pain for terrifying freedom? This is a message for anyone who has ever stood at a Sea moment and thought, “Maybe I should just go back.”In Exodus 13–14, the people of Israel are finally free… and immediately feel trapped. Pharaoh changes his mind. A sea blocks their path. Fear rewrites their memories and freedom suddenly feels overwhelming.We look at why God sometimes takes “the long way,” how fear convinces us that slavery was easier, and how Jesus (the better mediator/Moses) accomplishes for us the greatest Exodus, from sin, shame, and sorrow.Download this week's group discussion guide here.
God doesn't call his people to cookie-cutter faith. The tabernacle was crafted with intentional detail, not to impress others, but to welcome God's presence. In Exodus 39:32-43 we'll explore what it means to be “built differently” as followers of Jesus: shaped by God's design, committed to his standards, and marked by his presence in everything we do. When we build our lives according to God's blueprint, he delights to put his glory on display.
First Thanksgiving Feast - "Take, Eat: Thankful for the Hope of Salvation" - Exodus 16:1-15; Matthew 26:26-28 From manna in the wilderness to bread at the table, God's story of redemption has always been told through a meal. In Exodus, He provided the first taste of His provision—and Jesus completed it when He broke bread with His followers. Over that simple meal, He gave thanks for what symbolized His own body and blood, soon to be broken and shed for us. Even facing the cross, Jesus was thankful—joyful—for the Father's perfect plan. This serves to remind us that gratitude isn't just for blessings we can see, but for the salvation we've received.
Life moves fast—and in the rush, our souls get weary. We push harder, run faster, and wonder why we still feel empty inside. But God built a rhythm into creation that helps us rest, remember, and recover.In Exodus 20:8, God commands us to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” In Deuteronomy 5:15, He ties rest to remembering where He brought us from. And in Hebrews 4:11, we're told to “make every effort to enter that rest.” These verses remind us that rest isn't a luxury—it's a spiritual necessity for soul recovery.This message unpacks what it really means to find rest for your soul in a restless world. When you stop striving and start trusting, you'll rediscover peace, clarity, and the presence of God in ways you may have forgotten.
Sometimes, following God makes life harder before it gets better. In Exodus 5–6, Moses obeys God's call — and immediately faces resistance, disappointment, and doubt. But even in the weight of opposition, God is working. When the burden gets heavier, it's not because He's forgotten you — it's because He's strengthening your faith for the miracle to come. This message reminds us to remember who He is, what He has done, and to trust what He will do.
Everyone has a defining moment. What if yours already happened—before you were born?In Exodus 12, death is coming. God commands His people: slaughter a lamb, paint its blood on your door, then gather your family and eat. This meal becomes THE moment that defines them forever. And it's the moment that helps us understand what Jesus meant when He said, "This is my body, broken for you." The Passover doesn't just explain communion—it IS the gospel. Substitution. Blood covering. A feast that sustains you for the journey.If God can take traumatized slaves and give them a new story, a new identity, a new beginning... He can do the same for you.Download this week's sermon discussion guide here.
Many believers live forgiven but not free. We believe Jesus can save—but struggle to believe He can truly set us free. In Exodus 4, Moses stands before God still bound by doubt and fear, yet God reveals His power through three signs that foreshadow the Gospel: authority over sin, healing from shame, and redemption through the blood. Freedom doesn't depend on our strength—it depends on His victory already accomplished.
In Exodus 24, God establishes His covenant with Israel—sealed in blood, confirmed by sacrifice, and celebrated with a shared meal in His presence. Though His people later broke that covenant, God's mercy endured. In Jesus Christ, the true Mediator, God formed a new and better covenant, sealed with Christ's own blood and inviting us into lasting relationship, redemption, and fellowship with God.
The first step in knowing God is unlearning everything you think you know.In Exodus 7–10, God doesn't just free His people from Egypt—He dismantles Egypt's entire way of seeing the world. Through the Ten Plagues, He reveals Himself by unmaking their reality and tearing down the false gods they had trusted for meaning, security, and control.In this message, we'll explore our response to the God who hides in plain sight, kills our "gods," and thrusts our lives into emptiness and chaos... so that he can make us new.Download our group discussion guide here.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face shone because he had been in the presence of God. Israel saw it, and they could not deny it: God's glory had left a mark. In Exodus 34, we're reminded that the God who renews His covenant also transforms His people. His presence doesn't just stay on the mountain; it changes hearts and lives. God's radiant presence also points us to Christ, in whom the glory of God is fully revealed. Through Jesus, we are called to reflect that glory in our everyday lives.
God provides the tabernacle to serve as a microcosm of Creation and God's glory. In Exodus 35, the Israelites gather the materials to build and collect everything for the construction of the tabernacle. As Exodus hinges to focus on the construction of the tabernacle, we too are called to tabernacle everywhere we go as the tabernacle, and us, are a glimpse of heaven on earth and an invitation to worship the one true God everywhere we go.
God doesn't just save us—He calls us.In Exodus 3, God meets Moses in the wilderness, reveals His holiness, declares His name, and sends him on mission to set His people free. This same God—revealed in the burning bush as “I AM”—is the One who calls and sends us today. His holiness humbles us, His compassion moves us, and His presence empowers us to go.
Persistence may be hard, all things in life are hard. In Exodus, Moses is tired and weary but he is supported by Aaron and Hur to fulfill what the Lord wants. Then, Jesus in the gospel of Luke also speaks on persistence and to pray unceasingly without being weary. Jesus was weary on the cross with no assistance but he still cried out to his father that “thy will be done”. His sacrifice and his permanent patience is the reason we come to mass, to praise, to adore and to unceasingly embrace our God who came down to Earth for our sins.
In Exodus we see Moses serving a mediator: representing God to the people and the people to God. How does this role point forward to how Jesus redeems us by God's grace?
God didn't just redeem His people to obey Him—He redeemed them to walk with Him. In Exodus 23, we see that God leads, protects, and provides through His presence, sending His angel to guard and guide His people on the journey. Along the way, He calls them to trust His process, remembering that His blessings often come through obedience and that His work unfolds not all at once, but through steady growth—little by little.
When life feels like a battle, where do you turn for strength? In Exodus 17, Moses, Joshua, and the Israelites discover that God’s provision comes not only through His power, but also through His people. In this message, Pastor Felix Arellano unpacks how God’s power is made perfect in our weakness and how true victory comes when we rely on His strength and lean on one another in faith. The story of Moses raising his staff, supported by Aaron and Hur, reveals that God designed us to live in community, not isolation. If you’ve ever tried to face life’s battles alone, this message is a reminder: you were never meant to. God’s provision flows through dependence on Him and connection with others.
In Exodus chapter seven God shows up as Judge! And pastor James Kaddis believes it's a good place to turn to to learn about the judgement of God. He'll point out a few noteworthy lessons flowing from it today on Light on the Hill. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29
Tuesday, 14 October 2025 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. Matthew 13:38 “And the field, it is the world. And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom. And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus began His explanation of the parable of the darnel, explaining that the One sowing good seed is the Son of Man. He continues with, “And the field, it is the world.” The word kosmos is used. It signifies an orderly arrangement. By implication, it thus speaks of the world. However, that can be the world as the globe, the inhabitants of the world, the state of the world (as in “they are not of the world”), etc. Jesus' parable goes far beyond a single field or the several fields of a landowner. As such, it would explain why the parable would not be understood without really thinking things through, and maybe not at all. When evaluating such things, the human mind will make images of what is happening, such as in the sowing of a field. To expand out to the entire world takes a real leap in thought. Jesus continues, saying, “And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom.” Having already heard the explanation of the parable of the sower, the imagery here is understandable. The seed reflects people. Obviously, if the sower wants a good harvest, he will sow good seed. The same would be true with Jesus. He will only bring forth that which is good. However, “And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil.” Pretty much every translation adds in the word “one,” saying, “sons of the evil one,” “wicked one,” etc. This is a correct thought, but it is not a true rendering. It only uses the adjective as a descriptor. Hence, italicizing it is appropriate. Jesus will continue the explanation in the next verse. Life application: There is a standard method of interpreting Scripture that has been set forth for eons: “Let Scripture interpret Scripture.” In other words, when something is recorded in the Bible, the way to interpret it, first and foremost, is to let the explanation of it be what the Bible says about it. For example, the story of Sarah and Hagar is recorded in Genesis. For almost 1500 years, it was “just a story” with a meaning that was not understood. Scholars would give their ideas about why it was included in Scripture, normally ensuring that it was understood that the line leading to the Jewish people was highlighted as the true line, chosen of God. This is not incorrect, but it is incomplete. There are exacting details in the narrative that could have just been left out, and that premise would still be understood. But every word of Scripture has a particular reason for being there. Only in the coming of Christ and the introduction of the New Covenant is the reason for the story understood. Paul gives a brief explanation of it in Galatians 4, stating “which things are symbolic” in verse 4:24. As Paul has given the explanation under the inspiration of God, we do not need to look for any other explanation for the story. We are thus letting Scripture interpret Scripture. This is true with incense. In both testaments, incense is explicitly stated as being a metaphor for prayer (see Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8). Therefore, we don't need to speculate about its set typology when looking at the times when incense is mentioned in the Bible. In Exodus, great detail is given concerning incense. Understanding that it signifies prayer, the meaning of all of those details becomes evident and can be properly analyzed. This is true with something found in the parable of the darnel. In this verse, Jesus said, “And the field, it is the world.” Therefore, because Jesus has explained what the field signifies (in Hebrew, sadeh means field), we don't need to go anywhere else to understand what is being seen in the typology of a given passage. All we need to do is consistently stick to what Jesus has said. Unfortunately, translations may fail to translate sadeh as field at times, or they will translate something else as field from another word that actually has a different meaning. Therefore, we can make errors in our figuring out typology by trusting in a given translation that has failed to be consistent. An example would be Genesis 32:3 – “And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom” (KJV). The KJV failed to translate sadeh as field, instead rendering it “country.” The NKJV followed that translation, but they thankfully footnoted it as “field.” If one were to read only the KJV, he would never know that it was a faulty rendering of the word. If he were attempting to typologically explain the passage, his explanation would be faulty because of the already faulty translation. Therefore, when doing an analysis of a passage, attempting to understand what it means, 1) first and foremost, let Scripture interpret Scripture, 2) be consistent in your typological meanings, (if you are to divert from a particular typology, you must have a valid reason for doing so), 3) don't trust a single, faulty translation (like the KJV), and expect proper results. Check with the original. It is not difficult to do, and it will keep you on a sounder, surer path of properly explaining the passage. Lord God, may we be careful with Your word, never making stuff up in order to provide an explanation that we want. Rather, may we go where You are leading as we carefully evaluate the set purpose and intent that You have for each passage. Amen.
Presented by Lauren Stibgen Forming relationships is foundational in every aspect of our lives. From early relationships formed with family and childhood friends, to our experiences in sports, school, and work, we are made for relationships. God is relational. He was never alone. At the beginning of Genesis, we can see the unity God has in the trinity—one God, three persons: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Father) The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Holy Spirit) (Genesis 1:1-2). While Jesus is not specifically named in Genesis one, in Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make man in our image” (Son). As John 1:1-4 states: In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Thus implying Jesus. The essence of the Almighty is one body with three distinct members. I love the simple way one person described the Trinity as “one what” and “three whos”. We are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26); we are not made to do life alone. But what are relationships with one Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? The more I look externally at my relationships, the more I desire to see how this one relationship could impact every other relationship I have. For most of us, there may be a relationship in our live that is not what we hoped it to be. If you can say boldly, no Lauren, everything is terrific with everyone in my life, I would simply love to meet you! This is not my experience, nor is it my experience with many of my close friends and colleagues. Watch the news or read an opinion article. Our relationships are very broken. Have you ever heard the phrase “born sinner”? This is a theological phrase from the concept of the original sin born by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Yes, the one with the fruit and the snake that leaves Adam and Eve hiding in the bushes naked from God. From this, we have inherited a sinful nature from birth. My aim is not to paint a depressing picture about a lifetime of doomed connections but rather to stress the importance of our personal relationship with God and his trinitarian nature. Each person of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—plays an important relational role in our lives. Each is a model for how we can outwardly express ourselves in relationship with others. The early age relationships we form are called attachment relationships and help children from birth to 6 years old develop a sense of security and trust which can impact their future relationships as they get older. Can you join me in having the mind of a young child? I want you to deeply consider how you can develop a deep attachment relationship with the persons of the Trinity. A secure and trusting relationship can impact every future relationship you have! After all, some of you are God's child! You have a fresh and new start! In John 3:3, Jesus tells us unless we are born again, we cannot see the kingdom of God. In fact, the Trinity is seen all together in verses in John 3:1-8. While we worship the triune God, let's carefully consider the attributes of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while recognizing one is not greater than another, and they exist in perfect harmony. How do these specific attributes help us relate to others? God the Father. The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:6-7). In Exodus 34: 6-7, God describes himself to Moses. We know he is God, and we are not. Yet, we can consider his attributes in our own relationships. Are we merciful and gracious to others? Slow to anger?
We love “a little extra”—filters, toppings, bling. But sometimes the extra hides the real you. In Exodus 33, God told His people: “Take off your ornaments.” Not because He hated jewelry, but because He wanted their hearts. This episode is about stripping away the distractions so you can walk lighter, freer, and closer with God. Listen on your favorite platform.
5:40 - How do I approach my Catholic children? / 16:39 - Revelation 3:9, what is the Synagogue of Satan? / 24:56 - Do you think the man in prison for Charlie Kirk's murder is the actual killer? / 30:00 - How can I talk to my pastor about putting feelings over truth? / 47:37 - In Exodus, why does a bull that's killed a man have to be stoned to death? / 52:25 - If a church is pastored by a woman, is it backsliding?
In this message, Terry Timm explores the life of Moses, the prototype prophet. In Exodus 19, God calls His people into covenant, reminding them they are His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Through Moses we see what it means to be a prophet: one who encounters God directly, leads God's people in freedom and faithfulness, and intercedes on their behalf. Moses is remembered in Deuteronomy 18 as the prophet par excellence, and the New Testament points us to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of Moses' role — the One who mediates a new covenant of grace and truth.
Ever felt too reluctant or afraid to step into what God is asking of you? In Exodus 7–12 we see Moses wrestle with his own fear and insecurity, yet God continues to show His unmatched power, His patient pursuit, and His ultimate rescue. This story reminds us that God’s deliverance is never about our strength but about His presence and power at work through us. Through the showdown with Pharaoh, the plagues that confronted Egypt’s false gods, and the first Passover pointing us to Jesus, we see a God who rescues His people and invites us to trust Him. Even in our weakness, He is faithful to deliver, and His rescue requires our response.
As we continue exploring the book of Exodus, we learn that sometimes following God might not be in the direction we think or the time we think. However, there's always a reason for the way God is leading us. In Exodus 13 and 14, we finally come to one of the most famous parts of this story. Just when the Israelites think all hope is lost, God uses Moses to part the Red Sea and escape the Egyptian army.
In Exodus 4, Moses resists God's call out of fear, pleading for someone else to be sent in his place. Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time.In this episode, Paul shows how God responds with both a vertical reminder of His power and presence, and the horizontal help of Aaron, revealing the same patience and grace He offers us when we resist His call.
In Exodus 4, Moses resists God's call out of fear, pleading for someone else to be sent in his place. Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time.In this episode, Paul shows how God responds with both a vertical reminder of His power and presence, and the horizontal help of Aaron, revealing the same patience and grace He offers us when we resist His call.
Have you ever wondered if God really works through the ordinary parts of life? In Exodus 3, Moses was simply tending sheep when he encountered the burning bush, a reminder that even in mundane seasons, God is present and preparing us. When Moses turned aside to see, his curiosity became the doorway to a holy encounter. In this message from Fire & Cloud: Encountering the Presence of God, we see how God calls us to slow down, pay attention, and surrender to His presence. Like Moses, we are invited to recognize that every moment, no matter how routine, can become holy ground when we respond in reverence and trust. God is not distant. He is always at work, drawing us closer, shaping our character, and inviting us to step toward the fire of His presence.
Presented by Lauren Stibgen We love it when things happen quickly! Wouldn't it be great if the dream that came to your mind could just—poof—happen tomorrow? I admit, the thought of a good vision suddenly happening muses in my mind. Culturally, this is sometimes referred to as manifesting something. Basically, if you think about it enough and envision it as done, then it will be so. You and I know only God can perform a mighty miracle like this, and more often than not, he prefers to use the long game of endurance to help us build that one fruit of the Spirit we are talking about this month—patience. The more I thought about enduring in patience, I realized it is part of how God created us in his image. About 4,000 years passed from the fall in Genesis to Jesus in the Gospels. During this time, God endured in patience while his people fell in and out of obedience. Our God is a super patient God. As his people, we really need to work on this enduring part! Let's consider the story of Moses and Mt. Sinai. This is the time he had to go up to meet with God to receive the commandments for the people of Israel. First, he had to cut two giant tablets of stone. While we don't know how long this took, I can imagine this took patience in the form of endurance. Next, he went up for 40 days in the presence of the Lord. The Lord himself inscribed those stone tablets with the 10 Commandments for his people. During those 40 days, the people of Israel did not endure patiently! In Exodus 32 you can read more about the Israelite's impatience and their demands on Moses's brother Aaron to create something for them to worship—the golden calf. They were so impatient in waiting on God, they used their worldly possessions of gold and jewelry to create this golden calf. Moses comes down from Mt Sinai to this sight and drops the tablets—breaking them into pieces. The word of God—his own penmanship—shattered! After the destruction of this man-made idol, Moses again cuts two more tablets and heads back up Mt. Sinai for another 40 days. God must redo the tablets for Moses to take back down to the remaining people of Israel. How often are you trading the endurance God may be calling you to for something you are making for yourself? Are you leaning into what culture tells you to do? Going it alone—creating your own destiny? We are created in God's image, and God is very patient! He wants us to be patient with him! God's timing is always perfect!
In Exodus 4, Moses is still filled with doubt and fear. Yet instead of turning away in frustration, God meets Moses with grace.Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time. In this episode, Paul reminds us that the same God who met Moses in his doubt meets us too with reassuring grace in the face of our fears.
In Exodus 4, Moses is still filled with doubt and fear. Yet instead of turning away in frustration, God meets Moses with grace.Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time. In this episode, Paul reminds us that the same God who met Moses in his doubt meets us too with reassuring grace in the face of our fears.
In Exodus 3, God promises Moses that Pharaoh will only release Israel when compelled by “a mighty hand.”Today, we continue our year-long Bible study in the book of Exodus, The Gospel: One Rescue at a Time. In this episode, Paul reminds us that the same mighty hand that delivered Israel is our comfort today.