Podcasts about israel's god

Although the International Community disagrees, 4,000 years ago, God promised Abraham the modern-day land of Israel and more. We will discuss Part 1 of a 2 Part series on Israel’s God-Given Destiny on this edition of End of the Age!

In Judah God is known, his name is great in Israel. His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion. There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah Glorious are you, more majestic than the everlasting mountains. The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; none of the troops was able to lift a hand. At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. But you indeed are awesome! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still when God rose up to establish judgment, to save all the oppressed of the earth. Selah Human wrath serves only to praise you, when you bind the last bit of your wrath around you. Make vows to the Lord your God, and perform them; let all who are around him bring gifts to the one who is awesome, who cuts off the spirit of princes, who inspires fear in the kings of the earth. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭76:1-12‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

In this chapter Moses reminds Israel of when he delivered them the Ten Commandments; he says that God only wants their love and worship and will respond with his blessing. He chose Israel because he loved their fathers. And so Moses implores Israel to submit and not to stiffen their necks.

Morning: 1 Chronicles 17–19 1 Chronicles 17–19 (Listen) The Lord's Covenant with David 17 Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” 2 And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” 3 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in. 5 For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling. 6 In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 7 Now, therefore, thus shall you say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, 8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 9 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall waste them no more, as formerly, 10 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’” 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. David's Prayer 16 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 17 And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations,1 O LORD God! 18 And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant. 19 For your servant's sake, O LORD, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. 20 There is none like you, O LORD, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 21 And who is like your people Israel, the one2 nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making for yourself a name for great and awesome things, in driving out nations before your people whom you redeemed from Egypt? 22 And you made your people Israel to be your people forever, and you, O LORD, became their God. 23 And now, O LORD, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as you have spoken, 24 and your name will be established and magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel's God,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. 25 For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. 26 And now, O LORD, you are God, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 27 Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you, for it is you, O LORD, who have blessed, and it is blessed forever.” David Defeats His Enemies 18 After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 And he defeated Moab, and the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute. 3 David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah-Hamath, as he went to set up his monument3 at the river Euphrates. 4 And David took from him 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but left enough for 100 chariots. 5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. 6 Then David put garrisons4 in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David5 wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze. With it Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the vessels of bronze. 9 When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, 10 he sent his son Hadoram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had often been at war with Tou. And he sent all sorts of articles of gold, of silver, and of bronze. 11 These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. 12 And Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13 Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went. David's Administration 14 So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people. 15 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; 16 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests; and Shavsha was secretary; 17 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were the chief officials in the service of the king. The Ammonites Disgrace David's Men 19 Now after this Nahash the king of the Ammonites died, and his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal kindly with Hanun the son of Nahash, for his father dealt kindly with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David's servants came to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to console him. 3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away; 5 and they departed. When David was told concerning the men, he sent messengers to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.” 6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent 1,000 talents6 of silver to hire chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, from Aram-maacah, and from Zobah. 7 They hired 32,000 chariots and the king of Maacah with his army, who came and encamped before Medeba. And the Ammonites were mustered from their cities and came to battle. 8 When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men. 9 And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country. Ammonites and Syrians Defeated 10 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. 11 The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites. 12 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you. 13 Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” 14 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians for battle, and they fled before him. 15 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, Joab's brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem. 16 But when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates,7 with Shophach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head. 17 And when it was told to David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan and came to them and drew up his forces against them. And when David set the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of 7,000 chariots and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death also Shophach the commander of their army. 19 And when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Syrians were not willing to save the Ammonites anymore. Footnotes [1] 17:17 Or and you look upon me as a man of high rank [2] 17:21 Septuagint, Vulgate other [3] 18:3 Hebrew hand [4] 18:6 Septuagint, Vulgate, 2 Samuel 8:6 (compare Syriac); Hebrew lacks garrisons [5] 18:6 Hebrew the Lord saved David; also verse 13 [6] 19:6 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms [7] 19:16 Hebrew the River (ESV) Evening: John 10:1–21 John 10:1–21 (Listen) I Am the Good Shepherd 10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” 19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (ESV)

1 Chronicles 15–17 1 Chronicles 15–17 (Listen) The Ark Brought to Jerusalem 15 David1 built houses for himself in the city of David. And he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. 2 Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD had chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him forever. 3 And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to its place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David gathered together the sons of Aaron and the Levites: 5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, with 120 of his brothers; 6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, with 220 of his brothers; 7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, with 130 of his brothers; 8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, with 200 of his brothers; 9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, with 80 of his brothers; 10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, with 112 of his brothers. 11 Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, 12 and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” 14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD. 16 David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari, their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 18 and with them their brothers of the second order, Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. 19 The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound bronze cymbals; 20 Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth; 21 but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith. 22 Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, should direct the music, for he understood it. 23 Berechiah and Elkanah were to be gatekeepers for the ark. 24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, should blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were to be gatekeepers for the ark. 25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing. 26 And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres. 29 And as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart. The Ark Placed in a Tent 16 And they brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD 3 and distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat,2 and a cake of raisins. 4 Then he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the LORD, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. 5 Asaph was the chief, and second to him were Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel, who were to play harps and lyres; Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. 7 Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers. David's Song of Thanks 8   Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;    make known his deeds among the peoples!9   Sing to him, sing praises to him;    tell of all his wondrous works!10   Glory in his holy name;    let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!11   Seek the LORD and his strength;    seek his presence continually!12   Remember the wondrous works that he has done,    his miracles and the judgments he uttered,13   O offspring of Israel his servant,    children of Jacob, his chosen ones! 14   He is the LORD our God;    his judgments are in all the earth.15   Remember his covenant forever,    the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,16   the covenant that he made with Abraham,    his sworn promise to Isaac,17   which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,    to Israel as an everlasting covenant,18   saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,    as your portion for an inheritance.” 19   When you were few in number,    of little account, and sojourners in it,20   wandering from nation to nation,    from one kingdom to another people,21   he allowed no one to oppress them;    he rebuked kings on their account,22   saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,    do my prophets no harm!” 23   Sing to the LORD, all the earth!    Tell of his salvation from day to day.24   Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among all the peoples!25   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,    and he is to be feared above all gods.26   For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,    but the LORD made the heavens.27   Splendor and majesty are before him;    strength and joy are in his place. 28   Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,    ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!29   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;    bring an offering and come before him!  Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;330     tremble before him, all the earth;    yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.31   Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,    and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”32   Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;    let the field exult, and everything in it!33   Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy    before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.34   Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;    for his steadfast love endures forever! 35 Say also:   “Save us, O God of our salvation,    and gather and deliver us from among the nations,  that we may give thanks to your holy name    and glory in your praise.36   Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,    from everlasting to everlasting!” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD. Worship Before the Ark 37 So David left Asaph and his brothers there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister regularly before the ark as each day required, 38 and also Obed-edom and his4 sixty-eight brothers, while Obed-edom, the son of Jeduthun, and Hosah were to be gatekeepers. 39 And he left Zadok the priest and his brothers the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon 40 to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering regularly morning and evening, to do all that is written in the Law of the LORD that he commanded Israel. 41 With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and expressly named to give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever. 42 Heman and Jeduthun had trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for sacred song. The sons of Jeduthun were appointed to the gate. 43 Then all the people departed each to his house, and David went home to bless his household. The Lord's Covenant with David 17 Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” 2 And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” 3 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in. 5 For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling. 6 In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 7 Now, therefore, thus shall you say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, 8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 9 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall waste them no more, as formerly, 10 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. 11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’” 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. David's Prayer 16 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 17 And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations,5 O LORD God! 18 And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant. 19 For your servant's sake, O LORD, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. 20 There is none like you, O LORD, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 21 And who is like your people Israel, the one6 nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making for yourself a name for great and awesome things, in driving out nations before your people whom you redeemed from Egypt? 22 And you made your people Israel to be your people forever, and you, O LORD, became their God. 23 And now, O LORD, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as you have spoken, 24 and your name will be established and magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel's God,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. 25 For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. 26 And now, O LORD, you are God, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 27 Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you, for it is you, O LORD, who have blessed, and it is blessed forever.” Footnotes [1] 15:1 Hebrew He [2] 16:3 Compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [3] 16:29 Or in holy attire [4] 16:38 Hebrew their [5] 17:17 Or and you look upon me as a man of high rank [6] 17:21 Septuagint, Vulgate other (ESV)

Israel's God (Deuteronomy 4:32~40)

"Who then is this guy?" is the core of this passage.Mark presents Jesus as Lord of the storm, just as Israel's God commands storms. Mark's Jesus carries God's authority with him. Jesus forgives sins (2:1-12), and he is Lord of the Sabbath (2:23-28). "Who then is this guy?" ask the disciples? When you are in Jesus' presence, Mark implies, you're in the very presence of God.

23 February 2019 - Liturgically, on the last Sunday before Lent, we read the story of the transfiguration of Jesus. This is an important transition in the life of Jesus as it is from this point that He begins to talk in terms of “I must go to Jerusalem, be crucified and be raised from the dead.” For Jesus, it is seen as God’s way or reassuring him that in the face of death, He will not be left to rot in the grave. We can then ask the question, “What has this to do with us?” Rev. David Pileggi explains that we are also invited to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to listen to his transforming voice. Collect: O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Readings: Exodus 34:4-7, 29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:4; Matthew 17:1-9 Blessed by our teachings? Consider saying thank you with a small (or large) donation. www.christchurchjerusalem.org/donate/

EZEKIEL 18-19:Yesterday in Ezekiel we read the riddle of the two eagles, portraying Israel’s king breaking his sworn covenant with Babylon. There is a lesson here for us. Normally Babylon would be considered the enemy, and getting free from the enemy would be considered a good thing. But NOT SO if the country has made a promise of loyalty sealed by a vow taken in God’s name! Faithfulness to oaths and promises in God’s name take precedence over ‘business as usual’. ISAIAH 3:These famous words from yesterday’s chapter in Isaiah bear repeating today: Is. 2:2 GNT In days to come the mountain where the Temple standswill be the highest one of all,towering above all the hills.Many nations will come streaming to it,3 and their people will say,“Let us go up the hill of the Lord,to the Temple of Israel's God.He will teach us what he wants us to do;we will walk in the paths he has chosen.For the Lord's teaching comes from Jerusalem;from Zion he speaks to his people.”4 He will settle disputes among great nations.They will hammer their swords into plowsand their spears into pruning knives.Nations will never again go to war,never prepare for battle again. JUDE:We come today to the little epistle from Jude, the brother of Jesus. But, significantly, he doesn’t call himself Jesus’ half-brother. He calls himself the Slave of Christ Jesus. Jude wrote his letter around the same time as 2 Peter, sometime around AD 60-80. I think that Peter borrowed material from Jude, rather than the other way around. One thing that makes me think this is that Jude uses more material from extra-biblical sources than Peter does in 2 Peter 2. Jude and Peter were writing in a very difficult time for Christians, and Jude calls us to contend for the ‘faith’— the teachings that God has given to us to fully believe. GNT Translation notes:Jud. 3 My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for [our beliefs— the true teachings//the faith] which once and for all God has given to his people.20 [PET But my beloved Brothers and Sisters, each of you should strengthen one another so that you continue to fully believe in the holy teachings you have received. Keep on praying with the help of the Holy Spirit.//GNT But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred [beliefs//faith]. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,]

EZEKIEL 18-19:Yesterday in Ezekiel we read the riddle of the two eagles, portraying Israel’s king breaking his sworn covenant with Babylon. There is a lesson here for us. Normally Babylon would be considered the enemy, and getting free from the enemy would be considered a good thing. But NOT SO if the country has made a promise of loyalty sealed by a vow taken in God’s name! Faithfulness to oaths and promises in God’s name take precedence over ‘business as usual’. ISAIAH 3:These famous words from yesterday’s chapter in Isaiah bear repeating today: Is. 2:2 GNT In days to come the mountain where the Temple standswill be the highest one of all,towering above all the hills.Many nations will come streaming to it,3 and their people will say,“Let us go up the hill of the Lord,to the Temple of Israel's God.He will teach us what he wants us to do;we will walk in the paths he has chosen.For the Lord's teaching comes from Jerusalem;from Zion he speaks to his people.”4 He will settle disputes among great nations.They will hammer their swords into plowsand their spears into pruning knives.Nations will never again go to war,never prepare for battle again. JUDE:We come today to the little epistle from Jude, the brother of Jesus. But, significantly, he doesn’t call himself Jesus’ half-brother. He calls himself the Slave of Christ Jesus. Jude wrote his letter around the same time as 2 Peter, sometime around AD 60-80. I think that Peter borrowed material from Jude, rather than the other way around. One thing that makes me think this is that Jude uses more material from extra-biblical sources than Peter does in 2 Peter 2. Jude and Peter were writing in a very difficult time for Christians, and Jude calls us to contend for the ‘faith’— the teachings that God has given to us to fully believe. GNT Translation notes:Jud. 3 My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for [our beliefs— the true teachings//the faith] which once and for all God has given to his people.20 [PET But my beloved Brothers and Sisters, each of you should strengthen one another so that you continue to fully believe in the holy teachings you have received. Keep on praying with the help of the Holy Spirit.//GNT But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred [beliefs//faith]. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,] NLT Translation notes:Jud. 1This letter is from Jude, a slave of [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] and a brother of James.I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.20 But  you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,[Footnote: Faith = belief. Holy beliefs can be summarized as the content of the Gospel and all of God’s Word. These are the ‘healthy teachings’ that Paul spoke about in Titus and his other books.]

LDS Study Session seeks to generate reflection and about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. @mattsroberts90 ldsstudysession@gmail.com Join us as we conclude the study we have been embarking on about the whole armour of God. We discuss both the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit and how these two complete the whole armour that Paul taught us about in Ephesians. Willard Richards: May they arise in power and walk forth in the strength of Israel's God to the faithful performance of their duties; and, qualifying themselves for the work of God, putting on the armor of righteousness, may they be prepared to fight the good fight of faith and wield the sword of the Spirit, to the convincing of multitudes who shall become partakers in this holy ministry, and be ready to go forth in their time and season, and labor in the vineyard.

1. Naaman's way is not God's way.--2. God's way is not Naaman's way.--3. God brings Naaman to agree to His way.

Day 215 of the podcast, reading Isaiah 43-45 NET, read along at: https://netbible.org/bible/Isaiah+43-45/ This is day 215 of our journey. In today's reading we become immersed in the greatness of God. He proclaims his power and his will to step in and rescue. He says, "Look, I am about to do something new." In chapter 44, he rants about the absurdity of worshiping idols. How could something formed by our own hands be worthy of praise? In chapter 45 we see a proclamation to King Cyrus of Assyria, long before King Cyrus lived, to allow Israel to return and rebuild their land and temple. According to the historian Josephus, this proclamation was later read by Cyrus, and being impressed that Israel's God knew him, he did exactly as the Scripture foretold! Join me in Isaiah 43-45 and worship the one true God! Key verses: Isaiah 43:1 Now, this is what the Lord says, the one who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel:“Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you. I call you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 44:20 He feeds on ashes; his deceived mind misleads him.He cannot rescue himself, nor does he say, ‘Is this not a false god I hold in my right hand?’ Isaiah 45:22 Turn to me so you can be delivered, all you who live in the earth’s remote regions! For I am God, and I have no peer. All Scriptures are from the NET.

Pharaoh treated the God of Israel and His word with distain, and was determined not to obey God. But Pharaoh would soon learn that he had no might nor power against Israel's God. The tyrant would soon be tamed.

Solomon's wisdom expresses itself in not only wealth but also in the respect of foreign kings and queens. Even the Queen of Sheba would glorify Israel's God because of Solomon's success. But like so much of 1 Kings, the attention will prove more than Solomon can handle.

Day 183 of the podcast, reading Psalms 114-118 NET, read along at: https://netbible.org/bible/Psalms+114-118/ This is day 183 of our journey. Today we read another 6 psalms of praise to the Lord. Psalm 114 recalls the events of the exodus and conquest while celebrating God's kingship over his covenant people. In Psalm 115, the psalmist affirms that Israel's God is superior to pagan idols and urges Israel to place their confidence in him alone. The psalmist of Psalm 116 thanks the Lord for delivering him from a life threatening crisis and promises to tell the entire covenant community what God has done for him. Psalm 117 is a SHORT call to praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness. In Psalm 118, the psalmist takes confidence in God's protection, thanks God for his deliverance, and urges others to join him in praise. Join me in Psalms 114-118 and be confident in the Lord's protection! Key verses: Psalms 114:1 When Israel left Egypt, when the family of Jacob left a foreign nation behind, Psalms 115:1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us!But to your name bring honor, for the sake of your loyal love and faithfulness. Psalms 116:13 I will celebrate my deliverance, and call on the name of the Lord. Psalms 117:2 For his loyal love towers over us, and the Lord’s faithfulness endures.Praise the Lord! Psalms 118:6 The Lord is on my side, I am not afraid!What can people do to me? All Scriptures are from the NET.

A light to the nations must be accepted or rejected, Israel brought forth one and we have the record of this.    Rebbe Emeritus

-Sung Psalm- 144-----Okay, let's just start with the obvious- Wow- They are sending away their wives and children-----Now, the -romantic ideal- of marriage didn't really exist back then - but it's obvious from other OT texts that love did exist back then- And these men are now sending away their wives and children.----The basic idea - which you see in Ezra's prayer and in the peoples' decision - is rooted in the OT concept of how the unclean contaminates the clean. In this case, the foreign wives, with their foreign gods, are -contaminating- the holy people.----Of course, if you know your OT history, you might be wondering - what about Ruth-- Ruth was a Moabite. The Moabites were expressly excluded from the Assembly of the LORD in Dt 24- Ruth was King David's great-grandmother. How come she was allowed to marry into Judah-----The reason is simple- Ruth forsook her gods and her people and joined herself to Israel's God. As she said to Naomi- -Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.- There's no problem with a Moabite who denies herself, takes up her cross, and follows the LORD-----The problem that Ezra identifies is intermarrying with people who practice abominations. Namely, who worship foreign gods.----As we'll see, if the question was simply -did you marry a foreigner-- then then solution could have been implemented in a day. -She's a foreigner - get rid of her-- We're done-------The reason why Ezra has to establish a commission is in order to distinguish between foreigners who are like Ruth - and who have joined themselves to Israel - and foreigners who practice abominations, and thus are teaching their children to worship other gods as well-

The book of Daniel has been used everywhere from Sunday school classes to prophetic end times interpretations. Daniel is a wonderful piece of literature with stories of God’s miraculous interventions as well as discussion of angles and demons and all manner of empires and kingdoms. At the heart of the book of Daniel is a young man who is a captive in a foreign land, who is trying his best to remain faithful and true to his culture and his faith. Daniel is in the very heart of the Babylonian empire in the King's court. While there he is attempting to be a witness to this pagan king about the goodness and greatness of Israel's God, all the while maintaining his integrity while being tempted in every way. This week we cover Daniel chapter one and two.

In Jonah 1, Israel's God calls his prophet to go to Israel's most hated enemy, but Jonah runs in the opposite direction. All through chapter 1, Jonah descends, first to Joppa, then into a ship, then to the hold of the ship, and finally into the depths of the sea.

One of the most striking aspects of Israel's God is his concern for human interactions. We've seen this already in the 10 Commandments and YHWH's insistence that his people be marked by justice. But God does not stop a broad principles. In this episode (the first of two), we look at what's known as "The Mishpatim" - the civil law that is to govern day-to-day affairs amongst God's people. It give a remarkable look at God's character and the quality of life that is to define his holy nation. The biblical passage referenced in this sermon is:  Exodus 21:1-21, 33-36; 23:4-5 (NRSV)   Want to connect?  You can send e-mail here. Or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In a new series, pastors Erica and Steve look at heroic figures in the Bible who show us courage, faith, love, and justice without fireworks or special effects.  Here to start things off, join in a conversation about the story of Ruth, an outsider to the people of Israel who yet becomes a powerful example of the "lovingkindness" and "steadfast faithfulness" that Israel's God, Yahweh, was known for.  It's a powerful story where God only shows up behind the scenes and in ordinary human circumstances, and it shows us a picture of how we might have such faithful, loyal care for others in our lives, too.  And listen in as we discover that people like Ruth are remembered, not simply because of the babies they had or who they married, but for their own lives, choices, and character to show great love, leadership, and dedication.  Ruth is a hero for all of us, and this is her story.

Before we can surrender to God's care and leading, we must first be (mostly) convinced that God is devoted to us and capable of securing our welfare. And in the ancient world, way a deity demonstrated both power and devotion was by means of partisan action - working demonstrably on behalf of their followers. In this episode, we examine YHWH's plagues upon the Egyptians and what they are intended to reveal about the strength and faithfulness of Israel's God. The biblical passages quoted in this sermon are:  Acts 1:6-8 (NRSV) Exodus 6:1-9; 7:14-25; 8:16-19 (NRSV)   Want to support the podcast?  CLICK HERE for ways to help! Want to connect?  You can send e-mail here. Or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Judges chapter 2 dives deeper into Israel's sin, showing the theological problem behind the nation's failure: the next generation of Israelites don't know God! This failure to love and obey exposes the people to wrath, but Israel's God is still gracious, as He provides a series of saviors, or judges, to deliver them from their oppressors. But these judges cant free the people from their biggest problem -- their sin-sickened hearts. Ultimately, the cycle of Judges points forward to a Savior who can end the downward spiral of sin and death. Christ's Fellowship Church of Lawton is a Reformed Baptist Church in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention. https://cfclawton.org/

The ultimate work of the life of faith is to surrender ourselves to God, to entrust all that we are and all that we possess to his care and leading. The question is: HOW??? How do we overcome the countless resistances we have to placing ourselves in God's hands? The short, answer is: reluctantly. But there is hope! God has a long history of bringing broken humans into relationship with him. So in this series we begin at the beginning of that work, the exodus. In this episode, we meet the God who saves. The biblical passages referenced in this sermon are:  1 Peter 2:9-10 (NRSV) Genesis 17:1-8 (NRSV) Want to support the podcast?  CLICK HERE for ways to help! Want to connect?  You can send e-mail here. Or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

|| Oliver Wong || Rahab was a prostitute and an outsider when she hear of the signs and wonders of Israel's God. In a moment of faith and risk, she saw her past forgiven and God gave her a future that should have never belonged to her. Lean in with us as we talk about how God can use our faith to restore our identity offer us a new future. 

06/10/18 - Morning Service

Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God beside you, according to all that we have heard from our ears.2 Samuel 7:22It's so important to understand that the Ancient World worshipped false gods. If we don't take time to understand that paradigm, we cannot understand verse that so that Israel's God is great.Let's talk about it!Twitter: @BiblePodcast365

The Paradigm: Israel's God is our God; Israel's Law is not our Law October 8th, 2017 By: Russell Joyce

Sometimes we get lulled into thinking God is only in control in certain situations, but not in others. This is a lie direct from the enemy's playbook. Tauren Wells' new song "Hills and Valleys" reminds us that God is the supreme authority over all terrain in our lives. There was a group of Arameans in 1 Kings 20 that learned this same lesson the hard way. I know that God is the God of the hills and the valleys and I long to trust him in both. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in context Ask questions The verse that led me to 1 Kings 20 in the first place - 1 Kings 20:28 Ben Hadad launching an attack on Israel - 1 Kings 20:1 Learning more about King Ahab - 1 Kings 16:30-33 God's overall plan for this region and several "players" in it - 1 Kings 19:14-18 An overview of the story of 1 Kings 20 Ben Hadad's advisors' false report that Israel's God is a God of the hills, but not of the valleys - 1 Kings 20:23 Matthew Harmon's book entitled Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understand and Applying the Bible Some questions to help us understand the Bible What do we learn about God? What do we learn about people? What do we learn about relating to God? What do we learn about relating to people? Some questions to help us apply the Bible What does God want me to think or understand? What does God want me to believe? What does God want me to desire? What does God want me to do?     Additional Resources Story Behind the Song "Hills and Valleys" by Tauren Wells - New Release Today Article Story Behind the Song "Hills and Valleys" by Tauren Wells - YouTube Video Lyrics This Week's Challenge Read 2 Kings 20. It wouldn’t hurt to read it in context jumping back as far as chapter 15. Read it several times. Try to repeat the details of the story to a friend. Really let it soak in…it’s really quite an epic story. Then ask and answer the questions we asked on today’s episode.

The Apostles assumed the canonical givenness of the Old Testament as their Scriptures. The Church confesses that the God of Israel's identity is bound up in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who attests to His work. When interpreting individual passages, one must be sensitive to the overarching mind of Scripture's total witness. The Rule of Faith provides the correct hypothesis for Scripture. For the Old Testament, history is a predicate for revelation and revelation governs our understanding of history. Israel's God, Yahweh, is to be worshipped alone. The revelation of the divine Name demands understanding that Name in context of His soteric movement toward his people. Within the Oneness of God there is a plurality of Otherness.

This lecture covers part one of the Gospel of John. Who is Jesus? The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes. John shows that Jesus is the embodiment of Israel's God. The Gospel of John was written later than the other Gospels. The early Church believed John helped interpret the facts of the other Gospels in a spiritual way. Jesus speaks more in the Gospel of John and the order of the Gospel of John is different. The cleansing of the temple in the Gospel of John is placed in Chapter 2. John is an eyewitness who was with Jesus as a disciple. The early Church tradition and internal evidence indicates that John wrote the gospel. Examine that the tension between the synagogue and early Christians had reached a point where confession of Jesus as Messiah was grounds for being expelled from the synagogue. John uniquely points out the tension between the Christians and the synagogue. John sets up a distinction of those who are in the light and those in darkness. He distinguishes between unbelief and faith. In John 3, Jesus speaks with Nicodemus. The main issue is the answer to the question, "Who is Jesus?" The Gospel of John was written into the tension of the Jewish leaders in the synagogue and the Christian Church. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes and the embodiment of Israel's God.

This lecture covers part four of the Gospel of John. Examine the seven "I Am" Sayings. (Greek ἐγώ εἰμί) In Exodus 3:13-14, God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM” and also, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Consider that in John 8:57-59 Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” In John 6:35 He says, “I am the bread of life” and in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world” In John 10:11, 14 Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” and “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me". In John 8:58 Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am” and in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life”. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” and in John 15:1, “I am the true vine”. The "I Am" statements of Jesus show us that He is the fulfillment of Israel's hopes. They are statements that show us He is also the embodiment of Israel's God.

This lecture covers part five of the Gospel of John. Consider the resurrection and garden event in John 20 when Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Reflect on the Genesis echo of a man and a woman in a garden. Another Genesis echo is that it is the first day of the week before it was light. The "Woman" address is also an echo of Genesis. The new Eve, Mary Magdalene, was a well-known, publicly ostracized sinner. Jesus is remaking the world as a place where death will be destroyed. Mary's story is your story. Jesus is the embodiment of Israel's God and fulfillment of the great hope. The focal point is the moment of the Father's glorification through the Son. The Cross is the place that shows the form of God's interaction with the world.

Luke - Acts is considered in this part five discussion. Consider both Luke 9:20-22 with Peter's Confession that Jesus is the Christ and Acts 2 with the First Sermon of the Christian Church. The promises and even the prayers of David come true in Jesus who is the risen Lord and Christ. The pivot between Acts 7 and 8 is the story of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian Church. The disobedience of the wilderness generation is emphasized in Acts 7. The rejection of the prophets who announced the Righteous One is also emphasized. Stephen relativizes the Law as the standard of obedience. He relativizes temple as the place of God's presence and he redefines obedience and disobedience, and true and false worship around the acceptance or rejection of Jesus. Follow the identity and character of God across Luke-Acts Who is this God in relationship to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Who is this God in relationship to the gods of the Gentile world? This God is not one of the Gentile gods. This God is revealed in Jesus as the God the Gentiles did not know. In Acts 17:22-23, Paul is on Mars Hill. This God is Israel's God who is finally and fully revealed in the Son and power of the Spirit. The Father reveals himself by sending the Son and sending the Spirit to witness to the Son. The Spirit's job is to convict the world of sin and to witness to Jesus. What is this God like? The Father that the Son reveals is a merciful Father. The merciful Father is seen in Luke 15 in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Parable of the Good Samaritan points to the very shape that the early Church takes in loving your neighbor. The kind of mercy of the Father is newly seen in the Son. Jesus is the Friend of sinners. Jesus embodies the principles of mercy that the parables are all about. Luke presents Jesus as gift and Acts announces the giving of the Spirit as gift.

This lecture covers part five of the Gospel of John. Consider the resurrection and garden event in John 20 when Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Reflect on the Genesis echo of a man and a woman in a garden. Another Genesis echo is that it is the first day of the week before it was light. The "Woman" address is also an echo of Genesis. The new Eve, Mary Magdalene, was a well-known, publicly ostracized sinner. Jesus is remaking the world as a place where death will be destroyed. Mary's story is your story. Jesus is the embodiment of Israel's God and fulfillment of the great hope. The focal point is the moment of the Father's glorification through the Son. The Cross is the place that shows the form of God's interaction with the world.

This lecture covers part one of the Gospel of John. Who is Jesus? The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes. John shows that Jesus is the embodiment of Israel's God. The Gospel of John was written later than the other Gospels. The early Church believed John helped interpret the facts of the other Gospels in a spiritual way. Jesus speaks more in the Gospel of John and the order of the Gospel of John is different. The cleansing of the temple in the Gospel of John is placed in Chapter 2. John is an eyewitness who was with Jesus as a disciple. The early Church tradition and internal evidence indicates that John wrote the gospel. Examine that the tension between the synagogue and early Christians had reached a point where confession of Jesus as Messiah was grounds for being expelled from the synagogue. John uniquely points out the tension between the Christians and the synagogue. John sets up a distinction of those who are in the light and those in darkness. He distinguishes between unbelief and faith. In John 3, Jesus speaks with Nicodemus. The main issue is the answer to the question, "Who is Jesus?" The Gospel of John was written into the tension of the Jewish leaders in the synagogue and the Christian Church. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hopes and the embodiment of Israel's God.

Luke - Acts is considered in this part five discussion. Consider both Luke 9:20-22 with Peter's Confession that Jesus is the Christ and Acts 2 with the First Sermon of the Christian Church. The promises and even the prayers of David come true in Jesus who is the risen Lord and Christ. The pivot between Acts 7 and 8 is the story of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian Church. The disobedience of the wilderness generation is emphasized in Acts 7. The rejection of the prophets who announced the Righteous One is also emphasized. Stephen relativizes the Law as the standard of obedience. He relativizes temple as the place of God's presence and he redefines obedience and disobedience, and true and false worship around the acceptance or rejection of Jesus. Follow the identity and character of God across Luke-Acts Who is this God in relationship to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Who is this God in relationship to the gods of the Gentile world? This God is not one of the Gentile gods. This God is revealed in Jesus as the God the Gentiles did not know. In Acts 17:22-23, Paul is on Mars Hill. This God is Israel's God who is finally and fully revealed in the Son and power of the Spirit. The Father reveals himself by sending the Son and sending the Spirit to witness to the Son. The Spirit's job is to convict the world of sin and to witness to Jesus. What is this God like? The Father that the Son reveals is a merciful Father. The merciful Father is seen in Luke 15 in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Parable of the Good Samaritan points to the very shape that the early Church takes in loving your neighbor. The kind of mercy of the Father is newly seen in the Son. Jesus is the Friend of sinners. Jesus embodies the principles of mercy that the parables are all about. Luke presents Jesus as gift and Acts announces the giving of the Spirit as gift.

This lecture covers part four of the Gospel of John. Examine the seven "I Am" Sayings. (Greek ἐγώ εἰμί) In Exodus 3:13-14, God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM” and also, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Consider that in John 8:57-59 Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” In John 6:35 He says, “I am the bread of life” and in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world” In John 10:11, 14 Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” and “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me". In John 8:58 Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am” and in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life”. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” and in John 15:1, “I am the true vine”. The "I Am" statements of Jesus show us that He is the fulfillment of Israel's hopes. They are statements that show us He is also the embodiment of Israel's God.

As Israel is now heading down to Egypt as a result of the famine, God gives him this promise: "I will be with you." As "going down" in the Bible symbolizes distance from God, or departing a familiar place, these verses highlight the difference of Israel's God from all other gods; namely, that God's presence has no boundaries. In all of the ups AND downs of life, God's promises and presence remain true.

Bible Talk on Exodus19-24

Bible Talk on Exodus19-24