Podcasts about red sea exodus

What does it really take to experience freedom and transformation? In this message, we look at the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) as more than just a miracle—it's a mirror for our own lives. Like them, we often find ourselves stuck between where we've been and where God is calling us to go. This sermon dives into what it means to walk away from what's holding us back—whether it's fear, sin, comfort, or old patterns—and step into the life God has for us. Yes, God fights for us, but we're not passive spectators. Real change happens when we choose to move forward in faith, even when the path looks impossible. If you're facing obstacles, wrestling with doubt, or wondering how to break free from what's weighing you down, this message is for you. God still parts seas—but you have to take the step.

The Lord fought for Israel by delivering his people through the Red Sea and defeating the Egyptian army.

As an answer to prayer, unexpected funds from Alex’s insurance had already paid for his dental treatment. Now, another treatment was necessary. Where will I get the money for that? Alex grumbled. Resentful thoughts of heavy expenses filled his mind. At the time when a deposit to the dentist was due, however, a cash gift from a relative suddenly arrived. “I felt ashamed,” Alex said. “I’d already seen how God had provided for me with the insurance payment. I shouldn’t have grumbled but asked Him for help instead.” When the Israelites entered the Desert of Shur, they’d just experienced God’s deliverance at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-31). His miraculous help, however, now seemed forgotten as they grumbled over the absence of potable water in the desert (15:22-24). The Hebrew word for “grumbling” refers to rebellion against God. The resentful response of the Israelites was very different from Moses’, who asked God for help (v. 25). Later, God graciously provided water for His people (vv. 25-27). In times of need, we can avoid grumbling by asking God for help as Moses did. Whether His help comes in miraculous ways, practical provision, people’s assistance, or the strength to endure, we can trust that He hears us and cares for us.

The Red Sea - Exodus 13: 17 -4:31

Sermon from Pastor Jim Stultz on January 5, 2025

Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus): The first real test of faith for the Israelites came when Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. Caught at the Red Sea with nowhere to escape, their options seemed to be slavery or death. They couldn't imagine how God might save them — until God made a way. He fought their battle and led them to freedom. All they had to do was trust him. Recorded on Nov 3, 2024, on Exodus 13:17-14:31 by Pastor David Parks. This message is part of our Exodus series called Journey to Freedom. Exodus is a story of liberation — of God working to rescue and redeem a people for himself, freeing them from slavery and leading them to the land he promised to the family of Abraham and Sarah. Exodus is also a picture of the gospel and the Christian life. In Christ, we, too, are freed from captivity to sin and death and led through the wilderness of life by God's Word and Presence as we make our way to the Promised Land of the world to come. Join us as we make this journey to find true and lasting freedom. Sermon Transcript We're working through the book of Exodus in a sermon series called Journey to Freedom. And we've said that Exodus is a story of liberation, of God rescuing and redeeming a people for himself. About 3,300 years ago, the ancient Israelites were slaves in Egypt, the greatest, most powerful kingdom on earth. They cried out in their bitter suffering, and Yahweh, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the God who appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, heard their cries and sent Moses to lead them to freedom. Despite repeated opportunities to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, hard-heartedly refused. But after ten escalating plagues, where Yahweh brought divine judgment down on all the false gods and goddesses of Egypt, Pharaoh finally relented, and the Israelites were set free. Today, we'll see the first real test of faith for the Israelites in their Exodus out of Egypt when Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after the Israelites. Would this be the end of this whole unlikely plan? Would Moses and Aaron (and probably many other Israelites) be killed? Would the remaining people die as slaves? Or would God do something? Would Yahweh fight on behalf of his people and deliver them as he promised? Could they even imagine God doing something like that? Could they trust him? Have you ever had that thought? Can I really trust God to rescue/deliver me? Well, if you have your Bible/app, please open it to Exodus 13:17. This is the famous story of the parting of the Red Sea. And we'll unpack this text as we go. Exodus 13:17–22 (NIV), “17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.” 20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” So, the Exodus had begun. And, surprisingly, God himself was there, leading his people out of Egypt in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. He didn't just send Moses as his prophet to lead his people; he went too. No one can see God and live, but God's holy Presence was with them. Commentator Douglas Stuart writes, “…the Israelites knew all day every day that God was present with them. Here was a supernatural, huge,

God glorifies Himself by delivering His people out of the presence of the Egyptians. By parting the waters of the Red Sea, God shows why He delivered His people, how He delivered His people, and how His people should respond.  

As the Jews arrived at the shoreline, they could do nothing but stand still, remain silent and trust the Lord solely to save.

Welcome to today's sermon podcast, where we delve into the essence of faith and God's unwavering plan for our lives.  As we gather after a long holiday week, we are reminded that we are all on a journey of faith. Reflecting on the story of Moses and the Israelites from the book of Exodus, we explore how God encourages His people to move forward in faith despite challenging circumstances. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting God's plan through our past, present, and future. We revisit the remarkable story of Moses, his divine calling, and the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the brink of the Red Sea. The message focuses on God's assurance to Moses and the Israelites to move forward, not in fear, but in faith, and how this lesson applies to our lives today. As we prepare for communion, we are invited to ponder the steps of faith we may be putting off and consider how we can encourage others in their faith journey. Join us as we embrace the living hope found in Jesus Christ and proclaim His sacrifice through the sacred act of communion. Thank you for being a part of our sermon podcast. For more sermons and outlines, visit our church's website at www.mvcnaz.org. May you find a church home that honors the authority of the Bible and supports your spiritual growth. With Pastor Mike Curry. Classic (Old Testament) Summer Stories: “Go Forward in Faith: Crossing the Red Sea” Exodus 14:8-18 Main Idea: God encourages His people to move forward in faith, even with challenging circumstances. 1. The Past Pushed Them Forward (Exodus 1:6-14) - Sometimes our past difficulties propel us toward God's purpose for our lives. 2. The Present Prodded Them Ahead (Exodus 14:9-10) - In our present challenges, God provides a way forward if we trust Him. 3. The Future Pulled Them Forward (Exodus 3:8; 14:13-14) Our hope in God's promises pull us toward a better future. Reflection Question: - What are some steps of faith you have been putting off, but need to make for you to move forward in your relationship with God? - How can you encourage others around you take steps of faith in their own lives?

To maintain sanctified thinking, we must control anxious thinking patterns. Catastrophizing, negative projecting about the future and overgeneralization come against the joy and peace that is ours in Christ. Numbers 13:23-14:1 – Catastrophizing (predicting that things will turn out badly) and overgeneralization destroy sanctified thinking. Numbers 14:2-22   Ten times they lost control. By the Red Sea:  Exodus 14:11-12 Desert of Sin:  Exodus 16:2-3 At Rephidim:  Exodus 17:3 Romans 8:15   We are not the slaves of fear; we are the sons of God. 1 Peter 5:5-9; 2 Timothy 1:7   Give your anxiety to God; claim what is yours in Christ. John 14:27; 15:10 Matthew 6:34; Hebrews 3:7-12, 15; 4:7   Stop negative predictions; live one day at a time. Psalm 62:5-8   Have godly self-talk. Philippians 4:4-9   Stop overgeneralization; pray and focus.The post Anxious Thinking Patterns first appeared on Living Hope.

Choose Your Hard In your health In your relationships With your kids With your career Same with Following God Without God = HARD With God = HARD Choose your heard   Just because all things are difficult doesn't mean all OUTCOMES are the same value Some things, while difficult, are worth more than others We're talking about this because of the new series… >>LOST: A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS   Being in a wilderness season is when things are abnormally… Difficult Confusing Disorienting Uphill Just plane HARD   But wilderness seasons have purpose… A WILDERNESS SEASON IS WHERE WE LEARN WHO GOD IS, HOW HE LOVES US, AND HOW WE SHOULD INTERACT WITH HIM We are looking at the story of the EXODUS The escape of the Israelite people from Egypt to the PROMISED LAND Last week was about the 10 plagues in Egypt God's purpose for many wilderness seasons is to teach us about Himself Today, we continue that story… Egypt finally has enough of God and his people They let Israel Go They send them with riches Pharaoh has a change of heart… Exodus 14 5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about the people and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” So he gathers part of his army and pursues the people of Israel Israel is gathered on the banks of the Red Sea   Exodus 14 10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and there were the Egyptians coming after them! The Israelites were terrified and cried out to the Lord for help. 11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Isn't this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Moses responds… 13 But Moses said to the people, “Don't be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord's salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.”   Moses prays… Stretches out his arms God parts the waters Israel walks through unharmed Pharaoh follows them in God releases the waters and drowns the Egyptian army   Through this, Israel and the world learn that… God always makes a way for His People God parted the waters God gave water from a rock God fed them in the desert God ALWAYS makes a way   What does this mean for us? God is the one who makes a way in your circumstances In your pain In your struggle   First, God introduced Himself to the people Next, God was teaching the people to TRUST HIM That is what wilderness seasons do They point you back to God and teach you to trust   There are two important things to know about GOD MAKING A WAY 1: Following God doesn't always mean it will be easy or make sense.   That is what following God can be like You won't always understand why Israel didn't know why God had brought them to the sea “Have you brought us here to die!”   But God had a bigger purpose in bringing them there We're still talking about it today   When you don't know the WHY, Focus on the WHAT What should I be doing now? Praying Serving Grow where you are planted   In most wilderness seasons of your life, you will not know the WHY until you are out of it But you can know the WHAT Back to the story… Israel has crossed the Red Sea Phorah's army is gone For the first time, they experience real freedom In celebration, they sing one of the first recorded songs in the Bible. Exodus 15 2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. 3 The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name. 11 Lord, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? 12 You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed them. 13 With your faithful love, you will lead the people you have redeemed; you will guide them to your holy dwelling with your strength.   2: Worship While You Wait   If you haven't ever been desperate for God, then worship doesn't make sense People in the desert God had not told them what was next they were only just beginning their wilderness season But they worshiped Worship does a few things… Worship reminds us of God's Goodness His faithfulness His love and purpose for us Our salvation   When we sing songs of God's goodness, it helps our spirit rest assured that If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now   Next Worship Tell us is not all about us This is God's story This is His plan   Worship realigns our hearts to Worship GOD and not OURSELVES. God ALWAYS makes a way When the way seems blocked, WORSHIP When you don't know why, focus on WHAT Isaiah 43 1 Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior.   You are not Forgotten in your wilderness God will make a way! TRUST HIM!

May 26th, 2024 | Speaker: Jonathan Cleveland | Exodus 14 We need to be still. We need to still ourselves so that we can see what God is doing… How he is working in our lives and how he fighting for us. The post Sunday School Stories: Burning Bush to the Red Sea | Exodus 14 appeared first on Pulpit Rock Church in Colorado Springs.

Open your Bibles to Joshua 4:1-7 Memorial Day in America…what does it mean? I'd like to take a moment of silence to thank, and honor all who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our freedoms, and our families.  This isn't going to be your typical Memorial Day Service. We are here to honor God above all else and today as your pastor I'm going to point you to Jesus just like I'm supposed to do.  Through the power of the Lord… Moses parted the Red Sea…Exodus 14:21 Joshua parted the Jordan…Joshua 3:15 Elijah parted the Jordan…2 Kings 2:8 Elisha parted the Jordan…2 Kings 2:14 Technically…God separated the waters from the dry land…Genesis 1:9 What should be our true memorial? Who did Jesus die for? Jesus died for the Jewish people…wrong! Jesus died for Christian people…wrong! Jesus died for the elect…wrong!  Our memorial is the cross…it's not an idol though and should never be. Just a memorial.  Jesus has RISEN!  JESUS HAS CONQUERED DEATH! JESUS IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE!  WE WHO BELIEVE ARE ALIVE WITH CHRIST JESUS! Romans 8:38 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Let us Celebrate the Risen Christ and hold memorial in our hearts everyday!

Pastor Chris Waldvogel  ~  5th Midweek Lenten Service                                             Lenten Midweek Series: “Honest Repentance” (6 of 6)   Reading:  Exodus 14:10- 15:1 The post March 20, 2024 ~ “Salvation – The Crossing of the Red Sea” ~ Exodus 14:10- 15:1 appeared first on Beautiful Savior Fargo.

This episode of Psalm 106 begins with verse 24.Nine portions of Israel's history and Israel's Scriptures  are used to stress Israel's unfaithfulness and God's mercy in spite of their sin.106:6-12 The events in Egypt and at the Red Sea- Exodus 14-15106:13-15 The lusting or craving for quail in the wilderness- Numbers 11106:16-18 The rebellion of Dathan and Abiram- Numbers 16106:19-23 The worship of the calf at Mt. Horeb- Exodus 32106:24-27 The spies discourage the  people from taking the land- Num. 13-14106:28-31 The idols of Baal-peor- Num. 25106:32-33 The rebellion at the waters of Meribah- Num. 20:2-13106:34-39 The failure of Israel to drive out the Canaanites- Josh. 15:63; 16:10; 17:12-13; Judges 1:27-36106:40-46 The time of the Judges where the people sink down into sin yet God deliveres them time after time- Judges 3:7-16:31.

Just Get Out of the Boat! In almost every area of life, when we commit to a plan of self-improvement, we expect to spend time, incur costs, and suffer strain during the process. It just comes with the territory. Whether we decide to get in shape and eat healthier, or go back to school and change careers— everyone seems to follow the same pattern of sacrifice that defines our struggle, and they seldom complain about it. And when we have achieved our goal, we look back at the sacrifice as a badge of honor, something we are proud of.Each of us embraces this journey of sacrificing our time, effort, costs, and strain in every area of life except the spiritual. For some reason, when it comes to our relationship with God or our desire for more faith, we must think it comes by osmosis to passive observers because many of us refuse to put in the time required or count the costs to achieve the results. Therefore, we really shouldn't be surprised when nothing changes, and we're the same as we were before.Remember the words attributed to Albert Einstein:“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”So, if you want your faith to grow, you will have to make some changes in your life to position it to grow. Or, you will have to deliberately place yourself in situations where you can experience God's faithfulness firsthand by voluntarily embracing the testing of your faith and the trials that inevitably follow. And you do that when you choose to refuse to rely on your own resources and commit to only trusting in Him.After all, this seems to be the Lord's preferred way of increasing the faith of those who surrender to Him. He seems to put them in situations where they either trust God… or die.Trust God… Or, It's CurtainsThe Scriptures are packed with accounts of God increasing the faith of His faithful in this manner. Consider the following examples:• Abraham and Isaac – Genesis 22• Moses at the Red Sea – Exodus 14• Joshua and the Battle of Jericho – Joshua 6• Gideon and His Army – Judges 7• Daniel and the Lion's Den – Daniel 6• Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath – 1 Kings 17In each of these examples, the people made a choice to trust God, maybe more than they had before, or die. The result was that they experienced greater faith in Him than they could possibly imagine.So how about you? Are you ready to get out of the boat and walk to Jesus? Or are you content to remain in the supposed security of the boat and cheer others along in their faith journey?For me, I want to get out of the boat. And I hope you will join me.To download the slides for this message, click – HEREOur Latest Posts:588: Be Encouraged by the Small Words in Scripture587: The Purpose of the Christian Life – Experiencing God

This psalm is a twin to Psalm 105 but a fraternal twin and not an identical one. The emphasis on Psalm 105 is on God's goodness and mercy to Israel. The emphasis in Psalm 106 is on the wickedness and sinfulness of Israel.  God's grace is even more amazing in light of Israel's sin and Israel's sin looks even more hideous against the background of God's lovinigkindness. Praise the LORD is an inclusion in vs. 1 and vs. 48.  How can a psalm that stresses Israel's sin be a reason for praise. The thought of the gracious and merciful God  underlines every section whether it is mentioned specifically or not because it is the reason that God does not give up on the people. Nine portions of Israel's history and Israel's Scriptures  are used to stress Israel's unfaithfulness and God's mercy in spite of their sin. 106:6-12 The events in Egypt and at the Red Sea- Exodus 14-15106:13-15 The lusting or craving for quail in the wilderness- Numbers 11106:16-18 The rebellion of Dathan and Abiram- Numbers 16106:19-23 The worship of the calf at Mt. Horeb- Exodus 32106:24-27 The spies discourage the  people from taking the land- Num. 13-14106:28-31 The idols of Baal-peor- Num. 25106:32-33 The rebellion at the waters of Meribah- Num. 20:2-13106:34-39 The failure of Israel to drive out the Canaanites- Josh. 15:63; 16:10; 17:12-13; Judges 1:27-36106:40-46 The time of the Judges where the people sink down into sin yet God deliveres them time after time- Judges 3:7-16:31.

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Let's explore the dynamic power of faith, not just as a belief, but as an active force shaping our daily lives. In this episode, we'll uncover biblical stories of unwavering faith and discover how these teachings can inspire everyday miracles in our own journeys. Whether you're seeking guidance, affirmation, or simply a fresh perspective on faith's transformative power, this episode is for you.

Sunday, October 29, 2023 | Flip the Script: Sunday School Stories You Thought You Knew | Pastor Michelle preaches week four in a series "Flip the Script" working our way through the most known and beloved Old Testament stories, this week on Moses and the Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

A sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and...they…were filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who accepted his message were baptized. . . — Acts 2:2, 41 The Holy Spirit is the main character in the book of Acts—and in the growth of the church. And through the Spirit-powered witness of his followers, Jesus said, the gospel will spread from Jerusalem (the city), to Judea and Samaria (the region), “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In Acts 2 we see how that work of the Holy Spirit began. “A sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven,” and Jesus' apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit. As we have noted earlier, the Spirit of God and his mighty acts are often associated with wind. And the “sound . . . of a violent wind” echoes the power of the “strong wind” God used to make a pathway for his people through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21). What's more, as John the Baptist had prophesied, the work of Jesus would result in people being baptized “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11)—and in Acts 2, as the Holy Spirit filled Jesus' apostles, “what seemed to be tongues of fire . . . came to rest on each of them.” So on Pentecost, the people of God, followers of Jesus, were renewed through a wind (Spirit), fire, and water. The wind of the Holy Spirit rushed on the apostles, and fire alighted on them—and later that day 3,000 people came to faith in Jesus and were baptized (Acts 2:41). Lord and Savior, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and help us as we try to stay “in step” with the Spirit's work in the world today. Amen.

The priests . . . stopped in the middle of the Jordan . . . until the whole nation had completed the crossing. — Joshua 3:17 After Israel's long sojourn in the desert, God opened a way for them through the Jordan River into the promised land. The waters upstream “piled up in a heap,” perhaps like the “wall of water” on the right and left as Israel crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22). Both stories say that the people passed through “on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17). Although God had been faithful to Israel, keeping his promises to rescue them and bring them to the land he had promised them (Genesis 12:1-8; 15:13-16; 28:10-15; 46:3-4; Exodus 3:4-10), the people turned away and rebelled. They did that again and again in a long history of unfaithfulness (Exodus 32; Numbers 14; Judges 2:10-23; 2 Kings 17:1-23; 25:1-21). Eventually they were punished and sent into exile, but God, ever faithful, brought them back again (Ezra - Nehemiah). Then, about 30 years after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1; Luke 2), God called John to prepare the way for the Messiah, who had come to be the Savior of the world (John 1:29; 3:16). In Mark 1 we see John preaching in the wilderness, calling people to repent and baptizing them in the Jordan River. And here the people are called not to cross the Jordan but to be baptized in it. God calls them to make a new start through repentance, to seek forgiveness, and to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Savior. O God, when we rebel against you, remind us that you have called us to repent and be forgiven, in Jesus, that we may live for you. Amen.

Service from Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, Illinois.

The Red Sea - Exodus 13:17 - 14:31

How did Moses deal with the Egyptians & The Red Sea Exodus 14 Disobedience & Idolatry Exodus 32 Grunbling & Complaining Numbers 14 & 20 Park Church Uddingstion 30th July 2023 Rev Wm Bruce McDowall

Lesson 20: The Crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-31)

February 23, 2023 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stjohnrandomlake/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stjohnrandomlake/support

Presented by Lisa Bishop When you are in a difficult season, it can be easy to let your trust waiver. It can be tempting to buy into the lie that God has forgotten about you; to think that God doesn't really care and that the hardship, loss, or feeling of a lack of direction will never end. When fear of an unknown future causes anxiety or despair it's a time you will find yourself at a crossroad, a point where you will need to make an important decision, a critical choice. Will you cling to God and trust him and his faithfulness? Or, will you lean on your own obstructed view, your limited understanding, and succumb to doubt and discouragement, maybe even despair? Now when I ask this question, I want to make it clear that throughout your Christian journey there will be many crossroads where your faith and trust in Jesus will be tested. Trusting Jesus in all circumstances is something we continue to grow in. It is a lifelong pursuit. In our perfectly curated social media world, we don't talk much about the messiness of life—a failing marriage, faltering faith, being fired from a job. We see snippets of each other's lives and think that something must be wrong with ours because while we are dealing with overwhelming fears and anxieties, other people's worlds look like the fantasy that we wish we were living. But trials and the messiness of life are part of being human. Sometimes we don't want to be human. We want life to be perfect and it's not. And after all, that is why we need hope and faith in Jesus, because you will have trials and the hardships of life will test you. James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (MSG). Do you consider it a sheer gift when trials and testing, when waiting and uncertainty come your way? It is so hard to trust God in times of trial. We want to wiggle out of the discomfort and get relief from the pressure. We want God to answer us now because we can't bear the weight of the unknown. Yet these hard places are the very times that your faith matures when you make the choice to trust, to persevere when your faith is tried. When I think about choosing to trust God in the uncertainty it reminds me of the Israelites and their journey to freedom. In the book of Exodus, we read about God's freedom mission. The book of Exodus describes a climactic moment in the life of God's people. It tells the story of the Israelite's deliverance from slavery in Egypt by the Lord's mighty hand. For 400 plus years the people of God were subjected to harsh labor conditions by Pharaoh. As you read the first part of Exodus you witness Pharaoh's relentless refusal to let God's people go even after God demonstrates his mighty power and brings several disasters in the form of plagues to Egypt. After the tenth plague Pharaoh finally agrees to release the Israelites and so begins their journey to the Promised Land. And then this happens next in Exodus 13:17: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war they might change their minds and return to Egypt'. So God led the people around the desert road toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 17:17-18a).  Did you catch that? Here the Israelites have been in captivity for 400 plus years, they are finally getting their taste of freedom and God chooses not to lead them on the road that was shorter. He leads them around the desert towards the Red Sea. You and I have the benefit of knowing how the story ends, but the Israelites didn't know that the reason God was taking them down a less than obvious path was because he knew what was ahead.

Presented by Lisa Bishop When you are in a difficult season, it can be easy to let your trust waiver. It can be tempting to buy into the lie that God has forgotten about you; to think that God doesn't really care and that the hardship, loss, or feeling of a lack of direction will never end. When fear of an unknown future causes anxiety or despair it's a time you will find yourself at a crossroad, a point where you will need to make an important decision, a critical choice. Will you cling to God and trust him and his faithfulness? Or, will you lean on your own obstructed view, your limited understanding, and succumb to doubt and discouragement, maybe even despair? Now when I ask this question, I want to make it clear that throughout your Christian journey there will be many crossroads where your faith and trust in Jesus will be tested. Trusting Jesus in all circumstances is something we continue to grow in. It is a lifelong pursuit. In our perfectly curated social media world, we don't talk much about the messiness of life—a failing marriage, faltering faith, being fired from a job. We see snippets of each other's lives and think that something must be wrong with ours because while we are dealing with overwhelming fears and anxieties, other people's worlds look like the fantasy that we wish we were living. But trials and the messiness of life are part of being human. Sometimes we don't want to be human. We want life to be perfect and it's not. And after all, that is why we need hope and faith in Jesus, because you will have trials and the hardships of life will test you. James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (MSG). Do you consider it a sheer gift when trials and testing, when waiting and uncertainty come your way? It is so hard to trust God in times of trial. We want to wiggle out of the discomfort and get relief from the pressure. We want God to answer us now because we can't bear the weight of the unknown. Yet these hard places are the very times that your faith matures when you make the choice to trust, to persevere when your faith is tried. When I think about choosing to trust God in the uncertainty it reminds me of the Israelites and their journey to freedom. In the book of Exodus, we read about God's freedom mission. The book of Exodus describes a climactic moment in the life of God's people. It tells the story of the Israelite's deliverance from slavery in Egypt by the Lord's mighty hand. For 400 plus years the people of God were subjected to harsh labor conditions by Pharaoh. As you read the first part of Exodus you witness Pharaoh's relentless refusal to let God's people go even after God demonstrates his mighty power and brings several disasters in the form of plagues to Egypt. After the tenth plague Pharaoh finally agrees to release the Israelites and so begins their journey to the Promised Land. And then this happens next in Exodus 13:17: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war they might change their minds and return to Egypt'. So God led the people around the desert road toward the Red Sea” (Exodus 17:17-18a).  Did you catch that? Here the Israelites have been in captivity for 400 plus years, they are finally getting their taste of freedom and God chooses not to lead them on the road that was shorter. He leads them around the desert towards the Red Sea. You and I have the benefit of knowing how the story ends, but the Israelites didn't know that the reason God was taking them down a less than obvious path was because he knew what was ahead.

Commands to praise or be thankful:Sacrifices of thanksgiving were commanded for the Israelites: Levicitus 7:12-15, but He wanted it to be from their own free will (Lev 22:29)Deut 10:20-21: "You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen."Many of the psalms are trying to stir up the speaker or the crowd to praise, vowing "I will" praise (sometime in the future), or do such-and-such, that I might praise, or (these people) will praise, or saying "let me" or "let [some third party]" praise the Lord, as if asking for God's help in doing it, in addition to actually praising God:Psalm 9:11: "Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people."Psalm 29:1: "Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength."Psalm 30:4: "Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name."Psalm 33:2: "Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings."Psalm 47:1, 6-7: "Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!... Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding."Psalm 66:1-2, 8: "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.... Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard."Psalm 68:4, 32: "Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him... Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah"Psalm 98:4: "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises."Psalm 100:4: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."Psalm 117:1: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!"Romans 15:11: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”2 Cor 2:14: "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."2 Cor 4:15: "For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God."We should bring praise to God (when people see us): Eph 1:11-12: "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."The Holy Spirit in us is to the praise of His glory: Eph 1:13-14When we bear fruits of righteousness, it is to God's glory and praise: Phil 1:11Our faith brings praise to God: 1 Peter 1:7Eph 5:20: "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."Col 3:15: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."Col 4:2: "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving"1 Thess 5:18: "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."1 Tim 2:1: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,"1 Tim 4:4: "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;"Heb 13:15: "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."Rev 7:12: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”Rev 19:5: "Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”Effects of thanksgiving:It was a battle strategy a at least once, when Jehoshaphat sent out the worshippers in the front lines of battle: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30It led to a prison break at least once, when Paul and Silas were singing to God, triggering an earthquake: Acts 16:25-34It leads to peace: Phil 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."It's how we abound in faith: Col 2:6-7: "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."Examples of thankfulness:Moses' song after God parts the Red Sea: Exodus 15:1-18, and Miriam's, Ex 15:21 - to memorialize it. It's like a poetic retelling of what just happened.Deborah's song after their defeat of Sisera: Judges 5:1-31Hannah's song after she bears Samuel: 1 Samuel 2:1-10David's psalm when God makes a covenant with his line: 2 Sam 7:18-29David appointed singers to rejoice as the ark returned from the Philistines, and he was dancing himself with all his might (2 Sam 6:12-23 and 1 Chron 15:16-29).David after his mighty men killed the last of the Philistine giants: 2 Sam 22:1-51 (also Psalm 18).David set aside a company of men appointed just for worship: 1 Chronicles 25, and also made them their instruments for that purpose: 1 Chron 23:5 (and they still used them during Solomon's reign, 2 Chron 7:6), and they did it morning and evening every day: 1 Chron 23:30.Solomon followed suit (2 Chron 8:14).Later Hezekiah reinstituted temple worship according to David's pattern, even using the instruments he had made (2 Chron 29:20-36), and reinstituted Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread with accompanying praise (2 Chron 30:21).David's psalm at the end of his reign: 1 Chron 29:10-15The Levites rejoice when the ark is brought into the new temple: 2 Chron 5:13The people of Israel in response to the glory of the Lord in the new temple: 2 Chron 7:3Most of the psalms: 7:17, 9:1-2, 14, 18:3, 49, 21:13, 22:3, 22-26, 26:7, 27:6, 28:7, 30:4, 30:12, 33:1, 34:1, 35:18, 28, 40:3, 42:5, 11, 43:4-5, 44:8, 45:17, 50:14, 51:15, 52:9, 54:6, 56:4, 12, 57:7, 57:9, 59:17, 61:8, 63:3, 5, 69:30, 34, 71:6, 8, 14, 22, 72:15, 75:1, 9, 78:4, 79:13, 86:12, 89:5, 92:1, 95:2, 96:1, 4, 97:1, 12, 98:1, 100:1, 100:4, 101:1, 103:1, 104:1, 33, 35, 105:1, 106:1-2, 48, 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 22, 31, 108:1, 3, 109:30, 111:1, 112:1, 113:1, 3, 9, 115:18, 116:1, 17, 19, 117:12, 118:1, 19, 21, 28-29, 119:7, 62, 164, 171, 175, 135:1, 3, 21, 136:1-3, 26, 138:1-2, 139:14, 140:13, 144:9, 145:1-4, 10, 21, 146:1-2, 10, 147:1, 7, 12, 20, 148:1-5, 7, 13-14, 149:1, 3, 6, 9, 150:1-6Many of the major and minor prophets prophesy that Israel will rejoice when God redeems them, brings them back to the land, reveals the Messiah, in the Millennium, etcJeremiah prays for deliverance: Jer 17:14 and his praise that God will deliver him from those who are against him: Jer 20:13Daniel praises God for revealing Nebuchadnezzar's dream: 2:23Nebuchadnezzar praises God: Daniel 4:34-37Daniel prayed and praised daily (despite opposition): Daniel 6:10Ezra 3:10-11: the people rejoice when the foundation of the temple is re-laid.Nehemiah on dedication of the rebuilt temple: he commands the people to rejoice and hold a feast, not mourn at the reading of the law they haven't kept (Nehemiah 8:10) and the Levites lead them in a psalm of praise to God and remembrance of their history: Nehemiah 9:5-38. Then Nehemiah appoints thanksgiving choirs with lots of instruments to rejoice loudly (Nehemiah 12:27-43). It's interesting that the story is long over by this point, but several more chapters are dedicated to their thanksgiving, praise, and remembrance of Israel's history and God's goodness to them.

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week.

Rev. Clay Wooten (preached 11/6/22)

“Encourage [Joshua], because he will lead Israel to inherit [the land].” — Deuteronomy 1:38 If you have become an expert in your work, how you would feel if someone younger and less experienced were chosen to take up your role? Moses had led God's people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea (Exodus 1-15). He had received God's law and taught it to the people (Exodus 20-50), and by God's grace he had brought them to the edge of the promised land. But the people had rebelled, and God had turned them back to wander in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 13-14). Now they were about to enter the promised land again, but Moses would not be leading them in. God had chosen Joshua to do that instead. In Deuteronomy, Moses gives his farewell address, and here he says God told him to “encourage” Joshua. More literally, this means “strengthen.” But couldn't God have given Joshua all the strength he needed? Was that a bit like rubbing salt in Moses' wounds? This seems counterintuitive at first, but it is actually a great gift to Moses to be the one to strengthen or encourage Joshua. As Moses empowers Joshua in front of everyone, Joshua steps in to continue Moses' success rather than just being his replacement. Joshua's success becomes part of Moses' legacy. How might you encourage and strengthen someone taking up the role you have had? Lord, grant us success where you want us to serve, and help us to raise up people to continue your work after us. Amen.

We've reached the climax of Exodus with the epic, real-life event of the parting of the Red Sea. God is leading the Israelites out of Egypt but the route He takes them through is not what you would expect. In fact, it was the opposite direction of where they needed to go. It didn't make any sense to the Israelites but God had a plan. A plan to not only save them but to set them free.

This week BibleWorm discusses one of the most well-known stories in the entire Bible: the miracle of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea as told in Exodus 14:5-14 and 21-29. We talk about Pharaoh's relentless pursuit of economic profit through the use of military force, and how that singlemindedness leads to the downfall of empires, both in Pharaoh's time and in our own. We admire the courage of the Israelites, who trust in the possibility of a better future, despite all the evidence, and find themselves birthed again through the waters of the sea. And we remember the Egyptian soldiers and their families, caught up in a struggle not of their own making and mourn the senseless loss of life, both then and now.

Listen again to our Sunday Sermons. This is Rachel Mash, a guest speaker and one of our mission partners, looking at Exodus 14: 15 - 22 at our 12noon service on Sunday 17th July 2022

Exodus 14 1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.' 4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him, 7 and took six hundred chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. 8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly. 9 The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.10 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” 13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”15 The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, 20 coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. 29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Listen again to our Sunday Sermons. This is Dave Richards looking at Exodus 14: 15 - 22 from our 7pm service on 17th July 2022

The Bible is full of celebrations! Moses, together with the Israelites, celebrated their escape from slavery in Egypt after God brought them through the Red Sea (Exodus 14-15). Later, the Israelites celebrated the victory of David and his warriors. God also gave His people several festivals that are described in the Bible—time set apart to thank God, rest from work, and enjoy His gifts (Leviticus 23). If there is anyone who loves celebrations and happy gatherings, it's God! God is the author of merriment and celebrations. Jesus often attended gatherings and even made His first miracle turning water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). Later, Jesus fed over 5,000 people to their satisfaction (Matthew 14:13-21). God loves making people happy because He loves us. God gives us good gifts— the important things and even the small things (James 1:17). Making us joyful is one of the ways God makes us feel loved by Him. God is not a killjoy. He invites us to do things that will make us happy, and He guides us in what these are. Sometimes, we may think that sin will make us happy, but in the end, sin hurts us and those around us. When we turn away from sin and follow Jesus instead, we find true joy. Jesus said, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). If we've put our trust in Jesus, we are forgiven, and as we yield to His Spirit in us we are freed from the power of sin. And we have the greatest joy—being united with the God who loves us! God likes it when we feel the joy of being blessed by Him. He gives us family and friends so we can enjoy living with them and spending time with each other with glad hearts. In addition to our natural families, God has also made us part of His family, the church. Together, we can enjoy and be happy with everything God has given us, thanking God for blessing us. • Golda Dilema • What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate? • Why do you think God instructs His people to celebrate together? Let Israel celebrate its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Psalm 149:2 (CSB)

April 4-10 Why are the Children of Israel continually complaining and murmuring against Moses? Though they've seen the miracles that brought them out of Egypt, and then watched the Red Sea part so they could cross on dry ground, they still say: “Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, well-known for his extensive commentaries on the Book of Moses and Genesis, joins Scot and Maurine Proctor today to talk about strength or fear, firm or wavering in the face of our personal Red Seas.

While the Israelites are assured victory, their present circumstances would seem to indicate otherwise. When the Israelites begin to panic Moses calls them to “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today” (Ex. 14:13). How much more shall we, living on this side of the cross, believe that our God is able to make a way when we find ourselves up against seemingly insurmountable odds.Battle Belongs© Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs, and Remaining portion is unaffiliatedGraves Into Gardens© 2019 Maverick City Publishing Worldwide (Admin. by Heritage Worship Publishing), Bethel Music Publishing, and Remaining portion is unaffiliated | CCLI Song # 7138219 -- CCLI License # 420630No Longer Slaves© 2014 © Bethel Music Publishing | CCLI Song # 7030123 -- CCLI License # 420630The Lord Is My Salvation© 2016 © Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), and Remaining portion is unaffiliated | CCLI Song # 7063694 -- CCLI License # 420630

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