Yahweh: A Present God

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Yahweh: A Present God"

Transcription

1 Yahweh: A Present God The Presence of God in the Old Testament - Part 1 Introduction Whose presence do you know best in life? Is it your spouse? Your best friend? Your mother or father? Your child? The imaginary friend you have had since childhood? You do know they don t exist, don t you? Whose presence is most familiar to you? Presence is an interesting word, especially if we are thinking of a person. If we think of a person s presence, we think of their nature, their personality, their disposition. Are they chatty? Are they serious? Is their presence welcome? Does it assure us? What things do they say or do? What do they look like? Are they easy to read emotionally? Or are they a bit of a closed book? The word presence leads us all kind of places. We are relational creatures as human beings, even those of us who lean towards the introversion end of the introvert-extrovert scale. We are hardwired for presence all of us. What is often used in advertising to sell products, besides the female form? Invite responses. The human face (scroll 7 slides). We are drawn to faces. Something about faces hooks us and holds our attention. We study faces as human beings. We mimic them, from a very young age, as any parent with a baby will tell you. We respond emotionally to emotion on the faces of others. We recognise the most subtle signs of pleasure and displeasure; of love and anger; of joy and sorrow. We are all experts at reading faces. And what we read in faces is presence. What makes this a Christian sermon and not just a reflection on human development and socialisation? What I m about to say next. Turn with me to Numbers chapter 6 verse if you will. Listen carefully to one of the most familiar biblical benedictions, or blessings. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (NIV) God told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons who were Israel s priests that they were to bless the people of Israel with these words. What, above all, do these words convey? Blessing, you might say. Sure, but what kind of blessing? Protection, grace, and peace, you might say. Sure, but how is this grace imparted; this peace conveyed; this protection promised? What s the means of blessing here? According to these words of blessing what God gives Israel is far more than protection, grace, and peace. Otherwise the blessing would have simply said The Lord bless you and keep you, be gracious to you, and give you peace. But it says a bit more than that. There is that other bit in the middle that believers generally love hearing words that stir us: the Lord make his face shine on you, the Lord turn his face towards you. These are beautiful words, are they not? They are the words left echoing in our ears after this blessing has been spoken over us. Why? Because they convey presence. 1

2 We are made to respond to presence. The words of this beautiful promise to Israel and to all whom God love and calls his own, tell us in a way that is so evocative and familiar to us, that God gives us his presence. The one who wired us to respond to faces, because he made us relational, uses the word face to assure us of his presence. God of course has no body and no human face, but that doesn t stop him speaking of something so familiar to us to convey his love. The Hebrew word for presence and face is the same word, panim. In Hebrew God s presence is always spoken of in terms of his face. So to be in God s presence is to be before his face. And for God to turn his radiant face towards us is for him to give us his glorious presence. When God says to Moses in Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest, the word for presence is again panim, the word for face. The same word is used in Psalm 24 when it says of those who have clean hands and pure hearts, that they, seek the face [panim] of the God of Jacob. In other words, they are those who hunger for his presence. Where God turns his face he makes his presence known. Those who seek his face become familiar with his presence. If there is one face and presence that we most need to seek and know in this earthly life of ours is the face and presence of our creator and redeemer. You may or may not have noticed that all scriptures quoted so far this morning have been from the Old Testament. This morning s sermon is the first in a series on the Presence of God in the Old Testament. The presence of God is a major theme throughout scripture from Adam walking with God in the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the glory of God filling the new heavens and earth in the book of Revelation. Our focus in this series will be from Creation to the coming of Christ. Jesus of course is God present with humanity in a profound way, but he is not God s first manifestation of his presence. God is present within creation and towards his people in many fascinating ways prior to his Incarnation, and much of Jesus life and ministry only really makes sense when we are familiar with the face of God in the Old Testament. So that s where we are heading for a while. We have studied two New Testament books over the past two years, Mark and Ephesians. By digging into the Old Testament for a bit we will remember again that it too is the Word of God, and it too unfolds the character of God and his love for us. Survey of the series Personally I think that presence is a wonderful biblical theme to follow for developing a deep appreciation of God and his dealings with people. We will be looking at how God was present to various Old Testament characters from Adam to Abraham, and from Moses to the Messiah, and others in between. The theme of God s presence leads to some distinctly Old Testament themes such as, holy places like the tabernacle and the temple, not to mention Eden and Mt Sinai. And yet God is present everywhere, so why is it that he chooses to locate his presence in certain sacred places? We will find out. The subject of God s presence confronts us with his holiness, which in fact makes God unapproachable for sinful humanity so his presence is fearsome thing, not only a comfort. How are sinners to approach the dangerously and holy presence of God? 2

3 Mention of the presence of God makes us think of the Spirit of God but the Spirit plays quite a different role in the Old Testament, than in the New. We will look at how the Holy Spirit anoints different people for different roles throughout the Old Testament, and what changes when Jesus turns up on the scene. Faith and prayer play a crucial role in seeking and responding to the presence of God, so we will learn from Abraham, a man of genuine faith, and from Daniel, a man of faithful prayer. With the presence of God comes promises, and a call to journey with God, often into the unknown so faith is an uncertain business; the only certainly being that God s presence goes with us, as we see from Israel s journey from Egypt to Canaan across the inhospitable wilderness. Presence, journey and promise will be one the messages I bring. God s presence matures us, sometimes the hard way, as we see from Joseph s life. God s presence can also disturb us. I plan to preach a sermon titled, Divine Discipline: A Disturbing Presence. Something for you to look forward to! What about the loss of presence? Israel had a crisis of faith when God s presence left the temple and they were marched off to exile. Perhaps we can learn something by considering the opposite of divine presence; divine absence. As we follow Israel s rollercoaster history of divine presence and absence, we will discover that God s presence faithfully pursues us when we have lost our way and broken faith with him. God does not readily give up on his people. He may turn his face away for a while, but he goes searching for his beloved, his unfaithful bride, as the remarkable story of Hosea reminds us. We will see how the presence of God bears witness to the nations. Although Israel was God s special elect people, they did not have exclusive access to him. The redemptive presence of God was promised to all nations, as we will learn. Finally, to conclude the series we will arrive at Jesus, whom the Old Testament anticipates and foreshadows. God is most present to humanity when he become human himself. Jesus is the fulfillment of so much Old Testament longing and promise; he is the invisible God made visible; he is the presence of God fully manifest. That s a brief rundown of what we will be looking at. Strap yourselves in for a 12 week journey into the landscape of land and temple, Sinai and Zion, fire and cloud, Eden and Canaan. God s presence with humanity for the first several thousand years, prior to the coming of Jesus and the birth of the church, is grounded in the history of one nation and their ancestors. Let s explore Yahweh s presence with Israel because God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whole Earth or House of God? We will glance now in the remaining time at Yahweh A present God. Israel s God was not only Israel s God. Israel may have been the only nation who worshipped Yahweh and marched out to battle in his name against other nations with other gods, but the Old Testament makes it very clear that this particular and peculiar God of the Israelite people, who forbade them from casting his image, like the other nations did with their Baals etc, showed no respect for the territorial claims of other gods; Yahweh laid claim to the whole earth, and he wanted worship from all peoples. Israel did not invent their God and they could not contain him either. He was never only theirs, even though he elected them to be his covenant people for a time. 3

4 The first and most important thing to wrap our heads around concerning the presence of God is that God is present everywhere and he rules over everything. He is not a local deity or national god. Psalm 22:28 declares, For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. This is the God who created the heavens and the earth according to the first verse of Genesis. There are no boundaries on his presence and power. In Isaiah s prophecy God says Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is my resting place? (Isaiah 66:1). Everything in creation answers to the presence of God. The poetic words of psalm 68 says, O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel. (Psalm 68:7 8). In Psalm 97 the mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. (Psalm 97:5). God is everywhere and he commands everything. His presence pervades the whole earth. So why then is he found comfortably residing in Jerusalem, associating himself with one place and one people because that s exactly what we also find in the Old Testament? Psalm 78 tells us that Yahweh, chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves. He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever. (Psalm 78:68 69). The descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew God s presence in a unique way, and Zion, in Jerusalem, is where they met with him. When God says to Israel through Moses, I will take you as my people, and I will be your God, (Exodus 6:7) he was choosing to make his presence known through covenant relationship with one nation. But, that one privileged nation was then called to be a light to all nations, so that the whole earth may be filled with the glory of the Lord. In their election Israel cannot covet the presence of God as if it belongs to them alone. The temple itself, although it located God s presence in their midst, was also a reminder to Israel that God s presence fills heaven and earth. There is a clue in the Psalm 78 passage as to how the Jerusalem temple should be understood. The sanctuary that God commissioned to locate his presence among his people was like the high heavens, and like the earth, which he has founded, says the Psalm. The temple actually represented the cosmos in miniature. The temple and its inner chamber, the holy of holies, were like a miniature heaven and earth, which as we have just seen are God s throne and footstool. His presence extends from heaven to earth; he dwells in the one and walks in the other. The holy of holies, the inner temple chamber, was a kind of heaven on earth. It was where heaven and earth met, and the surrounding temple represented all that God had made. So, the temple, though located in Israel, certainly could not contain him there. Solomon, who God appointed to build his Jerusalem temple, wisely said, But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! (1 Kings 8:27). Nevertheless he did build a house, as God instructed, to replace the tabernacle that had housed the presence of God from the time of Israel s journey across the wilderness. On that journey God had said to Moses, Have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8) 4

5 So, we see a great paradox in the Old Testament when it comes to the presence of God. God locates his presence among his chosen people in places designated for worship and set apart as a meeting place between himself and his people. The divine presence goes tenting, if you like. Then it parks itself in a purpose built building at the centre of a nation. But he remains the God of the universe, of all creation, and of all nations. We will look again at this paradox next week in a sermon titled Garden and Temple: Presence and Place. Part of the mystery of why God chooses to house himself in a tabernacle and a temple goes right back to the Garden of Eden a uniquely sacred place when God met with people. The temple is not just a miniature heaven and earth, it is also another Garden of Eden, albeit an imperfect one. There are some surprising parallels between Eden and the Temple. The temple recalls the access that Adam and Eve had to the presence of God. It also anticipates, through its sacrificial system, a future temple, the sacrificial body of Jesus. And it hints at a future New Jerusalem where God s presence and glory will one day fill the whole earth. Is you God big enough but also personal enough? A way to make all this personal for us might be for me to ask: is our concept of God s presence both expansive enough and close enough to home? Or to put it another way: Is your God big enough and close enough? Do we know him as the creator and sustainer of all things; the one to whom everything in existence looks for life and purpose? Do you stare at the night sky like the Psalmist in Psalm 19 and think to yourself, The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Is your God that big? If he is, you can have confidence in his presence in the face of events that might otherwise cause you to wonder if there is a God at all. Only those who worship a God whose presence fills the universe know that if we face suffering God s face has not necessarily turned away from us. He hasn t lost his power or vanished despite our trials, or the trials of those around us. Job learned this lesson. When Satan first approached God about Job, he said to God, But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he [Job] has, and he will curse you to your face. (Job 1:11). There is our word again for face and presence, panim. Job in fact asked God from the depths of his suffering why God had hidden his face, Why do you hide your face, and count me as your enemy? (Job 13:24). Job also pleaded his case before God s face, I have no hope; but I will defend my ways to his face. (Job 13:15). So, yes, we may feel very much at times as if God has turned his face away, and withdrawn his presence. However, God reminded Job of his sovereignty as creator and source of all life, and in the end Job declares, I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2). His God is a big God. Perhaps your God is big also. Maybe you have no difficulty conceiving of God as sovereign over all he has made, and filling the world with his presence. But is your God also intimate and personal? Is he close to home? Is there a tabernacle where you meet him face to face? Do you know his indwelling presence? Of Moses scripture says, Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. (Exodus 33:11). Face to face; presence to presence; God to man; God to woman. Do you know that personal dimension of God s presence? 5

6 The paradox of presence is that the one who fills the universe also resides within us. There is an intimacy that God offers humanity that transcends all other intimacy. Do you know it? Can you say with the psalmist, You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11). The God who fills the universe wants to meet with you face to face as he did with Moses. He wants to lead you personally on the path of life, as the psalmist says, and give you fullness of joy, as the psalmist and Jesus both speak of. That path, the way, is the way of Jesus. And that fullness of joy is found in him. The psalmist had a foretaste of what was to come. The divine presence is yours and mine in a way that the people of Israel could not have even dreamt of. They trekked to the temple to meet with God, and only the high priest could enter his presence once a year. We have direct access to the presence of God in all paces at all times through Jesus Christ our eternal high priest. Treasure the presence of God. If your God is close and personal, but you doubt his hand on all creation, read Psalm 19, or the last chapters of Job and grasp a bigger picture of God and his presence. If your God fills the universe but is not near to you, pitch a tent through prayer and ask God to meet you face to face and make his presence known to you personally. Let s pray. 6

8: The Kingdom of God

8: The Kingdom of God Part IV: Understanding the Old Testament 8: The Kingdom of God Finally, after years of Israel s sin and struggling in the desert, God marched His people into the Promised Land! Israel witnessed God s unmatched

More information

Session 2: Israel and the Nations in the Old Testament

Session 2: Israel and the Nations in the Old Testament Session 2: Israel and the Nations in the Old Testament I. INTRODUCTION A. Most believers assume that the Old Testament is primarily about Israel and the New Testament is a shift in emphasis in the nations.

More information

Series Revelation. Scripture #33 Revelation 21:9-22:5

Series Revelation. Scripture #33 Revelation 21:9-22:5 Series Revelation Scripture #33 Revelation 21:9-22:5 The first eight verses of chapter 21, which we thought about in the previous message, described God s concluding activity of this age. John was given

More information

Sermon: The Word Became Flesh

Sermon: The Word Became Flesh Sermon: The Word Became Flesh The Word Became Flesh John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things

More information

Opening the Scriptures Luke 24:25-45 NIV

Opening the Scriptures Luke 24:25-45 NIV Opening the Scriptures Richard C. Leonard, Ph.D. First Christian Church, Hamilton, Illinois April 19, 2015 The Gospel of Luke relates how Jesus, after his resurrection, appeared to two of his disciples

More information

Sacred Spaces: Christ Our Holy Temple

Sacred Spaces: Christ Our Holy Temple VI. Sacred Spaces: Christ Our Holy Temple July 9, 2017 Chapter 6 Purpose: To believe that God dwells in the midst of His people yesterday, today, and forever. Key Verses: 14 The Word became flesh and dwelt

More information

Different levels of Worship. Exodus 24

Different levels of Worship. Exodus 24 Different levels of Worship Exodus 24 Historical background In this chapter, Exodus 24, we come across the first biblical reference to the worship of the people of Israel after their exodus from Egypt

More information

Series Immanuel, God With Us. This Message #2 His Love Kept On Reaching Out

Series Immanuel, God With Us. This Message #2 His Love Kept On Reaching Out Series Immanuel, God With Us This Message #2 His Love Kept On Reaching Out The universe was created to be God s temple, His dwelling place. The universe had to be on a grand enough scale so that the infinite

More information

39 Books of the Old Testament. Wisdom, Poetry & Praise. Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon

39 Books of the Old Testament. Wisdom, Poetry & Praise. Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon 1 39 Books of the Old Testament 17 Books of History 5 BOOKS OF LAW Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy This document covers OT Law i.e. Pentateuch Pentateuch RCCC 12 BOOKS OF HISTORY Joshua Judges

More information

The Purpose of Parables: to Manifest Kingdom Presence (Mat , 34-35) WestminsterReformedChurch.org Pastor Ostella

The Purpose of Parables: to Manifest Kingdom Presence (Mat , 34-35) WestminsterReformedChurch.org Pastor Ostella The Purpose of Parables: to Manifest Kingdom Presence (Mat. 13.1-3, 34-35) WestminsterReformedChurch.org Pastor Ostella 1-8-2006 Introduction Matthew 13 is among the most distinguishable chapters in the

More information

2) That s the second point for this sermon. Mary sang with Bible knowledge.

2) That s the second point for this sermon. Mary sang with Bible knowledge. Luke 1:54-55 Dear children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, and guests, two more days, and it will be Christmas. Today is the last Sunday of Advent. Our reflection on expectation is almost over.

More information

The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Salvation of Israel

The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Salvation of Israel The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Salvation of Israel I. INTRODUCTION 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty

More information

Made in his image, but fallen from grace

Made in his image, but fallen from grace LESSON 3 Made in his image, but fallen from grace BACKGROUND READING Human beings have a unique place in creation. When God created human persons, He said that His creation was very good. The Catechism

More information

17. Psalms Praying Psalm 98 with Jesus

17. Psalms Praying Psalm 98 with Jesus 17. Psalms 98-100 Praying Psalm 98 with Jesus 1Sing a new song to GOD. Celebrate the wonderful deeds wrought by God s hand. God s holy arm has achieved victory. 2You, O GOD, make known your saving action,

More information

A Catechism Ryan Kelly

A Catechism Ryan Kelly A Catechism Ryan Kelly I. On the Doctrine of God 1. Who made you? God made me. Genesis 1:27 God created man in his own image. 2. What else did God make? God made all things. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning,

More information

Hebrews 8:1-2 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the

Hebrews 8:1-2 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Hebrews 8:1-2 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the

More information

The Priestly Blessing

The Priestly Blessing The Priestly Blessing What is a blessing? Numbers 6:24-26, Tells you, The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and

More information

What's That Book About?

What's That Book About? What's That Book About? HR110 LESSON 03 of 05 Mark Young, PhD Experience: President, Denver Seminary Previously, we looked at the story of creation and the fall of humanity. You may remember that the description

More information

2) These books were written by Moses (between BC)

2) These books were written by Moses (between BC) Subject: Know Your Bible Part 2 Scripture: Psalm 119:18-24 It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people can see beauty where others cannot. The psalmist asks God to open His spiritual

More information

THE PENTATEUCH BACK TO THE BEGINNING. Lesson 1: God the Creator Treasure Story: Genesis 1:1-2:3 Treasure Point: God is the creator of all things.

THE PENTATEUCH BACK TO THE BEGINNING. Lesson 1: God the Creator Treasure Story: Genesis 1:1-2:3 Treasure Point: God is the creator of all things. THE PENTATEUCH BACK TO THE BEGINNING Lesson 1: God the Creator Treasure Point: God is the creator of all things. Lesson 2: God is Good Treasure Point: All of creation is very good, but God is even better.

More information

SURRENDER AND SACRIFICE

SURRENDER AND SACRIFICE "The Gospel of Genesis" -- Study 35 SURRENDER AND SACRIFICE And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham,

More information

Exchanging Emptiness For Fullness

Exchanging Emptiness For Fullness Exchanging Emptiness For Fullness Dr. Charles C. Trombley 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 emphasizes Israel s experiences in Egypt and the wilderness as an example. Now all these things happened to them as examples,

More information

Here I am, living in a palace of cedar,

Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, The Temple and Heaven Page 1. September 10, 2003 THE TEMPLE AND HEAVEN At Mt. Sinai God gave the children of Israel the description of the portable tent (Tabernacle) that He wanted them to make, using

More information

Valley Bible Church. Valley Bible Church Adult Class UNDERSTANDING END TIMES PROPHECY FOCUS #10 THE ETERNAL STATE REVELATION 21:1-22:5

Valley Bible Church. Valley Bible Church Adult Class UNDERSTANDING END TIMES PROPHECY FOCUS #10 THE ETERNAL STATE REVELATION 21:1-22:5 Adult Class UNDERSTANDING END TIMES PROPHECY FOCUS #10 THE ETERNAL STATE REVELATION 21:1-22:5 Most of us probably wonder what heaven will be like. The Bible refers to heaven over 500 times. The book of

More information

Fulfilled. The Preexistence and Lineage of Christ John 1:1-14. Bethel Community Church. Pastor Brad Belcher, Senior Pastor

Fulfilled. The Preexistence and Lineage of Christ John 1:1-14. Bethel Community Church. Pastor Brad Belcher, Senior Pastor John 1:1-14 Bethel Community Church Pastor Brad Belcher, Senior Pastor John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3

More information

History of Redemption

History of Redemption History of Redemption The Message of the Bible in 10 Lessons Diocese-Based Leadership Training Program Mennonite Churches of East Africa (KMC/KMT) Prepared by Joseph Bontrager, 2017 History of Redemption,

More information

An investigation into the glory of God revealed to us in Scripture, and why an understanding of God s glory is crucial to our faith

An investigation into the glory of God revealed to us in Scripture, and why an understanding of God s glory is crucial to our faith An investigation into the glory of God revealed to us in Scripture, and why an understanding of God s glory is crucial to our faith Exodus 24:13-18 13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses

More information

THE SIN OF THE GOLDEN CALF (continued) THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD EXODUS 33:1-23

THE SIN OF THE GOLDEN CALF (continued) THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD EXODUS 33:1-23 www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1 THE SIN OF THE GOLDEN CALF (continued) THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD EXODUS 33:1-23 www.biblestudyworkshop.org 2 Text: Exodus 33:1-23, THE SIN OF THE GOLDEN CALF (continued) THE

More information

Sunday February 05, 2017 Manifesting His Glory Series Part 1 : Presence & Glory

Sunday February 05, 2017 Manifesting His Glory Series Part 1 : Presence & Glory Sunday February 05, 2017 Manifesting His Glory Series Part 1 : Presence & Glory We begin a new series today called "Manifesting His Glory". We will do 4 sermons in this series. Today, as an introduction,

More information

Book of Revelation Study Part 4

Book of Revelation Study Part 4 Book of Revelation Study Part 4 The Throne Room of God John is invited to step beyond the realm of the natural into the Throne Room of God. Note that it was located through a door. The Heavenly realm is

More information

Tongues as of Fire. Why Fire?

Tongues as of Fire. Why Fire? Tongues as of Fire Why Fire? Genesis 5:8-8 (NKJV) 8 And he said, "Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?" 9 So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat,

More information

Learning to See the Bible As Manageable & Meaningful

Learning to See the Bible As Manageable & Meaningful Learning to See the Bible As Manageable & Meaningful Using the New Testament to Learn the Old A Free Download from BethDemme.com Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright

More information

January. The Beginning Genesis. Chester ARP Church -- Growing In Christ, Witnessing to the World

January. The Beginning Genesis. Chester ARP Church -- Growing In Christ, Witnessing to the World January The Beginning Genesis The New Testament and Church tradition agree that Moses provided the essential substance of Genesis. Later Hebrew editors, working under the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit

More information

GOD'S PROMISES TO ISRAEL THE CHURCH

GOD'S PROMISES TO ISRAEL THE CHURCH GOD'S PROMISES TO ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH PART 2 THE HISTORICAL BOOKS GOD'S PROMISES TO ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH 2 THE HISTORICAL BOOKS It is advisable first to read the Preface and Introduction in Part 1 and

More information

Micah 4:1-2 The Mountain of the Lord

Micah 4:1-2 The Mountain of the Lord 1 Micah 4:1-2 The Mountain of the Lord How many of you like to go to the mountains? I love the mountains. As a child my mother used to take my sister and me to the mountains of NC. I went to university

More information

Sunday Morning. Study 13. The New Covenant

Sunday Morning. Study 13. The New Covenant Sunday Morning Study 13 The New Covenant A New Covenant The Objective is the key concept for this weeks lesson. It should be the main focus of the study Objective To review the covenants between God and

More information

Series Revelation. Scripture #32 Revelation 21:1-8

Series Revelation. Scripture #32 Revelation 21:1-8 Series Revelation Scripture #32 Revelation 21:1-8 Today and the next two Sundays we will focus on the characteristics of eternity. I find that, as I get older, I give more and more thought to my heavenly

More information

The prophetical books

The prophetical books The prophetical books A discipleship training to equip Christians for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-16) 13 QUIET TIME Theme: The prophetical books in the

More information

iew=detail&mid=6f30244ff997594c70286f30244ff997594c7028&form=vire

iew=detail&mid=6f30244ff997594c70286f30244ff997594c7028&form=vire December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent The Call of Christmas Mary: A Call to Provide Luke 1:26-38 https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+honeymooners%2c+%22hello+mom%22&v iew=detail&mid=6f30244ff997594c70286f30244ff997594c7028&form=vire

More information

a Grace Notes course Foundations 200 by Rev. Drue Freeman Foundations 202 Old Testament Survey: Genesis to Deuteronomy Grace Notes

a Grace Notes course Foundations 200 by Rev. Drue Freeman Foundations 202 Old Testament Survey: Genesis to Deuteronomy Grace Notes a Grace Notes course Foundations 200 by Rev. Drue Freeman Foundations 202 Old Testament Survey: Genesis to Deuteronomy Grace Notes Web Site: http://www.gracenotes.info E-mail: wdoud@gracenotes.info Foundations

More information

In Him Was Life LESSON ONE. John 1:1 18. John 1:1 18. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is eternal and is the source of eternal life.

In Him Was Life LESSON ONE. John 1:1 18. John 1:1 18. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is eternal and is the source of eternal life. FOCAL TEXT John 1:1 18 BACKGROUND John 1:1 18 MAIN IDEA Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is eternal and is the source of eternal life. QUESTION TO EXPLORE What is Jesus true identity? LESSON ONE In Him

More information

Who Are The Two Witnesses?

Who Are The Two Witnesses? Who Are The Two Witnesses? March 8, 2014 Virginia Crow I have been meaning to write this for a long time and just keep putting it off. But I think that now is the right time. We have all read lots of articles

More information

SAVED BY GOD S SON SESSION 3. The Point. The Bible Meets Life. The Passage. The Setting GET INTO THE STUDY. 10 minutes

SAVED BY GOD S SON SESSION 3. The Point. The Bible Meets Life. The Passage. The Setting GET INTO THE STUDY. 10 minutes GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes GUIDE: Direct the group to look at the picture (PSG, p. 32). DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 32): When have you felt captivated by a rescue mission? GUIDE: Direct attention

More information

Walking With God and His People

Walking With God and His People GRADE Bible Curriculum 3 Updated Memory Work Grade 3, Unit 2 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from

More information

Exodus 23:20 33 (See chart on page 9)

Exodus 23:20 33 (See chart on page 9) Exodus 23:20 33 (See chart on page 9) I. What does LAND have to do with COVENANT??? This morning, we reach the end of the Book of the Covenant. After all the Words and all the Rules (after the Ten Commandments

More information

Exodus 31:12-18 and 35:1-3. It s helpful to think of the book of Exodus as having four major sections.

Exodus 31:12-18 and 35:1-3. It s helpful to think of the book of Exodus as having four major sections. Exodus 31:12-18 and 35:1-3 Introduction It s helpful to think of the book of Exodus as having four major sections. In Part I we saw that Yahweh is the God who delivers His people from Egypt (1:1-15:21)

More information

Promise to Fulfillment: Unit 6 The Exodus and God s Redemption (in the Biblical Setting)

Promise to Fulfillment: Unit 6 The Exodus and God s Redemption (in the Biblical Setting) Introduction The purpose of this unit is to: To continue looking at the redemption by God of Israel and the implications for their life of faith as described in the book of Deuteronomy but with particular

More information

UBC Bible Study. In the book of Genesis all the major themes of the Bible have their origin.

UBC Bible Study. In the book of Genesis all the major themes of the Bible have their origin. Genesis The Book of Beginnings In the book of Genesis all the major themes of the Bible have their origin. The Scarlet Thread has it's beginning immediately after the Fall the promise of salvation is given

More information

The Revelation OF The Name

The Revelation OF The Name Isaiah 9:6 Christmas Series: The Revelation OF The Name Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,

More information

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel D O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Revelation 21:1-4 Rev. Nollie Malabuyo December 2, 2018 ear Congregation of Christ: Today, the first Sunday of Advent 2018, we will begin a series

More information

Promise to Fulfillment: Unit 5 The Exodus and God s Redemption (in the Original Setting)

Promise to Fulfillment: Unit 5 The Exodus and God s Redemption (in the Original Setting) Introduction The purpose of this unit is to: Understand deeper the redemption by God of Israel and the implications for their life of faith as described in the book of Deuteronomy. We ll specifically look

More information

Resurrection Sunday (2013)

Resurrection Sunday (2013) Resurrection Sunday (2013) I. The Glory of God Source of Death and Life The naked, unveiled glory of God is a deadly thing. Exodus 33:18 23 Moses said, Please show me your glory. And [the Lord] said, I

More information

Moving Forward with God s Presence Exodus 33:

Moving Forward with God s Presence Exodus 33: Moving Forward with God s Presence Exodus 33:14-15 3 5 17 I don t know about you, but we re moving forward! Exodus 33:14 15 (NKJV) 14 And God said, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

More information

GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE. Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love

GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE. Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love General Objective: To examine how God reveals a Plan of Love in the Old Testament Specific

More information

Isaiah at a Glance. The judgment and transformation of Zion The judgment of the vineyard and Immanuel. Isaiah 1 4

Isaiah at a Glance. The judgment and transformation of Zion The judgment of the vineyard and Immanuel. Isaiah 1 4 Isaiah at a Glance The judgment and transformation of Zion The judgment of the vineyard and Immanuel Isaiah 1 4 5 12 The city of man vs. the city of God 13 27 Trusting nations vs. trusting the word of

More information

Location, Location, Location

Location, Location, Location Location, Location, Location Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take

More information

The Old Testament Covenant Story

The Old Testament Covenant Story The Old Testament Covenant Story What is a Covenant Contract v. Covenant - A Contract is usually a temporary arrangement (with many escape clauses) that is focused on an exchange of resources. - A Covenant

More information

Lesson 22: God Calls Moses Out to Deliver His People

Lesson 22: God Calls Moses Out to Deliver His People Lesson 22: God Calls Moses Out to Deliver His People There s a lot of talk about self-esteem today. Here are just a few of the titles of books that have been written to help people with their self-esteem

More information

lesson one beginnings Genesis 1 3

lesson one beginnings Genesis 1 3 lesson one beginnings Genesis 1 3 Background: God inspired the Israelite leader, Moses, to author the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), also known as

More information

1 Peter 2:9-12 Monday 15/04/13

1 Peter 2:9-12 Monday 15/04/13 1 Peter 2:9-12 Monday 15/04/13 To God Prayers Pray for hope, ask the Lord God to give His people hope, and pray that the church will become a place where God is worshipped and where people outside the

More information

CORE VALUES & BELIEFS

CORE VALUES & BELIEFS CORE VALUES & BELIEFS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER Who We Are The Vineyard is a God-initiated, global movement of churches (of which VUSA is a part) with the kingdom of God as its theological

More information

Where is your God? Luke 2:22-40

Where is your God? Luke 2:22-40 Where is your God? Luke 2:22-40 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of

More information

August 6 The Transfiguration

August 6 The Transfiguration August 6 The Transfiguration Exodus 34:29-35 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his

More information

Now, for the rest of our time, I would like to finish point #2 as we consider 3 implications from this prayer. We will spend most of our time on #3.

Now, for the rest of our time, I would like to finish point #2 as we consider 3 implications from this prayer. We will spend most of our time on #3. 1 Mark 14:32-42 The Garden of Gethsemane (part 2) This is the 2 nd part of a sermon on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. If you remember from last week, I said that we were going to cover 3 truths about

More information

Temple and the Presence of God

Temple and the Presence of God Temple and the Presence of God Rev: 4/24/2017 1 The Temple: A Brief Review The Cosmic Temple manifests God s Presence in His Creation: one God, almighty but not isolated He is holy, and because creation

More information

Questions. Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 13 ~ God is God and I m Not! Romans 9:1-24

Questions. Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 13 ~ God is God and I m Not! Romans 9:1-24 Facilitator Notes for Set Free! A Study in Romans Lesson 13 ~ God is God and I m Not! Romans 9:1-24 Questions Read Romans 9:1-5. PLEASE DON'T READ THESE NOTES UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR LESSON. HEARING

More information

Handout 1: The Beatitudes Lesson 5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5

Handout 1: The Beatitudes Lesson 5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5 Handout 1: The Beatitudes Lesson 5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5 Including the passage in Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek the Greek word praus,

More information

The exclusiveness of Israel in the OLD TESTAMENT

The exclusiveness of Israel in the OLD TESTAMENT The exclusiveness of Israel in the OLD TESTAMENT There are two very interesting facts found in both Testaments that are not commonly accepted. Firstly there are the many statements that show that God redeems

More information

Haggai / COB /

Haggai / COB / Haggai 2.20-23 / COB / 04.10.16 Introduction [Slide 1: Title] I hear some of you are challenging the pastor s pronunciation of Haggai. You know, this is not even a Hebrew issue. In Hebrew, the prophet

More information

Key Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest

Key Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest Hebrews - A Letter Addressed to Modern-Day Christians Part 2 Key Words We Will Find The Overall Structure of Hebrews and Its Focus on Jesus Christ as our High Priest Before we start into a verse by verse

More information

Series: the End Times Bible prophecy about future events and periods

Series: the End Times Bible prophecy about future events and periods Thursday Evening Bible Study Series: the End Times Bible prophecy about future events and periods Teaching Summary for Week 15 The Kingdom and the Covenants Part 4. The Davidic Covenant The Davidic Covenant

More information

The evacuation initiated: moses called

The evacuation initiated: moses called Session 3 The evacuation initiated: moses called Exodus 3 Memory Verses 14 God replied to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you. 15 God also said

More information

When God led Israel out of Egypt, where did he lead them? Most important thing for God: not an objective, goals, vision, but people.

When God led Israel out of Egypt, where did he lead them? Most important thing for God: not an objective, goals, vision, but people. Jiri Moskala 2 nd Session, April 16, 2007 Leadership Essentials in the Life of Moses When God led Israel out of Egypt, where did he lead them? Mt. Sinai or Promised land? Wrong Exo 19:4 Exodus 19:4 4 'You

More information

Start the New Year right by reading the Bible every day

Start the New Year right by reading the Bible every day Ps 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. KJV This short verse from the Psalms can be set forth as a prayer each time before we open the Bible to read. It asks God

More information

5 Who Is The Holy Spirit?

5 Who Is The Holy Spirit? WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? 53 5 Who Is The Holy Spirit? The question is not What is the Holy Spirit? Rather, the question is Who is the Holy Spirit? This is the question because the Holy Spirit is a being,

More information

(b) The pattern of the tabernacle symbolizes the eternal throne of Yahweh among his people. 1. What is the pattern of the tabernacle?

(b) The pattern of the tabernacle symbolizes the eternal throne of Yahweh among his people. 1. What is the pattern of the tabernacle? Introduction This passage breaks down nicely into three different sections. 1. God instructs Moses to build a tabernacle (25 31) 2. The people reject God s plan but God relents (32 34) 3. God dwells among

More information

Sermon Christmas I 2017 Year B Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 Bill Watson December 31, 2017

Sermon Christmas I 2017 Year B Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 Bill Watson December 31, 2017 Sermon Christmas I 2017 Year B Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 Bill Watson December 31, 2017 Here we are on day seven of the twelve days of Christmas. Our journey began

More information

THE STORY OF THE BIBLE. Lesson 1 God s Eternal Plan RANDY BROBERG MARANATHA MENS MINISTRY December 2, 2017

THE STORY OF THE BIBLE. Lesson 1 God s Eternal Plan RANDY BROBERG MARANATHA MENS MINISTRY December 2, 2017 THE STORY OF THE BIBLE Lesson 1 God s Eternal Plan RANDY BROBERG MARANATHA MENS MINISTRY December 2, 2017 TOPIC 1: God s Eternal Plan THE BIG, BIG PICTURE It s not just about you. Our View Of Time: Linear

More information

The Drama of Scripture Redemption (Part 1 - Israel)

The Drama of Scripture Redemption (Part 1 - Israel) The Drama of Scripture Redemption (Part 1 - Israel) All of us have lost something at one time or another, right? When something is lost, that doesn t mean it is worthless or not valuable; it just means

More information

Lesson 46 Revelation 5 6; 19 22

Lesson 46 Revelation 5 6; 19 22 Lesson 46 Revelation 5 6; 19 22 Lesson 46 The word end has at least two meanings in English: the point that marks the boundary or limit, such as the last point in a series, and the purpose or goal, such

More information

Leviticus Introduction. Bible Study

Leviticus Introduction. Bible Study Leviticus Introduction Bible Study Review [Exodus] God s glory Exodus 24:16 16 Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses

More information

The First Century Church - Lesson 1

The First Century Church - Lesson 1 The First Century Church - Lesson 1 Introduction to Course Jesus said, "I will build my church" - Matthew 16:18. This course is a study of that First Century church as revealed in the scriptures. The church

More information

God s s Perfect Plan. Overview of the Bible. By David Dann

God s s Perfect Plan. Overview of the Bible. By David Dann God s s Perfect Plan Overview of the Bible By David Dann God s s Perfect Plan God s s Perfect Plan The Bible communicates the will of God to mankind. God s s Perfect Plan The Bible communicates the will

More information

But what if it s different THIS YEAR? What if we started thinking & talking about the significance of Jesus birth for the next 19 days in our homes?

But what if it s different THIS YEAR? What if we started thinking & talking about the significance of Jesus birth for the next 19 days in our homes? ElainePendergrass.com that she entitled Don t Forget the Birthday Boy! Birthday party preparation is a lot of work! You must set the date, choose a theme, design invitations, set the guest list, purchase

More information

The End of the Long Night of Waiting

The End of the Long Night of Waiting Scripture and You The End of the Long Night of Waiting By Dr. Paul M. Elliott From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase Part 5 of a series. Read part 4. God may end a Christian's long night of waiting

More information

ADVENT ABF STUDY John 1:1-18 November 28 December 19

ADVENT ABF STUDY John 1:1-18 November 28 December 19 ADVENT ABF STUDY John 1:1-18 November 28 December 19 The following study looks at the coming of Jesus through the lens of John 1:1-18. This is one of the most remarkable passages in all of Scripture for

More information

Who Can See God s Face and Live? Pastor Andy CastroLang October 7, 2018

Who Can See God s Face and Live? Pastor Andy CastroLang October 7, 2018 Who Can See God s Face and Live? Pastor Andy CastroLang October 7, 2018 Scripture (ERV): Exodus 3:1-6 Moses father-in-law was named Jethro. Jethro was a priest of Midian. Moses took care of Jethro s sheep.

More information

Discuss: Let s begin by discussing some questions about the Old Testament

Discuss: Let s begin by discussing some questions about the Old Testament Wheelersburg Baptist Church 1/16/08 Wednesday evening Old Testament Survey Genesis Discuss: Let s begin by discussing some questions about the Old Testament --What word first comes to mind when you think

More information

STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS Lesson 16 Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin - Acts 7:1-53 Read the following verses in the Last Days Bible or a translation of your choice. Then discuss

More information

Old Testament Basics. Color Books, Wisdom/Poetry Books, and Prophetic Books. OT128 LESSON 03 of 10. Introduction. The Old Testament Color Books

Old Testament Basics. Color Books, Wisdom/Poetry Books, and Prophetic Books. OT128 LESSON 03 of 10. Introduction. The Old Testament Color Books Old Testament Basics OT128 LESSON 03 of 10 Dr. Sid Buzzell Experience: Dean of Christian University GlobalNet Introduction In lesson 2 we looked at the Old Testament s main story line and focused on the

More information

Biblical Study. Dr John Clark. Identity : Luke

Biblical Study. Dr John Clark. Identity : Luke Medicine of the Person 2004 Drübeck Germany Biblical Study Dr John Clark Identity : Luke 15.1-7. This week we are thinking about identity, work and health, themes central to the medicine of the person.

More information

Jewish Ten Commandments

Jewish Ten Commandments Jewish Ten Commandments GraspingGod.com: Bible Study Lesson #5.12 Jewish Ten Commandments Bible Verses: Moses said, "Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances, which I teach you, to do

More information

IS THE MESSIAH GOD? A LOOK AT THE OLD TESTAMENT. by Todd Bolen

IS THE MESSIAH GOD? A LOOK AT THE OLD TESTAMENT. by Todd Bolen IS THE MESSIAH GOD? A LOOK AT THE OLD TESTAMENT by Todd Bolen Many Jews and cultists charge that the deity of the Messiah was invented after the first century AD by theologians who misread the Bible. In

More information

What is Heaven Like?

What is Heaven Like? What is Heaven Like? Three Heavens II Corinthians 12:1-2 Paul speaks about the 3 rd heaven. There are three heavens in the Bible 1 st Heaven atmosphere around the earth where the birds fly ect. 2 nd Heaven

More information

Exodus 15:13-21 No: 20 Week: 239 Friday 16/04/10. Prayer. Bible passage - Exodus 15: Prayer Suggestions. Meditation

Exodus 15:13-21 No: 20 Week: 239 Friday 16/04/10. Prayer. Bible passage - Exodus 15: Prayer Suggestions. Meditation Exodus 15:13-21 No: 20 Week: 239 Friday 16/04/10 Prayer Powerful and generous Lord, come into our lives to deal with the problems that beset us. Expose the Devil s grip wherever it has taken hold, break

More information

A Catechism for Boys and Girls Primary Lessons. Lesson 1

A Catechism for Boys and Girls Primary Lessons. Lesson 1 Lesson 1 Question 1: Who made you? Answer: God made me. Verse: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27) Lesson 2 Question

More information

CHARACTER Old Testament People: Encounters with God

CHARACTER Old Testament People: Encounters with God CHARACTER Old Testament People: Encounters with God Explanation and Overview Why Study Character? The pages of the Old Testament are full of amazing stories about remarkable people. But the Old Testament

More information

GOD S MANIFESTATION TO ISRAEL

GOD S MANIFESTATION TO ISRAEL o o GOD REVEALING HIMSELF TO ISRAEL GOD S DESIRE TO DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE GOD S MANIFESTATION TO ISRAEL THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE The bible is a book collectively written by many people manipulated by the

More information

(Acts 3:11) While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon s Colonnade.

(Acts 3:11) While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon s Colonnade. Acts 3:11-21 & 22-26 New International Version December 3, 2017 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, December 3, 2017, is from Acts 3:11-21 (Some will only

More information

Just Checking In JCI #187 August 2017 The First and Second Adam

Just Checking In JCI #187 August 2017 The First and Second Adam Just Checking In JCI #187 August 2017 One man got us into this mess, and there is only one Man who can get us out The Man Christ Jesus! There are three key New Testament passages that focus on the great

More information