Numbers 11:1-9 -The people are not satisfied with manna, want meat
Exodus 16:31 -The taste of manna was like wafers made with honey
As we’ve looked at before, the Israelites did a lot of grumbling. This time, they’re dissatisfied with the food that God has provided them. How often do we grow dissatisfied with the blessings God has given, and want more and more?
Philippians 4:6 -Thanksgiving to God
I Corinthians 10:1-13 -An example to us, do not grumble
II Corinthians 12:7-10 -Thorn in the flesh, grace is sufficient
Numbers 11:10-15 -The Lord and Moses are both angry with the people
When the people complain against God, Moses reacts with anger. Do we grow angry over sin? Do we have much of a reaction at all?
John 2:13-17 -Jesus clearing the temple
Jeremiah 6:13-15 -They do not even know how to blush
We also see Moses essentially asking, “Why me?” It seemed to him that God had given him more than he could bear. Do we ever feel that way?
I Corinthians 10:12-13 -God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear
Matthew 11:28-30 -His yoke is easy, His burden is light
Numbers 11:16-23 -The Lord tells Moses that He will provide much meat
Numbers 11:31-34 -The Lord provides an overabundance of quail, and creates a plague
When the Lord gave them quail, He did not provide simply a little bit. He quite literally flooded the camp 3 feet deep in quail, and covering such an area that it was thick with quail that you’d have to walk a full day out of camp to get away from it!
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 -God will send a strong delusion
Romans 1:18-27 -God gave them up to sin
We also see that God’s anger burned against those who yielded to their own will.
I Peter 4:1-6 -Have the same attitude as Christ: live for God’s will
Hebrews 10:35-36 -When you have done His will, you will be rewarded
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Before Pentecost - 2/15/09am
Acts 1:1-3 -Second letter to Theophilus, infallible proofs
This was the second letter Luke wrote to Theophilus. In introducing this second letter, he briefly recaps the previous letter, the Gospel of Luke, presenting the evidence as infallible and unmistakable.
I Corinthians 15:3-11 -Christ appeared to over 500, at one time
Acts 1:4-8 -The coming of the kingdom and Holy Spirit
The disciples ask if it is time for the Lord to bring about the kingdom. He answers that they will receive power in Jerusalem.
Matthew 6:28 -Some were alive who would see the kingdom
Luke 24:44-49 -Christ opened their minds to the scriptures
Acts 1:9-11 -The ascension of Christ
Christ, after His resurrection, ascended back to heaven. Since then, we await His return and eternal life with Him.
I Thessalonians 4:15-18 -Christ will return, the faithful will be with Him
Acts 1:12-14 -Continuing in one accord with prayer
As the disciples did, so must we: to gather ourselves together, to be of one mind, and to pray constantly.
Philippians 2:1-11 -Be of one mind: requires humility like Christ had
James 5:13-18 -Prayer for a variety of reasons and circumstances
Acts 1:15-22 -The apostles understand the scriptures, and begin to replace Iscariot
The apostles not only understood what the scripture meant, they took the knowledge and made application. We too much make application of God’s word to our lives.
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
James 1:22-25 -Do not only listen to the word, do what it says
Acts 1:23-26 -Matthias is chosen by lot
Matthias is chosen over Barsabas. Why? It does not seem to be because Barsabas was unrighteous (or why would he have been considered to begin with?). It was because Matthias was better suited to that particular role.
I Corinthians 12:12-31 -Different members for different purposes
This was the second letter Luke wrote to Theophilus. In introducing this second letter, he briefly recaps the previous letter, the Gospel of Luke, presenting the evidence as infallible and unmistakable.
I Corinthians 15:3-11 -Christ appeared to over 500, at one time
Acts 1:4-8 -The coming of the kingdom and Holy Spirit
The disciples ask if it is time for the Lord to bring about the kingdom. He answers that they will receive power in Jerusalem.
Matthew 6:28 -Some were alive who would see the kingdom
Luke 24:44-49 -Christ opened their minds to the scriptures
Acts 1:9-11 -The ascension of Christ
Christ, after His resurrection, ascended back to heaven. Since then, we await His return and eternal life with Him.
I Thessalonians 4:15-18 -Christ will return, the faithful will be with Him
Acts 1:12-14 -Continuing in one accord with prayer
As the disciples did, so must we: to gather ourselves together, to be of one mind, and to pray constantly.
Philippians 2:1-11 -Be of one mind: requires humility like Christ had
James 5:13-18 -Prayer for a variety of reasons and circumstances
Acts 1:15-22 -The apostles understand the scriptures, and begin to replace Iscariot
The apostles not only understood what the scripture meant, they took the knowledge and made application. We too much make application of God’s word to our lives.
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
James 1:22-25 -Do not only listen to the word, do what it says
Acts 1:23-26 -Matthias is chosen by lot
Matthias is chosen over Barsabas. Why? It does not seem to be because Barsabas was unrighteous (or why would he have been considered to begin with?). It was because Matthias was better suited to that particular role.
I Corinthians 12:12-31 -Different members for different purposes
Saturday, February 7, 2009
What God Has Cleansed - 2/9/09pm
Leviticus 11:1-8 -Land animals must chew the cud AND have cloven hooves
Leviticus 11:9-12 -Fish must have fins AND scales
Notice the concern with detail. More instruction was given than just generalities, specific examples have been named, illustrating what the Israelites could and could not eat. We too must be concerned with the details of what
Leviticus 11:13-19 -Restrictions on birds
Leviticus 11:20-23 -Restrictions on insects
Leviticus 11:24-30 -Further unclean animals
Leviticus 11:31-38 -If an animal carcass contacts is, is it unclean?
Imagine the care that a person must have taken to ensure that their produce, their water, and all their food remained clean. It would require dedication to keeping the commandments of God. Are we so determined to keep God’s commandments? Or are we somewhat more relaxed about the Lord’s will?
Keeping in mind the stringent detail of God’s instruction, and how much effort would be put into keeping it, it makes what occurs later a much bigger deal than what we usually think.
Acts 10:1-8 -Cornelius the centurion sends men to Peter
Acts 10:9-16 -Peter’s vision of unclean animals on a sheet
Acts 10:17-23 -The men reach Peter, Peter travels with them
Acts 10:24-29 -Peter understands the vision
Acts 10:30-33 -Cornelius tells of the voice he heard
Acts 10:34-48 -Peter preaches, the household of Cornelius believes and is baptized
Peter understood what has been told to him: that no man is unable to come to Christ or set apart from the word. And while we usually look at this passage and are glad, as the majority of us are of gentile heritage, there is another application for us. We must teach all men, not just the ones we view as being more “clean.” No matter how “common” or “unclean” a person seems, we must bring them the word, as Peter did here.
Acts 11:1-3 -Other Christians contend with Peter for eating with gentiles
Acts 11:4-17 -Peter explains the vision and the meaning of the vision
Acts 11:18 -The gentiles are granted repentance to life
What God has cleansed, let us not call unclean. Of course, it’s entirely possible to give up being clean, isn’t it? Just as in the Old Testament, the Israelites could, through their actions, make themselves unclean, we do the same when we choose to disobey the Lord. If you have never obeyed the gospel, you must do as these first gentile converts did: believe, and obey through baptism. If you have obeyed and come to God, yet turned away and made yourself unclean, you must “repent unto life” again.
Leviticus 11:9-12 -Fish must have fins AND scales
Notice the concern with detail. More instruction was given than just generalities, specific examples have been named, illustrating what the Israelites could and could not eat. We too must be concerned with the details of what
Leviticus 11:13-19 -Restrictions on birds
Leviticus 11:20-23 -Restrictions on insects
Leviticus 11:24-30 -Further unclean animals
Leviticus 11:31-38 -If an animal carcass contacts is, is it unclean?
Imagine the care that a person must have taken to ensure that their produce, their water, and all their food remained clean. It would require dedication to keeping the commandments of God. Are we so determined to keep God’s commandments? Or are we somewhat more relaxed about the Lord’s will?
Keeping in mind the stringent detail of God’s instruction, and how much effort would be put into keeping it, it makes what occurs later a much bigger deal than what we usually think.
Acts 10:1-8 -Cornelius the centurion sends men to Peter
Acts 10:9-16 -Peter’s vision of unclean animals on a sheet
Acts 10:17-23 -The men reach Peter, Peter travels with them
Acts 10:24-29 -Peter understands the vision
Acts 10:30-33 -Cornelius tells of the voice he heard
Acts 10:34-48 -Peter preaches, the household of Cornelius believes and is baptized
Peter understood what has been told to him: that no man is unable to come to Christ or set apart from the word. And while we usually look at this passage and are glad, as the majority of us are of gentile heritage, there is another application for us. We must teach all men, not just the ones we view as being more “clean.” No matter how “common” or “unclean” a person seems, we must bring them the word, as Peter did here.
Acts 11:1-3 -Other Christians contend with Peter for eating with gentiles
Acts 11:4-17 -Peter explains the vision and the meaning of the vision
Acts 11:18 -The gentiles are granted repentance to life
What God has cleansed, let us not call unclean. Of course, it’s entirely possible to give up being clean, isn’t it? Just as in the Old Testament, the Israelites could, through their actions, make themselves unclean, we do the same when we choose to disobey the Lord. If you have never obeyed the gospel, you must do as these first gentile converts did: believe, and obey through baptism. If you have obeyed and come to God, yet turned away and made yourself unclean, you must “repent unto life” again.
He Is Risen - 2/8/09am
Matthew 26:47-56 -Jesus is betrayed and arrested
Although Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, remember that the other disciples did not. It’s easy to know the anger and dismay this would cause the apostles
Matthew 26:57-66 -Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin
If you are Peter, having followed Christ, you see the Lord being obviously falsely accused, mocked, and smitten. You see Him obviously unjustly condemned by the council of those who are supposed to be judging according to the Law.
Matthew 26:67-68 -Jesus is mocked and struck
Matthew 26:69-75 -Jesus is again betrayed by one close to Him
With all of this, it is easy to understand why Peter would deny the Lord. And yet, we see his remorse after doing so. Truly, at this point, it must seem to Peter that everyone had lost faith.
Matthew 27:11-26 -Jesus is brought before Pilate
And now we see Christ before Pilate, the hand of Rome in Judea. Pilate, who had no great regard for Jews, finds the man obviously innocent. Nonetheless, in order to sate the crowd, he hands him over and frees Barabbas. In a sense, taking the man’s place.
Matthew 27:27-31 -Jesus is again mocked and beaten
And now Christ is mocked and beaten again, this time by gentiles. It is as though the entire world, Jews, gentiles, and His disciples, have turned against Him.
Matthew 27:32-44 -Jesus is crucified and mocked
Matthew 27:45-56 -Jesus dies
Jesus, the Son of God, God the Son, gave up the spirit. How dark an hour this must have been for His disciples.
We often complain about how bad things are now, in the year 2009. Yet consider that moment in time. It seemed as though the entire world had rejected Christ, Satan had won, and God had been shown powerless and unable to bring about His will.
Matthew 27:57-61 -Jesus is buried
Matthew 28:1-10 -Jesus is risen
And yet, at this darkest hour of history, God overcomes! Jesus is risen from the dead. And those who follow Him have the victory because of this.
No matter ho bad things may seem to be, whether in politics, the economy, world affairs, or whatever else may trouble us, we have the victory, if we are baptized into the Lord’s death, and rise a new creature. If we do not deny and betray Him, if we follow Him, then salvation awaits us. Have you obeyed the gospel?
Although Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, remember that the other disciples did not. It’s easy to know the anger and dismay this would cause the apostles
Matthew 26:57-66 -Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin
If you are Peter, having followed Christ, you see the Lord being obviously falsely accused, mocked, and smitten. You see Him obviously unjustly condemned by the council of those who are supposed to be judging according to the Law.
Matthew 26:67-68 -Jesus is mocked and struck
Matthew 26:69-75 -Jesus is again betrayed by one close to Him
With all of this, it is easy to understand why Peter would deny the Lord. And yet, we see his remorse after doing so. Truly, at this point, it must seem to Peter that everyone had lost faith.
Matthew 27:11-26 -Jesus is brought before Pilate
And now we see Christ before Pilate, the hand of Rome in Judea. Pilate, who had no great regard for Jews, finds the man obviously innocent. Nonetheless, in order to sate the crowd, he hands him over and frees Barabbas. In a sense, taking the man’s place.
Matthew 27:27-31 -Jesus is again mocked and beaten
And now Christ is mocked and beaten again, this time by gentiles. It is as though the entire world, Jews, gentiles, and His disciples, have turned against Him.
Matthew 27:32-44 -Jesus is crucified and mocked
Matthew 27:45-56 -Jesus dies
Jesus, the Son of God, God the Son, gave up the spirit. How dark an hour this must have been for His disciples.
We often complain about how bad things are now, in the year 2009. Yet consider that moment in time. It seemed as though the entire world had rejected Christ, Satan had won, and God had been shown powerless and unable to bring about His will.
Matthew 27:57-61 -Jesus is buried
Matthew 28:1-10 -Jesus is risen
And yet, at this darkest hour of history, God overcomes! Jesus is risen from the dead. And those who follow Him have the victory because of this.
No matter ho bad things may seem to be, whether in politics, the economy, world affairs, or whatever else may trouble us, we have the victory, if we are baptized into the Lord’s death, and rise a new creature. If we do not deny and betray Him, if we follow Him, then salvation awaits us. Have you obeyed the gospel?
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Sabbath Rest - 02/01/09pm
Exodus 31:12-17 -Directions for keeping the Sabbath
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -Keep the Sabbath, remember the exodus
Leviticus 25:1-7 -The Sabbath for the land
Mark 2:27 -Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath
Colossians 2:13-15 -Old Law is nailed to the cross
Ephesians 2:14-16 -Old Law finished and put aside by Christ’s death
We are no longer required to keep the Sabbath. It has been done away with, along with the rest of the Law of Moses. But we do still have a Sabbath rest.
Hebrews 3:7-19 -Israelites which did not enter the rest, and why
Hebrews 4:1-12 -The Christian’s Sabbath rest
Colossians 2:16-17 -Sabbaths as a foreshadowing
Our Sabbath is an eternity with Christ in heaven.
I Corinthians 15:58 -Abound in the work of the Lord
Matthew 28:18-20 -Go unto all the world
John 4:31-38 -The fields are white for harvest
Just as the Israelites were to work until the Sabbath, so we must work until ours. We cannot stop working for the Lord until the Sabbath comes.
Acts 7:54-60 -Stephen is stoned, falls asleep
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 -Do not grieve for those who have fallen asleep
Those Christians who have passed from this life are described in a number of scriptures as sleeping, a restful and peaceful thing.
Revelation 21:1-7 -Heaven.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -Keep the Sabbath, remember the exodus
Leviticus 25:1-7 -The Sabbath for the land
Mark 2:27 -Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath
Colossians 2:13-15 -Old Law is nailed to the cross
Ephesians 2:14-16 -Old Law finished and put aside by Christ’s death
We are no longer required to keep the Sabbath. It has been done away with, along with the rest of the Law of Moses. But we do still have a Sabbath rest.
Hebrews 3:7-19 -Israelites which did not enter the rest, and why
Hebrews 4:1-12 -The Christian’s Sabbath rest
Colossians 2:16-17 -Sabbaths as a foreshadowing
Our Sabbath is an eternity with Christ in heaven.
I Corinthians 15:58 -Abound in the work of the Lord
Matthew 28:18-20 -Go unto all the world
John 4:31-38 -The fields are white for harvest
Just as the Israelites were to work until the Sabbath, so we must work until ours. We cannot stop working for the Lord until the Sabbath comes.
Acts 7:54-60 -Stephen is stoned, falls asleep
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 -Do not grieve for those who have fallen asleep
Those Christians who have passed from this life are described in a number of scriptures as sleeping, a restful and peaceful thing.
Revelation 21:1-7 -Heaven.
The Sermon on the Mount - 02/01/09am
Matthew 5:1-2 -Seeing the multitudes, He went up
Matthew 5:3-12 -Blessed are
Are you of the blessed?
In what we often refer to as the beatitudes, we see descriptions of those who will be blessed. Do these descriptions accurately describe you?
Matthew 5:13 -The salt of the earth
Are you still useful?
If salt is not salty, what good is it? If a Christian is not Christ-like, what good is he?
Matthew 5:14-16 -The light of the world
Matthew 5:17-20 -Christ fulfills the law, be more righteous than Pharisees
Are you shining?
In the darkness, even a small light can be easily seen. Are you, be being more righteous than the Pharisees, sharing that light?
Matthew 5:21-30 -Sin comes from the heart
What’s in your Heart?
We see that sin of different sorts comes from the heart. What is in our hearts? Is it goodness that reflects Christ, or is it sin?
Matthew 5:31-32 -Divorce and adultery
Matthew 5:33-37 -Swearing oaths
Matthew 5:38-48 -Treatment of those who abuse us
How do you treat enemies?
Although it is often easy to treat friends and loved ones well, how do we treat those who abuse us?
Matthew 6:1-4 -Good deeds to be done not for public acclaim
Why do you do good?
Is it so that you will be noticed by other people? Is it done because maybe you’ll get your name and picture in the paper? Or is it done in service to God?
Matthew 6:5-15 -Christ’s model prayer
Matthew 6:16-18 -Fasting for God, not man
How often do you pray?
Do we pray how we should often? Or once per day? Twice per day? Only when in the assembly?
Matthew 6:19-24 -Heaven vs. earth, God vs. mammon
Where are your treasures?
Who are you serving?
Are we serving the things and desires in this world, or are we focused on things eternal?
Matthew 6:25-34 -Worry
Do you unfaithfully worry?
What is your first priority?
Are we so concerned with the things of this world that it causes us to worry? Or are we seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness?
Matthew 7:1-6 -Proper judgment
Are your judgments godly?
We all are to make judgments. Are we making righteous judgments or carnal judgments?
Matthew 7:7-12 -Seeking and asking from God
How often do you knock?
How often do we ask God for what we need? How often do we knock at God’s door, as it were?
Matthew 7:13-14 -The wide and narrow gates
Which road are you on?
We only have two options. Are we on the road leading to eternal life or the road leading to eternal condemnation?
Matthew 7:15-20 -Knowing a person by their fruits
What do your fruits say about you?
If by their fruits you shall know them, then what do we know about you? What do your actions, your fruit, say about your life and righteousness?
Matthew 7:21-23 -Simply saying you know God is not enough
Do you truly serve God?
Just claiming to serve God is not enough. Do you truly strive to do as He says? Or are you simply giving lip service?
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
What is your life built on?
If our life is built on the Word, if we do what it says, then we are wise. If not, we are foolish. Is our life built on rock or sand?
Matthew 7:28-29 -Christ taught as one who had authority
Do you heed the one with authority?
Christ has authority. Do you listen to what He says? Do you do as He says? Do you heed the One who can save you?
Matthew 5:3-12 -Blessed are
Are you of the blessed?
In what we often refer to as the beatitudes, we see descriptions of those who will be blessed. Do these descriptions accurately describe you?
Matthew 5:13 -The salt of the earth
Are you still useful?
If salt is not salty, what good is it? If a Christian is not Christ-like, what good is he?
Matthew 5:14-16 -The light of the world
Matthew 5:17-20 -Christ fulfills the law, be more righteous than Pharisees
Are you shining?
In the darkness, even a small light can be easily seen. Are you, be being more righteous than the Pharisees, sharing that light?
Matthew 5:21-30 -Sin comes from the heart
What’s in your Heart?
We see that sin of different sorts comes from the heart. What is in our hearts? Is it goodness that reflects Christ, or is it sin?
Matthew 5:31-32 -Divorce and adultery
Matthew 5:33-37 -Swearing oaths
Matthew 5:38-48 -Treatment of those who abuse us
How do you treat enemies?
Although it is often easy to treat friends and loved ones well, how do we treat those who abuse us?
Matthew 6:1-4 -Good deeds to be done not for public acclaim
Why do you do good?
Is it so that you will be noticed by other people? Is it done because maybe you’ll get your name and picture in the paper? Or is it done in service to God?
Matthew 6:5-15 -Christ’s model prayer
Matthew 6:16-18 -Fasting for God, not man
How often do you pray?
Do we pray how we should often? Or once per day? Twice per day? Only when in the assembly?
Matthew 6:19-24 -Heaven vs. earth, God vs. mammon
Where are your treasures?
Who are you serving?
Are we serving the things and desires in this world, or are we focused on things eternal?
Matthew 6:25-34 -Worry
Do you unfaithfully worry?
What is your first priority?
Are we so concerned with the things of this world that it causes us to worry? Or are we seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness?
Matthew 7:1-6 -Proper judgment
Are your judgments godly?
We all are to make judgments. Are we making righteous judgments or carnal judgments?
Matthew 7:7-12 -Seeking and asking from God
How often do you knock?
How often do we ask God for what we need? How often do we knock at God’s door, as it were?
Matthew 7:13-14 -The wide and narrow gates
Which road are you on?
We only have two options. Are we on the road leading to eternal life or the road leading to eternal condemnation?
Matthew 7:15-20 -Knowing a person by their fruits
What do your fruits say about you?
If by their fruits you shall know them, then what do we know about you? What do your actions, your fruit, say about your life and righteousness?
Matthew 7:21-23 -Simply saying you know God is not enough
Do you truly serve God?
Just claiming to serve God is not enough. Do you truly strive to do as He says? Or are you simply giving lip service?
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
What is your life built on?
If our life is built on the Word, if we do what it says, then we are wise. If not, we are foolish. Is our life built on rock or sand?
Matthew 7:28-29 -Christ taught as one who had authority
Do you heed the one with authority?
Christ has authority. Do you listen to what He says? Do you do as He says? Do you heed the One who can save you?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Plagues of Egypt - 1/25/09pm
I Samuel 4:4-9 -The Philistines remember the plagues of Egypt
The Philistines, in fighting against Israel, remembered the plagues and understood what it meant for them, who opposed God. Let us take a few moments to look back at the plagues and see what we learn of God from them. In them we see His power, His authority, His anger, the inevitability of His will, and His mercy.
Exodus 7:14-25 -First Plague: Nile to blood
God’s ability to touch not just the Nile, but the water already gathered from the Nile, but not the water under ground.
Egypt is completely dependant on the Nile. By striking against it, The Lord struck directly at Egypt’s ability to exist, showing His power over the kingdoms of men.
Exodus 8:1-15 -Second plague: frogs
The water which once was good had been made useless, and now gave forth another problem: huge numbers of frogs.
We also see the hand of God in that they all died when He decided, not naturally over time.
Exodus 8:16-19 -Third plague: gnats/lice
We see God delivering a very personal plague: gnats/lice which infest the people of Egypt.
Exodus 8:20-31 -Fourth plague: flies
We continue to see how God can use even the small things on His behalf. It does not take the great things in this world to accomplish His will, but even the small and seemingly insignificant are used to His purpose.
Exodus 9:1-6 -Fifth plague: disease and death of livestock
Notice the distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt. Notice God’s mercy and care for His people!
Exodus 9:8-12 -Sixth plague: boils
Again we see God impacting each individual person. The disease on cattle was not heeded, so the lesson was made more personal.
Exodus 9:22-35 -Seventh plague: hail
God’s destruction of the crops is quite a punishment of Egypt. He shows His power to control even how people eat.
Exodus 10:12-20 -Eighth plague: locusts
What the hail didn’t get, the locusts did, evidently some time later.
Exodus 10:21-29 -Ninth plague: darkness
You can imagine the terror caused by this darkness.
Yet we see that Israel had light in their homes. Again, we see God’s punishment of those who do not follow Him, and His mercy to those who do.
Exodus 12:29-30 -Tenth plague: death of firstborn
We see the final plague on Egypt. This one affecting every family in a permanent way.
And yet we see that Israel, in following the Lord’s commands, is spared.
We too can receive God’s blessings and not His punishments if we follow and obey Him. As Israel was freed from bondage, we too can escape punishment and be freed from the bondage of sin through obedience and faith.
The Philistines, in fighting against Israel, remembered the plagues and understood what it meant for them, who opposed God. Let us take a few moments to look back at the plagues and see what we learn of God from them. In them we see His power, His authority, His anger, the inevitability of His will, and His mercy.
Exodus 7:14-25 -First Plague: Nile to blood
God’s ability to touch not just the Nile, but the water already gathered from the Nile, but not the water under ground.
Egypt is completely dependant on the Nile. By striking against it, The Lord struck directly at Egypt’s ability to exist, showing His power over the kingdoms of men.
Exodus 8:1-15 -Second plague: frogs
The water which once was good had been made useless, and now gave forth another problem: huge numbers of frogs.
We also see the hand of God in that they all died when He decided, not naturally over time.
Exodus 8:16-19 -Third plague: gnats/lice
We see God delivering a very personal plague: gnats/lice which infest the people of Egypt.
Exodus 8:20-31 -Fourth plague: flies
We continue to see how God can use even the small things on His behalf. It does not take the great things in this world to accomplish His will, but even the small and seemingly insignificant are used to His purpose.
Exodus 9:1-6 -Fifth plague: disease and death of livestock
Notice the distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt. Notice God’s mercy and care for His people!
Exodus 9:8-12 -Sixth plague: boils
Again we see God impacting each individual person. The disease on cattle was not heeded, so the lesson was made more personal.
Exodus 9:22-35 -Seventh plague: hail
God’s destruction of the crops is quite a punishment of Egypt. He shows His power to control even how people eat.
Exodus 10:12-20 -Eighth plague: locusts
What the hail didn’t get, the locusts did, evidently some time later.
Exodus 10:21-29 -Ninth plague: darkness
You can imagine the terror caused by this darkness.
Yet we see that Israel had light in their homes. Again, we see God’s punishment of those who do not follow Him, and His mercy to those who do.
Exodus 12:29-30 -Tenth plague: death of firstborn
We see the final plague on Egypt. This one affecting every family in a permanent way.
And yet we see that Israel, in following the Lord’s commands, is spared.
We too can receive God’s blessings and not His punishments if we follow and obey Him. As Israel was freed from bondage, we too can escape punishment and be freed from the bondage of sin through obedience and faith.
Edification - 1/25/09am
Edification has become, in many places, a justification for doing whatever people feel like “in service to God.” Many are the claims that instruments in worship are more edifying. Often we hear how church sponsored recreational activities are more edifying. Edification has become an excuse for many. Let us take a few moments to consider what edification is, and what it is not.
oikodome (oikos - a home & demo - to build). Literally, “the act of building”
-“Used only figuratively in the NT, in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth”
-(As a verb) Is used metaphorically in the sense of “edifying,” promoting spiritual growth and development of character of believers by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of labor
Acts 20:32-35 -Edified through God and His word of grace
We see here the means of edification: it is of God and through His word. The word of God does not always give the reader an uplifting feeling, but it is always good and useful for building up.
Romans 14:1-21 -Edify each other through action
We see here that edification requires effort and deliberation. We must decide to edify each other. We also see that edification is helping the weak to grow and become stronger. Edification, we see, is a deliberate effort to strengthen someone in the faith.
Romans 15:1-6 -Edification and hope through the scriptures and bearing one another’s weaknesses
I Corinthians 8:1-3 -Love builds up
When we think about what our love is for one another, we know that it’s utmost is a love that requires us to help each other be like Christ, that we may all be with Him for eternity. We do not do this by giving each other a good feeling, but by helping one another be better Christians.
I Corinthians 14:1-19 -Edification by way of being taught
In the context of spiritual gifts, we see that edification comes through being understandably taught, and that spiritual gifts were to be used to this purpose. If something is not understandable, it is pointless sound, and not edifying.
II Corinthians 13:1-14 -Instruction was given through Paul for edification
Teaching, even sharp teaching, is edifying. We can read through Paul’s letters, and we see that Paul’s teaching was not always that which would give an uplifting feeling. However, it was always good for strengthening one’s faith.
Ephesians 4:25-32 -No unwholesome words, only edifying
Words are to be edifying. Not that they make the listener happy or give an uplifting feeling, but that they are good for building up a person’s faith. Words are to be helpful, not detrimental. And in that way, they are edifying.
Colossians 2:6-7 -Rooted and built up in Him
We see that being “built up,” or edified, is an addition to how we are rooted in Christ. That we are to abound in Christ. This doesn’t require a feeling. Or belief in Christ is not founded on emotion. Edification is a strengthening of our Faith, not and uplifting of our feelings.
I Thessalonians 5:1-11 -Edify each other because of judgment
As we await the final Day of the Lord, we are to comfort each other and edify each other. This edification must be a strengthening of our faith, an encouragement to become more like Christ, that when judgment comes, we do not stand condemned.
Jude 1:20-21 -Build yourselves up on your most holy faith
We see this admonition to build ourselves up, the same original word as edify, in the faith. We see this tied to keeping ourselves in the love of God and to prayer. It is not a matter of feeling uplifted in our faith, but one of strengthening and growing in our faith.
Edification is not an emotion or feeling, but is something we must all put effort into and strive to do, both for ourselves and for others. We must learn what God wants, and strive to become better in following it. Are you growing/building up as you should? Are you helping others to grow and be built up?
oikodome (oikos - a home & demo - to build). Literally, “the act of building”
-“Used only figuratively in the NT, in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth”
-(As a verb) Is used metaphorically in the sense of “edifying,” promoting spiritual growth and development of character of believers by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of labor
Acts 20:32-35 -Edified through God and His word of grace
We see here the means of edification: it is of God and through His word. The word of God does not always give the reader an uplifting feeling, but it is always good and useful for building up.
Romans 14:1-21 -Edify each other through action
We see here that edification requires effort and deliberation. We must decide to edify each other. We also see that edification is helping the weak to grow and become stronger. Edification, we see, is a deliberate effort to strengthen someone in the faith.
Romans 15:1-6 -Edification and hope through the scriptures and bearing one another’s weaknesses
I Corinthians 8:1-3 -Love builds up
When we think about what our love is for one another, we know that it’s utmost is a love that requires us to help each other be like Christ, that we may all be with Him for eternity. We do not do this by giving each other a good feeling, but by helping one another be better Christians.
I Corinthians 14:1-19 -Edification by way of being taught
In the context of spiritual gifts, we see that edification comes through being understandably taught, and that spiritual gifts were to be used to this purpose. If something is not understandable, it is pointless sound, and not edifying.
II Corinthians 13:1-14 -Instruction was given through Paul for edification
Teaching, even sharp teaching, is edifying. We can read through Paul’s letters, and we see that Paul’s teaching was not always that which would give an uplifting feeling. However, it was always good for strengthening one’s faith.
Ephesians 4:25-32 -No unwholesome words, only edifying
Words are to be edifying. Not that they make the listener happy or give an uplifting feeling, but that they are good for building up a person’s faith. Words are to be helpful, not detrimental. And in that way, they are edifying.
Colossians 2:6-7 -Rooted and built up in Him
We see that being “built up,” or edified, is an addition to how we are rooted in Christ. That we are to abound in Christ. This doesn’t require a feeling. Or belief in Christ is not founded on emotion. Edification is a strengthening of our Faith, not and uplifting of our feelings.
I Thessalonians 5:1-11 -Edify each other because of judgment
As we await the final Day of the Lord, we are to comfort each other and edify each other. This edification must be a strengthening of our faith, an encouragement to become more like Christ, that when judgment comes, we do not stand condemned.
Jude 1:20-21 -Build yourselves up on your most holy faith
We see this admonition to build ourselves up, the same original word as edify, in the faith. We see this tied to keeping ourselves in the love of God and to prayer. It is not a matter of feeling uplifted in our faith, but one of strengthening and growing in our faith.
Edification is not an emotion or feeling, but is something we must all put effort into and strive to do, both for ourselves and for others. We must learn what God wants, and strive to become better in following it. Are you growing/building up as you should? Are you helping others to grow and be built up?
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