The Glory
This Sunday we finish our series exploring the story of the exodus out of Egypt. We have learned the elements of any good redemption story -- recognizing the threats, hearing the call, following the signs, submitting to the plan, and becoming the tabernacle of God. This week, we encounter the glory of God in the journey of faith.
Topics: God's Glory
The Tabernacle
I've gotta be honest with you. When I read the stuff in the Old Testament about the tabernacle ("make it 30 cubits tall and use purple thread for the ephods"), I feel a little lost. It sounds so ... not us. But when I read it this time, God showed me ... wait for it ... circles! Seeing all that detail of the building of the temple as concentric circles of care ... well, that completely changes how I understand the very first building God designed to house his presence. I now see how the building of the tabernacle was really the building of a community, which is really the building of our own connection to God. And now, I can't wait to share all this with you on Sunday so we can talk together about what it means to be the tabernacle of God. ~ Carolyn
Topics: Tabernacle
The Law
We must admit that there are parts of the Old Testament that are difficult to understand, and parts that are downright strange. The section of Exodus we'll deal with this Sunday? it is just downright strange. But get beneath the surface, and we discover this breathtaking truth: The one, true God is a God of both justice and mercy. And His laws are meant to give us His heart. This Sunday, we'll look into the heart of the Father and discover they are not a harsh God who needs us to know the rules, but a God who knows our pain, who suffers with us, and who is unwilling that even one of his children should be left behind.
The Community
In this message Carolyn Moore breaks down the 10 Commandments and reveals how as believers we are called to live out God's intentions behind these time-tested laws.
Topics: Community
Signs
When things are hard, it is easy to miss the sound of God's voice as he leads us out of exile. At times like that, we need a little more to get our attention and bring our focus back to the one true God. This week, we'll learn how God offers us proof of his goodness in the promise of his provision through signs that lead the way forward.
Topics: Signs
The Call
In Exodus, we learn hope. We learn leadership. We learn patience, endurance, and character. We learn how to get along together as a community and how to stay focused on a God-inspired goal in a world full of distractions. And most importantly, we learn how to trust God as we become people after His own heart. This week's message takes us into the call of Moses and teaches us that for all our insecurities and inefficiencies, God is enough.
Topics: Calling, Character, Endurance, Leadership
The Threat
We are living in a time where normal life can seem threatened. We are constantly trying to steer clear of a pandemic as we're constantly bombarded by news of political and social unrest. As we begin our series through the Book of Exodus, we will see how two people risked their lives to be a part of God's saving plan.
Topics: culture, Relationships
The Audacious Claim of Generosity
There are signs of hope budding in the world. We've been holed up and thinking in survival terms for so long, but things are looking up. The vaccine is making its way into our lives. The angriest among us seem to have taken a break from national unrest. Our beautiful southern spring will be here soon. Meanwhile, bills have been paid, food has been on the table, most of us have kept our jobs. Even those of us who haven't can say with the writer of Acts that "God's grace has been powerfully at work among us." So how do we respond to that grace? Perhaps it is time to cultivate a generous spirit toward life again. This Sunday, we'll talk about that as we learn from the example of the first-century church how to flourish in the storm.
Topics: Generosity, The Church
Point to Jesus
John's death (John, as in "the Baptist") should have been the subject of a soap opera. It is the ultimate good vs. evil storyline, complete with romance and vengeance. And all because John wouldn't stay quiet about Herod's affair. But here's the thing: discipleship is costly and holiness has benefits. Because John's actions, words, and witness always pointed to Jesus, his influence has impacted the ages. In a world of shallow discipleship, John encourages us to find the deep end and be fearless when diving in.
Topics: The Cost of Discipleship
Are You The One?
John's death (John, as in "the Baptist") should have been the subject of a soap opera. It is the ultimate good vs. evil storyline, complete with romance and vengeance. And all because John wouldn't stay quiet about Herod's affair. But here's the thing (spoiler alert for Sunday's message): discipleship is costly, but holiness has benefits.
Topics: Confirmation, Discipleship
