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Showing posts from June 29, 2025

The Burning Bush: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

  “The God Who Still Speaks: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” Text: Exodus 3:1–6 There are moments in Scripture when heaven touches earth in a powerful way. One such moment occurs in Exodus 3, when Moses, a shepherd tending flocks in the wilderness, comes face to face with a burning bush—a bush that is ablaze with fire, yet not consumed. From this miraculous sight, God speaks. And what He says changes everything. Let us focus today on what the Lord says in verses 1–6, especially how He introduces Himself as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” What is the significance of this? Why does God describe Himself this way, and what does it mean for Moses—and for us? A Miraculous Encounter in a Dry Land (Exodus 3:1–3): Moses was in Midian, living in the quiet obscurity of a shepherd’s life. He had fled Egypt decades earlier, having failed in his own strength to deliver his people. Now, years later, God appears—not in a palace, not in a temp...

Sabbath School Lesson 2: The Burning Bush

  EXODUS   Sabbath School Lesson 2 The Burning Bush You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson. --------------------- >   Download the notes for Lesson 2 video here. (Video is Below) ----------------------- More Lesson 2: Sunday: The Burning Bush Monday: The Angel of the LORD Tuesday: The Name of the LORD Wednesday: Four Excuses Thursday: The Circumcision Friday Further Thought: Do we have Excuses Like Moses? ---------------- Download Lessons for:   Exodus - Sabbath School 3rd Quarter

Israel in Egypt: Understanding Suffering Through God’s Perspective

  "Understanding Suffering Through God’s Perspective" Scripture Focus: Exodus 1:8–14; Exodus 2:23–25; Romans 8:18 Why would a good and loving God allow His people to suffer? Why did He let the Hebrews remain in Egypt under oppression for so long? These are age-old questions that have stirred the hearts of believers for generations. Today, we wrestle with the mystery of divine timing, the weight of national suffering, and the hope found in God’s ultimate plan. Why Were the Hebrews in Egypt? The Hebrews were in Egypt because of God’s providence. In Genesis, God used Joseph’s suffering and rise to power to preserve not only Egypt, but also Jacob's family during a famine. God turned what others meant for evil into good (Gen. 50:20). Egypt became a place of provision. But over time, Egypt turned from refuge into a prison. A new Pharaoh rose who did not know Joseph, and fear led to oppression. The people of Israel were enslaved, burdened, and beaten. So, why did God allo...

Moses: When Plans Break, God Prevails

  "When Plans Break, God Prevails" Scripture Reading: Exodus 2:11–25; Romans 8:28 Life can change in a moment. One decision, one action, can completely shift the course of our lives. In Exodus 2:11–25 , we see Moses—a prince in Egypt—make a rash decision that alters everything. But what appears to be a failure or detour in human eyes becomes a critical part of God's larger plan. Moses’ Turning Point (Exodus 2:11–15) Moses, though raised in Pharaoh’s palace, was deeply aware of his Hebrew identity. When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, he acted on impulse and killed the Egyptian. Thinking no one saw him, he buried the body—but the next day, he realized his deed was known. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to Midian. What changed Moses’ life? One act of misplaced justice. A desire to help, but using human strength instead of divine wisdom. The realization that his identity was not truly Egyptian, but Hebrew. This moment shattered Moses' former...

The Providence and Protection of God in the Birth of Moses

  The Providence and Protection of God in the Birth of Moses Text: Exodus 2:1–10 Today we turn our attention to one of the most powerful stories of divine providence in all of Scripture—the birth of Moses. In Exodus 2:1–10 , we are introduced to a child born into danger, yet preserved by God for a divine purpose. This passage is more than a history lesson; it is a reminder that even in times of oppression, God's hand is at work behind the scenes, weaving together His redemptive plan. Historical Background The story of Moses begins during a dark time in Israel’s history. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had grown numerous in Egypt—so numerous that the new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, saw them as a threat (Exodus 1:8–10). In an attempt to control them, Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and, eventually, ordered the death of every Hebrew boy born (Exodus 1:22). It was in this climate of fear and oppression that Moses was born. He came from the tribe of Levi, the pri...

Psalm 24

  Psalm 24 1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Deceit and Righteousness? Lies in the Bible and the Ninth Commandment Reconsidered

Deceit and Righteousness? Lies in the Bible and the Ninth Commandment Reconsidered When we think of sin, lying ranks near the top of the list. And rightly so—truthfulness is a divine attribute. Yet, when we turn to Scripture, we find stories where deceit is not condemned , and in some cases, even honored. How can this be? The answer lies not in the blanket approval of lies, but in a deeper understanding of context, purpose, and the actual wording of the Ninth Commandment . When Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, Moses' mother, Jochebed, hid her son for three months (Exodus 2:1–10). She then placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile. When Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child, Moses' sister Miriam approached her and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Without revealing that the woman was actually Moses' own mother, Miriam helped reunite the child with his family. Their actions were part of a courageous effort to preserve life in ...

Faithful in the Face of Pharaoh: The Legacy of Shiphrah and Puah

  " Faithful in the Face of Pharaoh: The Legacy of Shiphrah and Puah " Text: Exodus 1:9–21 Introduction: Courage in Unlikely Places In the pages of Exodus, amid a backdrop of growing oppression and fear, we find an incredible example of godly courage—not from warriors or prophets, but from two humble women: Shiphrah and Puah , Hebrew midwives who defied the most powerful ruler on earth at the time. Their story is not just history—it’s a prophetic message to us living in the final days before Christ’s return. 1. The Context of Crisis (Exodus 1:9–14) Pharaoh, seeing the Israelites multiply, feared their numbers. In paranoia and pride, he said, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we” (v. 9). He then enslaved them, hoping harsh labor would stifle their growth. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied—because God was with them. The devil often tries to crush God's people through affliction. But history shows tha...

From Pit to Palace: How God Brought Israel to Egypt and Raised Joseph for a Purpose

  “From Pit to Palace: How God Brought Israel to Egypt and Raised Joseph for a Purpose” Scripture Reading: Genesis 37:26–28; Genesis 39:2, 21 The story of how the Israelites came to be in Egypt is not just a tale of migration—it is a divine orchestration. It’s a story of family betrayal, providential detours, and God’s unfailing purpose. Today, we are going to trace the path that led the children of Israel to Egypt and reflect on one young man—Joseph—whose life proves that no matter how dark the road, God is still working. The Setup: Family Dysfunction and a Tragic Betrayal (Genesis 37:26–28) Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, was favored by his father. His coat of many colors and dreams of ruling over his brothers sparked intense jealousy. In Genesis 37:26–28, we read of a tragic turning point: “Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites…’” Joseph was sold into slavery by h...