In this chapter we are introduced to three timeless themes. First, God tests people with affliction to see what is in their hearts. He did it to Israel in the Wilderness; we should expect Him to test His people today. Second, the Lord reveals why He fed Israel with manna: that His people (then and
In this chapter, Moses warns God's people not to make covenants or intermarry with those who live in the land they are about to inherit. Here, we see a picture of what it means to be holy, set apart for God's special purposes, and the promised blessings to those who live holy lives. This lesson addresses Christians marrying
Here we are introduced to what Jesus would later call "the greatest commandment": to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. As we will see, it is a much higher calling than simply being religious and avoiding major sin! This text also provides key instruction on training our children, not putting God
In the second Psalm, the kings of the earth are told to "serve the Lord with fear and rejoice in Him with trembling." If you look for it, you will see a similar theme throughout the Old and New Testaments. This lesson explores how we embrace both the healthy fear and genuine joy God desires,
In Deuteronomy 5, the Lord descends on Mount Sinai, speaking to the people from the midst of fire, completely terrifying them. Was fear a good motivation for God to use? Did Jesus use the fear of God to motivate His followers? This lesson makes the case that the healthy fear of God has always been foundational
In this lesson we focus on some of the more difficult and counter-cultural commandments: honoring our parents, being truthful always (no false witness or deceit), and not lusting after our neighbor's spouse or possessions. In the Ten Commandments, we see that God has always been deeply concerned about sins of the heart. Teaching Notes Deuteronomy
The Ten Commandments - Part 2 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:16-22) View Lesson
The Ten Commandments - Part 2 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:16-22) View Lesson
Moses now recounts the story of the Lord initially giving the Ten Commandments. We consider the spiritual wreckage caused by the violation of the second commandment, not to make images of God. We also consider whether Christians should keep the Sabbath, or is there something else the Sabbath points to for those who follow Jesus? Teaching Notes Deuteronomy
The Ten Commandments - Part 1 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:1-15) View Lesson
The Ten Commandments - Part 1 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:1-15) View Lesson
Moses tells God's people to neither add to nor subtract from God's commands. Nothing could be simpler, right? Actually, this was a problem for Israel and continues to be a problem for God's people today. Many Christians set aside (subtract) difficult or unpopular Biblical commands. However, other well-meaning Christians add requirements (extrabiblical rules) to what
The Israelites must pass through the lands of five other nations in succession on their way to Canaan. We find valuable lessons for us in each encounter. However, there are troubling passages to wrestle with as well. How could a good and loving God “harden” the spirit of Sihon, and then tell His people to
Why did the early church pray so much? How were their prayers so effective? Could it be that they simply prayed as Jesus taught and showed them? May we experience this type of prayer! This lesson is built on a short devotional taught by Chuck Pike in 2020, adapted from Tertullian's work "On Prayer". Teaching