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
After being delivered from the belly of the whale, Jonah heeds God's call to go to the wicked city of Nineveh. His preaching produces radical repentance. In this story are many important lessons for us, including the nature of our merciful Father, the soft hearts of the Ninevites (despite their wicked lifestyles), and the power
Here we encounter Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple who brazenly lie to Peter in connection with a gift they gave to the church. They are each struck dead by God for lying, provoking great fear of God in the church. We take this graphic story as an opportunity to take a good look at
Many people, even Christians, are profoundly uneasy with the concept of God punishing people in the Old Testament. In this lesson we consider how the Lord treated sin in the past, and how He does today. Are all sins the same in His eyes, or are some worse? What does it mean in 1 John 5 about
The Lord struck dead Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized incense. Why was the Lord so angry that He killed them? If the priests of the old covenant foreshadow us (as members of Christ’s priesthood) what are we to learn from this disturbing story? Also, has God become kinder and gentler under the new covenant?
How did Jesus see the Law of Moses? Did he consider it to be a burden, a long list of technical rules, or even as something impossible for people to follow? We begin this lesson by looking at the Law through the eyes of Jesus, who accused Israel of missing the main point, and "majoring
Burnt Offerings and Grain Offerings (Leviticus 1-2) View Lesson
Burnt Offerings and Grain Offerings (Leviticus 1-2) View Lesson
Here Peter gives us much to consider about Jesus' return and the associated Day of Judgment. In this lesson we explore what the Scriptures teach about Jesus' return, along with foreshadowings from the Old Testament that may provide clues. We also consider God's long-suffering character, His heart of compassion toward mankind, and how our sense
Teaching Notes
The Israelites become impatient at the delay of Moses returning and pressure Aaron to make "gods" to go before them. Aaron gives in; and makes the famous golden calf. Rather than look down on the Israelites for their foolishness, we consider similar temptations we face today when our patience is tested. We also consider insights
The Golden Calf and the Sin of Impatience (Exodus 32:1-14) View Lesson
The Golden Calf and the Sin of Impatience (Exodus 32:1-14) View Lesson
This lesson plunges us into deep waters: to understand the very nature and character of God. Is there a topic more challenging, more impossible to grasp? Yet the Hebrews writer tells the Christians that God "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." In Exodus 31:18 we learn that the tablets of stone given