In the midst of thunder, lightning and a smoking mountain, the Lord proclaims the 10 Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This lesson focuses on the second commandment, which prohibits idolatry. Idolatry was to become a huge problem for the Israelites throughout most of Old Testament history. In the New Testament we see it
Facing thirst, the Israelites complain and test the Lord. Moses is told to take his rod and strike a rock, from which water flows abundantly. We consider the significance of what Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10: "that rock was Christ." Next, we review the battle against the Amalekites. Moses was told to maintain
Water from a Rock and Victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17) View Lesson
Water from a Rock and Victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17) View Lesson
After the people complain of hunger, God gives manna, a daily bread from heaven. The Lord also gives two commands related to collecting the manna; the Israelites disobey both. There is much for us to learn from in this story: lessons about God's nature and provision, His expectation and desire that we love, obey and
Shortly after being delivered by God through the Red Sea, the Israelites complain when they face their first challenge in the Wilderness: no water to drink. Moses is told to cast a piece of wood into bitter (undrinkable) water, which miraculously becomes sweet. We consider two lessons from this encounter: first, the danger of complaining
First Steps in the Wilderness and a Water Crisis (Exodus 15) View Lesson
First Steps in the Wilderness and a Water Crisis (Exodus 15) View Lesson
When Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let God’s people go, Pharaoh increases the oppression against the Israelites, and has them flogged when they fail to meet their quotas. The exodus drama provides us with a pattern of our Christian spiritual journey, with Pharaoh a type or representation of Satan. Here we gain insights into
John opens his first letter by reminding his readers that the apostles had seen and touched Jesus, in the flesh. The truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus, the foundation of our faith, makes it impossible to relegate Jesus to simply one of many good teachers. John then reminds us that we must deal with
The Jewish leader Caiaphas hands Jesus over to Pilate to be questioned, tortured and murdered. When we consider that Jesus' life was characterized by kindness to the poor, healing the sick, and a message of love for all mankind, why was it that so many people wanted to kill him? This lesson seeks to answer
Since the beginning, Satan has sought to use injustice and man’s sin to turn people against one another and against God. Yet God has a very different plan. In this second of three lessons, we examine the example of David, who faced terrible injustice and persecution, but responded with great faith and righteousness. We also
Let No Root of of Bitterness Spring Up, Pt. 2 of 3 (David) View Lesson
Let No Root of of Bitterness Spring Up, Pt. 2 of 3 (David) View Lesson
Since the beginning, Satan has used bitterness as a weapon to turn men and women against God. Most of us have been, or will be, tempted to become bitter about different things in our lives, including sickness, injustice, and being wronged by others. In this three-part series, we examine the lives of men and women
Let No Root of Bitterness Spring Up, Pt. 1 of 3 (Naomi and Job) View Lesson
Let No Root of Bitterness Spring Up, Pt. 1 of 3 (Naomi and Job) View Lesson
Judas was most famous for betraying Jesus. However, John draws attention to his underlying sin: greed. His love of money led to deceit, betrayal and other terrible sins. In this lesson we take a wide-ranging look at what the Bible has to say about the sin of greed, and examine both good and bad examples