The House You're Building

  Introduction :  All over the world, no matter what culture or time period, traditions are part of the human experience.  Anticipating a gathering of friends and family, food, music, rest, and joy is something we all need.  The God who created us designed and implanted this desire into humanity and guided His people to memorialize His story of rescue with them.  As we continue our broad survey of Exodus, this week’s section of the book is as familiar as the plagues to most readers-the Passover and the Israelites escape from Egypt as they cross the Red Sea.     Not only did God establish these rituals to remind His people of His great power and holiness, He established them as a symbol for His people today.  The Passover commemorated the Israelites escape from death, the blood on the door signaled the angel to pass over their home, the Unleavened bread gathered in haste as they left quickly. Our exodus from the slavery of ...

  Introduction:   I have two children and raising them into their teens has taken two different approaches.  My son is pretty straight forward.  He is a logical young man and it’s always been rational conversation that has helped him see the light.  My daughter on the other hand is all heart.  She fires up quickly and needs time to process her emotions before having a conversation where she can admit to wrongdoing.  Though I did my best to treat them the same, their response to my authority had two different outcomes.     In this section of Exodus, we see God the Father begin to parent His children.  He begins His rescue mission by showing His power to the Israelites.  We see two different responses to His displays of power.  In beholding the majesty of God, the Hebrews begin to trust in God and Pharaoh becomes more and more stubborn and determined to rebel.  Despite their ...