The House You're Building

[1] Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.  Hebrews 1:1-4 One of my favorite people is a coworker.   I’ve been so lucky in my professional life to have to have people I can share life with.   They say adults usually make a lot of friends at work because adult friendships are more about proximity and it can take 200 hours spent together to make a consider someone a fried, so it makes a lot of sense that you will “go there” with coworkers as you often spend more time w...

  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, with routines that we repeat annually when we gather is something hardwired into us. The God who created us implanted this desire into humanity and guided His people to memorialize His story of rescue within 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 exit from Egypt as they miraculously cross the Red Sea.    Not only did God institute these rituals to remind His people in the past of His great power and holiness, He uses them as a symbol for us today.  The Passover commemorated the Israelite’s escape from death, as the blood on the door served as a vivid picture they were sin was covered, which would signal the angel to pass over their home.  As we read of the Feast of Unleaven...

  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 ...