SPRING 2021 Keeping the Faith

This Spring will be given to an exploration of the Exodus. This story will captivate the imagination of Jewish theologians and poets to become THE story of Israel in antiquity. So much of Israel’s theological development and reflection centers on this story. This event brings to light the character of the God of Israel (YHWH), embodies the very nature of redemption, leads to the revelation of God’s Law, results in the ordering of the Jewish calendar, sets in motion the sacrificial system, leads to the construction of a holy dwelling place for the Most High God, gathers God’s people into community, and introduces the hero Moses. Wow!

No wonder the Exodus became so compelling to the Jewish people. It remains as the dominant narrative in their understanding of redemptive history to this day. The Book of Exodus outlines the core story of the deliverance of God’s people and sets the stage for Israel’s identity as a people to emerge. The book itself may be divided into 3 major sections:

Deliverance: Exodus 1-18 God delivers His people

Discipleship: Exodus 19-24 God calls His people into relationship

Devotion: Exodus 25-40 God invites His people to worship

We will spend the Spring reading through these 40 chapters and reflecting on the lessons there for the people of God today. It is a gripping story of salvation history being lived out on the human stage. It serves as the backdrop of a much greater and grander story of redemption that is to come!

SPRING 2021

Keeping the Faith

April 11 – June 5, 2021

Deliverance: Exodus 1-18 God Delivers His People

A Pharaoh arose in Egypt and ushered in a new era in the relationship between Israel and the Egyptians. As prominent as Joseph was in an earlier regime, this new king had no regard for him (Exodus 1:8). The people of God would experience the transition from a growing population of resident aliens to slaves. 

The Israelites endured the bitter circumstances of life as slaves (Exodus 1:14) and longed for a day of redemption. The first 18 chapters of Exodus tells the story of God’s answer to Israel’s plight.

April 11, 2021: The Calling of God

Simply put, God uses people to accomplish His purposes. The Bible is filled with stories of God calling individuals to serve His Kingdom’s interests. Today we will focus on one of His most famous servants – Moses. We will be reminded His call extends to us today.

Sermon Text: Exodus 3:1-12

Deacon Ordination

Daily Bible Readings

April 12: Exodus 1

April 13: Exodus 2

April 14: Exodus 3

April 15: Exodus 4

April 16: Exodus 5:1-21

April 17: Reflection

April 18, 2021: The Passover

God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt is one of the most famous stories in all of Biblical history. The story of the plagues visited upon Egypt are told with great detail. The final plague was the visit of the Angel of Death. The miracle of the Passover would become central to Israel’s identity as a people and the ensuing celebration would become a highlight on the Jewish calendar. Even today, The Passover is at the heart of the Jewish annual celebrations.

Sermon Text: Exodus 12

Daily Bible Readings

April 19: Exodus 5:22-6:27

April 20:  Exodus 6:28-7:25

April 21: Exodus 8

April 22: Exodus 9

April 23: Exodus 10

April 24: Reflection

April 25, 2021: Redeemed, How We Love to Proclaim It!

God delivered Israel from Egypt! Without question, it was a miracle. There is no other explanation. Israel had no army, no standing, no resources, and no path to freedom. Yet, God chose to intervene on behalf of His children. His miraculous power was displayed unforgettably in the story of the Exodus. The redemption of Israel is the precursor to the miraculous story of God’s redemption of all people!

Sermon Text: Exodus 15:1-21

Daily Bible Readings

 April 26: Exodus 11-12

April 27: Exodus 13-14

April 28: Exodus 15

April 29: Exodus 16

April 30: Exodus 17-18

May 1: Reflection

Discipleship:  Exodus 19-24 God Calls His People into Relationship

Now that His people have been redeemed, God invites His people to learn to live with Him in relationship. They are to be His special people redeemed for a special purpose. God’s people have a role to play in the Great Plan of Redemption. In His fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, God will bless these people and He promises to bless the whole world through them.

May 2, 2021: God’s Treasured Possession

God has now redeemed Israel. He calls these people into a special relationship that will require something of them. He challenges them to live like His people. They are to be holy and righteous. They also are to be on mission. God has called His people to be a Kingdom of Priests.

Sermon Text: Exodus 19:1-8

College Grad Recognition

Daily Bible Readings

May 3: Exodus 19:1-8

May 4: Exodus 19:9-25

May 5: Exodus 20:1-17

May 6: Exodus 20:18-26

May 7: Exodus 21

May 8: Reflection

May 9, 2021: A Covenantal Life

At the heart of the relational context of God’s people is the covenant. God is a covenant-making God. He calls His people to live in a covenantal relationship with Him. Covenants are binding upon their participants. But covenants bring stability and set context. Today we will honor and bless families, who are to live together in covenantal relationships as well.

Sermon Text: Exodus 24

Mother’s Day

Parent/Child Dedication

Daily Bible Readings

May 10: Exodus 22:1-15

May 11: Exodus 22:16-31

May 12: Exodus 23:1-19

May 13: Exodus 23:20-33

May 14: Exodus 24

May 15: Reflection

Devotion: Exodus 25-40 God Invites His People to Worship

God has delivered His people from Egypt. He has set forth the context of the covenantal relationship with them. Now He invites them to worship Him! He gives specific details on the construction of the Tabernacle, He outlines the role of the priests, and He establishes His presence among the people. This section of Exodus reminds us of the importance of worship and the beauty associated with life lived in the presence of our Almighty God!

May 16, 2021: Giving as an Act of Worship

God gave Israel the opportunity to be a part of His Kingdom’s work. He had invited them to a personal relationship with them. He was now ready to provide a tangible expression of His presence among them. They were to build the Tabernacle. Everyone was to participate. He invited them to give offerings toward the construction of the new tent. Through this act of giving, the people of God were engaging in an act of worship.

Sermon Text: Exodus 25:1-9

High School Grad Recognition

Daily Bible Readings

May 17: Exodus 25

May 18: Exodus 26

May 19: Exodus 27

May 20: Exodus 28

May 21: Exodus 29

May 22: Reflection

May 23, 2021: The Glory of God

To worship God is to be in His presence. He invites us into His presence. However, we are to be reminded He is a holy God. His glory is transcendent. We cannot fully comprehend Him. He is beyond us. Yet, He often allows us to have a glimpse of His glory. These experiences are transformational and unforgettable!

Sermon Text: Exodus 33:18-34:7

Daily Bible Readings

May 24: Exodus 30

May 25: Exodus 31

May 26: Exodus 32

May 27: Exodus 33

May 28: Exodus 34

May 29: Reflection

May 30, 2021: The Presence of God

God loves His people. He has a great desire for us to live in His presence. Worshipping God is a sacred act. Through worship, we are led into His presence. He responds to the worship of His people. His presence is the true guiding force of our lives.

Sermon Text: Exodus 40

Daily Bible Readings

May 31: Exodus 35

June 1: Exodus 36

June 2: Exodus 37

June 3: Exodus 38-39

June 4: Exodus 40

June 5: Reflection