Consuming Fire
Many enjoy sitting around a campfire. It is warm and comforting. It’s an entirely different experience to face a raging forest fire. It is justly frightening. Today Dr. John speaks of Israel frightened by the God they follow. His glory and power were overwhelming. It is a necessary reminder that God cannot be confined for our comfort or pleasure. To see Him as He is leads to a fear of sinning. Fear that leads to life.
READ MORELoving Others, Respecting Your Neighbour
Relationships function in a context of trust. That’s true in family and society. Today Dr. John looks at the last three comandments. Trust should guard our possessions. Do not steal. Our words to each other must be trustworthy. Do not lie. Respect for one another means we do not covet. The Ten Commandments of God speak to our actions and heart intent.
READ MORELoving Others, Honour Your Mother and Father
Holiness is to guide and shape our relationships; in family, society and marriage. Today Dr. John speaks of the 5th, 6th and 7th commandments. To honour our parents, the life of our neighbour and our marital commitments – these daily obligations are reflections of the righteousness of God. Obedience is a loving response to the values of the life God has created.
READ MOREHonour God With Your Life
Righteousness speaks to the large matters of life, but also to that which seems small. Today Dr. John teaches on the 3rd and 4th commandments. We will see that the way we speak of God and treat the Lord’s Day are matters of righteousness. Our speech and use of time reflect God’s Holiness. They are matters of holiness for us as well.
READ MORENo Other Gods
Today Dr. John begins to teach on the Decaloge – the Ten Commandments. At the very start, we learn of the exclusive primacy of worshipping God and the manner of worship obliged to Him. The first two commands are grounded in this biblical truth – God has made us; we do not fashion God.
READ MOREWe Have Seen His Glory
The word “glory” seems too small. The five letters can’t convey the vast power and overwhelming presence of God. In grace, God veils His being through nature and ultimately in Jesus. Today Dr. John speaks of a time when God lifted the curtain, just a little. Even with that, Israel was struck by fear and awe. The glory of God’s presence is His to grant and is received only under His conditions.
READ MORENo Nation Like Israel
To be chosen is a privilege. It speaks of honour but is not void of responsibility. Even a chosen beauty queen has a calling to fulfill! Today Dr. John speaks of the unique place of Israel – chosen of God. But that act of God’s grace compels a response from Israel. Today, as chosen people, what is God calling us to be and do?
READ MORELaw and Order
Traffic laws make bad drivers better and regulate those with bad intent. Few would want to drive on roads with no rules. Moses was teaching and enforcing the regulations of God – and he was being overwhelmed. Dr. John points to the wise counsel of Jethro that ensures the welfare of Moses and the people. Simply put – good laws need good leaders.
READ MOREThe Conversion of a Pagan
Most families are a mixture of believers and non-believers. So a spouse may be instrumental in the conversion of their spouse. So too, parents are instrumental for their children. Today Dr. John teaches of the conversion to faith of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. As daunting as it may seem, family is often the seed bed of faith.
READ MOREThe Battle Is His!
Fortunate are those who have never experienced war. But for those that have, the first battle would be unforgettable. Dr. John teaches on Israel’s first military engagement. A nation used to slavery would have to learn how to fight for their freedom. The first lesson was clear. Israel could not trust in their might, numbers or experience. The battle is the Lord’s to win.
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