Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
February 26, 2011
Proceeding the work of the Tabernacle, G-d emphasized the importance of the Shabbat.
Exodus 35:2-3, “On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a holy day for you, a Shabbat of complete rest in honor of ADONAI. Whoever does any work on it is to be put to death. 3 You are not to kindle a fire in any of your homes on Shabbat."
Acknowledgement of G-d must always be before service. There is always more to do, but G-d says there is a time to stop. He promises that if we honor Him, He will honor us. Our spiritual life depends upon honoring Him before anything else.
G-d called B’tzal’el specifically by name and filled him with the Spirit of G-d!
Exodus 35:30-31, Moshe said to the people of Isra'el, "See, ADONAI has singled out B'tzal'el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y'hudah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God -with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry.
Interestingly, if we look at the Hebrew words used in the the very next verse, it is revealed how B’tzal’el would receive from G-d the knowledge and skill to do the work G-d called him to do.
Exodus 35:32, He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze.
The Hebrew word ‘chashab’ is used twice in this verse and literally means ‘to think’. So this verse can be translated, “in thinking thoughts in order to do”. The Spirit of G-d fills us and anoints us to think thoughts and think with G-d in order to do something. Thinking is then followed with action.
G-d also put wisdom in Oholi’av heart as B’tzal’el’s assistant as well as the other gifted artisans who they trained. G-d stirred their hearts to work together to build everything for the Tabernacle.
G-d singles out people He calls into His service.
Jeremiah 5:1, "Roam the streets of Yerushalayim look around, observe and ask in its open spaces: if you can find anyone (if there is anyone!) who acts with justice and seeks the truth, I will pardon her.”
Ezekiel 22:30, "'I sought for a man among them who could build a barricade or stand in the break to oppose me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.
Isaiah 59:16, He saw that there was no one, was amazed that no one interceded. Therefore his own arm brought him salvation, and his own righteousness sustained him.
Isaiah 63:5, I looked, but there was no one to help, and I was appalled that no one upheld me. Therefore my own arm brought me salvation, and my own fury upheld me.
G-d wants to use us! He wants to use an individual. And He wants the individual to train others.
Moses was a stutterer, as was probably Paul, Rahab a prostitute, Peter a coward, David an adulterer and murderer, Samson was lustful and wayward, Gideon insecure, Solomon was idolatrous and promiscuous; these were individuals with great weaknesses that G-d made strong in Him through His Grace!
G-d makes us into what He sees us as and made us to be!
As individuals called and saved by Grace, we are then powerful and strong in our prayers.
James 5:16b, The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Prayer works! There is nothing too hard for Him! G-d heard the prayers of the prophets and saints and they were a mess. He will hear our prayers too. Really pray with earnestness and passion.
Cry to Our Father; we can pray intimately and personally especially because we pray through Yeshua the Messiah.
Galatians 4:6, Now because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of his Son, the Spirit who cries out, "Abba!" (that is, "Dear Father!").
Isaiah 64:8, But now, ADONAI, you are our father; we are the clay, you are our potter; and we are all the work of your hands.
G-d wants to use individuals, and we are also part of a family. Each member functions to serve the Body of Messiah.
Romans 12:4-5, For just as there are many parts that compose one body, but the parts don't all have the same function; 5 so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others.
What is your gift? Our gifts are from Him, He has filled us with His Spirit; but our gifts are not for us but for His Glory through Him and edification of the Body of Messiah! We are not placed here for ourselves, we are not born again for ourselves, and if we are married, we are placed here for our spouse.
We are not here to be served but to serve as He gave Himself to us.
Further Reading: Exodus 35:4-5, 21, 29-31, 34, 36:1-3, Judges 6:11-16, Isaiah 63:5, Ezekiel 22:30, 1Corinthians 12:4-7, 11-13, Ephesians 2:1-5, 10, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 2Corinthians 10:10, 1Thess 5:24, Jeremiah 15:1, Ezekiel 14:14, Romans 8:15, Romans 12:6-8
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Oil and Incense
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
February 19, 2001
Exodus 30:21-33, and make them into a holy anointing oil; blend it and perfume it as would an expert perfume-maker; it will be a holy anointing oil. 26 Use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark for the testimony, 27 the table and all its utensils, the menorah and all its utensils, the incense altar, 28 the altar for burnt offerings and all its utensils, and the basin with its base. 29 You are to consecrate them - they will be especially holy, and whatever touches them will be holy. 30 Then you are to anoint Aharon and his sons - you are to consecrate them to serve me in the office of cohen. 31 "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'This is to be a holy anointing oil for me through all your generations. 32 It is not to be used for anointing a person's body; and you are not to make any like it, with the same composition of ingredients - it is holy, and you are to treat it as holy. 33 Whoever makes any like it or uses it on any unauthorized person is to be cut off from his people.”
There was not to be anything else made like the Holy Anointing Oil. It was compounded with oil and spices. Holy means not only separation from sin and culture but separation to something; to G-d and a higher purpose. In verse 31 He said it was for Him and it was not to be poured on man’s flesh. Duplication or replication of the Holy Anointing Oil would necessitate being cut off from the people.
The only people to be anointed were the High Priest and the Kings of the House of David were anointed. By application, our High Priest and the King of the House of David; King Yeshua is the Anointed One!
What does it mean for us to live in G-d’s anointing?
Exodus 30:30, Then you are to anoint Aharon and his sons - you are to consecrate them to serve me in the office of cohen.
We have been anointed and called priests as well through Messiah.
1 John 2:20, But you have received the Messiah's anointing from HaKadosh, and you know all this.
1 John 2:27, As for you, the Messianic anointing you received from the Father remains in you, so that you have no need for anyone to teach you. On the contrary, as his Messianic anointing continues to teach you about all things, and is true, not a counterfeit, so, just as he taught you, remain united with him.
G-d in the New Covenant has confirmed us and given us discernment of error and deception as we abide in Him. We need appointed teachers to speak to us and through the Spirit via the Word of G-d. Only as we abide in Him do we have His anointing, we have G-d’s authority, love, joy, healing and empowerment working in and through us.
In addition to the Holy Anointing Oil, Scripture describes the Incense.
Exodus 30:35, and make incense, blended and perfumed as would an expert perfume-maker, salted, pure and holy.
Incense is pictured like prayers and was offered twice daily. See Revelation 5:8 and 8:3. The Altar of Incense wasn’t very large; only about three feet high and eighteen inches square but the holiest item other than the Ark.
Exodus 30:35-38, and make incense, blended and perfumed as would an expert perfume-maker, salted, pure and holy. 36 You are to grind up some of it very finely and put it in front of the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; you are to regard it as especially holy. 37 You are not to make for your own use any incense like it, with the same composition of ingredients - you are to treat it as holy, for ADONAI. 38 Whoever makes up any like it to use as perfume is to be cut off from his people."
The Incense was ground and beaten finely. Aspects of Incense can be applied to prayer as we are humbled in prayer. As we pray, Satan’s power is defeated. Prayer also purifies our thoughts.
G-d reiterated that neither the Holy Anointing Oil nor the Incense should have anything else made like it.
2 Corinthians 11:3,4,and I fear that somehow your minds may be seduced away from simple and pure devotion to the Messiah, just as Havah was deceived by the serpent and his craftiness. 4 For if someone comes and tells you about some other Yeshua than the one we told you about, or if you receive a spirit different from the one you received or accept some so-called "good news" different from the Good News you already accepted, you bear with him well enough!
Is there another gospel going around today? A fraudulent or counterfeit anointing?
2 Corinthians 11:14,15, There is nothing surprising in that, for the Adversary himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 so it's no great thing if his workers masquerade as servants of righteousness. They will meet the end their deeds deserve.
There is a movement that illustrates this trend by church leaders to get people in and out of the church building in one hour, to make the services seeker friendly with no mention of sin, to be technically clever and over organized without being Spirit led or desire to spend time in G-d presence in prayer. They twist the Word of G-d to get what they want.
2 Peter 3:16, Indeed, he speaks about these things in all his letters. They contain some things that are hard to understand, things which the uninstructed and unstable distort, to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
Don’t make anything like it and don’t make if for yourself. It will be holy to you but it is for the L-rd! Accept no counterfeit.
Further Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2, 1 Samuel16:1-13, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 John 2: 15-17, 27-28, 2 Corinthians 1:21, Galatians 1:6,7, 1 John 3:16, Isaiah 45:11, 2 Timothy 4:8
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
February 19, 2001
Exodus 30:21-33, and make them into a holy anointing oil; blend it and perfume it as would an expert perfume-maker; it will be a holy anointing oil. 26 Use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark for the testimony, 27 the table and all its utensils, the menorah and all its utensils, the incense altar, 28 the altar for burnt offerings and all its utensils, and the basin with its base. 29 You are to consecrate them - they will be especially holy, and whatever touches them will be holy. 30 Then you are to anoint Aharon and his sons - you are to consecrate them to serve me in the office of cohen. 31 "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'This is to be a holy anointing oil for me through all your generations. 32 It is not to be used for anointing a person's body; and you are not to make any like it, with the same composition of ingredients - it is holy, and you are to treat it as holy. 33 Whoever makes any like it or uses it on any unauthorized person is to be cut off from his people.”
There was not to be anything else made like the Holy Anointing Oil. It was compounded with oil and spices. Holy means not only separation from sin and culture but separation to something; to G-d and a higher purpose. In verse 31 He said it was for Him and it was not to be poured on man’s flesh. Duplication or replication of the Holy Anointing Oil would necessitate being cut off from the people.
The only people to be anointed were the High Priest and the Kings of the House of David were anointed. By application, our High Priest and the King of the House of David; King Yeshua is the Anointed One!
What does it mean for us to live in G-d’s anointing?
Exodus 30:30, Then you are to anoint Aharon and his sons - you are to consecrate them to serve me in the office of cohen.
We have been anointed and called priests as well through Messiah.
1 John 2:20, But you have received the Messiah's anointing from HaKadosh, and you know all this.
1 John 2:27, As for you, the Messianic anointing you received from the Father remains in you, so that you have no need for anyone to teach you. On the contrary, as his Messianic anointing continues to teach you about all things, and is true, not a counterfeit, so, just as he taught you, remain united with him.
G-d in the New Covenant has confirmed us and given us discernment of error and deception as we abide in Him. We need appointed teachers to speak to us and through the Spirit via the Word of G-d. Only as we abide in Him do we have His anointing, we have G-d’s authority, love, joy, healing and empowerment working in and through us.
In addition to the Holy Anointing Oil, Scripture describes the Incense.
Exodus 30:35, and make incense, blended and perfumed as would an expert perfume-maker, salted, pure and holy.
Incense is pictured like prayers and was offered twice daily. See Revelation 5:8 and 8:3. The Altar of Incense wasn’t very large; only about three feet high and eighteen inches square but the holiest item other than the Ark.
Exodus 30:35-38, and make incense, blended and perfumed as would an expert perfume-maker, salted, pure and holy. 36 You are to grind up some of it very finely and put it in front of the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; you are to regard it as especially holy. 37 You are not to make for your own use any incense like it, with the same composition of ingredients - you are to treat it as holy, for ADONAI. 38 Whoever makes up any like it to use as perfume is to be cut off from his people."
The Incense was ground and beaten finely. Aspects of Incense can be applied to prayer as we are humbled in prayer. As we pray, Satan’s power is defeated. Prayer also purifies our thoughts.
G-d reiterated that neither the Holy Anointing Oil nor the Incense should have anything else made like it.
2 Corinthians 11:3,4,and I fear that somehow your minds may be seduced away from simple and pure devotion to the Messiah, just as Havah was deceived by the serpent and his craftiness. 4 For if someone comes and tells you about some other Yeshua than the one we told you about, or if you receive a spirit different from the one you received or accept some so-called "good news" different from the Good News you already accepted, you bear with him well enough!
Is there another gospel going around today? A fraudulent or counterfeit anointing?
2 Corinthians 11:14,15, There is nothing surprising in that, for the Adversary himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 so it's no great thing if his workers masquerade as servants of righteousness. They will meet the end their deeds deserve.
There is a movement that illustrates this trend by church leaders to get people in and out of the church building in one hour, to make the services seeker friendly with no mention of sin, to be technically clever and over organized without being Spirit led or desire to spend time in G-d presence in prayer. They twist the Word of G-d to get what they want.
2 Peter 3:16, Indeed, he speaks about these things in all his letters. They contain some things that are hard to understand, things which the uninstructed and unstable distort, to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
Don’t make anything like it and don’t make if for yourself. It will be holy to you but it is for the L-rd! Accept no counterfeit.
Further Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2, 1 Samuel16:1-13, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 John 2: 15-17, 27-28, 2 Corinthians 1:21, Galatians 1:6,7, 1 John 3:16, Isaiah 45:11, 2 Timothy 4:8
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Power and Love
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
February 12, 2011
Exodus 28: 9-12, Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Isra'el - six of their names on one stone and the six remaining names on the other, in the order of their birth. An engraver should engrave the names of the sons of Isra'el on the two stones as he would engrave a seal. Mount the stones in gold settings, and put the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the vest as stones calling to mind the sons of Isra'el. Aharon is to carry their names before ADONAI on his two shoulders as a reminder.
Exodus 28:15-21 "Make a breastplate for judging. Have it crafted by a skilled artisan; make it like the work of the ritual vest - make it of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen. 16 When folded double it is to be square - a hand-span by a hand-span. 17 Put on it settings of stones, four rows of stones: the first row is to be a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald; 18 the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond; 19 the third row an orange zircon, an agate and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They are to be mounted in their gold settings. 21 The stones will correspond to the names of the twelve sons of Isra'el; they are to be engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, to represent the twelve tribes.
Exodus 28: 28-29, Then bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the vest with a blue cord, so that it can be on the vest's decorated belt, and so that the breastplate won't swing loose from the vest. 29 Aharon will carry the names of the sons of Isra'el on the breastplate for judging, over his heart, when he enters the Holy Place, as a continual reminder before ADONAI.
The priestly garments contained two especially important items. The first is the ephod commonly known in Hebrew as a vest or ritual vest and the second item is the breastplate or the choshen. This High Priestly Breastplate is known as the Coshen Mishpat or Breastplate of Judgement. The ephod had two straps that went over each shoulder each containing a stone engraved with six of the twelve names of the Sons of Israel. They are Remembrance Stones.
1 Peter 2:4, As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him.
We are chosen; male, female, Jew or Gentile, like one of those stones, engraved and placed in the setting of the High Priest’s garment. We belong to the L-rd. Yeshua is the living stone and we are in Him; like “little Yeshua’s” because we are part of Him. We are sons, and part of His Body.
Hebrews 7:24-25, But because he lives forever, his position as cohen does not pass on to someone else; 25 and consequently, he is totally able to deliver those who approach God through him; since he is alive forever and thus forever able to intercede on their behalf.
Yeshua is our High Priest representing us and ever lives to make intercession for us. We are on His shoulders which speaks of His strength and power. We are engraved, not just written, sealed by the Holy Spirit to the Day of Redemption. If we were just written we could be erased, but we are engraved and belong to Him forever. We are fixed and settled. Our names are engraved on the Messiah!
John 10:27-30, “My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father's hands. 30 I and the Father are one."
The Strength of the L-rd; He carries us on His shoulders. He completely able to save us and represents us before the Father now. G-d remembers us as His sons and daughters! Yeshua represents us in Heaven and we are here now on earth in His stead!
2 Corinthians 5:20, Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah; in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, "Be reconciled to God.”
While the stones on the shoulder speak of His Strength, the Breastplate of Judgement was upon His heart and speaks of His love!
Isn’t it wonderful to know that He bears us on His heart? Now the judgement is without condemnation for those in Messiah Yeshua! Judgements have to be thrown out of court because we are made whole, righteous, and justified by His blood. See Romans 8:33,34, 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53 and Romans 8:3,4.
Power and love!
Psalm 62:11-12, God has spoken once, I have heard it twice: strength belongs to God. 12 Also to you, Adonai, belongs grace (can also be translated as love); for you reward all as their deeds deserve.
Carried on His shoulders but borne on His heart!
Further Reading: Isaiah 41:8-9, Psalm 139:16, Song of Songs 8:6, Nehemiah 13:14, Ephesians 1:13-14, Philippians 1:3-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4, Hebrews 9:24, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30, Numbers 7:9, 1 Chronicles 15:15, Genesis 9:15,16, Hebrews 8:12, Hebrews 10:17, Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 6:10
Summary by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
February 12, 2011
Exodus 28: 9-12, Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Isra'el - six of their names on one stone and the six remaining names on the other, in the order of their birth. An engraver should engrave the names of the sons of Isra'el on the two stones as he would engrave a seal. Mount the stones in gold settings, and put the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the vest as stones calling to mind the sons of Isra'el. Aharon is to carry their names before ADONAI on his two shoulders as a reminder.
Exodus 28:15-21 "Make a breastplate for judging. Have it crafted by a skilled artisan; make it like the work of the ritual vest - make it of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen. 16 When folded double it is to be square - a hand-span by a hand-span. 17 Put on it settings of stones, four rows of stones: the first row is to be a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald; 18 the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond; 19 the third row an orange zircon, an agate and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They are to be mounted in their gold settings. 21 The stones will correspond to the names of the twelve sons of Isra'el; they are to be engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, to represent the twelve tribes.
Exodus 28: 28-29, Then bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the vest with a blue cord, so that it can be on the vest's decorated belt, and so that the breastplate won't swing loose from the vest. 29 Aharon will carry the names of the sons of Isra'el on the breastplate for judging, over his heart, when he enters the Holy Place, as a continual reminder before ADONAI.
The priestly garments contained two especially important items. The first is the ephod commonly known in Hebrew as a vest or ritual vest and the second item is the breastplate or the choshen. This High Priestly Breastplate is known as the Coshen Mishpat or Breastplate of Judgement. The ephod had two straps that went over each shoulder each containing a stone engraved with six of the twelve names of the Sons of Israel. They are Remembrance Stones.
1 Peter 2:4, As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him.
We are chosen; male, female, Jew or Gentile, like one of those stones, engraved and placed in the setting of the High Priest’s garment. We belong to the L-rd. Yeshua is the living stone and we are in Him; like “little Yeshua’s” because we are part of Him. We are sons, and part of His Body.
Hebrews 7:24-25, But because he lives forever, his position as cohen does not pass on to someone else; 25 and consequently, he is totally able to deliver those who approach God through him; since he is alive forever and thus forever able to intercede on their behalf.
Yeshua is our High Priest representing us and ever lives to make intercession for us. We are on His shoulders which speaks of His strength and power. We are engraved, not just written, sealed by the Holy Spirit to the Day of Redemption. If we were just written we could be erased, but we are engraved and belong to Him forever. We are fixed and settled. Our names are engraved on the Messiah!
John 10:27-30, “My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father's hands. 30 I and the Father are one."
The Strength of the L-rd; He carries us on His shoulders. He completely able to save us and represents us before the Father now. G-d remembers us as His sons and daughters! Yeshua represents us in Heaven and we are here now on earth in His stead!
2 Corinthians 5:20, Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah; in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, "Be reconciled to God.”
While the stones on the shoulder speak of His Strength, the Breastplate of Judgement was upon His heart and speaks of His love!
Isn’t it wonderful to know that He bears us on His heart? Now the judgement is without condemnation for those in Messiah Yeshua! Judgements have to be thrown out of court because we are made whole, righteous, and justified by His blood. See Romans 8:33,34, 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53 and Romans 8:3,4.
Power and love!
Psalm 62:11-12, God has spoken once, I have heard it twice: strength belongs to God. 12 Also to you, Adonai, belongs grace (can also be translated as love); for you reward all as their deeds deserve.
Carried on His shoulders but borne on His heart!
Further Reading: Isaiah 41:8-9, Psalm 139:16, Song of Songs 8:6, Nehemiah 13:14, Ephesians 1:13-14, Philippians 1:3-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4, Hebrews 9:24, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30, Numbers 7:9, 1 Chronicles 15:15, Genesis 9:15,16, Hebrews 8:12, Hebrews 10:17, Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 6:10
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Fresh Vision of the L-RD!
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
January 29, 2011
Exodus 24:8-11, “Moshe took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant which ADONAI has made with you in accordance with all these words." 9 Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, Avihu and seventy of the leaders went up; 10 and they saw the God of Isra'el. Under his feet was something like a sapphire stone pavement as clear as the sky itself. 11 He did not reach out his hand against these notables of Isra'el; on the contrary, they saw God, even as they were eating and drinking.”
Who sees and who doesn’t see a vision of the L-rd? How do we see the L-rd? We pray that He pour out a fresh vision of who He is on us today!
In this passage 74 people saw Him together; collectively they had a vision of the L-rd. Sometimes, we can’t see Him unless we are gathered together. There is a collective blessing as we gather together and that extends to our family even when they aren’t present.
We experience the fullness and dimension of G-d when we gather together as reflected in Ephesians 1:22-23, “Also, he has put all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the Messianic Community, 23 which is his body, the full expression of him who fills all creation.” Praying alone or at home is not a substitute for coming together; there is a special blessing when we are together where the anointing comes down (Psalm 133).
In the Exodus passage, they SAW the G-d of Israel! The Hebrew word used is ra’ah means to see, to discern the G-d Elohey Israel! Then in verse 11, the passage says they GAZED at Him. The word here is chazah which is like gazing at someone you love or have a longing for, to gaze at with beloved. It also means a revelatory vision of G-d just like when we will see Him face to face. This word is also used in two other passages:
Psalm 63:2, “I used to contemplate (ra’ah) you in the sanctuary, seeing (chazah) your power and glory.” and Psalm 27:4, “Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see (chazah) the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple.”
We see G-d in the Face of Messiah! The Talmidim asked Yeshua to see the Father. Yeshua answered as recorded in John 14:9, “Philip said to him, "Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
Now we don’t yet see Him, we believe and trust. We haven’t seen Him yet, but we are going to see Him. We rejoice now without seeing His Face. We see Him now in His Body, in His Actions and His Word!
1 Peter 1:8, “Without having seen him, you love him. Without seeing him now, but trusting in him, you continue to be full of joy that is glorious beyond words.”
When John saw the Messiah in Revelation, he appeared in His glorified state as Cohen Hagadol! John knew him prior to His crucifixion as the Lamb but this time he saw Him as the Lion! He is in place of judgement now!
In Exodus they saw Him by looking upward toward the base of the Throne. When John saw Him, he fell at His feet as if dead and when Isaiah saw Him he was struck with his sinfulness. When we draw near to Him we will be impacted!
There are many passages where it is described that G-d is seen and others where we can’t see or hear His voice. Which is it?
We see G-d in a unique way now through the love we have for one another. 1John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God remains united with us, and our love for him has been brought to its goal in us.”
Now look closely at what happened in Exodus 8. The covenant was ratified through the shedding of blood and the blood was sprinkled upon the people. They saw from below the Throne of G-d and they knew they were His! They ate and drank at peace under this vision.
Similarly, under the New Covenant, with Messiah’s blood sprinkled upon us, cleansing us from our sin, washing away our past and we are now His!
Have you had an explosion in your heart knowing that He loves you, removed your past and that you can trust Him? Do you know you are His? That is a true revelation or vision of Who He Is!
When John wrote of his vision of Messiah in Revelation, his goal was showing that we might see how Yeshua HaMachiach will reign on His Throne! There was a time in John’s life when he laid his head on Yeshua’s shoulder but now he fell at his feet as dead! We must know Him as Savior but He is also King!
Ephesians 1:17-18, “the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him. 18 I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your hearts, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people.”
So how do we see the L-rd? In humility as John did while on the Island of Patmos, by participating in the Body of Messiah realizing the fulness of being together and suffer with each other, and by enduring in tribulation because sometimes in the worst conditions G-d reveals Himself to us and to others.
When John saw Messiah as High Priest He was walking among the Menorahs inspecting them to see which lamps are burning brightly or not. Menorahs require oil to burn continuously never burning out. Yeshua himself was trimming the lamps so they would burn more brightly. If my light grows dim, my light can be replaced and we can become complacent indicated by making excuses and justifying myself. Here are questions to determine if I’m staying close to Him. How is my prayer time with Him? Am I hungry to study His Word? Am I witnessing and do I care about the lost? Do I want to be among His People? Do I want more of Him?
Further Reading:
Exodus 24:8-11, Ezekiel 1:26-28, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Ephesians 1:15,17, Revelation 1:9-18, Galatians 4:6, Hebrews 10:25, Psalm 27:4, Ephesians 1:23, Psalm 133, John 17:3, Psalm 17:15, Job 19:26-27, Isaiah 33:17, 2Corinthians 4:6, 1Peter 1:8, 2Corinthians 5:16, Judges 6:22, Isaiah 6:5, Genesis 32:30, Deuteronomy 4:12, Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16, Exodus 33:23, Job 42:5, Matthew 5:8, John 5:37, John 6:46, Judges 13:22, Revelation 1:17, Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 4:16, John 19:30,
Sermon Notes: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
January 29, 2011
Exodus 24:8-11, “Moshe took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant which ADONAI has made with you in accordance with all these words." 9 Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, Avihu and seventy of the leaders went up; 10 and they saw the God of Isra'el. Under his feet was something like a sapphire stone pavement as clear as the sky itself. 11 He did not reach out his hand against these notables of Isra'el; on the contrary, they saw God, even as they were eating and drinking.”
Who sees and who doesn’t see a vision of the L-rd? How do we see the L-rd? We pray that He pour out a fresh vision of who He is on us today!
In this passage 74 people saw Him together; collectively they had a vision of the L-rd. Sometimes, we can’t see Him unless we are gathered together. There is a collective blessing as we gather together and that extends to our family even when they aren’t present.
We experience the fullness and dimension of G-d when we gather together as reflected in Ephesians 1:22-23, “Also, he has put all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the Messianic Community, 23 which is his body, the full expression of him who fills all creation.” Praying alone or at home is not a substitute for coming together; there is a special blessing when we are together where the anointing comes down (Psalm 133).
In the Exodus passage, they SAW the G-d of Israel! The Hebrew word used is ra’ah means to see, to discern the G-d Elohey Israel! Then in verse 11, the passage says they GAZED at Him. The word here is chazah which is like gazing at someone you love or have a longing for, to gaze at with beloved. It also means a revelatory vision of G-d just like when we will see Him face to face. This word is also used in two other passages:
Psalm 63:2, “I used to contemplate (ra’ah) you in the sanctuary, seeing (chazah) your power and glory.” and Psalm 27:4, “Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see (chazah) the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple.”
We see G-d in the Face of Messiah! The Talmidim asked Yeshua to see the Father. Yeshua answered as recorded in John 14:9, “Philip said to him, "Have I been with you so long without your knowing me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
Now we don’t yet see Him, we believe and trust. We haven’t seen Him yet, but we are going to see Him. We rejoice now without seeing His Face. We see Him now in His Body, in His Actions and His Word!
1 Peter 1:8, “Without having seen him, you love him. Without seeing him now, but trusting in him, you continue to be full of joy that is glorious beyond words.”
When John saw the Messiah in Revelation, he appeared in His glorified state as Cohen Hagadol! John knew him prior to His crucifixion as the Lamb but this time he saw Him as the Lion! He is in place of judgement now!
In Exodus they saw Him by looking upward toward the base of the Throne. When John saw Him, he fell at His feet as if dead and when Isaiah saw Him he was struck with his sinfulness. When we draw near to Him we will be impacted!
There are many passages where it is described that G-d is seen and others where we can’t see or hear His voice. Which is it?
We see G-d in a unique way now through the love we have for one another. 1John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God remains united with us, and our love for him has been brought to its goal in us.”
Now look closely at what happened in Exodus 8. The covenant was ratified through the shedding of blood and the blood was sprinkled upon the people. They saw from below the Throne of G-d and they knew they were His! They ate and drank at peace under this vision.
Similarly, under the New Covenant, with Messiah’s blood sprinkled upon us, cleansing us from our sin, washing away our past and we are now His!
Have you had an explosion in your heart knowing that He loves you, removed your past and that you can trust Him? Do you know you are His? That is a true revelation or vision of Who He Is!
When John wrote of his vision of Messiah in Revelation, his goal was showing that we might see how Yeshua HaMachiach will reign on His Throne! There was a time in John’s life when he laid his head on Yeshua’s shoulder but now he fell at his feet as dead! We must know Him as Savior but He is also King!
Ephesians 1:17-18, “the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him. 18 I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your hearts, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people.”
So how do we see the L-rd? In humility as John did while on the Island of Patmos, by participating in the Body of Messiah realizing the fulness of being together and suffer with each other, and by enduring in tribulation because sometimes in the worst conditions G-d reveals Himself to us and to others.
When John saw Messiah as High Priest He was walking among the Menorahs inspecting them to see which lamps are burning brightly or not. Menorahs require oil to burn continuously never burning out. Yeshua himself was trimming the lamps so they would burn more brightly. If my light grows dim, my light can be replaced and we can become complacent indicated by making excuses and justifying myself. Here are questions to determine if I’m staying close to Him. How is my prayer time with Him? Am I hungry to study His Word? Am I witnessing and do I care about the lost? Do I want to be among His People? Do I want more of Him?
Further Reading:
Exodus 24:8-11, Ezekiel 1:26-28, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Ephesians 1:15,17, Revelation 1:9-18, Galatians 4:6, Hebrews 10:25, Psalm 27:4, Ephesians 1:23, Psalm 133, John 17:3, Psalm 17:15, Job 19:26-27, Isaiah 33:17, 2Corinthians 4:6, 1Peter 1:8, 2Corinthians 5:16, Judges 6:22, Isaiah 6:5, Genesis 32:30, Deuteronomy 4:12, Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16, Exodus 33:23, Job 42:5, Matthew 5:8, John 5:37, John 6:46, Judges 13:22, Revelation 1:17, Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 4:16, John 19:30,
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Mahn from Heaven
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
January 15, 2011
Exodus 16:1-4, “They traveled on from Eilim, and the whole community of the people of Isra'el arrived at the Seen Desert, between Eilim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after leaving the land of Egypt. 2 There in the desert the whole community of the people of Isra'el grumbled against Moshe and Aharon. 3 The people of Isra'el said to them, "We wish ADONAI had used his own hand to kill us off in Egypt! There we used to sit around the pots with the meat boiling, and we had as much food as we wanted. But you have taken us out into this desert to let this whole assembly starve to death!" 4 ADONAI said to Moshe, "Here, I will cause bread to rain down from heaven for you. The people are to go out and gather a day's ration every day. By this I will test whether they will observe my Torah or not.”
The Israelites arrived at the Seen Desert hungry and began to grumble. It was just three days after they had experienced the astounding and sensational miracle of the parting of the Sea. But they forgot and now they were hungry. It is said that the flashy and sensational miracles don’t change us or make for a solid foundation of faith. What changes us is the normal patient and seemingly ordinary work G-d does inside of us; that is what lasts.
Mahn (also known as Manna) rained down from heaven for forty years or approximately 12,520 days! This Mahn from heaven fed 2,000,000 people daily! Yeshua said for us to pray “give us this day our daily bread”. On Shabbat we have Lechem Mishnei which is a double loaf harkening back to the Mahn when a double portion was provided so they didn’t need to gather it on the sabbath. We get our bread now from the earth but it is still from G-d.
Proverbs 30:8-9, “provide just the food I need today; 9 for if I have too much, I might deny you and say, "Who is ADONAI?"And if I am poor, I might steal and thus profane the name of my God.”
Realize that He provides all our needs and we don’t truly “have” anything. Everything is the L-rd’s. When we realize this we know that we can’t loose anything. Interestingly, the word “have” does not exist in the Hebrew language.
“Mahn it is.” The Israelites had no idea what it was and Moshe said, “It is the bread the L-rd gives to you as food.” G-d was faithful to provide!
What are the lessons for us through the Mahn from Heaven?
Dependence - G-d graciously provides and this provision teaches us to depend upon Him and that He is the source of our provision and we are not provided for through our own efforts.
Obedience - be grateful in obedience and gather the Mahn just as G-d said according to need. This principle can be applied in how we each are given different gifts. Use what we are given now. If the Mahn wasn’t used it would rot or spoil. And if we wait to use what we are given we can loose it. (James 4:14) We all have been given different gifts as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12). Notably, this double provision of Mahn was before the Law was given; before Shabbat was commanded. The principle is to stop and rest and renew in Him and recognize He is our L-rd and Creator.
Messiah is our Lechem Hachaim or Bread of Life. Daily “bread” meets our needs. He provides for us daily through His Word and provision. To combat daily challenges and needs He provides Himself and His Word daily. We need to “eat” the bread of the Bible daily!
Further Reading: Exodus 16:1-36, Psalm 78:12-25, Matthew 25:14-29, John 6:30-35, Phil 4:19, Psalm 23:1, 1Peter 4:10, Psalm 68:19, Psalm 56:1, Psalm 52:10, Psalm 12:2, Numbers 11:7-8
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
January 15, 2011
Exodus 16:1-4, “They traveled on from Eilim, and the whole community of the people of Isra'el arrived at the Seen Desert, between Eilim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after leaving the land of Egypt. 2 There in the desert the whole community of the people of Isra'el grumbled against Moshe and Aharon. 3 The people of Isra'el said to them, "We wish ADONAI had used his own hand to kill us off in Egypt! There we used to sit around the pots with the meat boiling, and we had as much food as we wanted. But you have taken us out into this desert to let this whole assembly starve to death!" 4 ADONAI said to Moshe, "Here, I will cause bread to rain down from heaven for you. The people are to go out and gather a day's ration every day. By this I will test whether they will observe my Torah or not.”
The Israelites arrived at the Seen Desert hungry and began to grumble. It was just three days after they had experienced the astounding and sensational miracle of the parting of the Sea. But they forgot and now they were hungry. It is said that the flashy and sensational miracles don’t change us or make for a solid foundation of faith. What changes us is the normal patient and seemingly ordinary work G-d does inside of us; that is what lasts.
Mahn (also known as Manna) rained down from heaven for forty years or approximately 12,520 days! This Mahn from heaven fed 2,000,000 people daily! Yeshua said for us to pray “give us this day our daily bread”. On Shabbat we have Lechem Mishnei which is a double loaf harkening back to the Mahn when a double portion was provided so they didn’t need to gather it on the sabbath. We get our bread now from the earth but it is still from G-d.
Proverbs 30:8-9, “provide just the food I need today; 9 for if I have too much, I might deny you and say, "Who is ADONAI?"And if I am poor, I might steal and thus profane the name of my God.”
Realize that He provides all our needs and we don’t truly “have” anything. Everything is the L-rd’s. When we realize this we know that we can’t loose anything. Interestingly, the word “have” does not exist in the Hebrew language.
“Mahn it is.” The Israelites had no idea what it was and Moshe said, “It is the bread the L-rd gives to you as food.” G-d was faithful to provide!
What are the lessons for us through the Mahn from Heaven?
Dependence - G-d graciously provides and this provision teaches us to depend upon Him and that He is the source of our provision and we are not provided for through our own efforts.
Obedience - be grateful in obedience and gather the Mahn just as G-d said according to need. This principle can be applied in how we each are given different gifts. Use what we are given now. If the Mahn wasn’t used it would rot or spoil. And if we wait to use what we are given we can loose it. (James 4:14) We all have been given different gifts as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12). Notably, this double provision of Mahn was before the Law was given; before Shabbat was commanded. The principle is to stop and rest and renew in Him and recognize He is our L-rd and Creator.
Messiah is our Lechem Hachaim or Bread of Life. Daily “bread” meets our needs. He provides for us daily through His Word and provision. To combat daily challenges and needs He provides Himself and His Word daily. We need to “eat” the bread of the Bible daily!
Further Reading: Exodus 16:1-36, Psalm 78:12-25, Matthew 25:14-29, John 6:30-35, Phil 4:19, Psalm 23:1, 1Peter 4:10, Psalm 68:19, Psalm 56:1, Psalm 52:10, Psalm 12:2, Numbers 11:7-8
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Living Testimony
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Exodus 10:21-23, “ADONAI said to Moshe, "Reach out your hand toward the sky, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness so thick it can be felt!" 22 Moshe reached out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in the entire land of Egypt for three days. 23 People couldn't see each other, and no one went anywhere for three days. But all the people of Isra'el had light in their homes.”
Note during the plagues in Egypt that some were experienced by Israel as well as the Egyptians and some were only experienced by the Egyptians. Scripture reveals that at the very least, the first three plagues were experienced by both the Israelites and Egyptians.
As believers we are trusted with difficulties, but unlike those who don’t believe, our trials serve as a living testimony of what G-d is doing in our lives.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3, “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You make it clear that you are a letter from the Messiah placed in our care, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets but on human hearts.”
We are living letters or testimonies and there is purpose in our trials. One purpose is to minister comfort to others and draw others to Messiah through our afflictions.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6, “Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort; 4 who encourages us in all our trials, so that we can encourage others in whatever trials they may be undergoing with the encouragement we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the Messiah's sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows. 6 So if we undergo trials, it is for your encouragement and deliverance; and if we are encouraged, that should encourage you when you have to endure sufferings like those we are experiencing.”
What other purpose may our afflictions produce?
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things.”
G-d uses us to a greater degree out of our brokenness. Paul suffered many afflictions and look how G-d used and is continuing to use his life!
2 Corinthians 11:23-27, “I've worked much harder, been imprisoned more often, suffered more beatings, been near death over and over. 24 Five times I received "forty lashes less one" from the Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 In my many travels I have been exposed to danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the desert, danger at sea, danger from false brothers. 27 I have toiled and endured hardship, often not had enough sleep, been hungry and thirsty, frequently gone without food, been cold and naked.”
However, through all these trials G-d delivered! G-d is always good. What does it mean for G-d to be good? It is not what we think. Divine good works to glorify Him ultimately and create in us a testimony for Him. Trials take us out of our self-orientation and give us a G-dly vantage point. We see things from a heavenly perspective rather than from an earthly perspective. We are being conformed to Messiah and being prepared for eternity (Romans 8:29).
Meditate on Psalm 73. The psalmist begins with an earthly perspective and laments about how easy the ungodly have it and how he, on the other hand, is plagued every morning. He is troubled and jealous of others without pain (in the Hebrew the word amal is used) until he goes into G-d’s Sanctuary and it is there his perspective changes and he perceives their destiny. And there is all the difference. Once his perspective changes into G-d’s perspective he understands that G-d will never leave him but hold him by his hand. He will guide him now and even more, will receive him with honor. He realizes that G-d is for him!
Psalm 73:25, “Whom do I have in heaven but you?” This phrase can also be translated, “Who is for me in the heavens?”
We know Who is for us in the heavens. It is our L-rd and Messiah! He is interceding for us; guiding us and literally holding our hand as we are being conformed and bringing Him glory. May He help us trust Him, yield to Him and be a Living Testimony for His Glory!
Further Reading: Exodus 10:21-23, Exodus 11:4-7, Jeremiah 46:27-28, 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, Hebrews 12:1-6, 11-13
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Exodus 10:21-23, “ADONAI said to Moshe, "Reach out your hand toward the sky, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness so thick it can be felt!" 22 Moshe reached out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in the entire land of Egypt for three days. 23 People couldn't see each other, and no one went anywhere for three days. But all the people of Isra'el had light in their homes.”
Note during the plagues in Egypt that some were experienced by Israel as well as the Egyptians and some were only experienced by the Egyptians. Scripture reveals that at the very least, the first three plagues were experienced by both the Israelites and Egyptians.
As believers we are trusted with difficulties, but unlike those who don’t believe, our trials serve as a living testimony of what G-d is doing in our lives.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3, “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You make it clear that you are a letter from the Messiah placed in our care, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets but on human hearts.”
We are living letters or testimonies and there is purpose in our trials. One purpose is to minister comfort to others and draw others to Messiah through our afflictions.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6, “Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, compassionate Father, God of all encouragement and comfort; 4 who encourages us in all our trials, so that we can encourage others in whatever trials they may be undergoing with the encouragement we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the Messiah's sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows. 6 So if we undergo trials, it is for your encouragement and deliverance; and if we are encouraged, that should encourage you when you have to endure sufferings like those we are experiencing.”
What other purpose may our afflictions produce?
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things.”
G-d uses us to a greater degree out of our brokenness. Paul suffered many afflictions and look how G-d used and is continuing to use his life!
2 Corinthians 11:23-27, “I've worked much harder, been imprisoned more often, suffered more beatings, been near death over and over. 24 Five times I received "forty lashes less one" from the Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 In my many travels I have been exposed to danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the desert, danger at sea, danger from false brothers. 27 I have toiled and endured hardship, often not had enough sleep, been hungry and thirsty, frequently gone without food, been cold and naked.”
However, through all these trials G-d delivered! G-d is always good. What does it mean for G-d to be good? It is not what we think. Divine good works to glorify Him ultimately and create in us a testimony for Him. Trials take us out of our self-orientation and give us a G-dly vantage point. We see things from a heavenly perspective rather than from an earthly perspective. We are being conformed to Messiah and being prepared for eternity (Romans 8:29).
Meditate on Psalm 73. The psalmist begins with an earthly perspective and laments about how easy the ungodly have it and how he, on the other hand, is plagued every morning. He is troubled and jealous of others without pain (in the Hebrew the word amal is used) until he goes into G-d’s Sanctuary and it is there his perspective changes and he perceives their destiny. And there is all the difference. Once his perspective changes into G-d’s perspective he understands that G-d will never leave him but hold him by his hand. He will guide him now and even more, will receive him with honor. He realizes that G-d is for him!
Psalm 73:25, “Whom do I have in heaven but you?” This phrase can also be translated, “Who is for me in the heavens?”
We know Who is for us in the heavens. It is our L-rd and Messiah! He is interceding for us; guiding us and literally holding our hand as we are being conformed and bringing Him glory. May He help us trust Him, yield to Him and be a Living Testimony for His Glory!
Further Reading: Exodus 10:21-23, Exodus 11:4-7, Jeremiah 46:27-28, 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, Hebrews 12:1-6, 11-13
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Way of Obedience
by Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Exodus 6:11-13, "Go in; and tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to let the people of Isra'el leave his land." 12 Moshe said to ADONAI, "Look, the people of Isra'el haven't listened to me; so how will Pharaoh listen to me, poor speaker that I am?" 13 But ADONAI spoke to Moshe and Aharon and gave them orders concerning both the people of Isra'el and Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the people of Isra'el out of the land of Egypt.”
Moshe wanted to disobey the L-rd because he wasn’t confident in his ability to speak to Pharoah or in his ability to lead Isra’el knowing they would not listen to him. Moshe was relying on his own ability missing initially that G-d had no intention for him to rely on his own ability but to rely on Him!
2 Corinthians 1:9, “In our hearts we felt we were under sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead!”
Do not purpose in our flesh, but put our trust in G-d whose Word and Spirit will empower us to obey whatever He calls us to do.
G-d chooses those who are unable!
1 Corinthians 1:26-29, “Just look at yourselves, brothers - look at those whom God has called! Not many of you are wise by the world's standards, not many wield power or boast noble birth. 27 But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong; 28 and God chose what the world looks down on as common or regards as nothing in order to bring to nothing what the world considers important; 29 so that no one should boast before God.”
G-d ignored Moshe’s excuses. How do I feel when G-d ignores my excuses?
1 Corinthians 15:58, “So, my dear brothers, stand firm and immovable, always doing the Lord's work as vigorously as you can, knowing that united with the Lord your efforts are not in vain.”
Our obedience will not be in vain, but beware that our assignments may no always be outwardly successful.
Colossians 4:17, “And tell Archippus, "See that you complete the task you were given in the Lord."
The most important issue is not outward success but that we please G-d through our obedience!
You may be familiar with a poem by Robert Frost entitled The Road Not Taken. But the road we must be determined to take is the Way of Obedience! This Way will not be without peril nor will it be the Way of least resistance. In fact, we should expect peril and persecution. See 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29, and Philippians 3:10
Additional Reading: Exodus 6:6-13, Ezekiel 3:1-9, John 15:18-20, Romans 13:11-14, 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, Colossians 4:17, Psalm 31:15, Philippians 3:8, Ephesians 3:18
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
Exodus 6:11-13, "Go in; and tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to let the people of Isra'el leave his land." 12 Moshe said to ADONAI, "Look, the people of Isra'el haven't listened to me; so how will Pharaoh listen to me, poor speaker that I am?" 13 But ADONAI spoke to Moshe and Aharon and gave them orders concerning both the people of Isra'el and Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the people of Isra'el out of the land of Egypt.”
Moshe wanted to disobey the L-rd because he wasn’t confident in his ability to speak to Pharoah or in his ability to lead Isra’el knowing they would not listen to him. Moshe was relying on his own ability missing initially that G-d had no intention for him to rely on his own ability but to rely on Him!
2 Corinthians 1:9, “In our hearts we felt we were under sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead!”
Do not purpose in our flesh, but put our trust in G-d whose Word and Spirit will empower us to obey whatever He calls us to do.
G-d chooses those who are unable!
1 Corinthians 1:26-29, “Just look at yourselves, brothers - look at those whom God has called! Not many of you are wise by the world's standards, not many wield power or boast noble birth. 27 But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong; 28 and God chose what the world looks down on as common or regards as nothing in order to bring to nothing what the world considers important; 29 so that no one should boast before God.”
G-d ignored Moshe’s excuses. How do I feel when G-d ignores my excuses?
1 Corinthians 15:58, “So, my dear brothers, stand firm and immovable, always doing the Lord's work as vigorously as you can, knowing that united with the Lord your efforts are not in vain.”
Our obedience will not be in vain, but beware that our assignments may no always be outwardly successful.
Colossians 4:17, “And tell Archippus, "See that you complete the task you were given in the Lord."
The most important issue is not outward success but that we please G-d through our obedience!
You may be familiar with a poem by Robert Frost entitled The Road Not Taken. But the road we must be determined to take is the Way of Obedience! This Way will not be without peril nor will it be the Way of least resistance. In fact, we should expect peril and persecution. See 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29, and Philippians 3:10
Additional Reading: Exodus 6:6-13, Ezekiel 3:1-9, John 15:18-20, Romans 13:11-14, 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, Colossians 4:17, Psalm 31:15, Philippians 3:8, Ephesians 3:18
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