As we begin our lesson today—continuing on in Exodus 14, we find that the Egyptians were on the Israelite’s tail; the Israelites were frightened to say the least. And, they’d just got done telling Moses that it would be better to return to slavery than to die in the desert at the hands of the Egyptians… We pick up with today’s section of Exodus 14, beginning with verse 13; listen carefully to God’s word to us today… “Moses answered, ‘Don’t be afraid! Stand your ground, and you will see what...
The death rates for members of the United Methodist Church are about 1/3 higher than the general population of the United States. Does this mean we should all “get out while we still can”? Not necessarily. This study done by the United Methodist Church points to a major challenge the church is facing today… In his book Present Future, Reggie McNeal makes it clear when he says: The further down you go in the generational food chain, the lower the percentage each succeeding generation reports going to church. The drop...
Let’s begin today with God’s word to us from Exodus 14, as we continue on with the Red Sea Rules… When the king of Egypt was told that the people had escaped, he and his officials changed their minds and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites escape, and we have lost them as our slaves! [over 600,000 men]” 6 The king got his war chariot and his army ready. 7 He set out with all his chariots [over 600], including the six hundred finest, commanded...
We begin a new series today called “Red Sea Rules,” based on a little book by pastor & author Robert J. Morgan—who God gave direction to when he was going through a difficult time of life. For this entire series, our focus will be on the first few verses of Exodus, Chapter 14. It’s the story of Moses … and his life’s crowning achievement—helping free God’s people from the Egyptians. Do you remember the Moses story? As we go through this series together, I’m going to challenge you to read...
Today, I want to speak to a reality of our world … and what I believe God wants us, as followers of Christ, to do about it. What is the reality that I want to speak to? Walls. Walls that divide us … on the face of this earth—walls never intended by God to be erected in the first place… As one who’s been to the Holy Land a few times now, I’m reminded of this reality every time that I go to Israel and see the big wall...
Father’s are special, aren’t they? There’s no one else like ‘em… Here’s what 3 kids had to say, bragging on their dads: First: My dad’s so smart he can talk for one hour on any subject. Second: My dad’s so smart he can talk for two hours on any subject. Third: My dad’s so smart he can talk for 3 hours and doesn’t even need a subject! ‘My dad’s better than your dad…’ is the game we so often love to play! Why? Because fathers...
I shared today’s sermon title with you a couple of weeks ago, but if you weren’t here, let me explain the title of today’s message: Zig Ziglar, a motivation speaker and salesman extraordinaire, was once asked how as a Christian parent he could advise others in raising their kids. His response? He said, “It’s no real secret to raising your kids God’s way; simply spank them … and take them to church!” That was his formula for successful parenting… Now, that may seem a bit harsh, but I’m here...
The world we now live in … is no longer the world as it used to be; it’s much more complicated today: What was once right is now wrong; what was once wrong is now right… What was once black is now white; what was once white is now black… Honoring your parents (as God’s word demands) was once a given in a good majority of homes; now that command of God seems to be optional… Welcome to our world! Parenting’s not the same activity it once was either. As...
A Chinese boy who wanted to learn about jade went to study with a talented old teacher. This gentle man put a piece of the precious stone into his hand and told him to hold it tight. Then he began to talk of philosophy, men, women, the sun and almost everything under it. After an hour he took back the stone and sent the boy home. The procedure was repeated for several weeks. The boy became frustrated. When would he be told about the jade? He was too polite, however,...
The one practical question that I get asked often by parents is this: How should I teach the Gospel (the Good News about Jesus Christ) to my kids? My answer is usually … simply! Pitfalls, both real and imagined, intimidate virtually every parent who thinks about this responsibility. On one hand, there’s the danger of oversimplification. On the other hand, we don’t want it to be too difficult, so that it’s way over their heads (and ours)! So, what’s the best approach to take? If you’ve ever been...
