ARCC Sermons

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February 1st

Our Bible reading today is in Exodus chapters 7,8,9.

The long and the short of our Bible reading today is summed up in chapter 7 verse 5...”The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.”

God was “going to work” in Egypt...He was going to deliver Israel...and He was going to deliver a message to Egypt.

To begin the text...God told Moses,” I have made you like God to Pharoah, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.”

“I have made you like God to Pharoah....” “...or...when Pharoah sees you, I want him to see Me.”

Friends, I’m reminded of what the apostle Paul told the church in Corinth....” men, remember that you are the image and glory of God to those around you.” Or...” when your family sees you when your church family sees you when your neighbors see you, I want them to see Me.”

“Thanks, Lord for the reminder...of WHY we want to be like Jesus...WHY we desire to do life with Jesus...Because... He is the perfect picture of Who You are, in all of Your glory, Father.”

“And your brother, Aaron, shall be your prophet.”

Doesn't that sound just like the relationship between Paul and Barnabas spoken of in Acts?

Moses AND Aaron were important to the purposes of God. Paul AND Barnabas were essential to the fulfillment of God’s purposes.

Yes...however...Moses and Paul were the “point of the spear”. Aaron and Barnabas held their partners’ wearied arms heavenward as the battle raged below.

God had a particular work for Moses. And God had a particular function for Aaron to fulfill. They were both servants of God...first and foremost. To get their jobs done, they would need each other. There was no place for envy, resentment, or careless disrespect toward one another.

Now, comparing the two “duos”?...

It would seem that both tandems butted heads in the middle of their ministries. (It’s called LIFE among saved sinners), but both sets of partners seemed to finish well...

...for one, a golden calf had to be destroyed and a perk refused...for the other duo, two new partners were added and ministries were changed.

May the Lord have plenty of “dynamic spiritual duos” at work in His Kingdom endeavors.

Now to the crux of our reading...

God wanted the Egyptians

“to know” something....” to be instructed” about something...the truth...

“The Truth That He was the true God of Egypt!”...not Pharoah!

And how was God going to teach them?...with hard lessons!

They had not learned from the easier lessons...by watching and listening and respecting the life message of God through the Israelite people..for 400 years...

So what were those hard lessons? Well, that’s the rest of the story.

But I will point out one general fact...The Egyptian people would suffer God’s judgment greatly in the days of our reading because Pharoah couldn't come close to being the god he claimed to be and the god the people needed.

This is what makes Jesus Christ so much better than all the other “so-called” gods. He took the judgment of God’s wrath that we deserved to receive....and he satisfied God’s righteous judgment so we could be forgiven and receive eternal life instead. What a Savior. Pharoah? No comparison!

Have a great day!

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January 31st

Our bible reading today is in Exodus chapters 4,5,6.

Look at what God is going to do.

Chapter 4

*God speaks to Moses...

...we are not surprised. He spoke to Adam...He spoke to Noah...He spoke to Job...He spoke to Abraham...He spoke to Isaac...He spoke to Jacob...He spoke to Joseph...and now He speaks to His servant Moses...about how He is going to use him...

for His people, the nation of His promise...

That nation? is Israel...that promise? is the eternal Savior...Jesus Christ!

May we not be surprised when God speaks to us. Let’s stay in the Bible...the inspired words of God to us who believe Him...and let’s expect the Spirit of God to speak to our hearts...at any place, at any time. Sometimes the voice of God will sound like your spouse...sometimes like your friend, even sometimes like your children, sometimes like your pastors, or sometimes like your favorite songwriter. So like a young Samuel, may we say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9.

*God tells Moses to be alert...to be watchful...to be expecting God to work. Why?

Let’s learn from Jesus...“The Son can do nothing of his own accord...only what He sees the Father doing.” John 5:19...

“Moses...Jim...Beverly...every believer...I'm not calling you to do something on your own or of your own creating. Just stay with me, listen for me...watch what is already going on...and then join me in it.”

“Ok, Lord...By the grace of God, I'm staying “dusty”...so close to you that I won't miss a word you say or a good work you do...and the dust from your walking sandals will rise to settle on me.”

*God is going to do wonders through Moses...that Pharoah will see...in Egypt!!!

“Go for it Moses...you and Aaron and God...it will be mysterious at times we are sure...

faith stretching, absolutely...and this is going to get dangerous...

...but we are learning from our reading that most “God adventures” are. And you couldn't be in better company...a brother that respects you, and God Almighty...Jesus Christ the “I Am!”

Listen and watch.

“What’s that in your hand, Moses?... God asked. “A staff Lord,” Moses responded. “Throw it on the ground”, God demanded. Moses threw it down. Immediately the staff turned into a snake. God said to Moses, now pick it up by the tail. And he did. And the snake turned back into the staff.

Then God said, “This and other wonders will I do through you. And you will say to Pharoah, “God says Let my people go!” Israel is my firstborn and I wish for them to worship me.” If you refuse Me, I will visit your firstborn child and put him to death.”

God was going to use Moses and Aaron to make a serious impression in Egypt...from the Palace to the Pyramids. God was going to deliver His people and get grand glory in the process.

How? you ask.

Well, that’s the rest of the story...and we will enjoy it.

Oh, did I mention that God hardened Pharoah’s heart against Moses’ request? Wouldnt that make Moses’ job of rescuing Israel harder? From Moses’ perspective, for sure. But what I believe?... It’s all about God’s magnificent glory...God’s big and Egypt is not.

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January 30th

Our bible reading today is in Exodus chapters 1,2,3.

As we begin the book of Exodus, let us remember the last recorded event in Genesis...the death of Joseph. Today’s reading shows us just how big his death was to Israel.

Today we read about a radical change in Israel’s history...going from a time of favor with Pharoah and the people of Egypt, to 300 years later, to a time of disfavor and enslavement in Egypt...going from 70 men to over 600,000 men and a combined population of over 2,000,000. Things had definitely changed since Joseph’s death...but one thing had not changed...”

“The faithfulness of God” to his chosen people!

He promised Jacob, 300 years prior to these verses, that He would make a great nation out of his family...” while in Egypt”...not just a larger extended family, but a great nation. And He did just that.

Isn't it impressive to our souls that God kept His promise from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob for over 400 years...He would be with them...He would be working to protect them and provide for them...He would be making them great before men...He would be making them into a formidable nation. And He was and He did.

When we look back at God keeping His promises for so many years, we must ask, “why can't we trust Him for our 70 or 80?”

And by the way, doesn't this teach us to wait on the God who saved us and destined us to fruitfulness in His Kingdom’s work? Say it with me...”He always keeps His promise!”

Let us remember that He is at work...perhaps not on our time table, but He is at great work none the less. Let’s just stay close together and close to Him.

Now to this text...In chapter one, the record shows that Egypt’s leaders and people felt that the burgeoning population of the people of Israel made them a threat to the national security of Egypt. So they persecuted them and brutalized them. Not a pretty picture.

What in the world was God up to? The Bible says...“The Israelite people cried out to God.”

Well, there you go...God used persecution pressure upon His people this time...Why?...simple answer?...to turn their hearts and eyes toward Him...to turn their cries toward Him and not just toward their oppressors...to prompt them to keep placing their hope and trust in their Savior...no matter what comes.

Let’s listen to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob speak through the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth 1400 yrs later:

“Paul said, “God put a thorn in my flesh...a messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I exalt myself above measure...I begged God to deliver me...three times pleading for Him to take this from me. And He said to me, No”...“ My grace is sufficient for you...my power is made perfect through your weakness...”

The strength of the Israelites was on empty...

And then one of my favorite pieces of scripture...Exodus 2:35: “And God knew.”

God knew that He had them (the people He loved) right where He wanted them...to a place of total dependence on Him, His power...and God was about to show His power... again...Power to save the life of a poor baby boy from the River Nile to the Pharoah’s Palace...Power to speak through a warrior angel from the midst of a burning bush...Power to change a fearful man into a courageous ambassador of God Almighty.

And you ask...”Any more power where that came from?...for us?.., today...?...and the One who gave it says...” My Name is still “I Am”...meaning...”I Am all the power you will ever need!”

Did He have another name? YES

JESUS!

In John 8:58...The Pharisees said to Jesus...You are not fifty years old yet...how can you say that you have seen Abraham? “

“Jesus said...”Before Abraham was “I Am.”

Awesome...Our Savior Jesus...from Exodus to the cross and back...Halleluiah...What a Savior.

Let’s enjoy the rest of the story.

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January 29th

Our Bible reading for today ends the book of Genesis... the Book of Beginnings...we are in chapters 48,49,50.

In our readings up to now, we've seen Life and many of its joys and struggles...Death and many of its pain and mystery...the good, the bad, and the ugly...

**But mainly, we've seen God working in and Through It All...

Perhaps as Andre Crouch would sing...about himself...about you and me...he would also say about...

Abraham and Sarah... had many tears and sorrows...Isaac... had questions about tomorrow...Jacob...had times when he didn't know right from wrong...but in every situation...God gave blessed consolation...and the trials were there just to make them strong.

Through it all...through it all...We've learned to trust in Jesus we've learned to trust in God...Through it all...through it all...we've learned to depend upon God’s Word.”

Well, let’s get into the text.

Joseph was told that his father, Jacob, was ill. So Joseph took his two sons to see their grandfather. I can't tell you exactly how Joseph and his boys felt as they made their way to the bedside of Jacob.

But the scripture tells us plainly how Jacob felt when he heard that they were coming.

“Jacob summoned all of his strength and sat up in bed.”

My translation? Jacob was more than glad...Jacob was excited...Jacob could hardly wait...and he wanted to present himself strong for them!

Do you have an aging parent or grandparent that is struggling in mind or body...go see them...be sure to let them know that you're coming...the anticipation is as good as the visit for them. If you cant get to them...call them...that thoughtfullness does count big time.

Next...in the reading...Jacob...sensing the end of his days drawing near...called his sons to his bedside in Goshen...and said, “Let me tell you what is going to happen to you.”

He blessed them with the truth...and what we have come to understand about the truth is that it can hurt sometimes...oh yes, truth can make our hearts glad, but it can also sting.

This father was trying to prepare them...give them a heads up about things that they would encounter. He took the risk because he loved them. He knew that he wouldn't be there to bail them out. But the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be. Jacob reminded his sons of their tendencies, good and bad. He apparently thought they needed to face them and learn from them for their futures.

“Lord, blessing my kids at the end of my days would be good. Help me to do that...but also help me to bless them regularly...now...that their hearts may be glad!

And finally...” it takes time and crazy love to heal”

Jacob’s sons buried him alongside his fathers in Hebron...back home in the land that God promised him.

Seventeen years have passed since Joseph saved his family from “death by famine” in Canaan. Seventeen years of family meals together. Seventeen years of simply doing everyday life together.

Was it enough time to erase guilty feelings from the minds and hearts of brothers? Was it enough time for trust to take over where fears and resentments and distrust had grown for so long?

Apparently not...most of the brothers were still afraid and guarded...however, one brother, Joseph, was willing to reach out and keep on building that bridge of hope between them.

Which reminds me of Jesus. He keeps reaching out to me and you, especially when we are afraid of our broken fellowship with Him. When we are guarded and defensive about our sinning against Him, He keeps on building that bridge of hope and grace between us. Awesome isn't it!

Now enjoy the rest of the story.

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January 28th

Our bible reading for today is in chapters 46 and 47.

Eleven sons are back home. After greetings were exchanged, the young men told their father that Joseph was alive. And......that Joseph was the new governor of Egypt...and...all the wagons loaded with supplies were from Joseph’s hand and goodwill.

And Jacob’s spirit was revived...and he said...“It is enough that my son Joseph is alive...”

I must stop for a moment...

For twenty years, Jacob has lived and grieved over the supposed “death” of his son Joseph. He has seen the wagon load of stuff...and he says...” It is enough that my son is alive.”...Implying that the stuff is good...and if I never see him on earth....”It is enough to know he lives.”

I can't help but wonder about the spirit of a brokenhearted mother named Mary...when word reached her that her son, Jesus, was not dead, but alive. Certainly, her spirit was revived. Surely she would try to brush away the pictures of her son’s crucifixion...but if they would not all disappear, I believe, like Jacob, she would think and say, “It is enough to know that my son lives.”

Julie Dawn...your son lives...Pansy Black, Your son lives...Lisa Black, your son lives...

And Jacob and Mary and all believers who have walked through the valley of the shadow of death...here is a chorus that we can all embrace: Written by Bentley Ackley 1933.

“I Serve a risen savior...he’s in the world today...I know that he is living whatever men may say...I see His hand of mercy...I hear His voice of cheer...and just the time I need Him He’s always near.”

“He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today...He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way...

“He lives, He lives salvation to impart...You ask me how I know He lives...He lives within my heart!”

Your words resonate with us, Jacob...as it was with you and Joseph...it is even more with us and Jesus...He is enough because He Lives.

I could stop right here, but there is one more scene in the reading I would like to point out today.

After living in Canaan for 40 years, Jacob and all of his family were leaving home. Jacob wasn't just moving anywhere. He was moving to Egypt. Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham, lived there for a while...and his own dad, Isaac, lived there for a while. Both of them had some difficult experiences there...Bad times!

Now note...Even at the age of 130 years old, Jacob was afraid.

How do you know that?

Because right before Jacob’s clan crossed into Egypt, Jacob stopped and waited before the Lord. God spoke to him in a vision that night...

“Jacob, Jacob...I am Almighty God...Don't be afraid to go down to Egypt...I'm going with you...And I am going to make you a great nation there.”

What a confirmation to have...whatever and wherever the next God adventure takes us.

Thanks Lord

Friends have a good day

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January 27th

Our Bible reading for today is in Genesis chapters 43, 44, 45.

“The road toward repentance...”

Two things immediately get my attention at the beginning of today’s bible reading......that cause me to shake my head.

The record says Jacob sent his boys back to Egypt for more food. And it’s strange to me that this father doesn't mention his second-born, Simeon, who has been an Egyptian prisoner for months now as a pledge for the family...and if the family in Canaan doesn't come through, then forget more food and forget Simeon coming home. And remember, Simeon has a wife and six children at home worrying about him.

And all this dad can do is direct an angry question at his other sons: “Why did you tell the man that you have another brother?”

The family climate of favoritism...created years ago by a selfish father...raises it’s ugly head again. No wonder there is no attitude of godly sorrow for sin in the lives of Jacob’s 10 sons before him.

...Everyone looking out for himself...starting with dad. Not good! But maybe God has these boys and this father on a road to repentance.

I kind of think so.

Listen to how Jacob ends his back and forth with Judah about taking Benjamin to Egypt with them.

“May God have mercy on you before the man...may the man send your brothers, Simeon and Benjamin, back with you...”

A good sign.

Another thing caught my attention in the argument between Jacob and his fourth born, Judah. This young man left the homestead...hooked up with Canaanite guys for friends...and married a Canaanite woman. Obviously, Judah decided to take a different path.

Now, years later, he is back home, fighting for his family...not just himself...his dad, his brothers, and their families, and especially imprisoned Simeon and his dad’s last-child, Benjamin...even vowing to take care of Benjamin and to bring him back home safe and sound...and if he couldn't, God and Egypt could take his life.

Interesting...Judah and his brothers, twenty years before, threatened and carried out the betrayal of their father’s first favorite son...causing so much family heartache.

Now, these same brothers are putting this present favorite son, Benjamin, of first and foremost consideration...and themselves last...even unto death.

Yes, I'd say that God has this family on the road to repentance.

And reconciliation? Well, that’s the rest of the story.

Have a good rest of the day.

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January 26th

Our Bible reading for today is Genesis chapters 41 and 42.

**This is the beginning of one of my favorite God stories in the Bible. Why? Because Joseph is a type of Christ in the sense that he is a sort of savior. You could say that Joseph saved an entire nation from starvation. So that is why some would call him a savior. Where Christ saved a world of believing sinners from the judgment of God. And that makes Him the ultimate savior. Joseph was given power over Egypt as their savior. Jesus was given all power in heaven and on earth as the all-powerful savior. Joseph was not recognized by his brothers. Jesus was not recognized by most of his Jewish brothers as the Messiah/Savior He was. Joseph was a good savior for a nation who needed food. Jesus was and is a great and sufficient savior for a world who needs the living bread of eternal life.

**There is another reason why I'm drawn to this story.

For thirteen years Joseph has served as slave and prisoner in Egypt. And there is no record in scripture of Joseph’s bitterness toward his brothers who betrayed him. Instead, he says, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.”

Joseph believed in the hidden providence of God. Instead of saying, “Why me?”...Joseph said, “Why not me...God’s up to something good...just show me how to get in on it Lord.” Joseph believed in the God who brings good out of evil for His people.

Yes, I too believe that no matter how dark things can get, God’s hand is always in control...for His glory...even beyond me...beyond my comfort...beyond my understanding...Why?

Listen to William Cowper...poet and Christian hymn writer...contemporary and good friend of John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace...

“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace.

Behind a frowning providence, it is a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour,

The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.”

Amen William!

And there is one more reason why this Bible story inspires my heart.

“God is using a young man greatly.” Oh that God would raise up more young believers to use and older ones to aid them!

That young man in our reading is Joseph. He has dreamed dreams that will come true in his day. He has been betrayed by his own brothers. He has been sold to be a servant of the Captain of the Guard of Pharaoh. He has been convicted and imprisoned for ten years for a crime he never committed...all for God’s purposes...Not just for Joseph, but for his whole family.

While Joseph was in an Egyptian prison, God used him to help a man. He interpreted his dream and it came true. Two years later, where we are in today’s reading, Joseph is interpreting the Pharaoh’s dreams...which led young Joseph to say.....

“God is showing Pharaoh what He is about to do.”...not what he, Joseph, was going to do, but what God is going to do.

Upon telling the Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams, Joseph added how the Pharoah could cooperate with God in saving his nation from severe famine. Pharoah was more than impressed with young Joseph.

He was driven to make Joseph the overseer of God’s plan to protect and provide for Egypt and the world from the devastating famine to come.

Pharaoh made Joseph second in command in all of Egypt, just behind the Pharoah.

Joseph as a boy was favored. Joseph as a teenager was destined for God’s use. Joseph as a young adult was tested.

What was God doing?

He was getting Joseph right where he wanted him to be...

....from prisoner in Egypt to governor over all Egypt.

A strange journey to say the least...but it was God’s, all mapped out before it began.

What a story Joseph would have for his kids and grandchildren.

What’s your journey like friend? Whatever it is, let’s say yes to God...

And then we too will have a “rest of the story to tell.

Have a great day!

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January 25th

Our bible reading today is in Genesis chapters 38,39 40.

We start out learning a little more about Jacob’s fourth son, Judah. We already know that his name means “to be praised.”

We also, already know...that he joined Rueben in saving young Joseph from the other brother’s murderous plot against the dreamer.

Though Judah resented his little brother for his obvious favor with their dad, Judah wasn’t up for murder. Perhaps Judah should be praised for his rescue effort, but what happens next does not live up to his name.

According to the text, Judah leaves his brothers in Mamre and moves to the Canaanite town of Adullam. Hirah of Adullam becomes Judah’s new best friend...At least friend enough to persuade Judah to take Shua, a Canaanite woman for his wife.

Already, Judah has broken away from his family, which was not customary for Jacob’s clan...

and he has integrated with Canaanites, which Abraham, Isaac, and his dad, Jacob warned the family not to do. (Even missionary dating would have been frowned upon).

Today we learn that Judah had three sons by Shua. Wonder which one of those sons would join the divine lineage of the promised Messiah.

None of them!

By the names given to the boys, Er, Onan, and Shelah, we know that Judah and his wife raised the boys as Canaanites, not Israelites. And that means the boys would have been raised at the altars of Baal, Asherah, Dagon, or a host of other false gods instead of Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Apparently the two oldest boys lived the pagan lifestyle...rampant immorality and godlessness.

When Judah’s oldest reached the age of marriage, he chose a Canaanite woman, Tamar, for Er’s wife. Er was wicked in his heart, the bible says. God killed him. Was God saving Tamar?

Next, Tamar married Er’s younger brother, Onan...he was just like his older brother...wicked and selfish and.... unwilling to raise up a child to the memory and legacy of his dead brother. Onan refused the ancient custom. And God put him to death too.

For most of us, passages like these cause us at least some pause. Most of us pass over it without much thought. Most of us hope that we don't get the “Why” question from our children or friends.

But as sincere readers of the book that God authored for us, we must ask the same question we ask in every chapter...every passage...”What’s God up to in this portion of His story?” “What is it that we are to understand from His activity here?”

We know, from the genealogy of Jesus Christ found in Matthew’s Gospel account, that Tamar is mentioned in that genealogy....and why?...because her son, by Judah, Perez, is in the line of Christ.

So what do we see in the reading of God’s Word today?

Some rebellion...some evil...some life...some putting to death...some justice...some mercy...

some Jews...some Gentiles...

And governing all?!...not in the same way...but sovereignly fulfilling His divine purposes...

is our Almighty God...

“In whose hands is the life and death of all mankind.” Job 12

“...Working all things together for good...to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

And who is a sinner today...you and me...

and when justice was served, who took our place...

and when mercy and grace was poured out on us, who gave us repentance and faith to believe...who forgave our sins and gave us his eternal life?...

JESUS...He is always better!

Have a good day!

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January 24th

Our Bible reading is in Genesis chapters 35,36,37.

God spoke to Jacob again.

He said, “Get up and go...”Which implied...”Jacob, you and your family have been here in Shechem long enough. My purpose for you now lies in Hebron, where your father is.”

Some commentators concentrate primarily on Jacob’s activity...And pretty much say, “Don't follow Jacob’s example. Much trouble came to him and his family because “he stayed in Shechem too long.”

Fellow follower of Christ, believer in and reader of the Bible, always remember, the Bible is God’s story. When we read, we must always frame man’s activity by God’s activity...FIRST!

Instead of first seeing Jacob’s trouble as something he brought on himself, by his poor judgments, let us first see what God was up to in and through the trouble that was Jacob’s to bear.

God had more lessons to teach Jacob and his children...lessons that would protect them and lessons that would forever guide them and their descendants to Him.

*And God chose trouble for His classroom there in Schechem.

“Now get up and go...God said to Jacob. “Go to Bethel and dwell there. And make an altar there to the God that appeared to you as you fled from your brother Esau.”

God was getting Jacob and his family back together...in Mamre/ Hebron. There would be more trouble to bear on this trip. God was calling Jacob and His family to the altar in Bethel...the place where Jacob first encountered the God of heaven and earth...remember the ladder?

The family would dwell there for a while, maybe a few months. Living in Bethel would give them some rest and some spiritual perspective. And then it was time for them to leave.

After 40 miles and more than a week’s difficult travel through the Judean mountains, not quite to Ephratha (Bethlehem)...Jacob’s wife of 20 years, Rachel, died in childbirth...Jacob’s first love...for whom he worked 14 years...for her hand in marriage. That would be hard.

And then, not long after that challenge, Jacob and his family would finally reach their destination after 5 years. Finally, after 25 years, Jacob would see his father again. And then the Bible says, Jacob’s father, Isaac, died. At least Jacob got to be there and say goodbye to his dad. But that was hard too.

Not many months later, after perhaps the hardest year of Jacob’s life, his sons stood before him with a bloody robe. “What is this? Isn't this the robe of my youngest son? Has an animal ravaged his body? He has been devoured.”..This, Jacob said before he tore his robe and began to mourn for days. That was hard.

God was up to something in the life of Jacob and his family...something that would shape their life message forever. And what God was up to

“is the rest of the story...”

And By the way...Jesus Christ, God the Son, came from the lineage of this bunch. And in Christ, we are in the lineage of their faith walk with God. It really gets interesting from here. Let’s keep reading.

Have a great day.