We believe in an Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. His character is perfectly revealed in Christ. He desires to be known and loved by the people He has created. The presence of this Being changes everything about our lives. We should respond to Him by worshiping Him, trusting His Word, and working so more may know Him.

Near the end of Numbers, a few tribes ask permission to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. The amazing part is that they've already received God's promise but won't rest until others have, too. For us who've received God's inheritance through Jesus, we shouldn't rest until we've done what we can to help others do the same.

In Numbers we see the Israelites had sacred daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms that helped them remember who God was and what He had done for them. In this message we look at the annual feasts of the Israelites to show how rhythms of remembrance renewed their minds and restored their attitudes.

Instead of maintaining a commitment to holiness and purity, the Israelites tolerate sin among them and indulge in it. This sin ultimately leads them away from God and into the worship of idols. This is devastating for people who have been promised an inheritance from the Lord. That's why we can't tolerate sin. Tolerating sin in our lives puts us in a vulnerable position before God.

In the story of Balaam and his donkey, we see that stubbornness is when people persist in their rebellion or defiance against God. This results in a spiral of consequences that eventually brings ruin. Our stubbornness, especially when it is in direct opposition to God, turns us away from Him and threatens the experience of life and blessing He longs to give us.

After being rerouted, which cost them valuable time, the Israelites become impatient because God is taking longer than they want. When they grumble, God brings consequences (venomous snakes) which turns their hearts back to Him. Impatience plagues us, as well, when God doesn't seem to operate on our time frame.

Some of the Levites rebel against Moses because they think he has too much influence or authority. By comparing themselves to another, the Levites lose sight of the incredible and sacred responsibility they've been given. Comparison, and the jealousy that comes from it, threatens our gratitude for what God has given us.

On the verge of entering the Promise Land, scouts are sent to bring back a report of the land, which proves to be both dangerous and bountiful. The Israelites give in to fear, believing that the risk/cost is greater than the God who is with them. Similarly, our own fears keep us from walking into the good that God desires to give to us.

Despite the fact that God is doing great things in and for the people, they often grumble that it's not good enough. In this scene, God's anger is aroused by their complaint because they are failing to see the good that God has done for them. We face the same temptation to complain despite the fact that God is doing great things for us.

This message introduces the book of Numbers in the Old Testament shows how it fits in the larger story of God's plan. The first chapters show how Israel was intended to be centered on God. He is with them and for them. Their attitude during the journey through the wilderness will determine whether they stay close to God or slip away from Him. Likewise, our attitudes this year will impact our intimacy with God.