What does it truly mean to be blessed? In our social media age of humble brags and #blessed posts, we've lost sight of the biblical understanding of blessing. Deuteronomy 28 and the Beatitudes reveal that true blessing isn't found in material prosperity or spiritual poverty alone, but in the fullness of life lived in God's presence. We discover that blessing is both physical and spiritual because it flows from enjoying God Himself.

If Israel had any hope to live up to the covenant in the land, they would need to be renewed. In his final address, Moses challenged the people to surrender their hearts fully to the Lord, repenting and receiving God's blessing. His Words remind us of our own need for renewal. We need new hearts to live for God and walk with him in all of life.

Preacher: Chris O'Neal

God speaks; he has from the very beginning. Throughout history, he has guided his people by his Word. Moses warned Israel to listen to the Word of God and obey it. But he also predicted that a new prophet would arise who would be even greater and would carry a greater message. In Deuteronomy 18, Moses was pointing the Jesus, the greatest and final prophet, who brought God's Word to us in its fullness and offered us life everlasting. 

All through the Bible, God tells his people, "Be holy because I am holy." What does that mean? In Deuteronomy, God reminds the Israelites that he chose them, he purifies them, and he will bless the world through them. For the church, the mission hasn't changed. Our holiness is one way we can display God to the world.

Right before He led his people into the Promised Land, God reminded them that they were to be a generous people. He had given them everything they needed, so they should give to others. Today, we've been given the same assurance and the same principles from God. All we have is his, and he wants us to bless the world through what we have.

What is worship? Jesus talks about it in terms of treasure. In the Old Testament, Moses warns against turning to idols. In this passage, God teaches us how to worship and what he requires. Our whole-hearted worship of God is unifying, acceptable, and sacrificial. 

When the people of Israel stood at the age of the Promised Land, Moses reflected on all God had taught them over their 40 years in the wilderness. God had been like a school teacher, molding and shaping them for life in the land. Through this passage, we can see how God teaches us, disciples us, and humbles us to live for him.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gives the people his parting words. These four sermons remind them of all that God has done and challenge them to live as the people of God in the Promised Land. Here, in the most famous of all Old Testament texts, the Shema, Moses reminds the people to know, love, obey, and remember their God.

How do we hear the voice of God? In this Psalm, David teaches us to look at the word of God in the world, in his word, but then turns the tables and invites us to allow the Word to look at us. When we do, we come to know God fully and more deeply.

Preacher: Chris O'Neal

Among the worship Psalms, something unique happens in Psalm 95. David begins by calling the people to worship, but in the middle, he begins to challenge the people, saying, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." How do we respond when we hear God's voice? How do we avoid the hardness of heart this psalm describes?