Central Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia

Have you ever had a really important meeting? If you have, then you know all the preparation and emotion that goes into a meeting like that. One of the most amazing things about God, is that He, the creator, would want to meet us, His creation. It really is a big deal. This Sunday we’ll examine what happened when God called a meeting with the Israelites. There are so many challenging and encouraging implications for us. You will be filled with awe and wonder that God would want to meet with you.

Have you ever experienced burnout? We probably all have at one point or another with one thing or another. As we continue your study of Exodus and Hope for the 757 we will learn perhaps the greatest lesson in avoiding burnout. So, if you need an energy boost and a little motivation you don’t want to miss this week. This is a practical for all leaders.

“It’s too cold outside! I’m hungry! This is the worst!” These are probably a few complaints you have heard recently whether it was from you or someone else. Complaining can begin to wear you down if you experience too much of it. We see this from the Israelites after God graciously provides for them and protects His people. This Sunday, we will see how Moses and God respond to this behavior and if there is still hope for the Israelites.

Music plays an important part in most of our lives. We’ve probably all had the experience where some songs we just sing mindlessly while other songs the lyrics have a special meaning. In our Exodus study, God had freed the Israelites and they would sing praises. However, for some the song was just mindless words while for Moses the lyrics were born out of a constant dependence. That would be the difference between complaining and having hope.

Is your family like most in America, do you often eat on the run? Are family dinners more the exception than the norm? Well, one night many years ago God’s people would eat on the run. That’s the thing about following God sometimes we are called to eat on the run, while other times we’re to have family meals where we remember God’s faithfulness. We’ll see that as God prepares to free the Hebrews from the land of Egypt. You will discover some timely family lessons that are sure to be encouragement.

The corona virus has felt like a plague that has tormented our country and the world for about a year now. Yet, it pales in comparison with the plagues unleashed upon ancient Egypt. It’s interesting how this history from so long ago reveals truths about God and humanity that are profoundly practical today. As we examine plagues 5 – 10 you will be sure to walk away principles that govern your living and bring hope no matter the circumstances.

In a world full of chaos and confusion we need to be reminded over and over again that our God is bigger than all of that. This is nothing new, the Hebrews had the same issue. Their present circumstances robbed them of the ability to dream. If current events and present circumstances have you the least bit deflated or if you just need to be reminded of the greatness of our God this message is for you.

We are jumping back into our series and theme for this year, Hope for the 757. These are interesting times and during times like these it is important to ask the question what voices are you listening to? Who is it that has your ear? Moses had wrestle through the noise of his day as well and the honest, raw dialogue he had with God becomes a great example for us today.

Happy New Year! As we begin the New Year we are praying for health and peace to be sure, but also for new friends to meet, more opportunities for discipleship, for a closer walk and more intimate communion with Jesus. Sometimes it can be so easy to get off course and have our spiritual growth stunted. In this special New Year’s message, Pastor Steve will unpack the first chapter of Revelation. For some it will be an “atta boy” for others it will be a message of recalculation. Either way you will be sure to challenged and encouraged as we launch into the New Year.

This week we wrap up the Christmas sermon series on the Child of Hope Himself, Jesus.