First Baptist Church, Union, NJ

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 18
Date of Delivery: November 8, 2026

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, a priest among the Midianites, arrives to bring Moses’ wife and children to join the Israelites. While visiting he sees the immense pressure Moses is under as prophet and judiciary to the people and advises him to pick trustworthy men to act as judges amongst the people to relieve some of the strain of leadership. A word of advice is always welcome when it comes from a sincere heart.

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 17:8-16
Date of Delivery: November 1, 2026

As the Israelites only begin to get their bearings in the wilderness an opportunistic army of raiders descends upon them. The Amalekites seeks to take advantage of these recent refugees but run into the hands of the Living God. As Moses holds his staff high, Joshua leads the battle below, a picture of sovereignty and human will working in perfect form. The Lord is their Banner and they rally under Him.

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 15-17
Date of Delivery: October 25, 2026

Being hangry is when blood sugar drops and begins to impair brain function, triggering a hormonal response that results in anxiety, irritability, and tension. This hangriness for about a million people results in grumbling and threats of violence. Salvation did not result in an immediate satisfaction of all stressors, but situations in which they could turn their anxieties towards God, and He would provide.

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 13-15
Date of Delivery: October 18, 2026

Caught between the waters of the Red Sea and the sea of Pharaoh’s oncoming chariots, the newly freed people of Israel become afraid. God speaks through Moses, do not fear, but trust in Him. As the waters part to let them pass, then soon to swallow the chariots, the people turn from fear to faith to praise. Here is our God, wondrous and mighty, here is our deliverer, savior, and Lord.

Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 11.13-16
Date of Delivery: October 11, 2026

As Pharoah has commanded the death of every male Israelite, God has cast judgment on Egypt and has proclaimed that every firstborn should die in one night. Yet our God is as merciful as He is righteous and offers a substitutionary atonement, if one would pain the doorpost of their home with the blood of an unblemished lamb, they would be spared. So God displays His power, and His intent, to redeem us through the blood.

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 7-10
Date of Delivery: October 4, 2026

10 Plagues are cast upon Egypt as a form of God’s judgment is manifested. Each one speaks out against the Egyptian pantheon and their lifelessness in the midst of the fury of the living God. God is not without mercy. Each plague is an opportunity to repent, to become part of His kingdom, and to be delivered from their sin by the blood of the lamb.

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 3-5
Date of Delivery: September 27, 2026

Moses enters the wilderness after attempting to deliver an Israelite by the might of his hand and the rage of his own anger. 40 years of the life of a humble shepherd and God chooses now to call out to him after getting his attention through a bush that burns but is not consumed. Moses responds to this call with 5 excuses, similar to ones we often us ourselves when He calls upon us.

Subject: Exodus - Got to Be There
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Exodus 1 & 2
Date of Delivery: September 20, 2026

Through the trials and blessings of Joseph, the Hebrew people are able to settle in Egypt for a time of incubation. As they grow in number and strength, and as a new king, who does not remember Joseph, comes into power, they now find themselves oppressed, enslaved, and under genocidal rule in quick order. God is not distant, but hears the cries of His people and delivers them through the faithfulness of women.

Subject: Prayer Alters
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Luke 18:9-14
Date of Delivery: September 6, 2026

Two people come before the Lord in prayer in this parable. One a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. Their prayers, positions, and works define them as we get a glimpse of their hearts into both true humility and self-righteousness. As we finish this short series on prayers that change, let us remember that our hearts determine our position before God. Proud and brought low, or humble and lifted up.

Subject: Prayer Alters
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Psalm 73
Date of Delivery: August 30, 2026

When we see how evil prospers and the righteous suffer our hearts can easily fall into envy, bitterness, and even so far as to doubt the goodness or existence of our God. One of the most notable performers in the Old Testament, Asaph prays this psalm, bearing his struggle before God and seeking to discern truth. When we bear ourselves before God, even our struggles, He hears, has compassion, and works fully in our lives.