Hope Commons Church

God With Us | Out of Egypt | Hope Commons Church

What does it mean that God is with us?

In the final message of our Out of Egypt series, we follow the images of God's Spirit and water from creation through Israel's rescue and the tabernacle, then into the new life Jesus gives us.

Exodus ends with God's presence dwelling among His people and guiding their journey. The story continues in Jesus, who offers the salvation we cannot earn and calls us to walk in newness of life. Through His Spirit, God is present with His people in the ordinary places we live, work, and care for one another.

This week's invitation: pause, recognize your dependence on God, and consider how His presence can change the way you treat the people around you.

Scripture explored includes Genesis 1:1–2 and 2:7; Exodus 40; Hebrews 10:1–4; Romans 6:1–4; and 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Hope Commons Church • November 8, 2026

CHAPTERS

0:00 Out of Egypt Series Introduction

1:40 Opening Conversation: God's Favorite Pizza

5:03 The Exodus Finale and One Story Leading to Jesus

6:46 God's Spirit over the Waters

8:39 The Breath of Life

11:09 Moses Rescued through the Waters

13:24 The Burning Bush and God's Name

15:28 God Leads His People through the Sea

17:33 Covenant and Life Together

20:44 Wearing God's Name

21:34 A Broken Covenant and a Dwelling for God

24:57 The People's Gifts and Work

26:32 Setting Up the Tabernacle

27:40 God's Presence Fills the Dwelling

30:06 Why the Story Needs Jesus

33:26 Hebrews 10 and the Gift of Salvation

36:26 Representing the Kingdom

36:58 Grace and New Life through Baptism

39:56 God's Spirit Dwells in His People

41:40 Looking Ahead to Acts

43:16 Changed from the Inside Out

44:36 Closing Reflection and Prayer

45:56 Stay Connected and Share the Hope

#HopeCommonsChurch #OutOfEgypt #GodWithUs

What does it look like when the church is being the church?

It looks like showing up for young people, learning to follow Jesus together, walking alongside someone through grief or recovery, sharing food and clothing, and making time for people who need a friend.

This week, people from across Hope Commons share how those everyday acts of love are taking shape in our church and community. These stories offer a glimpse of the many people bringing their gifts, sharing responsibility, and keeping the door open for others.

We close with Romans 12:9–18—a picture of sincere love, practical generosity, hospitality, prayer, and sharing one another’s joys and sorrows.

As you watch, consider: What could you bring to the table? How could your group grow as disciples while serving others?

There is room for you to receive care, build friendships, and participate.

CHAPTERS

0:00 The Church Being the Church

0:54 Youth Ministry: Showing Up for Kids

4:37 Kids Zone and the Children’s Closet

7:40 Women’s Community and Bible Study

11:03 Wednesday Bible Study: Learning Together

14:52 Serenity: Christ-Centered Recovery

16:28 Grief Group: Walking Through Loss Together

17:57 Blankets, Clothing, and Care for Our Neighbors

20:04 The Care Team: Visiting and Connecting

21:19 Being the Church Beyond Our Walls

22:54 More Ways to Participate: Groups and Food Ministries

24:51 Romans 12: Love in Everyday Life

#HopeCommonsChurch #BeingTheChurch #Chico

Presence | Out of Egypt | Exodus 33–34

What do you do after you've broken the very thing you promised to keep?

After the golden calf, Israel faces the possibility of entering the promised land without God's presence. Moses asks God to go with them, show him his ways, and reveal his glory. God's answer tells us who he is: compassionate, merciful, patient, loyal, faithful, forgiving, and just.

In this message from our Out of Egypt series, we explore Exodus 33–34, the relationship between repentance and accountability, and God's invitation to a restored covenant. We also look at the refiner's picture in Malachi 3:3 and ask: Can people see God's character reflected in our lives?

We don't save ourselves by being good enough, and we were never meant to grow on our own. We say yes to Jesus as Savior, King, and Friend, trusting him to shape us into people who reflect him together.

Scripture: Exodus 33–34; Malachi 3:3

Hope Commons Church | October 25, 2026

CHAPTERS

00:00 Out of Egypt series introduction

01:43 The story so far and the words of covenant

06:41 The golden calf and a broken covenant

08:08 The promised land without God's presence

11:18 Moses meets with God

12:48 Show me your ways and go with us

15:09 Show me your glorious presence

16:40 New tablets and a new encounter

17:37 God describes his character

19:21 Justice, repentance, and accountability

21:11 Forgiveness and a renewed covenant

22:20 Living faithfully and learning to rest

24:44 Reflecting God's character

25:22 The refiner and the silver

27:37 Jesus as Savior, King, and Friend

28:49 An invitation to reflect God

30:17 Closing prayer

31:02 Thanks for joining us

What if the god we turn to in our anxiety is just a reflection of our own desire for control?

Pastor Ron Zimmer walked us through Exodus 32 and 33, showing how the Israelites grew impatient waiting for Moses on Mount Sinai and demanded a golden calf, reducing the living God into something manageable they could carry around in their pockets. When we treat God like a lucky rabbit's foot or a celestial gumball machine for our own agenda, we miss what it means to truly trust Him. Yet through Moses pleading for mercy and interceding on behalf of the people, we see a powerful picture of sin, judgment, and the deep need for reconciliation. The message challenges us to stop merely attending church when it is convenient and instead be the church, embodying God's love and hope everywhere we go.

00:00 - Pre-sermon

00:18 - God rescues people from every bondage.

01:44 - congregation shares personal passions and fandoms

04:17 - Exodus: Covenant words shape God's people

10:31 - God's dwelling built by willing givers

18:35 - Idolatry reduces God and humanity

25:06 - Moses pleads, God relents for Israel

28:37 - Broken covenant, costly consequences, hope restored

31:17 - Being church, not just attending

40:06 - Salvation through Jesus, not self-effort.

43:23 - Post-sermon

What if giving isn't about meeting a budget, but about stepping into the very work of God?

Pastor Ron Zimmer walked us through Exodus 25 to show how God invited the Israelites to bring voluntary offerings for the building of the tabernacle. God did not demand a strict percentage or rely on compulsion, but instead gave His people the privilege of participating in creating a sacred space for His presence. This generous response was never about fundraising or proving their worth through production. Because God rescued them from slavery, their generosity became a natural overflow of belonging to the King, pointing forward to the ultimate self-giving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

00:00 - Pre-sermon

00:18 - God rescues the oppressed from bondage.

01:45 - Congregation shares favorite smells together

04:22 - Myrrh and sacred space in Exodus

06:50 - Ten Words Unite Israel with God

11:21 - God's specific gifts for His sanctuary

16:47 - God's Portable Home Among Israel

22:56 - Seven speeches, Sabbath, and sacred worth

27:41 - God invites eager, willing participation.

30:28 - Generosity reflects the heart, not wealth.

36:13 - Salvation prayer and closing invitation

39:29 - Post-sermon

In this message from the "Out of Egypt" series, Pastor Mario Yanes explores Exodus 24 to remind us that God's rescue is never merely about escaping our struggles. While we often offer "microwave prayers" for God to simply get us out of pain, addiction, or bad circumstances, deliverance is only the beginning. True biblical freedom is not absolute autonomy, but life lived in the presence of Yahweh.

The sermon highlights how God draws a formerly enslaved people into a sacred covenant at the foot Mount Sinai. Through the 12 sacred stone pillars representing all the tribes, the people respond in unison, declaring, "Everything that Yahweh has said we will do and we will obey" (Exodus 24:7). Moses then uses the blood of the covenant—sprinkling half on the altar and throwing half toward the people—to symbolize a binding agreement. This covenant is marked by two vital offerings: the burnt offering, representing complete surrender to God, and the well-being offering, which famously culminates in a shared meal. In a stunning display of grace, the 70 elders of Israel look upon God, standing on a pavement of dazzling lapis lazuli, and they eat and drink in His presence.

Ultimately, these ancient patterns point forward to the New Testament fulfillment we have in Jesus. Just as the high priest's sacrifices in Leviticus could never fully resolve the distance between a holy God and flawed people, Jesus enters the heavenly sanctuary "once for all by his blood, not by the blood of goats or calves, securing our deliverance for all time" (Hebrews 9:11–12). The sermon challenges us to look past our desire for a quick fix from our modern-day Egypt and ask a deeper question: Do we truly want life with Him, letting His words shape us and His covenant define us?

00:00 - Pre-sermon

00:18 - A timeless story of divine rescue

01:44 - Best meals spark joy and memories

05:46 - Exodus recap: freedom means life with God

11:59 - Drawing near to a holy God

13:54 - Israel's covenant sealed in blood.

18:54 - Covenant leads to God's table

22:34 - Freedom leads to presence, not finish line.

25:05 - One sacrifice, grace for all.

27:39 - Beyond rescue, into God's presence

31:15 - Post-sermon

This sermon, "Together," powerfully reminds us that as followers of Christ, our identity has fundamentally shifted: we are no longer slaves, but cherished children of God, possessing inherent value not based on what we produce, but on who God has made us. This foundational truth positions us as a "kingdom of priests" and a "holy nation," called to represent God's character and amazing light to all humanity (Exodus 19:5-6, 1 Peter 2:9).

The core of this calling is found in the "Ten Words" (Exodus 20:1-17), which are presented not merely as laws, but as a sacred covenant—a set of agreements that bind us together in community and define how we relate to God and one another. The church, therefore, doesn't exist as an "Insiders Club" for its own sake, but as a collective body actively demonstrating God's kingdom. This means embracing a life of worship (both corporately and in every aspect of our daily lives, bringing glory to God everywhere we go), connecting deeply with one another, serving others with the heart of Jesus, and generously giving to fund the mission.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, the message emphasizes that every individual is uniquely gifted by the Spirit for the common good. It's not about a single leader or a small group, but about "us" – all of us coming together, using our diverse talents to ensure the church thrives and effectively reaches out. From those serving in highly visible roles to those working behind the scenes, every contribution is vital to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). This collective effort extends to proclaiming the good news that salvation is a gift received by grace, not earned by works (Romans 6:23), and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Ultimately, living out this covenant together means embodying what the prophet Micah articulates: "to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Doing justice involves actively setting right what is wrong, from grand societal issues to simple acts of kindness. Embracing faithful love means showing steadfast, kind, and action-oriented care for our community. Walking humbly acknowledges that God is in charge, and we are His living, breathing image on earth, meant to be seen and known by others, especially those outside the church, through our honorable deeds (1 Peter 2:12). The church's purpose is to be visibly living out this common faith, ensuring that when someone new walks through the door, they feel expected, loved, and prayed for, because the church exists for them too.

The sermon, "Loving Others," unpacks the Ten Commandments not as a rigid legal code, but as "ten words of covenant" designed to bind God's people together in a unique relationship with Him and with one another. These commands, given to Israel after their rescue from slavery, establish a framework for a holy nation set apart to reflect God's character to the world. They reveal God's desire for a community built on mutual respect, protection, and life-giving interactions.

The first four "words" focus on our relationship with God: worshiping Him alone, refraining from idols (recognizing that we are God's image), honoring His name, and observing the Sabbath as a reminder that our value comes from belonging to His kingdom, not from our productivity. The fifth commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12), serves as a crucial hinge. It calls us to live in generational community, passing honor upwards, and is foundational for a long, blessed life. Even when parental relationships are challenging, the principle encourages a posture of respect that children will observe and emulate.

The remaining six commandments guide how we interact with our neighbors. Rather than simply viewing them as prohibitions, the sermon encourages us to "invert" them, transforming them into proactive commitments to give life and foster flourishing. For example, "Do not kill" (Exodus 20:13) becomes a call to actively give life to others in our community, not just refrain from taking it. Similarly, "Do not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14) means actively supporting and respecting the covenant of marriage, both our own and others', mirroring God's covenant with His people.

This inverted perspective extends to protecting what belongs to others. "Do not steal" (Exodus 20:15) becomes a commitment to help people keep their personal property and ensure their security. "Do not testify falsely against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16) is understood as refraining from using lies to cause harm in legal matters, and instead, speaking life into people. Finally, "Do not covet" (Exodus 20:17) is presented as a foundational command that, when inverted, means protecting what belongs to others and trusting God to provide for our own needs, rather than desiring what is not ours. This mindset safeguards against violating any of the other commands.

Jesus Himself summarized these "ten words" by emphasizing two great commandments: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind" and "You must love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:35-40). All the law and prophets depend on these, illustrating that genuine love for God naturally overflows into genuine love for others. As 1 John 3:16 reminds us, "Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." This means letting God's perfect love flow through us, requiring the costly investment of our time, treasure, and talent in serving those around us, building a beautiful life together in God's kingdom.

00:00 - Pre-sermon

00:18 - God rescues people from every bondage.

01:44 - Fun icebreaker sparks creative congregation responses

04:04 - Israel's exodus from slavery to freedom

05:56 - Ten Words bind God's people together.

07:51 - First four commandments reveal God's heart.

10:25 - Honoring parents builds strong generations

14:33 - Inverting 'Do Not Kill' Means Give Life

17:20 - Commandments reframed as protecting others

23:28 - Love God and neighbor changes everything.

26:42 - Accepting Christ as Savior and King

31:20 - Post-sermon

This week's sermon from Exodus 20, titled "Wearing God's Name," invites us into the powerful story of God's rescue and the covenant He establishes with His people. Pastor Ron Zimmer explained that after delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, God called them into a unique relationship, making them His "most precious possession" and a "kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:5-6). This means they were set apart to represent Him to the entire world.

The message focused on the first three of God's "Ten Words," not merely as laws, but as foundational principles for this covenant relationship. First, God declares, "You must have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). In a world filled with many gods, Yahweh asserted His singular identity as the one true God, demanding exclusive devotion and rejecting anything that would distract His people from Him. Second, God commands, "Do not make an idol for yourself" (Exodus 20:4). This was a radical departure from the common practice of the time. The sermon highlighted that God doesn't need carved images because He has already created an image for Himself: humanity. As Genesis 1:26-27 teaches, we are made in the *Imago Dei*—the living, breathing image of God—carrying His likeness everywhere we go.

Finally, the sermon delved into the third word: "Do not use Yahweh your God's name as if it had no significance" (Exodus 20:7). Pastor Ron reinterpreted this not just as avoiding profanity, but as a call to actively *carry* God's name with profound significance. Drawing from passages like Exodus 28:29 and Numbers 6:22-27, which describe priests carrying Israel's names and placing God's name on the people, we understand that believers are called to represent God to the world. Our lives are meant to uphold the holiness of His name, as Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:9-10, "Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name." This means that as followers of Jesus, we are the "only Bible the world is reading," called to reflect God's humility, humanity, and hope in everything we do. This aspiration culminates in the vision of Revelation 22:4, where God's name is on His people's foreheads, signifying a perfect reflection of His image.

Ultimately, the sermon reminded us that while the standard for God's kingdom is perfection, which we cannot achieve on our own, Jesus came to pay the debt for our sin. By receiving His gift, we are empowered not just to be part of the kingdom, but to actively participate in God's will on earth, carrying His name and reflecting His light to a world desperately in need of hope.

This sermon reframes our understanding of the Ten Commandments, inviting us to see them not as a rigid list of laws, but as God's life-giving covenant words—His instruction and guidance for a relationship with His people. Tracing the story from Israel's enslavement in Egypt to their miraculous rescue and arrival at Mount Sinai, we learn that God saved them first, and then offered this covenant. The Hebrew word "Torah," often translated as "law," actually means "instruction" or "teaching," and Exodus itself refers to these as "10 Words" that bring life, not just accountability.

The core of this covenant, found in Exodus 19 and 20, is God's promise: if Israel would follow these words, they would become His "precious possession," a "kingdom of priests," and a "holy nation." This means their purpose was to represent God's kingdom to the world, allowing others to look at their lives and understand what God's kingdom is truly about. This is a foundational relationship, like marriage vows or an adoption, where God clearly lays out His expectations not to control, but to guide His people into wholeness and purpose.

For us as followers of Jesus, this call to represent God's kingdom continues. The sermon draws a powerful connection to Romans 12, where Paul encourages believers to be "transformed by the renewing of your minds" rather than conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-2). This transformation leads to practical expressions of love and peace, such as showing genuine affection, hating evil, honoring others, being enthusiastic in service, contributing to needs, welcoming strangers, and blessing those who harass us (Romans 12:9-18). This "peace" is not merely the absence of conflict, but a restoration of all things to their proper place.

Ultimately, God paid the penalty for our inability to perfectly keep His covenant, offering grace as a free gift. We are invited to live into our identity as children of God, adopted into His family, and to embrace the vocation of representing His kingdom here on earth. The invitation for this week is to meditate on the "10 Words" in Exodus 20, asking God what we are meant to learn about Him, ourselves, and how we fit into His grand purpose, so that when people look at our lives, they see the kingdom of Yahweh.

00:18 - God rescues the oppressed into freedom.

01:44 - Congregation shares their sources of peace

04:10 - Israel's exodus leads to God's covenant.

07:09 - Ten Commandments as covenant, not law

11:17 - Commandments as covenant promises, not rules

13:25 - Ten words, one covenant purpose.

16:58 - God's rules define a covenant relationship.

20:31 - God's peace surpasses all circumstances.

23:14 - Living Kingdom Identity Through Transformed Minds

26:42 - An invitation to faith and prayer

30:28 - Post-sermon