Forty years is a long time to wait. For four decades Moses had built a life in the desert, radically different from the life he had in Egypt. In this message, Dr. John will point to the qualities of Moses that reveal the fruit of his desert wait. They will surface at a burning bush. We will see Moses as He has become, but moreso, we will see God as He is.
Some choices are pivotal. At the age of 40, Moses makes a decision that will re-route his life. Dr. John teaches on the early life of Moses and the critical choice he faced. Ultimately Moses becomes a man without a people. Hunted by Egyptians and rejected by Hebrews, in the desert he is being prepared to meet his God.
Can God be trusted as His people suffer? Why doesn't God do something? Dr. John moves us through the story of Exodus and reveals the saving actions of God. God will redeem His people through the birth of a Hebrew boy. Not only will God rescue this child, but He will shape an ironic twist. Egypian royalty will pay for his keep! God will ensure that the boy receives the best of Egyptian and Hebrew culture. The boy is given the name Moses.
As day shifts to night, the story of Israel takes a dark turn at the beginning of Exodus. The nation moves from a favoured position to a bitter experience. They are enslaved, oppressed and threatened. Where is God as this happens? In this second message from Exodus, Dr. John points us to the involvement of God in every detail. God not only sees the state of His people, He is present and active at every turn.
Why would we pay attention to a story 3,500 years old in a land far removed from us? Because it is our story too. In this 5 week series from Exodus, Dr. John teaches that the themes of deliverence and covenant are our themes as well.
The dictionary defines optimism as a perspective which sees the favourable side of life. Many rest their optimism on the shoulders of their skills, resources or even luck. Dr. John reminds us that smiling at the future is possible not because of our capacity or actions, but because of God's providence. We can embrace the favourable side of life and eternity because God is in charge. This brings hope, courage and a smile.
"What differnece does a healthy biblical view of God's providence make in every day life?" Dr. John asks and answers this pivotal question. We are reminded to live by faith in our sovereign God. The faith that makes a difference is faith that believes in God's providence, trusts His wise governance, and then orders life in response to His purposes.
Every complaint we make about the weather, our health, traffic or neighbours is an insult to the providential work of God. Our complaints suggest that either God is not doing enough, or we don’t like what He is doing! Dr. John points us to Paul's experience in a Roman jail, and the joy Paul felt despite harsh circumstance. Knowing that God rules over every detail of our lives is cause not only for gratitude, but for deep joy.
Fear is at play in our lives more often than we care to admit. We worry about our health, our family, climate changes, community violence and international tensions. We worry that no one seems to be in charge. But God is! He governs this world every minute. "Fear not," is God's assurance and command. We take courage, not because the dangers are illusionary, but because God rules over all. We can trust Him.
Every parent has heard their child ask, "Why?" Children can't understand the complexities of life, and the wise actions of parents confuse them. With God, we are the children. Often we look heavenward and ask, "Why?" The mysteries of Earth and Heaven are hidden within the providential wisdom of God. Dr. John assures us that while we may be baffled by God's ways, we can trust His goodness and care.
An old song says, "Que sera sera - whatever will be, will be." It is the song of a fatalist.Fatalism is driving on a set road heading to a pre-set destination, regardless of what happens .Is fatalism the same as God's providence? Dr. John walks us through the Scriptures to understand the difference. We will seee that God executes His determined designes through the willing obediecnce of His people. What we are and do matters to God!
What difference does a healthy biblical view of God's providence make in every day life?" Dr. John asks and answers this pivotal question. We are reminded to live by faith in our sovereign God. The faith that makes a difference is faith that believes in God's providence, trusts His wise governance, and then orders life in response to His purposes.
Inevitably, as we consider the providential rule of God over creation, we have to ask this question, "How does the rule of God intersect my own free choices? If I am free to make my own decisions, how is God in control?" Dr. John helps us understand the Biblical teaching of our free will. What are we free to do?
There are things we want but cannot do. There are things we can do, but do not want. Is it the same for God? When we consider the sovereign rule of God over creation, we have to explore the nature of His will. Listen as Dr. John unfolds the Scriptures about the will of God in our world and in our lives.
The wrongs of this life are obvious. Violence. Exploitation. Cruelty. Destruction. We see instances of evil daily. We are grieved, angered and confused. Why doesn’t God do something about this? Can God do something about this? Listen as Dr. John demonstrates that God's rule over this earth includes His reign over the sins of this world. We can take hope that nothing will defeat God's plan - not even sin.
Are the conditions of our lives happenstance? Where we are born? How tall we are? Our mental, emotional and spiritual capacities? Dr. John demonstrates Biblically that our lives - and every aspect of them - are products of God's providence. This message gives us cause for joy and gratitude over God's care for each one of us.
It's a feat of management skill to get a family of 5 out the door on time. It's another matter to control a large company or even a small country. But the Bible teaches that God rules over all people - all families, companies and countries -- and all at the same time! Listen as Dr. John reviews the Scriptures that grant us confidence in the Headship of Jesus over this Earth.
We talk about the weather daily. Many of our words are complaints. We see it as random chance whether we can enjoy sunshine or endure rain. Dr. John will show us that even the clouds and wind follow God's direction. Providence means that all of creation, animate or inanimate, has a trajectory. Everything is moved by God towards His purposes.
If God did something different each day, how would you know it was God doing it? Dr. John will demonstrate that the consistency of God's actions in creation provide a foundation for science, but more so, for hope to us all. Every day God upholds His creation in consistent ways - all for His glory and our good.
Are we to live by the principles of chance and change in this life? Do we simply trust luck - good or bad? If that is all we have to rely on - then insecurity and depair will dominate. Dr. John points us to Biblical foundation. Jesus hold this universe together by the power of His Word. We do not rely on luck, but the benevolent omnipotence of our Lord. Listen and be encouraged.
2 Peter 3:14-18
What is our ultimate response to false teachers? Debate? Suspicion? Fear? Dr. John ends this series on 2 Peter with the word "grace." We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, who is filled with infinite grace. Being with Jesus and like Jesus, is the best defence of truth and holiness.
2 Peter 3:8-13
Dr. John teaches that "Eschatology and ethics are tied to each other." What we hope for will establish how we live. Since we have the blessed hope of Jesus' return, we ought to live holy lives. This world will go up in smoke, but we are looking to a new creation in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:1-7
If you stare at your feet while walking, every journey will feel the same. You may not sense much progress. False teachers thought that the "sameness" of life demonstrates that God is not doing much. Listen as Dr. John calls us to see the big picture, not only of this life but of eternity. God is moving history to His righteous end.
2 Peter 2:17-22
How would you recognize a false teacher? We tend to think that false teaching is simply a theological problem. Dr. John teaches from 2 Peter that false teaching is an ethical concern. In other words, we discern heresy not just from what people say, but what people are. "Belief" and "being" are twinned, for good or evil.
2 Peter 2:10-16
How would you recognize a false teacher? We tend to think that false teaching is simply a theological problem. Dr. John teaches from 2 Peter that false teaching is an ethical concern. In other words, we discern heresy not just from what people say, but what people are. "Belief" and "being" are twinned, for good or evil.
2 Peter 2:4-10
There are wrongs we've committed that we got away with. The penalty or consequence didn't happen - yet. Peter reminds us that justice delayed is not an escape. Dr. John explains how false teachers in the church used God's patience to deny the fact of judgement. Instead, the forberance of God is space and time to change our ways in the face of certain judgement.
2 Peter 2:1-3
History teaches that every empire falls. Entropy often sets in from within. Peter writes his second epistle to warn beleivers of false teachers within the Church. Dr. John teaches that believers need to be discerning. The gullible are prone to the secret and seductive ways of those seeking to lead God's people astray.
2 Peter 1:12-21
A good memory will help us find our keys, recall improtant dates and win trivia games. But what does our memory have to do with our spiritual lives? Much! Dr. John echoes Peter's commands to remember. Repetition and recall are vital for spiritual growth. Listen as Dr. John explains how.
Peter 1:5-12
An exercise bike, received as a gift, does no good simply sitting in the garage. While grateful for it, we need to add effort to our appreciation, for the greatest effect. Peter calls believers to add efffort to the free grace we have received. Dr. John explains that as God has granted us everything we need for a holy life, we have a part to play in our faith made practical.
2 Peter 1:1-4
Jesus promised Peter that the gates of hell could not withstand the Church He is building. That does not mean the Church is immune to danger. Peter writes to warn believers of the dangers found within the Church. Listen as Dr. John begins this series on 2 Peter. We will hear caution but also confidence in the full provision of God.
Healing is not a divine right of the children of God. It is an action of grace when the sovereign God deems it for His glory and our long term good.
There is a basic principle, prayer and praise are for all of life. It is for all of life because it is needed in all of life.
Endurance is not the same thing as patience. We may endure with angry or bitter spirits. James call us to patience which blossoms into faithfulness.
We think that being rich is the optimum life! James warns us of the dangers of wealth.
Pride tells us that we are in control of our own lives. Humility recognizes the need for grace. The good news is that God gives grace to the humble.
James makes it clear that many quarrels come about because Christian people are not learning wisdom from God. Instead they have never let go of the wisdom of this world.
If you rely on the kind of wisdom whose origins come from our world and culture, then devastation will follow.
How can you tell if something is wise or not? James points to the qualities of God's wisdom and the destrcution that results from human plans - even if they sound smart.
Listen to James' teaching on the wildness of our speech. Dog's can be trained but tongues can't! But even an untamed tongue will be righteous when the heart is pure.
Ship rudders. Horses' bit. Human tongues. Singular items that have dramatic effect and powerful impact.
Genuine faith is manifest beyond our confessions - it is seen in our deeds. Consider the marks of real faith from James' teaching.
What is the relationship between our faith and our works? Are these in polarized tension? James says, "No." Faith and works pull in the same direction.
Faith that Works:Genuine Faith Loves Genuinely James 2:8-13 When a window breaks, it breaks all the way. The whole is distorted by even a minor fracture. That is true of God's law as well. So when we love and obey we should do it wholly and sincerely.
God doesn't play favourites - but we do. James call us to a practice of faith which embraces the all people - regardless of external appearances.
Have you ever forgotten what you looked like? James point to that danger if we hear God's Word but do not obey it. We develop forgetful souls - not knowing who they are.
To listen well is a life skill. It is also a skill to develop with God. James teaches us how to hear God well. It is a lesson of the heart, not just our ears.
God only gives what is good. We may not easily recognize goodnss in each gift but we live with this confidence - the goodness of God does not change. We experience grace every day.
Those who fix their eyes on the eternal rewards are strengthed for persistent endurance. The prize is worth the patience.
When James speaks of joy, it has both a present and future perspective. That means we can smile at what God is now doing and what He has in store for us all.
Do you have people in your family who have not yet come to faith? Jesus did! At first His own siblings did not believe in Him. Today we hear from Dr. John about the story of James, the borther of Jesus, leader of Jerusalem church and author of this book of wisdom.
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