Their Song...Our Song

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HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Sunday Afternoons @ The Olivers 4th of July party!!bring food and come ready to relax and fellowship see me or Robyn after service to get our address.

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READ Deuteronomy 10:17-18 “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving him food and clothing.”

Pray

Why Exodus:

WE ARE OFFICiaLLY kicking OFF EXODUS THIS MORNING DON’T FORGET WE have a READING PLAN TO GO ALONG WITH THIS.

Revelation of God's Nature: Exodus reveals God's character and attributes through His interactions with the Israelites. It showcases God's faithfulness, compassion, justice, and power. Through the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna and water in the wilderness, Christians can deepen their understanding of God's love, sovereignty, and miraculous works.

Spiritual Liberation and Redemption: Exodus portrays the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt as a powerful metaphor for spiritual liberation and redemption in Christ. Christians can see parallels between their own deliverance from the bondage of sin through Jesus' sacrifice and the Israelites' freedom from Egyptian oppression. Studying Exodus can deepen appreciation for the spiritual journey from slavery to freedom in Christ.

Moral and Ethical Teachings: The book of Exodus contains the Ten Commandments, which form a foundational moral code for Christians. These commandments, along with various laws and regulations in Exodus, provide ethical guidelines for believers and insight into God's desire for righteous living. Christians can study Exodus to understand how these principles relate to their own lives and the ethical teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.

Historical Context of the Old Testament: The events and themes in Exodus set the stage for subsequent books of the Old Testament. Understanding the historical context, traditions, and laws established in Exodus can provide Christians with a deeper understanding of the narratives, prophecies, and teachings found throughout the rest of the Old Testament.

Deepening Faith and Trust: The stories of Moses, the Israelites, and their encounters with God in Exodus can inspire and strengthen Christians in their faith and trust in God. The book highlights the challenges, doubts, and moments of faith exhibited by the characters, offering lessons on perseverance, obedience, and reliance on God's guidance. By studying Exodus, Christians can find encouragement and inspiration for their own spiritual journey.

Exodus & Juneteenth Section

Now lets start a couple chapter deep into Exodus. But we are doing this to remember who are God is just as the Israelites had to remind themselves quite a bit and be reminded of how good their God is and how good He is still to this day! Their song is our song!

Read Exodus 15

Exodus, in the context of Juneteenth, can be seen as a symbolic representation of the African American journey from slavery to freedom. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.

The story of Exodus in the Bible tells of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to freedom in the Promised Land. This narrative resonates with the African American experience, as they too sought liberation from the bonds of slavery and fought for freedom and equality.

The parallel between Exodus and Juneteenth lies in the themes of liberation, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future. Just as the Israelites faced numerous challenges and obstacles on their journey to the Promised Land, African Americans have encountered hardships, discrimination, and systemic oppression throughout their history. Juneteenth celebrates their resilience, perseverance, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

Moreover, Exodus speaks to the collective memory and shared cultural heritage of the African American community. The story serves as a powerful symbol of hope, strength, and the belief in a better future. It reminds individuals of their ancestors' struggle for freedom and serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done.

In summary, the connection between Exodus and Juneteenth lies in the shared themes of liberation, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. The story of Exodus serves as a powerful symbol and source of inspiration for the African American community, reminding them of their journey from slavery to freedom and the ongoing fight for equality.

The Context Of Exodus Section

Date of Writing: The Book of Exodus was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Moses as author. Traditional Judaism and Christianity have maintained for thousands of ears that God is the author of the book of Exodus and that Moses was the human agent he used to pen its words. The acceptance of Moses as the human author of the first five books of the Bible is based first of all on biblical statements indicating that Moses wrote sacred Scripture. These statements are found within the Torah, or first five books of Scripture id (Ex 24:4; 34:28; Nm 33:2; Dt 31:9,22), as well as in other parts of the Bible (Jos 8:31-32; 6 Mk 12:19; Lk 20:28; Jn 1:45). Jesus himself affirmed that Moses wrote Scripture (Jn 5:46). Within the Bible, the usual way of referring to the first five books of the Bible is to call them the law of Moses.

Purpose of Writing: The word “exodus” means departure. In God’s timing, the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt marked the end of a period of oppression for Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 15:13), and the beginning of the fulfillment of the covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would not only live in the Promised Land, but would also multiply and become a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3, 7). The purpose of the book may be expressed as tracing the rapid growth of Jacob’s descendants from Egypt to the establishment of the theocratic nation in their Promised Land.

Key Verses: These are some of the guiding verses. Exodus 1:8, "Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt." Exodus 2:24-25, "God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them." Exodus 12:27, "'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.' Then the people bowed down and worshiped." Exodus 20:2-3, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me."

Exodus begins where Genesis leaves off as God deals with His chosen people, the Jews.

Something interesting about Exodus is The book of Exodus begins with the word "And". It's missed out in most English translations, but it's there in the original Hebrew, in which Exodus was first written.

And you may have been taught not to start sentences with the word "And" (a rule I have just broken). Yet here is a whole book that starts with "And".

It immediately alerts us to the fact that this story is part of a bigger story. The end of the previous book, Genesis, has already hinted at a sequel (Genesis 50:24-25), and the first nine words of Exodus are an exact repetition of Genesis 46:8: "These are the names of the sons of Israel". The book of Exodus is in many ways chapter two of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. And so the whole book needs to be read in the light of what has gone before.

It traces the events from the time Israel entered Egypt as guests of Joseph, who was powerful in Egypt, until they were eventually delivered from the cruel bondage of slavery into which they had been brought by "...a new king...which knew not Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). Chapters 1-14 describe the conditions of oppression of the Jews under Pharaoh, the rise of Moses as their deliverer, the plagues God brought upon Egypt for the refusal of their leader to submit to Him, and the departure from Egypt. God’s sovereign and powerful hand is seen in the miracles of the plagues—ending with the plague of death of the firstborn and the institution of the first Passover—the deliverance of the Israelites, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of the Egyptian army. The middle portion of Exodus is dedicated to the wandering in the wilderness and the miraculous provision by God for His people. But even though He gave them bread from heaven, sweet water from bitter, water from a rock, victory over those who would destroy them, His Law written on tablets of stone by His own hand, and His presence in the form of pillars of fire and cloud, the people continually grumbled and rebelled against Him. The last third of the book describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the plan for the Tabernacle with its various sacrifices, altars, furniture, ceremonies, and forms of worship. Foreshadowings: The numerous sacrifices required of the Israelites were a picture of the ultimate sacrifice, the Passover Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The night of the last plague on Egypt, an unblemished lamb was killed and its blood applied to the doorposts of the houses of God’s people, protecting them from the angel of death.

This foreshadowed Jesus, the Lamb of God without spot or blemish (1 Peter 1:19), whose blood applied to us ensures eternal life. Among the symbolic presentations of Christ in the book of Exodus is the story of the water from the rock in Exodus 17:6. Just as Moses struck the rock to provide life-giving water for the people to drink, so did God strike the Rock of our salvation, crucifying Him for our sin, and from the Rock came the gift of living water (John 4:10). The provision of manna in the wilderness is a perfect picture of Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:48), provided by God to give us life.

Practical Application: The Mosaic Law was given in part to show mankind that they were incapable of keeping it.

We are unable to please God by law-keeping; therefore, Paul exhorts us to “put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). God’s provision for the Israelites, from deliverance from captivity to the manna and quail in the wilderness, are clear indications of His gracious provision for His people. God has promised to supply all our needs. “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). We are to trust in the Lord, for He can deliver us from anything. But God does not allow sin to go unpunished forever. As a result, we can trust Him in His retribution and justice. When God removes us from a bad situation, we should not seek to go back.

When God makes demands of us, He expects us to comply, but at the same time He provides grace and mercy because He knows that, on our own, we will not be able to fully obey.The account of the exodus assures us that what God says will happen, will happen.

Sometimes people are like Pharaoh, so proud and stubborn that they resist God to the very end, despite the evidence that His will always comes to pass. And sometimes people are like the Israelites, so broken in spirit and exhausted that they just can’t believe God will bless them. But in both cases, as the exodus from Egypt illustrates, God still has the power to do exactly what He promises.

The meaning and importance of the exodus from Egypt are encapsulated in the annual observance of Passover. The fact that God rescued His people from slavery and revealed His mighty power is a recurring theme in Scripture, and the exodus is mentioned in many places. Because of the exodus, the Israelites could always see themselves as redeemed by God, rescued from slavery, and blessed with God’s favor.

The importance of the exodus is felt in the church, as well. The Lord Jesus, like Moses, set His people free. Like Moses, Jesus confronted a slave owner (Satan) and through the manifest power of God forced him to relent.

Like Moses, Jesus leads His people through the wilderness of this world, intercedes for them, and provides for their needs. And through both Moses and Jesus came a holy covenant between God and His people: the covenant of Moses was temporary and could not ultimately save, but the covenant of Christ is eternal and “superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). The New Covenant results in salvation for all who trust in Christ (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15). Jesus is the one “worthy of greater honor than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3).

Whats in a Name Section

Today, people like to define God for themselves. Think about people who say, "i’m not religious, but I am spiritual" or, "I think God is like.....fill in the blank "

What they're saying is, " don't want anyone to tell me what to think about God. I'll decide for myself what God is like. I'll imagine him or her or it in whatever way I choose."

Christians are not immune to this. Of some aspect of God's character or Christian truth we might say, "I don't like the sound of that. I just don't think God is like that." It might be his judgment, or his sovereignty, or his sexual standards.

But to do this is to detach yourself from reality. You might as well say, "I like to think of dogs as two-leg-ged animals". What you want to think about dogs is irrelevant! It won't change the fact that they have four legs.

And what you or I or anyone wants to think about God doesn't change who God actually is. God is not a concept that we can shape as we choose. God is. God is a reality the ultimate reality. So in this passage God says, "I AM WHO I AM" (3:14). God is self-defining. It is God who determines and announces who he will be and what he will be like not our imagination.

Names are extremely important!

They help give us an Identity: Names provide a unique identifier for individuals, allowing us to distinguish and recognize one another. They serve as a fundamental aspect of our personal and social identity.

They help with Connection and Belonging: Names play a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection and belonging within families, communities, and cultures. They often carry historical, cultural, or familial significance, creating a link between individuals and their heritage.

They give us some Individuality: Names contribute to our individuality and help us express our uniqueness. They can reflect personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, or convey certain meanings or aspirations.

Using someone's name in conversation or addressing them directly can create a more personal and intimate connection. It shows respect and acknowledges the individual's presence and importance.

To know ones name is to know what they are all about.

The name of God is a major revelation and theme here in Exodus. The Exodus event is viewed as the event that defines the name of Israels God..... and no His name isn't God.... YAHWEH is His name...

This a personal God with a personal name for His people to call Him by. It is the relational name He chose to reveal to His people.

YAHWEH is on a mission to first reveal His name, character and purpose to His chosen people. Then to reveal His name and reputation to all the nations.

Jesus becomes merged with the name Yahweh, you honor Yahweh through acknowledging and praying through the Name of Jesus Christ (Yeshua)

WEEK 1 Questions:

1.How does the song in Exodus 15 demonstrate the importance of remembering and celebrating God's faithfulness? Why can we struggle to do this?

2.Discuss a time in your life when you experienced God's deliverance or victory. How did you respond? Did you offer praise and thanksgiving like the Israelites? How has that moment shaped and helped you along your journey?

3.Reflect on the significance of God revealing His personal name (YAHWEH) to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) What does this reveal about God's desire for an intimate relationship with His people? Would you say you have an intimate relationship with Him?