A sign and a sending

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The Burning Bush Moses joins in taking responsibility for his father-in-law, Jethro’s sheep.  One day, he is taken the flock to pasture near to Horeb or Sinai.  The author identifies this as the Mountain of the Lord, foreshadowing what will happen years later when God will choose this place to meet Moses and to give… Continue reading A sign and a sending

The Big themes of Exodus 1-2

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How do the first two chapters of Exodus play their part in moving the story of God’s redemption plan along?  We have already seen connections in the detail from an observation of something good, through to another ark  and of course the  part that wells make in Biblical hook ups.  Finally, ?I hope you spotted… Continue reading The Big themes of Exodus 1-2

The waters of death (part 1)

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The story of Exodus focuses in on one family.  A man from the tribe of Levi marries and his wife gives birth to a son.[1]  We know from later that he is not the only child, he has a sister, Miriam,  and brother, Aaron.  Whether Miriam is from a previous/first wife or whether the narrator… Continue reading The waters of death (part 1)

God’s people but not in God’s place

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The book of Exodus begins with the words “These are the names of the sons of Israel who went down to Egypt” (Exodus 1:1).  This opener becomes the basis for Hebrew title of the book “These are the names”.  The book begins with one of those generational lists that punctuate Genesis so demonstrating continuity.  Multiplication… Continue reading God’s people but not in God’s place

Introduction to Exodus

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One of the resources we try to provide here on Faithroots is guides that introduce potential preachers and teachers to books of the Bible. I’m currently preparing some resources to support our preaching team who will be taking our church through a series on the book of Exodus. Here’s the first one, a Discussion booklet… Continue reading Introduction to Exodus

Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy

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One of the big debates in Biblical scholarship is the dating of Isaiah.  The consensus position tends to be that there were at least 2:and possibly 3 authors.  The first author would then be presumed to have written in the 7th century BC and the later authors during or post exile. Often this position is… Continue reading Cyrus, Isaiah and prophecy

People Matter:  God’s safe and satisfied people

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This is a written version of my sermon from last Sunday on Nehemiah 7-8. In the early parts of Nehemiah, one theme seems to get hammered home “walls are important.”  If you are trying to put together kids clubs activities, that can become a challenge. There are only so many different ways you can build… Continue reading People Matter:  God’s safe and satisfied people

“I will bless you”

There’s something profoundly significant in the statement “From this day on I will bless you” As you read it or hear it, I wonder how you are responding?  I wonder if you are asking whether this statement could apply to you and your church right now?   If from now on God will bless you, then… Continue reading “I will bless you”

Shaken

How can we find the boldness to persevere, especially when we face disappointments?  This is an important question when there is a temptation to look back nostalgically as believers to  supposed golden eras or glory days from the past whether that’s a period of revival and renewal or specific preachers, pastors or events. Read Haggai… Continue reading Shaken