God forbids Moses from entering the Promised Land, for the sin of striking a rock. Why such a severe punishment, especially considering that Moses had been commanded to strike it on an earlier occasion? With the help of the apostle Paul and some early Christian writers, we discover a remarkable foreshadowing of Christ and a practical
Here we learn about Israel's practice of tithing, giving to the Levites 10% of what their land produced. Should Christians follow this practice? What did Jesus and the apostles teach about giving, and how did the early Church put those teachings into practice? In this lesson we also consider the sacrifice of the red heifer
There are few more graphic scenes in Scripture than God punishing Korah and his cohort for their rebellion. Sadly, this story has been used by some to advance a controlling agenda. Yet God wanted His people to remember this important lesson, referred to by Jude over a thousand years later to warn the New Testament
Many Christians are surprised when serious sin is uncovered in their church, especially in the lives of leaders. However, in the book of Numbers we find the Israelite community in the Wilderness, repeatedly struggling with sins, foreshadowing the Christian church. This is a practical message that is surprisingly relevant today, offering reassurance and Biblical direction
Dealing with Sin in the Congregation (Numbers 15) View Lesson
Dealing with Sin in the Congregation (Numbers 15) View Lesson
In this message we tackle questions that have been raised throughout the ages related to the birth of Jesus, drawing on insights from early Christian writers. When the angel Gabriel spoke with Mary in Luke 1, what was the prophecy he alluded to (not footnoted in most Bibles)? How do the two different nativity accounts
After Moses sends twelve to spy out Canaan, ten return with a discouraging report. Only two (Joshua and Caleb) believe that God can deliver what He promised. They provide a great example of what it will take for us to make it all the way to our own ‘Promised Land’. Hidden in this story is a key
With Jonah, as with many other heroes of faith in Scripture, we can learn much from his weaknesses as well as from his strengths. While Jonah was a powerful preacher and strong on justice, he was utterly lacking in mercy toward the repentant Ninevites. Here we can better appreciate the mercy and kindness of the
Here Moses is described as “the meekest (most humble) man on the face of the earth”. In view of the power and boldness Moses exhibited in Egypt as well as in the Wilderness, many of us will need to reconsider our concept of true, Biblical “meekness”! In this story we also learn how the sin
On Israel's journey to the Promised Land, God destroyed many of His people for the sin of complaining. This is a sin that God takes much more seriously than most Christians. May this lesson help us eradicate complaining from our lives, as we await our eternal reward and focus on Him who is invisible! Teaching
As the Israelites embark from their encampment at Mount Sinai, the Lord gives important instructions. They must follow the pillar of cloud (by day) and fire (by night), wherever it leads them. In this message we consider how that pillar foreshadowed the Holy Spirit. This can help us better understand the nature of the Spirit,
Led by the Pillar of Cloud and Fire (Numbers 7-9) View Lesson
Led by the Pillar of Cloud and Fire (Numbers 7-9) View Lesson