Exodus Part 39: What Do You Do With Sinai?

Sermon Text:

Exodus 19:1-6

What if I told you that almost everything you think you know about the function of the law in the Hebrew Old Testament is probably wrong? Here we look at YHWH’s introductory speech to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai as the Exodus and the entire Torah reaches its climax with the giving of the law. In these introductory words, YHWH lays out the big picture vision to the Israelites and it turns out it is not about earning salvation by following the law. Rather we see a more positive vision of the law describing Israelites mission in the world as YHWH’s representatives that bring life, flourishing, and prosperity to the world. Sinai then becomes relevant to our lives as 1 Peter certainly thought it did. Also we learn about the griffon vulture and how they are much cooler than eagles.

1 Peter Part 2

Sermon Text:

Exodus 41:50

1 Peter 1:10-23

What does it mean to be born again? Where does this phrase originate from? Isn’t it just churchy talk that has become almost meaningless? Today we examine how 1 Peter conceives of being born again and how the phrase may derive from an ancient Jewish romance novel called “Joseph and Aseneth.”

Exodus Part 38: More Jethro

Sermon Text

Exodus 18:1-27

Jethro, Moses’ Midianite father-in-law, makes a surprise return to our story with a whole chapter dedicated to him. Here he gives an exhausted Moses some very good advice about the importance of delegation. However, is this story just about wise management principles or is something more going on? Why does the author of Exodus intentionally draw parallels between Jethro’s story and Moses return to Egypt in Exodus 4:18-29? We will answer these questions and more.

Exodus Part 37: Living Water & The Cosmic Mountain

Sermon Text:

Exodus 17:1-7

This is a weird passage. It sounds very similar to the other two stories but drops the major them. Or does it? This sermon explores the cosmic mountain motif, a common symbol found throughout the ancient near east and the Hebrew scriptures. In the end we will see that this story is actually illustrating an important point about the Torah and what happens when humans reflect YHWH’s values into the world;