Exodus Part 41: The First Commandment

Sermon Text:

Exodus 20:1-3

As we begin our study of the ten commandments we discuss why it is important to view the ten commandments in their historical context. Typically the evangelical church has read the commandments as universal, abstract moral principles designed to show us how far we fall short of God’s standards.

This sermon takes a different approach. At Sinai the Israelites are called to be a new nation. The purpose of the ten commandments is to design a set of policies so that the new nation of Israel will be different from the oppressive, exploitive empires like Egypt where they had just been freed. The ten commandments act as a bill of right codifying the freedom gained from the Exodus.

We will learn how the first commandment is about much more than just about correctly enumerating the number of god(s) there are. It is a revolutionary claim that challenges are other authority and thought system and enlivening us to bring freedom, prosperity, abundance, and flourishing into the world.

Exodus Part 40: Thunderbolts and Lightning, Very Very Frightening

Sermon Text:

Exodus 19:7-25

In todays text, YHWH descends onto Mount Sinai. The text describes this scene in vivid language as the divine erupts into the earthly realm. As the presence of YHWH is made manifest we are introduced to a new aspect of YHWH’s identity, His holiness. We discuss the concept of holiness and what specifically about YHWH holiness is meant to communicate. It is another one of those concepts that seems antiquated but we look at how it can be relevant to us. In the end we are left with the amazing and mysterious paradox and balance of the individual and the community, the immanent and the transcendent, the present and the other which are all brought together in this event. We explore all of these themes as we study the first line of the Lord’s prayer and how it relates to this amazing passage.

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.