Haiti Update

We continue to receive updates from Pastor Predestin regarding the situation in Haiti. Our church is working with Chris Hindal and Gospel Literature Service (GLS) to get aid there, including some water purification systems which are greatly needed. Many churches and homes of pastors and church members in the association were either damaged or lost.

Thankfully the Lord continues to work there, and prayers are being answered. If you have not contributed to the relief efforts yet and would like to do so thru an organization working directly with people we know, please consider donating through the GARBC website.

Haiti Update

Praise the Lord we have heard from our friends in Haiti. Pastor Predestin and his family are safe. The orphans and staff in the two My Father's House orphanages are safe. Probably the greatest need for them at this time is the same as others: food, clean water, and safe shelter.

The people of Haiti still greatly need our prayers, particularly those who have lost loved ones and are in great difficulty themselves. There will likely be a long rebuilding process.

If you would like to help, please click on the Haiti picture at www.garbcinternational.org and give by credit card or send your gift marked “emergency relief” made payable to Gospel Literature Services, 1300 North Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4806.

Thank you for caring.

1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Urgent Prayer Needed

For our brothers and sisters in Haiti. As you probably know by now, the earthquake yesterday was 7.0, and has been followed by up to 5.9 aftershocks. These people have nothing already, and the quake has already caused enormous damage.

Pastor Tim (my dad) went to Haiti a couple of years ago and has continued to correspond with several pastor friends from there. The pastor in charge of the association of churches, Predestin, and his family (wife and baby girl) live in/near Port Au Prince, where the quake was at its worst. Pastor Predestin also assists with an orphanage which has around 100 children. Here is an update from Wordsower International (they help with the orphanage):

"In Haiti....Bad EQUAKE!!!!!! Wordsower people are okay for now....but Jason [Nightingale] and James are trying with Predestin to get to MFH [My Father's House - orphanage] 1 and 2. Please pray.....don't know when I will get back on this ...it is bad but we are seeing some miracles!!!"

My dad has been in contact with a friend who is trying to get a flight to Haiti this week, and will be taking supplies and whatever he can do to help with him.

Thank you in advance for your prayers for Pastor Predestin and his wife, the Nightingales, and the people of Haiti.

To our Haitian brothers and sisters, we are praying for you.

Verse of the Week

I pray that you had a safe and blessed Christmas, and holiday season. This week as we will be celebrating the upcoming year, we have two verses from Philippians. As we think about the new year, let us learn from the past, and go forward in Christ!

Philippians 3:13-14 -

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Glory to His Name

I'm getting a late start for the month, but wanted to bring you up-to-date. Our theme at church for the month of December is "Glory to His Name". This theme is appropriate not only for the Christmas season, but also for every day of the year. It is based on I Chronicles 16:10, which says:

Glory ye in his holy name:
let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Our secondary verse is commonly used during the Christmas season, as it foretells the birth of Christ; it also details some of the names of God. The verse is Isaiah 9:6 -

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I will be posting Pastor's messages relating to this series. It is our prayer that these posts will help you reflect upon the name of God, and focus upon giving Him the glory that He rightfully deserves both today, and every day!

Verse of the Week

This week's verse is II Timothy 3:16 -

All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Memory Verse of the Week

One way I thought might be good to get this blog back on track is to start posting our weekly memory verse. Every Sunday, we are handed a memory verse card with the morning bulletin. We can keep the cards and work on memorizing the verse throughout the week (if we do not already know it!). Sometimes the verse is short; other times it is longer. Many times for me, our weekly memory verse is a good reminder of something I have forgotten in the "busy-ness" of life.

Anyway, without further ado, our verse for this week is I Corinthians 15:58 -

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Sometimes we can let life get us down, particularly when it comes to spiritual things. Other times we allow the mundane things of life distract us from the important - the spiritual. Praying that this verse will be an encouragement to you to "keep on keeping on" in the faith.

-Carrie

The End of All Things

Hello,

Carrie here. I wanted to post something, and am going to diverge from the Wilderness study temporarily, as I am unable to access those notes. The following is from last night's Bible Study and is based on I Peter 4:7-11.

Introduction:

Scripture: I Peter 4:7

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

—Many people are concerned about the present situation. We could well ask the question, “Is the end of all things at hand?” Certainly, there is much in Bible prophecy to point to the soon return of our Savior. There is also much pointing to the end of our nation as we have known it. The whole world seems to be turning upside down.

—Let us assume for one minute that the end of all things is at hand. The big question then becomes, “What should we do about it?” How should Christians respond? There are many ideas. One group says, “Huddle in a cave.” Another says, “Get involved in politics.” Still another says, “We need to compromise so that we can be relevant.” The real question is, “What does the Bible say?”

—The context reveals seven things we need to do:

I.) Sober:

Scripture: Verse 7—”Be ye therefore sober…”

—First of all, we need to be sober. I find this verse to be very interesting, because it is not speaking directly to the subject of alcohol as some other verses do. Rather, the Greek word used here refers to a sound or sane mind. Certainly, a sound mind is not under the influence of a drug that impairs judgment, but that is not the real issue here. The real issue is one of sanity.

—We are living in a postmodern culture. Postmodernism is the rejection of rationalism. It is the observation and resultant lifestyle that says 6000 years of rationalism as the prevailing philosophy of mankind is totally and completely bankrupt. This should not come as a shock to fundamental, Bible-believing Baptists. Our founding fathers of fundamentalism made the same observation and said that the solution was to submit ourselves to God and live by faith.

—What is surprising is that the rest of the world has finally caught up and said the same thing. Unfortunately, they have not turned back to God, but have decided to reinvent the wheel. In rejecting rationalism, they have become irrational and have tried to come up with their very own insane version of Christianity.

—This is what is driving many of the modern trends in so-called "worship." Instead of calling people back to sanity, many seek to be just like the insane world.

—This is what passes for "cultural relevance" today. It is a bunch of guys in white coats trying to be just as crazy as the inmates in the asylum. What we really need is for God’s people to be sane, and start offering the cure to the world’s insanity.

II.) Pray:

Scripture: Verse 7—”Watch unto prayer.”

—Secondly, we need to be prayer warriors. Our text says to watch. The word is interesting, because this word does speak directly to the subject of alcohol. It is the Greek word that means to be a total abstainer from alcohol. In the first case we need to be sane and in the second case we need to abstain from alcohol so that we can pray effectively.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18

—We cannot be filled with the Spirit if we are under the influence of alcohol. It is either/or. There is no moderation in this verse. It is only abstinence. By the same token we cannot pray effectively without the Holy Spirit. Therefore abstain--especially with the end in sight.

III.) Love:

Scripture: I Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

—Thirdly, we need to love one another with agape love. This is above everything else. Yes, we need to study the Bible. Yes, we need to pray. But above everything else, we need to love intensely with the love of God. We need divine love.

—Why do we need to do this? Our text answers the question by saying that love covers the multitude of sins. What is Peter saying? He is saying that as we see the end approaching our sins and failures are going to increase and we are going to need a lot of love and compassion for one another to keep from devouring one another. We see that right now. We are nowhere near the godliness of our forefathers. We need to look past each others faults to our Lord and Savior.

IV.) Hospitality:

Scripture: I Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

—Fourthly, we need to use hospitality one to another without grudging. When was the last time you had someone over to your house? That is what this verse means. The word translated hospitality means fond of guests. Are we fond of guests? If we do have someone over, do we grumble about it? That is what the word translated grudging means. Here is the message for us. If this is the end, we need to get hospitable and start having people over to our homes and we need to do it without grumbling about it or making excuses.

V.) Grace:

Scripture: I Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

—Fifthly, we need to minister grace to one another. This verse is not speaking about spiritual gifts or the exercise thereof. It is talking about sharing with others in whatever God has given to us. The reason for this injunction is the self-centeredness of end times. God’s people need to overcome this with compassion and care for others. Words alone will not do. There must be deeds to go with the words. Acts of kindness point people to the God who gave His Son to die for our sins—a God who gave even while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).

VI.) Proclamation:

Scripture: I Peter 4:11a

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;

—Sixthly, we need to speak as if the oracles of God spoke. In other words, we need to speak with authority and state what the Bible says without any apology or any compromise to make it more palatable. The world in which we live does not want to hear about sin, righteousness, or judgment and many men have accommodated the world. In the process, they have rejected the Holy Spirit’s message (John 16:8-11).

VII.) Submission:

Scripture: I Peter 4:11b

if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

—Last of all, we need to yield ourselves to God. Our text is not talking about every one running around telling everyone else what their so-called spiritual gift is. It is not about me showing you how gifted I am. It is in fact an indictment against the spiritual gift movement of the end times. The text speaks of deaconing or serving and says that any service rendered to God must be done with power that only comes from God. He gives it. The Greek word refers to a dance choreographer. God needs to be in charge of our service as if He were choreographing our lives. That means that we need to submit everything to Him.

Conclusion:

Scripture: I Peter 4:7

—We conclude where we began. The end of all things is at hand and we need to present sanity to an insane world. We need to pray in the Spirit and love with divine love. We need to show hospitality and grace towards those in Christ and those without. We need to proclaim the truth without apology or compromise and last of all submit ourselves fully to God and allow Him to use us as tools of righteousness (Romans 6:11).

Name Change!

Greetings from Carrie:

I apologize for the lack of updates for some time. My full-time job has been keeping me very busy, and the last couple of months I have been busy working on proofreading and editing Pastor's upcoming book on worship. We need to have it to the publisher by the end of March. I am hoping to finish this week, and would really appreciate your prayers.

In church news, last July the Lord wondrously provided us with 11.2 acres of property on Hayes Road in Groveport, Ohio. We recently voted to change the church name to Hayes Road Baptist Church. I will be changing the information at the top of this page to reflect the new name and renamed website as well.

Thank you for your patience and your prayers.

In Christ,

-Carrie

Marah: Bitter Water - Part II

Living By Faith

Last time, we began to look at a no water situation that rapidly turned into a bitter water situation. It would be nice to think that Christians are immune to such problems, but, in fact, they are just common to man (I Corinthians 10:13). The question is, “What would you do?” If you were in Israel’s shoes, how would you respond?

We make bold statements about believing and trusting God when the victory is ours. It’s party time. We believe God when we see His deliverance. We have an experience and everything is wonderful. We will do anything for God—or will we?

Seeing is not believing (II Corinthians 5:7) and faith is not the product of experience (Romans 10:17). If we want to be victorious in the Christian life, we must learn this lesson early on.

We may say whatever we want. But as we saw last time, God will prove us (Exodus 15:25). He will not accept at face value our boasts. He will put them to the test and will find out whether we truly love Him with all our heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5).

III.) What Water?:

Scripture: Exodus 15:24

And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

Israel’s faith crashed. They forgot their song of praise and their miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians. Instead they began to murmur again, crying out, “What shall we drink?”

Illustration: Roughly 30 years ago, a young man was asked a question about faith at an ordination council. The inquisitor asked, “Is faith a constant?” His otherwise impressive performance was reduced to consternation as he wrestled with the question. The interrogator quite obviously believed the answer to be, “Yes.” However, the correct answer is, “No (II Timothy 2:11-13).” He was afraid that if we could lose our faith we could also lose our salvation, but the faith that saves is not of ourselves (Ephesians 2:8). We are not saved by some work of faith on our part (I Thessalonians 1:3) . We are saved without merit by God’s grace. Salvation is all of God and none of man. God is faithful (I Thessalonians 5:24) in spite of the fact that we are not.

Our faith most certainly fluctuates from day to day and trial to trial. According to Romans 12:3, God deals out a certain measure of faith to each believer at salvation.

I Corinthians 12:9 speaks of a special gift of faith. If faith is thought of as a constant, our mind has a rationalization for defeat. We say that we did not receive a sufficient measure of faith or we excuse ourselves by saying that we do not have the gift of faith. The fault of our failure becomes God’s lack of supply! Therefore it is His error.

These are the excuses that have so devastated Christianity today. Jesus asked the disciples, “How is it that ye have no faith (Mark 4:40)?” Later, they asked, “Lord, increase our faith.” His reply is quite interesting.

Scripture: Luke 17:5-6

5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

In effect, Jesus said, “Your lack of faith stems from unbelief. It does not take a lot of faith to move a mountain. It simply involves exercising the faith that we have already been given.” The paradox is that our unbelief hinders our faith. God has given us muscles, but through disuse they can atrophy to the point that we can become immobile. Faith is like that.

God has given us all of the faith that we need. What are we going to do about it? Are we going to eat the spiritual food of God’s Word to increase and replenish it, or are we going to starve ourselves with a steady diet of worldly skepticism so much so that we are unable to handle the no water and bitter water situations of life? Are we going to say, “What shall we drink?", or "thank you for the cool, clear water of God’s Word?”

IV.) Sweet Water:

Scripture: Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

Israel failed, but God is faithful. He provided a tree which was able to make the bitter waters sweet. Over the years there have been many occasions when I have exhausted my faith. The difficulties of life brought me to spiritual bankruptcy. I murmured and complained, “My God, why hast thou forsaken me? You’re trying to destroy me. I’ve been abandoned.” But God has always been faithful.

I have proven myself to be foolish. Often God provides the way of escape even as I complain. I end up kicking myself and confessing my sin. In the end, I am greatly humbled.

God wanted to teach Israel and us a lesson. Before leaving Egypt, they plundered the richest nation on earth (Exodus 12:36). They had gold, silver, and precious gems. They were rich like us. But all of the gold in King Tut’s tomb cannot sweeten the bitter waters of life. If money is our boast, we will be sadly undone.

There is only one thing that can sweeten the bitter waters of life—the cross of Calvary.

When cast into the waters of life, Christ can make even the most bitter waters sweet.

V.) Healing Water:

Scripture: Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

At Marah, God tested Israel with a very difficult test. Although hard, it was reasonably simple. The three-fold test is as follows:

A.) Listen to God’s Word

B.) Do right

C.) Keep His commandments

The problem for Israel was to pass the test, regardless of the circumstances around them. It is easy to listen when all is well. It is easy to do right or obey when we receive some reward or praise. But what happens when we face bitter water?

God has set this same test before us. Will we pay attention to His Word? Will we walk uprightly? Will we obey His commandments? Jesus said, “If ye love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15, 21).” Do we sincerely love Him? Will we pass the test?

What happens when we lose a job or a loved one? What happens when the church must discipline a close friend or relative? What happens when we or someone we love contracts a serious or terminal illness? What happens when things do not go the way we planned?

God tested Israel, but also gave them a promise. Verse 26 says, “For I am the Lord that healeth thee.” My wife and I have experienced the bitter waters. They are not easy, but we can testify that the Lord knows how to heal us and even turn our grief to our advantage. God may test us with bitter waters, but He is always in control. He knows what we can handle, when to bring an end, and how to heal us with sweet and abundant water.

VI.) Abundant Water:

Scripture: Exodus 15:27

And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

From the place of no water and bitter water, Israel journeyed to a place of abundant water. There they camped for a time of refreshment. We can testify through repeated experience that God tests and then blesses. The principle is this: First the testing and then the blessing.

Elim was the place of refreshing. The name means palm trees. It was a place of 70 palms and 12 wells—an oasis in the barren wilderness. God certainly has dry spells for us, but He also has plenty of wells.

Conclusion:

Trials are never easy, or else they would not be trials.

In spite of that, we can make them easier by not forgetting what God has done and by doing some simple steps that will help us to rest in Him. The following are some key steps:

A.) Count your blessings

B.) Know God’s will (Colossians 1:9, 11)

C.) Replenish your faith (Romans 10:17)

D.) Ask God for help (Psalm 55:16; Hebrews 4:16)

We trust these steps will be of help to you. May God bless you.

Next Time: Why?

Marah: Bitter Water - Part I

Living By Faith

Israel crossed the Red Sea, stepped onto the other side, and saw the marvelous victory of God. The Egyptians were swallowed up by the deep waters of God’s wrath. The ocean swept back to overthrow their foe.

Scripture: Exodus 14:31

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

As we pointed out last time, we should not read too much into this verse. Moses trusted God. Israel did not. Moses called upon the Lord. Israel accused. Moses wrote the song. Israel merely sang the words. Yes, they believed, but only because they saw it with their own eyes. Belief based on sight is soon forgotten.

The whole atmosphere was one of a party. There was music and merriment, laughing and dancing (Exodus 15:20). We might expect this to be a turning point for Israel. They would now live by faith, trust in God, and never again doubt His ability or intention. But contrary to popular opinion, seeing is not believing. True biblical faith comes from God - not experience. Four days later, Israel dismissed the event as an aberration.

The Christian life is like this. We get saved. The Holy Spirit leads us to the waters of baptism pictured by the Red Sea (I Corinthians 10:2). Immediately afterward, we are on cloud nine, just floating along in a heavenly daze. We have the world by the tail ... or so we think.

Many years ago, I sat at a table with my pastor and a man I had led to the Lord. The man began to boast of all that he would do for God now that God had saved him. My elderly shepherd very kindly and firmly replied, “We’ll see six months from now what you will do for God.”

Wizened by years of service, he knew that there is danger in the bragging of the newly saved. They drift along in a dreamy "never-never land". God would deflate Israel's ego and bring them back to earth. He is our strength. We are nothing without Him. Israel was barely out of Egypt. They had much to learn before they would be ready for the Promised Land. So God took them from too much water to too little.

We find our text in Exodus 15:22-27. There are six verses dealing with water. We will look at two today.

I.) No Water:

Scripture: Exodus 15:22

So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Israel, led by the cloud, departed from the Red Sea.

Moving out into the Wilderness of Shur, they encountered a new situation. Verse 25 says that God proved, or tested, them there. It is easy to boast and brag fresh from victory. But what will we do when the next problem comes? This is how the Christian life works! One spiritual high does not mean that we have arrived. It also does not mean that we have learned every lesson that God would teach us. In fact, God wants to lead us on to new trials to help us grow.

Israel advanced into the wilderness three days' journey and found no water. To understand the gravity of the predicament, we must put ourselves in their shoes. There are between two and three million people in this entourage. Besides that, there are livestock. The water requirement is enormous, and they are in a desert climate.

I do not know whether you have ever been in such a place. It is hard to imagine without having been there. Perhaps you have seen a desert on television. Sometimes we see cartoons of men crawling across the wasteland, looking for water. None of that conveys reality.

First, it is hot—beyond anything most have felt. When I was on the Mojave Desert, the ground temperature was 140 degrees. Water lines buried three feet under the sand emitted only hot water. In Los Angeles, it was only 86 degrees and we had to wear spring jackets to keep warm.

The heat in the desert is so intense that shade is necessary to survival. We dug foxholes and covered them with ponchos to provide shelter. This gave us protection from the scorching rays, but created another problem. The air was so hot and still that you could suffocate in your own carbon dioxide. We actually had to have someone check on the men. I distinctly remember crawling from one side of my pit to the other, getting a drink of water, crawling back, and collapsing in total exhaustion.

Second, it is dry. The year that we were there was an exceptional time. We actually saw thunderstorms twice in two weeks. On one occasion we could look up, see the rain pouring out of the sky, put out our hands, and feel only a couple of drops land. The heat caused the rain to evaporate before it hit the ground!

Between the heat and dryness, we required several gallons of water per day per man to avoid dehydration. Multiply that by two to three million people and you begin to understand Israel’s plight. They went three days without water. Another day or two could mean death.

How would you handle this scene? Would you fare any better than Israel? Would you continue to trust God? Israel did better than most of us. They went three days without a hint of complaint. Could we make it that long?

II.) Bitter Water:

Scripture: Exodus 15:23

And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

Finally, they arrived at a place called Marah, which means bitter. The name was appropriate, because the water was bitter and unfit to drink. Try to put yourself in Israel’s sandals. You have just come off of a spiritual plateau. Then you go three days without water.

On the first day, you are not too concerned. You start out not even thinking about water, but as the time moves on, you begin to get thirsty. You think to yourself, “God knows that we need water. He will certainly supply.” Soon evening comes and there is still no water. You console yourself, though, that tomorrow will bring God’s provision.

The next day arrives and you are optimistic that God will take care. The sun rises further in the sky. You get thirstier and thirstier. You continue to trust God, but you begin to think, “What if?” Still you remember the sea overthrowing the Egyptians and press on. Nightfall comes. You are anxious but say to yourself, “God will surely supply tomorrow.”

Then comes morning. The nation set forth. By now everyone is parched. They crave water and realize that the body can overheat and succumb in just four days without it. They keep listening for some word of a well or oasis but step by step they proceed deeper and deeper into the wasteland. Still no word. One step further—still no word. Evening brings more doubts. Will God supply? I know He can, but does He want to provision us?

On the fourth day you set out again. By now you have just about given up hope. God is not going to supply. Then, suddenly, someone shouts, “Water!” You can hardly believe your ears, but your pace quickens. Before you know it you are running. You are scrambling to get to the beautiful, wonderful, sweet water. Each step of the way, you thank and praise God. Eventually, you reach the crowd and, pushing and shoving, make your way through, throwing yourself prostrate at the brink ready to indulge. Then someone grabs you from behind. You are ready to fight until they scream in your ears, “It is bitter!”—unfit to drink. What would you do?

Illustration: You are serving God and He is directing your steps. He very plainly leads to a new endeavor and then His provision seems to dry up. Finally, something opens up, but it is against your convictions. What would you do?

George Mueller told of a time when he was financially desperate. There was no food in the house and no money to buy it.

Finally, someone came with a gift of money. There was just one problem—George knew that the man was not paying his rent. Therefore, the money provided was stolen from the landlord. What would you do? George refused to accept it. It would have been so easy to reason that he should keep it, but he did not. God honored his faith, and provided another means.

Conclusion:

God uses experiences like this to test us. It is very easy for us to say that we love God and will serve Him. We can deceive others and even ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9). One thing we need to take home today is this truth: Just because we say something does not mean that God will accept it at face value. He will test us and find out what is in our heart. This is not “easy believism”. This is the nitty-gritty of demonstrating our love and loyalty to God (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Next Time: Marah: Bitter Water - Part II

The First Obstacle: Part IV

Living By Faith

Three lessons ago we began to look at the first obstacle—the Red Sea (Exodus 14). We said that we would divide our study into four phases. In the first phase, we observed the circumstances leading up to the Red Sea problem. Israel was deliberately led by God into a situation where the Egyptians would be pressing down with no apparent way of escape. They actually had to turn and change directions to get there, but God had a purpose. He wanted Israel to learn dependence upon Him. He also wanted Pharaoh to think they were trapped, because God was seting a trap for Pharaoh.

Two lessons ago we saw the responses of Israel and Moses when they saw the Egyptians coming. Israel waltzed out of Egypt with their fingers pointed in the air, all proud and puffed up. They did not give any attention at all to God’s plan and purpose. Then when a crisis occurred, they collapsed in despair and began to complain. In contrast, Moses courageously said, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Then he took his burden to God. That is the difference between those who live by faith and those who do not. Are we paying attention to God’s plan and purpose for our lives?

Last time we observed the deliverance of Israel. God parted the waters while Israel waited. God through the cloud became their fortress. The Egyptians could only come as close to Israel as God would allow. Then Israel began to cross the sea, and the Egyptians pursued, thinking they would have the victory. But God began to trouble them by removing the wheels of their chariots. Then it dawned on Pharaoh that God was fighting for His people and He had set an ambush.

IV.) The Victory:

That brings us to the fourth and final phase, which is the victory. First we saw God as our fortress and refuge in time of trouble (Psalm 18:1-2). Next we saw Him provide the way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13). Now we want to see the triumph that is ours if we trust in Him. There are three considerations:

A.) Egyptians Overthrown:

Scripture: Exodus 14:26-28

26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

First, we need to consider the enemy’s destruction. God told Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. Just when victory seemed so close for the Egyptians, God troubled them.

The wheels fell off of their chariots. That is when the truth became reality. They knew that God had set an ambush. They knew that He was fighting for Israel. So Moses stretched out his hand and the waters returned to fill the gap. The wave swept away the enemies of Israel.

How difficult was it for God to defeat Pharaoh? Think for a moment! Did God have to work hard? Did He break a sweat? Did He say, “Wow, I’m tired!” No! He merely had to relax for a moment the pressure of the east wind. It was that simple!

Compare: Deuteronomy 4:24-26 and Hebrews 12:29

24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. 25 When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger: 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Our God is a consuming fire! Man likes to think of himself as mighty and great. But God is omnipotent—all powerful. In comparison to that we are nothing. For God to destroy this world He has only to relax (Colossians 1:17). It is far easier than creation. There He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. But destruction involves no work at all. Do you comprehend what that means?

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23

22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

It is due to God’s compassion and mercies that we are not consumed. There are those who think that getting rid of God will make for a really fun time. They have no idea at all how horrible that will be. To have all of the passions and desires that we have now, but without God to make provision for them is a taste of hell. Add to that complete and total darkness for God is light (I John 1:5) and total isolation, because God is love (I John 4:8) and will not allow us to afflict others with our evil desires. That is hell.

Imagine for a minute having every desire and craving that you have now with no way to fulfill any for all of eternity. They will be like a worm that dieth not eating away at us.

God is kind and loving to all. It rains on the just and unjust alike (Matthew 5:45). But He is also holy (Leviticus 11:44). Justice demands death for sin (Romans 6:23). He delays out of compassion, but only for a time (II Peter 3:9). God gave Pharaoh many opportunities to repent, but he angrily pressed on until the waters covered the whole host of his army. All of this is but a shadow of things to come. Satan is the Pharaoh of the world system, and one day the rebels of his army will be as easily dismissed by the King of kings and Lord of lords.

B.) Israel’s Salvation:

Scripture: Exodus 14:29-31

29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Secondly, we need to consider Israel’s salvation. Verse 30 says, “Thus the Lord saved Israel…” Wait a minute! I thought they were saved when they left Egypt? What is this?

Salvation is not merely a fire escape from hell. Many people think that they can receive Christ as Savior from hell and then do as they please. This seems to be the prevailing mindset of twenty-first century Christianity. It does not seem to matter whether you believe in eternal security or not. We used to get a lot of grief over that (eternal security) and still do sometimes. People who believe you can lose your salvation accuse us of giving people a license to sin. But they do even worse with people sinning all week and going to church on Sunday. They think if they do their two bits for God, everything will be okay.

Nothing could be further from the truth. God demands holiness of us (I Peter 1:16) and grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11-12). If we are truly born again, we have repented of our sin. We turned toward God and automatically from idols and sin (I Thessalonians 1:9). We took up our cross to follow Christ. Our salvation only began the moment we received Him! It only began! He delivered us then and continues to deliver us now (II Corinthians 1:10).

We just need to keep on trusting Him and seeking to live for him. It may rain on our parade right along with the ungodly, but God will get us through (I Thessalonians 5:24).

C.) Victory Celebration:

Scripture: Exodus 15:1-7

1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. 3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. 4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. 5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. 6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

Third, we need to consider the victory celebration. After the battle was over, then came the praise and thanksgiving. Notice how Israel gladly claimed the Lord as their God. Just the day before, they were ready to go back to Egypt and God was the one who was trying to kill them. What a difference a day can make. Now, suddenly, He is their God. You need to know that this song is called the song of Moses. Who really gives God praise, when He gives victory?

It is not the unfaithful and the disbelievers. It is the one who trusts in Him. Moses wrote the song. Israel merely sang the words. We have to pay attention to God’s plan and purpose to really appreciate the message.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this same song will be sung in heaven by those who gain the victory over the antichrist (Revelation 15:3). It is a song for all ages. Are we looking to God for direction in our lives so that we can learn this song in the depths of our soul? That is the only way we can truly claim it as our own.

Next time: Marah—How Soon We Forget! (Exodus 15:22-27)

The First Obstacle: Part III

Living By Faith

Two lessons ago we began to look at the first obstacle (Exodus 14). We said that we would divide our study into four phases. In the first phase, we observed the circumstances leading up to the Red Sea problem. Israel was deliberately led by God into a situation where the Egyptians would be pressing down with no apparent way of escape. They actually had to turn and change directions to get there, but God had a purpose. He wanted Israel to learn dependence upon Him and Pharaoh to think they were trapped, because God was seting a trap for Pharaoh.

Last time we saw the responses of Israel and Moses when they saw the Egyptians coming. Israel waltzed out of Egypt with their fingers pointed in the air, all proud and puffed up. They did not give any attention at all to God’s plan and purpose. Then when a crisis occurred, they collapsed in despair and began to complain. In contrast, Moses courageously said, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Then he took his burden to God. That is the difference between those who live by faith and those who do not. Are we paying attention to God’s plan and purpose for our lives?

III.) The Deliverance:

The third phase of this Red Sea experience is God’s deliverance. God knows how to deliver the godly (II Peter 2:9a) and He knows how to reserve the ungodly for judgment (II Peter 2:9b). There are four observations to make.

A.) God Our Fortress:

Scripture: Exodus 14:17-20

17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

First, we see God as our fortress (Psalm 18:2-3). Israel camped by the sea with Pharaoh in sight! What would they do? What could they do? Factually, there was nowhere to go. Moses had told them to do the only thing possible. “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (vs.13).”

The real question is “What would God do?” Failing to read our Bibles carefully, many Christians mistakenly believe that the waters were instantly parted and Israel immediately crossed. Actually, verse 21 says that it took all night long. During the night, Israel had to simply stand still and wait. God would teach them patience and would do the same for us.

Compare: Hebrews 10:36 and Romans 5:3-4

36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Do you see that God thinks we have need of patience and that bringing tribulation into our lives is the way to develop patience? Do you now understand why the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel is all wrong? If we have no troubles or problems, we are at best very shallow Christians. At worst, we may not even be a child of God (Hebrews 12:6,8).

Israel stood their ground, and God made provision. That is how it is with faith! In effect, God became a barrier separating Israel from their enemy. For the duration of the night the cloud rested between them.

To the Egyptians, it was dark and ominous—an impenetrable blackness that blotted out the stars and allowed no light to escape, not even so much as a the glow of a campfire. I am quite sure I could wait for morning to attack if I were them. Couldn’t you?

On the other hand, the cloud gave light to Israel. Black is the absence of light. Those who reject the glorious light of the gospel have only the storm cloud of God’s wrath hanging over them (John 3:36). But we have the light of His Word (Psalm 119:105) to comfort and strengthen us!

Compare: Psalm 34:7 and Romans 8:28

7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God has decreed that anything touching His children will only work for their good and He encamps around us to assure that is true. He is our fortress!

B.) Waters Divided:

Scripture: Exodus 14:21-22

21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Secondly, we see God dividing the waters. All kinds of explanations have been offered. One liberal Sunday school teacher told her class that it was really just a big mud puddle and not a big miracle. Little Johnny jumped up all excited and exclaimed, “What a great miracle! God drowned all those Egyptians in a big mud puddle!”

A number of years ago, a science magazine explained that the Island of Minoa dropped into the Mediterranean Sea about this time and the resulting tidal wave caused the parting. This so-called "science" is nothing more than the vain imagination of those conflicted by the truth of the Bible and their desire to come up with a rational explanation.

God says simply that He used “a strong east wind.” The Red Sea lays almost perfectly north and south. An east wind coming from the Promised Land cuts across the water in a perpendicular fashion. The wind blew hard, forcing the water to back up at either end of the camp and giving Israel sufficient highway for between 2 and 3 million to pass. The all night blowing dried out the seabed, making it a super-highway to freedom. Think of it! All it took was a little wind! We think it is impossible—but it is so easy for our God to deliver us.

C.) Egyptian Pursuit:

Scripture: Exodus 14:23

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Third, we see the Egyptian pursuit. You have to wonder why Egypt, in the face of this miraculous event, would follow Israel. But put yourself in Pharaoh’s shoes. He is filled with blind rage and fury. He wants only vengeance.

Then he sees before him the dream of every charioteer—a vast, dry, smooth “expressway” leading straight to a defenseless target! No doubt the Egyptians were thanking their gods as they raced between the waters.

D.) Egypt Troubled:

Scripture: Exodus 14:24-25

24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Fourthly, we see Egypt troubled. The chariot drivers dashed into the channel, expecting to draw blood in the battle. At first they were gaining on the feeble figures ahead, and anticipating the lustful ravaging of a vanquished foe. Then something strange happened. A wheel fell off.

The first soldier to lose a wheel probably cursed his luck and the mechanic who worked on his machine. Then others fell off! About that time, turning from the battle, they notice the mountain of water on either side. I don’t think anyone even thought about procurement scandals and defective parts. They knew in their heart that God fought for Israel, just as He fights for us today.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, some day in the not too distant future, God will set another ambush. He will stir the hearts of men to march on Israel. They will gather on the plain of Megiddo, where a great general once said, “all the armies of the earth could gather here.” Suddenly, the resurrected Christ in all his glory with His army mounted on white horses, will appear to take vengeance on the enemies of His people (Revelation 19:11-19).

Friend, will you be among those who come mounted with Christ, or will you be numbered in the valley below? Will your appetite for the world seal your fate, or will you be counted with those whose garments are washed in the blood of the Lamb? Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is judgment day. Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your heart. If you repent of your sin, turn to Christ, and ask Him to come into your heart and life, He will surely save you (Romans 10:13).

Next time: The First Obstacle Part IV (Exodus 14:26-15:19)

The First Obstacle: Part II

Living By Faith

Last time we began to look at the first obstacle (Exodus 14). We said that we would divide our study into four phases. In the first phase, we observed the circumstances leading up to the Red Sea problem. Israel was deliberately led by God into a situation where the Egyptians would be pressing down on them, with no apparent way of escape. They actually had to turn and change directions to get there, but God had a purpose. He wanted Israel to learn dependence upon Him and Pharaoh to think they were trapped. God set a trap for Pharaoh. He would have glory over the final Egyptian god—Pharaoh himself.

II.) The Responses:

The second phase of this miraculous episode deals with the responses of both Israel and Moses. How did they handle the stress of an army of angry Pharaoh-worshipers hotly pursuing after them? Perhaps they should all get appointments with a therapist or shrink.

The modern tendency to “psychologize” Christianity breeds numerous seminars to teach us how to “cope”. This has even crept into so many pastors' sermons that are more about "self-help" than God’s Word. Unfortunately, they omit the one ingredient that can really help. That is relationship. The Word of God is about building a strong relationship of faith in God and His promises that will withstand, endure, and gain victory over the deep water situations of life.

Scripture: John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Observe that Christ says that those who love Him pay attention to the commandments of God and try to keep them. He then adds that if we love Him, we will be loved by God the Father and Christ will reveal Himself to us. Therein lies the problem. We do not want to spend the time in God’s Word that is necessary to demonstrate our love for Christ. He does not reveal himself, and we turn to man for help, thinking God failed. In fact, we are the failures.

It is our relationship with God that makes all the difference in how we respond to difficult times. Those seeking "stress relief" should consider Bible belief. Let us begin with Israel’s response.

A.) Israel’s Fear:

Scripture: Exodus 14:10

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

The first response is Israel’s fear.

The New Scofield Bible and some of the modern translations say, “they were in great fear”, but I like the old KJV. It says simply, “they were sore afraid.” In other words they were so utterly terrified that they literally ached with fright! That is an apt description.

Imagine the scene! Here they were camped by the Sea without a care in the world. No one is listening to God’s plan and purpose. They do not really believe Pharaoh will come. Then, someone notices something in the distance.

3500 years later, with the ending firmly in grasp, it is easy for us to look down our spiritual noses and be very judgmental about Israel. But, how often do we do the same thing? How often do we think we have a handle on everything? How often do we ignore God’s plan and direction? How often do we think we have everything managed? Then something happens. Suddenly, we have circumstances beyond our control. What then? Is it sheer terror? Do we panic and frantically scramble everywhere looking for help? Do we respond as Israel?

B.) Israel’s Complaint:

Scripture: Exodus 14:11-12

11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

The first response was one of fear, but the second translated fear into action. They began to complain. There are two ways to cry aloud to God. One is godly and the other is not. One is the cry of faith and the other is one of complaint. Israel began to complain.

Instead of asking God for help, they began to make accusations. They accused Him of leading them to slaughter. They said that it would have been better for them to remain in Egypt as slaves. They forgot what God did for them. Many Christians do the same.

When we find ourselves with our backs against the wall and the Egyptians pressing down, our first tendency is to make accusations. We want to accuse Moses or God. It is their fault and they do not care about us. “We had it so good in the world. Now look how hard it is.”

We forget that we were slaves to a master who could care less whether we lived or died. We existed only for his service and it was hard labor. He did absolutely nothing for us. On the other hand, Christ gave His life for us. He demonstrated His love by sacrificing all. Who is the better master? Christ is by far! He has nothing more to prove. We just need to trust Him.

C.) Moses’ Faith:

Scripture: Exodus 14:13-14

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

In contrast to the first two negatives, Moses responded in faith. Ezekiel 22:30 says that God looked for a man to stand in the gap.

It concludes, “...but I found none.” God constantly searches for a man to stand in the gap. This time He found one. In spite of his fear, Moses responded with faith. He said, “...stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord…” In II Chronicles 20:17 God said to Jehoshaphat, “...stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” A similar thought is found in I Corinthians 16:13 where it says, “...quit ye like men.”

God looks for courageous people who will stand in the gap to make up the hedge. Moses was such a man. He stood against the tide of humanity and said, “We are not moving!” God wants us to stand fast and wait for His salvation. God did not save us from the fire of hell just so that we could freeze in the cold, cruel trials of life. He knows how to deliver the godly and reserve the ungodly for the day of judgment (II Peter 2:9). We just need to trust Him.

D.) Moses' Cry:

Scripture: Exodus 14:15-16

15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

The fourth response we see is Moses’ cry. Moses was a man of faith who stilled the voices of the murmurers. But even the faithful have doubts. The difference is what they do with them. Moses took his straight to the Lord and so should we.

Notice God’s answer. He said, “Why do you cry unto me?” Moses made a bold statement of faith and then pleaded with God for a confirmation of what he did. I get the impression that he was hoping and praying that God would back up what he said. Sometimes we do that. We make a bold statement of faith and then wonder if we are foolish to do so.

But God did back up Moses. He always supports those who would live by faith. It is only when we live by faith that we can truly please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

God stood with him and said, “take the rod.” Why the rod? It represents authority. Often we fail to recognize the authority that we have when we go out in the name of the Lord to do the work of the Lord. God told Moses to use the rod of authority that He already gave him. Moses did not need additional power. He only needed to exercise that which he already had.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, God has given us the sword of His Word (Hebrews 4:12). It is our authority for life and godliness. We just need to utilize it in our day to day lives. Jeremiah 48:10 says, “Cursed is he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed is he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” God has given us the sword. He expects us to use it.