The First Five

He is with You

May 21, 2023 • Deuteronomy 31, 2 Kings 6:15–17, Matthew 16:18, 2 Timothy 1:7

We serve a God who is all knowing, all powerful, loving, just, merciful and forgiving. He is with us. If we believe this, then it's time to stop lamenting the state of the world and start sharing God’s love WITH the world.

He Is Our Life

May 14, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Deuteronomy 30, Romans 8

God's desire for Israel was to walk with Him and experience His blessings. But He would not force them ... they had to choose. We face that same choice, and we can only choose to walk with the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Set Apart

May 7, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Colossians 3:1–17

God's law set Israel apart from the rest of the nations in the ancient world. As we study this law, we see some themes that apply to those of us who have been brought into God's family through faith in Christ. But, what it does it mean for us to be set apart? The Apostle Paul gives us an idea in his letter to the Colossians.

Holy War

April 30, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Acts 1:6–8, Ephesians 6:10–12, Deuteronomy 20:1–4, John 18:36

What does it mean to be part of the kingdom of God? In Deuteronomy, one aspect of this was the effort of conquering the people who already lived in the land of Canaan. However, when Jesus came into the world, he made it clear that the kingdom of God was no longer physical, but spiritual. And citizens of that kingdom are called not to a physical battle, but a spiritual work.

An Open Hand

April 23, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Deuteronomy 14:22–29, Deuteronomy 15:4–11, Matthew 23:23–24, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Acts 2:44–47

Our God is generous, and He gives good gifts to His children. His commands to ancient Israel to give generously also extend to those of us who follow Him today. Loving God and loving others means giving generously back to Him and giving to those around us who are in need.

Love the Lord Your God

April 16, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Matthew 22:37–40, 1 John 4:20–21, John 14:15

God's people were instructed to love Him with all their heart, soul and might. Jesus added that believers are to love their neighbors as themselves. But what does it look like to love God and love other people? We do not have to guess, because God spells it out for us in His Word.

The Power of Purpose

April 9, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Deuteronomy 4:1–9, John 3:16–21, 1 Corinthians 15:56–58, Matthew 22:37–40, Matthew 28:19–20

"God has a plan for your life." Though this statement is true, we need to look deeper into the Word to discover what that plan entails. As we find His purpose for us, we see clearly that the empty cross and empty tomb offer a life that is full.

Our Refuge

April 2, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Numbers 35, Psalm 17:6–7, John 5:21–25

God set up cities of refuge for His people ... safe holding places for people who were accused of taking another human life either by murder or by accident. This law points to the truth that salvation comes only through the person of Jesus Christ.

A New Shepherd

March 26, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Philippians 2:3–8, Numbers 27:12–18, John 10:7–11

What are the characteristics of a true leader? We see examples throughout Scripture, but they all point to the only one we are to follow: Jesus Christ.

A Sign of Things to Come

March 19, 2023 • Evan Arkell • Numbers 21:4–9

Trust in the Lord

March 12, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Numbers 20, Psalm 95, John 10

It's not easy for us to trust in someone. In fact, it's not easy for us to even trust in the Lord. But when we remember who God is and what He has done, and when we truly hear His voice, we are able to walk by faith and trust Him along the way.

Faith over Fear

March 5, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Numbers 13

When we allow fear to be our focus, we move closer to disobeying God. Choosing faith in the Lord over fear brings us into God's will and gives us the confidence to take the next step in our walk with Him.

The God of Peace

February 26, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Numbers 6:24–26

Numbers 6 contains a blessing given by God to Aaron and his sons so that this blessing could be spoken over the people of Israel. In Jesus, we see this blessing fulfilled not just for Israel, but for all of us. And through Jesus, God gives us peace.

Remember

February 12, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Leviticus 23, Luke 22:14–20

God places a high value on remembrances which call His people to be reminded of who He is and what He has done for them. What "God moments" do you need to intentionally remember in your life?

You Must Be Holy

February 5, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Luke 22:19–20, Hebrews 8:6–7, Leviticus 17—19, Hebrews 8:13, 1 Peter 2:13–16

God commanded Israel to be holy, because He is holy. He gives us the same command through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. For those of us under the new covenant, what does it mean to be holy?