A select few tribes of Israel want to separate and stay in a different land. Moses becomes furious at this idea since it undermines Israel's unity, fractures their military, discourages the other tribes, and angers God. By staying in the land east of the Jordan River, which needed to be protected, these tribes could not fully commit to God's plan in the Promised Land. As a result, they faced constant warfare to defend the land. They committed a great error: desiring to abandon their fellow believers in carrying out Gods critical mission. God's current critical mission is the great commission we have all been called to. The great ruth we can follow is to participate in God's kingdom, and by faith we trust that what is coming is better than what is here now.
Can We Stay Here?
June 18, 2023 • Connor Kraus • Numbers 32
The Blood Avenger
June 25, 2023 • Connor Kraus • Numbers 35
TBC Lead Pastor Connor Kraus wraps up his sermon series on the book of Numbers with Chapter 35. The chapter focuses on the divine instructions given to Moses regarding the allocation of cities to specific tribes and their purpose as places of refuge for individuals who unintentionally caused the death of another person. The chapter highlights the principle of ensuring fairness and protection for both the accused and the victim's family, emphasizing the value placed on human life and the importance of upholding justice in society. We serve a righteous God who continually works with sinful people like us.
Holy War
June 11, 2023 • Numbers 31
We are fighting a spiritual battle, but our weapon is the Gospel instead of the sword. God command Moses to wage war against the Midianites in this chapter, but what is God's purpose for this? Previously, the Midianites successfully turned many of the Israelites to worship Baal (demons) instead of God. What God is commanding them to do in these battles is not for land, but for the spiritual battle between God and Satan. The battle is intense and severe as a result. Everyone is supposed to be destroyed, for this is not a normal war. This is a situation where it is as simple as good versus evil. This spiritual battle continues today but has transitioned from the desert of the Middle East to our homes, jobs, and other places where we are influenced by evil. Our battle tactics have also changed. We have gone from violence to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. We are to love a world without God and teach them how they can have salvation.
Donkeys and Curses
June 4, 2023 • Connor Kraus • Numbers 22—24
Lead Pastor Connor Kraus continues our Numbers series with a bit more of a humorous story found in chapters 22 through 24. We live in a spiritual world and people who are either devious or ignorant can tap into the darker powers of that spiritual world. This is not magic like in works of fiction, but a king, scared of the Israelites campaign of taking the Promised Land, hires a man named Balsam to curse the Israelites. God however uses Balaam to bless the Israelites instead. Balaam recounts the plans and promises God has for His people. This story clearly shows that God blesses those who follow His will while those who go against Him will be cursed. We are blessed through our faith in Jesus Christ while those who reject Him are sadly cursed.