The Israelites finally approach the Promised Land but are afraid of who they see occupying it: Giants. Rather than trusting God, they cry out in fear and doubt. The Israelites even think they should go back to Egypt instead. God is angered by this and curses the current Israelite generation to death in the wilderness over the next 40 years. This judgement from God can make many who hear it uncomfortable, but it is important to understand that this judgement is an appropriate response to the severity of our sin. Some Israelites then decided to try to go into the Promised Land, but it was against the Lord's wishes as judgement had already been passed. So align your desires with God's will, and you will find success. And do not abuse the Lord's patience with your countless opportunities to follow Him. It's time to put your trust in God now.
I Spy A Giant
April 30, 2023 • Connor Kraus • Numbers 13—14
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.
Can We Stay Here?
June 18, 2023 • Connor Kraus • Numbers 32
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.
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.