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Balaam could not curse the people of God, but he still found a way to profit. In this message, the story moves from Numbers 25 back to Numbers 31 to reveal the tragic truth: Israel’s fall into idolatry and sexual immorality did not happen by accident. It came through Balaam’s counsel and evil advice designed to bring God’s people into sin when open opposition had failed. What Balaam could not acco...

Sermon Notes Matthew 27:62 - 66 Because they were afraid that the disciples might steal Jesus’ body make the grave secure by posting guards Matthew 28:1 - 7 Jesus is resurrected the women discover the empty tomb are told that Jesus was not there and tell the disciple Matthew 28:8 - 10 Jesus meets with His disciples Matthew 28:11 - 15 Guards tell the officials about the resurrection, but they bribe...

A man hired to discern and influence the future cannot even see what is directly in front of him. Instead, his donkey sees what he cannot, and in doing so, saves his life. As Balaam travels with the leaders of Moab, motivated by the promise of money and honor, God stands against him. An angel blocks the path, but Balaam is spiritually blind. Three times the donkey turns aside, protecting him, and...

As Balak, king of Moab, becomes terrified of Israel, he sends messengers to hire Balaam to curse God’s people. Balaam at first refuses because God tells him not to go and not to curse Israel. But when a more distinguished delegation arrives with the promise of greater honor and greater payment, Balaam asks again and reveals the deeper problem: a heart tempted by profit more than obedience. This se...

The life-and-death crisis Israel faced in the wilderness. After speaking against God and Moses, the people were bitten by fiery serpents and many died. When they finally confessed their sin, Moses interceded for them, and God gave an unexpected remedy. Sermon Notes Numbers 21:4 & 5 Because the people had to travel around Edom, they spoke against Moses Numbers 21:6 God sends fiery serpents to bit a...

God’s people face another crisis: no water, renewed complaints, and rising pressure on Moses. After Miriam dies, the congregation contends with Moses and Aaron, blaming them and accusing them of bringing the people into a “wretched place.” Instead of solving anything, their complaining produces nothing. Moses and Aaron do what God’s people should have done from the beginning: they fall before the...

Miracles did not stop Israel’s unbelief or grumbling. To demonstrate His sovereignty, God gave His people a clear sign, confirming His chosen priesthood and silencing their rebellion. On our own, we are prone to spiritual rebellion as well. But God sent Jesus so the Law could be fulfilled, and through Him we can live in alignment with God. Sermon Notes Numbers 17:1 – 4 Collecting 12 rods with name...

Very few people are willing to stand in the gap, and even fewer are willing to do so for people who complain about them, blame them, or even hate them. Aaron step into that very place. After rebellion and judgment, the people continue to grumble against Moses and Aaron. God’s wrath begins, and a plague spreads through the camp. At Moses’ instruction, Aaron takes his censer, runs into the midst of...

A direct rebellion against God’s appointed leadership, and a judgment so dramatic it leaves no doubt who the Lord has chosen. Korah, along with 250 leaders of renown, rises up against Moses and Aaron, claiming that “all the congregation is holy” and accusing Moses of exalting himself. The issue isn’t Moses’ ego. It’s the people’s refusal to accept God’s authority and God’s choices. Sermon Notes Nu...

Israel makes the same mistake twice. First, they say, “we can’t,” then they say, “we can,” and they are wrong both times. Because the deciding factor was never their ability but weather God was with them. After God’s judgment that the older generation would die in the wilderness, the people mourn and then attempt to take the Promised Land anyway. Moses gives them a clear warning that they will not...

When things don’t go according to our plans, we often ask God to fix the situation. But then try to tell Him how to do it. We see why that approach can be spiritually dangerous and why Scripture warns us to be careful what we ask for. Sermon Notes Numbers 14:1 – 4 The people say it would have been better if they had died in Egypt or the wilderness. They appoint another leader Numbers 14:5 – 10 Mos...

At the moment Israel stood on the edge of the Promised Land, and faced a decision shaped by two conflicting reports. After God delivered them from Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and brought them to Canaan’s border, the Lord told Moses to send spies into the land. The spies returned after 40 days confirming exactly what God had promised: the land truly was “flowing with milk and honey....

Most of us struggle with one of two extremes: thinking too highly of ourselves or too lowly of ourselves. Scripture calls us to something better: an accurate, God-centered understanding of who we are. In Numbers 12, God teaches a painful but necessary lesson in humility when Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses. God confronts their arrogance directly, defends His servant, and Miriam is struck with lep...

After generations of slavery, God delivered Israel from Egypt with undeniable power. Yet shortly after gaining freedom, the people began to complain and even longed to return to slavery for the comfort of familiar food. Israel’s complaints about manna are met with a merciful response from God. God delivers His people. • Israel’s willingness to exchange freedom for comfort • How complaining reveals...

People search for answers in books, advice, and personal experiences to discover God’s purpose for their lives. But Scripture is clear: God has already revealed His will. God’s will is not guesswork. The Scriptures show that His will is expressed in how we live, who we become, what we value, and how we respond to Him. God’s will is not hidden, complicated, or reserved for a select few. It is clear...

When evil happens, one of the first questions we ask is why. Scripture provides reasons, prophecies, and context. But rarely the kind of answers that bring immediate comfort. Even the celebration of Christmas includes the atrocity of Herod’s massacre of the children in Bethlehem. Advent is not only about peace and joy; it is also about a Savior entering a broken and hostile world. We are called to...

the Scripture reveal that the birth of Christ was announced as good news for all people, regardless of status, background, ethnicity, or past. Jesus did not come for a select group. He came for the world. His invitation is open to all, and the path is clearly revealed. Sermon Notes Luke 2:4 – 20 Good news for everyone, a Savior has been born Romans 1:16 &17 Salvation for everyone who believes Roma...

What is your purpose? Culture, self-help books, and institutions promise to help you find your purpose, but the Bible tells us something very different. The Scripture explains what your purpose truly is and why it applies to every person, at every stage of life, in every circumstance. Our purpose is not self-fulfillment or personal greatness, but the glory of God. God’s plan has always been about...

The event that confirms Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be: the Messiah, the Son of God. After His burial, the women came to the tomb expecting decay, but the Scriptures had already declared that the Holy One would not see corruption. Instead, they found the stone rolled away, an empty tomb, and an angel announcing the truth: “He has risen; He is not here.” Sermon Notes Mark 16:1 – 4 Women go t...

A part of the gospel story that is often treated as a simple transition between the crucifixion and the resurrection. Scripture shows it is far more significant. The burial of Jesus fulfills prophecy, demonstrates God’s control over timing and events, and provides evidence that He is the promised Messiah. Sermon Notes Mark 15:42 Crucifixion happens on Day of Preparation before the Sabbath – that S...

The way someone dies does not usually prove who they are. But in Jesus’ case, His crucifixion fulfills the very scriptures that foretold the Messiah’s suffering, death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus’ crucifixion is not a story of defeat. It is the ultimate proof that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Sermon Notes Mark 15:22 – 27 Jesus crucified on a...

Ever since Adam and Eve’s children, humanity has shown cruelty toward one another. There’s even an expression: man’s inhumanity to man. But today, we’re going deeper—into man’s inhumanity to God. Sermon Notes Mark 15:16 – 21 Soldiers mock Jesus and lead Him to be crucified Probers 14:9 Fools mock at sin Galatians 6:7 – 10 God is not mocked

Pontius Pilate faced a moral crossroads when choosing between justice and public pressure. As Jesus stands silent before His accusers, we witness the ultimate example of strength, humility, and divine love. Sermon Notes Mark 15:1 Religious leaders bind Jesus and deliver Him to Pilate (The Roman Governor) Mark 15:2 – 5 Pilate questions Jesus Mark 15:6 – 11 Pilate tries to release Jesus. The crowd i...

While Jesus stands firm in truth, Peter falters under pressure, denying his Lord three times. Sermon Notes Mark 14:66 – 70 Three times people accuse Peter of being with Jesus. The first two times he denies it and moves away from the accuser Mark 14:71 The third response to the accuser was to curse and swear Mark 14:72 After the third denial Peter hears the cock crow the second time and weeps

What would you do if silence could grant your deepest prayer? Jesus's has been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and the profound choice to speak the truth, even when silence could have spared Him suffering. Sermon Notes Mark 14:43 – 45 Judas betrays Jesus Mark 14:46 – 50 Jesus arrested; someone tries to stop the arrest, but Jesus intervenes, then Hiss disciples fled Mark 14:51 & 52 A young man...