4G Family

In this lesson we learn of John the Baptist, a prophet who was compared to Elijah and who helped prepare the people to receive Jesus.  After 400 years recovering from exile, submitting to the rule of multiple conquering nations and experiencing extreme religious persecution and corruption, the people were blessed with a prophet!  This was good news preparing for Good News! As Matthew reminds us, h...

In this lesson, we review Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus. There is comparison and contrast with Luke's version.   Study notes are here.

Prior to beginning this first lesson in Matthew, the class heard the Gaither's " There's Something About That Name" .   The book of Matthew highlights Jesus' genealogy and his connection to God's covenant promise to David. Study notes are here.

Our look back over Exodus reminds of God's power, faithfulness, holiness, leadership, redemption and presence.  The time covered by the book shows the rescue, unification and plan for the new nation of Israel -- God's people who have been promised an amazing future (if and when they take it).   Answers to the "homework" (Thanks Bill!) are shown below:       Why do you think Exodus starts off with...

When Moses came down off the mountain his face shown with what is called Shekinah glory.  Then, a veil was used.  In this study we learn how Moses used the veil and what Paul thought about it.     Homework for next week's conclusion to the Exodus study:   Why do you think Exodus starts off with a review of Jacob’s family? Why is Pharaoh such an affront to God? Why are the plagues such an effective...

Subsequent to the Israelites rebellion into idolatry with the creation of the golden calf, God informs Moses and the people of the consequences. But, Moses entreats God to show mercy on "His people" and God does confirm His loving kindness.   Bill mentions a famous hymn "He Hideth My Soul".  Here's a nice version by Guy Penrod .   Study notes are here .

I heard something one time to the effect that "God's will done God's way will never lack God's provision". Not sure who to attribute but, this passage certainly illustrates the concept.   The chapter introduces Bezalel, the "project manager and general contractor" for the Tabernacle. Here we learn a bit more about who God is and how he works. Compare and contrast God's actions here with Ephesians...

The text continues to describe the tabernacle and furnishes and then the focus shifts to the priests. This video  (~4 mins) gives a good overview of the Tabernacle layout along with the furnishings. This video  (~7 mins) shows a very detailed (modern) construction of the priestly garments. What amazing artisans they must have been in antiquity!

In this lesson Bill reviews the tabernacle and furnishings as described in our focus passage.   A helpful diagram can be found here.

The original teaching in class failed to record so this is a condensed version covering a very important passage that has parallels to how we live and work today. Thankfully, we have the same God with even more blessings and even a better future!

This section wraps up (for the most part) the rules in the "Book of the Covenant" (see Ex. 24:3).  The theme underlying much of the last few weeks has been what does today's Christian do with the law.   As per the NIV Application Commentary on Exodus, Paul seems to offer three options: Ignore it/Move past it because we are under Christ Accept (parts of?) it as command (e.g. "Honor your father and...

The review of the laws especially regarding social justice continue in this passage.

God's teaching is always for our good. In this last lesson on the Ten Commandments, Bill reviews the last four commandments and notes that they might not have been written "to us but they were written for us". Often, carelessness in managing the small decisions (and temptations) of life is what leads to actual sin.  Bill discusses this in the context of "You shall not commit adultery".  Casting Cr...

The question was raised last week as to how should we (as Christians) relate to the Ten Commandments.  Art addresses that and discusses the next three commandments. John Piper explains the Christian relationship to the Ten Commandments here. Bible Study highlighting the New Testament supporting nine of the commandments (excluding the fourth) is here. Andy Stanley's editorial in Relevant magazine q...

As the people of Israel are gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, God reveals himself by speaking the Ten Commandments. They are given from the Redeemer to the redeemed to proscribe what their thinking and behavior should be.     Study notes are here.

In this passage Bill discusses the importance of receiving wise counsel. We are reminded of who Jethro is back in Exodus 2:15. Scriptures highlighting the importance of wise counsel include: Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 19:20 Ecclesiastes 4:13   Guidelines about advice and receiving counsel: Is it scriptural? What does your spiritually enlightened commonsense say? Can you do it (is the door open)? Do y...

This little passage introduces or foreshadows much. God's cast of characters, God's methods, God's promises and God's Victory.   Collectively, these verses remind us that we aren't spared the battles, we never fight alone, the enemy isn't always who we think, it matters that we are obedient, God's will is always accomplished.   Study notes are here.

The initial weeks after the exodus of the nation of Israel from Egypt were typified by a cycle of grumbling followed by a response from God that had elements of teaching and of provision. Over and over the people are asked to align themselves with God and look to Him for their needs.  Jesus likely had the same goals in mind as He taught his disciples to pray in Matthew 6.     The writer of Hebrews...

Early on in the Exodus experience God continues to teach the Israelites. They learn about God. They learn how to live a life a freedom.    Study notes are here.

In this lesson Bill highlights several interesting points about the crossing of the Red Sea: Was the Red Sea really the Reed Sea? Was the route toward the North near the Mediterranean or to the South across the Gulf of Suez? What does Scripture itself think about the crossing (as in Nehemiah and Numbers)?   The bottom line is that God miraculously delivered his chosen people (in spite of their gru...

As appropriate for Easter, the miracle of the Israelite's crossing of the Red Sea illustrates God's power over chaos and evil. The empty tomb is yet another dry river bed that allows God's chosen to cross over from slavery to life with Him.