Calvary: the Hill Sermons

When God calls us to give, it's never because He needs from us, but rather because He wants to give blessing to us as well. How can that be? (2 Corinthians 8:10-15)

As the apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthian church regarding their relief gift to the Jerusalem church, we learn how we too can offer relief to our family in Christ. In this message we see that the gift should not be out of compulsion, but out of love instead (2 Cor 8:1-9)

Through Paul's example of humility, we can learn how to pursue repentance for the wrongs we've committed against others (2 Corinthians 7:10-11).

Moses exhorts the nation of Israel to remember the testimony that God has built for them in their history. He reminds them of the Golden Calf event and the remade tablets of stone. He calls the people to serve God because He's lovingly saved them despite them not deserving.

In this passage, we see Paul graciously considering the abuse with which the Corinthian Church had treated him. We can learn from his behavior how we should react to other peoples' sin toward us (2 Corinthians 7:2-9, 7:12-16).

Moses addresses the succeeding generation of Israelites to reaffirm the covenant established at the foot of Mount Horeb in the generation before. Moses explains that this covenant is extended to their generation and the ones that follow. The Ten Commandments are recapitulated and set a thesis and perhaps even an outline for the remainder of his address.

We see in this passage that Paul's boundaries between him and others are altered by his relationship with Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:11-7:4).

This, the last book of the Pentateuch, has Moses addressing the people of Israel in one final exhortation. This pastoral address challenges the Israelites to build future faithfulness upon a foundation of God's past faithfulness.

Like Paul, our lives are never perfect. In reality, we navigate a slew of hardships and trials in our every day to day. However, the death of Jesus Christ changes how we interpret those difficult times when they inevitably come (2 Cor 6:3-10).

This final passage of Numbers tackles issues of property, vengeance, and inheritance. As the penultimate installment of the Torah, this passage closes the revelatory chapter and makes way to Moses' farewell address--the book of Deuteronomy.

According to Scripture, prior to our Salvation, we were at enmity with God. According to Scripture, our sins offend and even grieve God. Yet, according to Scripture, it is that same offended God who makes sacrifice to restore our broken relationship (2 Corinthians 5:18-6:2).

Amidst the variety of changes Paul explains to the Corinthians, The Change stands as the root from which all fruit is born (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This passage opens with the legislation of vow-making; particularly that of female worshippers of God. Then, we see God directing the Israelites to execute His vengeance upon the Midianites for their trickery at Baal Peor in chapter 25. Lastly, as the cursed generation trickles away, two and a half tribes decide to settle east of the Jordan, outside of the promised land.

Our relationship with Jesus unequivocally involves a transformation of our characters. In this passage we see that Paul expects that Jesus will sanctify how we relate to other people (2 Corinthians 5:11-15).

As Moses approaches the end of his life/ministry, God names his successor and tells him how to orchestrate his exit. Also in this passage, we see the daily, monthly, and yearly rhythms of Israel's sacrificial system.

As we look ahead for a new year, it benefits us to dedicate to Christ one focus for the season to come. Philippians 3:10-14.

John the Apostle refers to himself as the elder and to the Church as the beloved. He proceeds to tell the church that God exhibits His love by sending Jesus to the earth (1 John 4:7-10).

The Joy which the Messiah has brought to the world and endowed to His people exceeds circumstantial comfort, it is a poignant satisfaction that cuts through even the severest desperation.

In this passage we see how God's sovereign use of people has very little to do with the qualification of the people whom He uses. God uses an animal, and a Babylonian to prophesy in favor of an adulterous and stubborn Israel.

As foretold by the prophet Micah, the Messiah would come from the obscure corners of Judah where King David once tended a flock of sheep. The Messiah too would be a Shepherd of sorts. Ultimately, the Messiah would usher in a peace that exceeds armistice and protection; one that is eternally permanent (Micah 5:1-15).

As the nation of Israel presses closer to entering into the land, the cracks and weaknesses continue to show. When Miriam dies, and Moses fails, it becomes more and more clear that Israel suffers from a unilateral character flaw and only God can save them in His mercy.

With the nation of Israel sentenced to wander the wilderness until the generation dies out, the people are found hopeless and disgruntled. This passage hosts a series of complaints and rebellions that are ultimately stopped by God's clear declaration of His choice of leadership.

The coming of the Messiah was foretold by prophets and anticipated by the world. God made this promise to a broken world to give it hope for the coming salvation. Wayne Taylor has been the senior Pastor at Calvary Fellowship in Mountlake Terrace, Washington for 40 years.

The Israelites finally set out, but soon after complain against the Lord. From nationwide bickering to a power struggle within Moses' own family, God is frustrated with a stubborn and grumbling people. The culmination of such character flaws leads to the nation's first great delay in reaching the promised land.

Knowing that there is a coming judgment for Christians, how should we live today? Furthermore, what do non-believers have to gain by coming to believe in Jesus? (2 Cor 5:6-10)