BUT GOD

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)

Introduction

But God helped in time of need:

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Genesis 31:7)

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. (1 Samuel 23:14)

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:26)

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. (Proverbs 21:12)

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,¹⁰ And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10)

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:27)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:3-5)

But God will:

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. (Psalm 49:15)

But God is:

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalm 75:7)

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. (Galatians 3:20-21)

But God acts:

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.³⁰ But God raised him from the dead:³¹ And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. (Acts 13:29-31)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.⁷ So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

CONCLUSION

God acts on the behalf of men

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God is always at work.

The Scriptures are filled with incidents when it seemed that a disaster was on the horizon. There was no help in sight. BUT GOD…

That is what we will be looking at this week. How God intervenes in the affairs of men and nations.

But God will:

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. (Psalm 49:15)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

God is in the business of redeeming our souls. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it

1

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed through His infinite mercy,

His child, and forever, I am.

Chorus

Redeemed, redeemed,

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, redeemed,

His child, and forever, I am.

2

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,

No language my rapture can tell;

I know that the light of His presence

With me doth continually dwell.

3

I think of my blessed Redeemer,

I think of Him all the day long;

I sing, for I cannot be silent;

His love is the theme of my song.

4

I know I shall see in His beauty

The King in whose way I delight;

Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,

And giveth me songs in the night.

Have you been redeemed? Have you told others how they may be redeemed?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God is always at work.

The Scriptures are filled with incidents when it seemed that a disaster was on the horizon. There was no help in sight. BUT GOD…

That is what we will be looking at this week. How God intervenes in the affairs of men and nations.

BUT GOD

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)

But God helped in time of need:

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Genesis 31:7)

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. (1 Samuel 23:14)

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:26)

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. (Proverbs 21:12)

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,¹⁰ And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10)

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:27)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:3-5)

Jacob, Joseph, David, the righteous man, Epaphroditus, and the children of wrath, were all helped by God in their worst circumstances. God protected, delivered, overthrew the wicked, gave mercy, quickened or made alive.

God is still at work in our lives. When we are in need, God is there to help us. We just need to call on His name.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning,

This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAYS

Spiritual birthdays are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think Spiritual birthdays are more important than our physical birth. The second birth brings us into God’s kingdom. It allows us many benefits, not the least of which is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Today meditate on that day you first believed. Has it changed your life? What have you learned about Jesus since then? Does anyone know that you are a believer? Have you told anyone of the hope that lies within you? Are you being God’s ambassador for your heavenly home?

It is good to take time to remember what God has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning,

This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

MINISTRY YEARS

When I graduated from Boise State, I entered the ministry. I joined the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. I ministered to the needs of our servicemen and women from all branches of service.

Then I transitioned to working in a local church in California. From there I was recruited to a position in a church ministry in Anchorage, Alaska. That is where I met my wife to be.

MARRIAGE

July 16, 1983 God gave me my wife, Kathy. She has been my friend, companion, mentor, and help mate for the last thirty-eight years. For all these years she has never wavered in her support and love for me. She is the greatest!

THE WASI ADVENTURE

November 1, 2013, I began God’s next adventure for me. Chaplain at the Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI). What a privilege to serve our fine seniors. Even more when they minister to me. 

I have been given the opportunity to write a Daily Devotion on the WASI website. Preach and teach God’s word during a midweek Bible service. Minister to our sick in hospitals around the area.

THE FUTURE

God has allowed me to be here today. He still has something for me to do. I will continue to be about my Father’s business.

I am satisfied. God has tremendously blessed me. He has allowed me to serve Him in different capacities over the years. Nothing of any value for the kingdom’s sake has been by my power. All has been done through the power of God.

While pursuing my degree at Boise State, I was involved in the on campus ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. They taught me the basics of discipleship, sharing Christ with others, and how to minister for Christ. I was challenged to higher levels of responsibility within the ministry.

Then God called me to go full time. Immediately after graduation, I was in the process of raising support. In March of 1975, I was in Monterey, California on my first assignment at the Presidio of Monterey.

Tomorrow, spiritual birthdays.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning,

Today is a special day for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

CHILDHOOD

I was born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.

My mother was born in Czechoslovakia of Jewish heritage. She was the only one of her family who survived the Holocaust. My dad was from a Protestant background. They were married in 1946 and decided that they would not teach their children about anything religious.

When I was 11 my father did not come home. My parents were soon divorced and my life completely changed. This was 1960. Divorce was not common. My brother and I lived with my mother. I was a rebellious child and my mother could not handle me, so I went to live with my dad and his new wife. These events have shaped the way I see divorce and how to deal with it.

MILITARY SERVICE #1

In June 1968 I began my relationship with the military. I began my service career with three years of active duty in the United States Army (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho Army National Guard. During this time, I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

I attended Boise State University from fall 1971 through December 1974. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I took a break from the military, 1975 to 1985. Then in 1985 did another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.

SALVATION

On April 20, 1972 my life changed forever. On that day I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I embraced the fact that Jesus came to shed His perfect blood to pay for my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and being God, ascended to His rightful place in heaven.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.

“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

I began to learn about Jesus from the Bible. This changed my approach to life. My life would now be directed from the pages of Scripture. My desires, actions, approach, and conduct would be dictated by the Scriptures. Decisions were based on what the Bible stated.

MINISTRY YEARS

When I graduated from Boise State, I entered the ministry. I joined the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. I ministered to the needs of our servicemen and women from all branches of service.

Then I transitioned to working in a local church in California. From there I was recruited to a position in a church ministry in Anchorage, Alaska. That is where I met my wife to be.

MARRIAGE

July 16, 1983 God gave me my wife, Kathy. She has been my friend, companion, mentor, and help mate for the last thirty-eight years. For all these years she has never wavered in her support and love for me. She is the greatest!

THE WASI ADVENTURE

November 1, 2013, I began God’s next adventure for me. Chaplain at the Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI). What a privilege to serve our fine seniors. Even more when they minister to me. 

I have been given the opportunity to write a Daily Devotion on the WASI website. Preach and teach God’s word during a midweek Bible service. Minister to our sick in hospitals around the area.

THE FUTURE

God has allowed me to be here today. He still has something for me to do. I will continue to be about my Father’s business.

I am satisfied. God has tremendously blessed me. He has allowed me to serve Him in different capacities over the years. Nothing of any value for the kingdom’s sake has been by my power. All has been done through the power of God.

SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAYS

Spiritual birthdays are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think Spiritual birthdays are more important than our physical birth. The second birth brings us into God’s kingdom. It allows us many benefits, not the least of which is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Today meditate on that day you first believed. Has it changed your life? What have you learned about Jesus since then? Does anyone know that you are a believer? Have you told anyone of the hope that lies within you? Are you being God’s ambassador for your heavenly home?

It is good to take time to remember what God has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning,

This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

SALVATION

On April 20, 1972 my life changed forever. On that day I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I embraced the fact that Jesus came to shed His perfect blood to pay for my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and being God, ascended to His rightful place in heaven.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.

“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

I began to learn about Jesus from the Bible. This changed my approach to life. My life would now be directed from the pages of Scripture. My desires, actions, approach, and conduct would be dictated by the Scriptures. Decisions were based on what the Bible stated.

Did this happen to you? Although each salvation experience is different, the result should be a desire to get closer to God, read and study the Word of God, and to tell others of what God has done.

Tomorrow, the ministry years.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Good morning,

This week is a special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

CHILDHOOD

I was born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.

My mother was born in Czechoslovakia of Jewish heritage. She was the only one of her family who survived the Holocaust. My dad was from a Protestant background. They were married in 1946 and decided that they would not teach their children about anything religious.

When I was 11 my father did not come home. My parents were soon divorced and my life completely changed. This was 1960. Divorce was not common. My brother and I lived with my mother. I was a rebellious child and my mother could not handle me, so I went to live with my dad and his new wife. These events have shaped the way I see divorce and how to deal with it.

MILITARY SERVICE #1

In June 1968 I began my relationship with the military. I began my service career with three years of active duty in the United States Army (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho Army National Guard. During this time, I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

I attended Boise State University from fall 1971 through December 1974. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I took a break from the military, 1975 to 1985. Then in 1985 did another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.

It is sad not to have known about Jesus until I became an adult. Yet God used that for good, once I received Christ. My desire for the Word, training, and willingness to tell others was intensified.

Tomorrow, salvation.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The shedding of blood has been essential to the atonement for man’s sin. The shedding of blood is directly tied to our salvation. Jesus shed His perfect, precious blood to pay our sin debt.

The Passover, instituted by God, is a picture of salvation for Israel. When they applied the blood, God passed over their house. Right after that they were freed from their Egyptian enslavement.

This week we look at the progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves, preparation for deliverance of the Hebrew slaves, the Israelite’s delivered from Egyptian bondage, and Israel redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-Passover.

Israel redeemed by the blood of a lamb — Passover. (12:1-13:16) Christ is our sacrifice Hebrews 10:4-10 (READ)

“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.⁸ Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;⁹ Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

1. Beginning of the year is changed (12:1-2) (READ)

“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,² This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.”

2. Passover instituted (12:3-20) (READ)

“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:⁴ And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:⁶ And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.⁷ And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.⁸ And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.⁹ Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.¹⁰ And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.¹¹ And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.¹² For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.¹³ And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.¹⁴ And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.¹⁵ Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.¹⁶ And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.¹⁷ And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.¹⁹ Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.²⁰ Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.”

3. Procedure for Passover ceremony (12:21-30) (READ)

“Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.²² And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.²³ For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.²⁴ And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.²⁵ And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.²⁶ And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?²⁷ That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.²⁸ And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.²⁹ And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.³⁰ And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.”

4. Unleavened bread (12:31-39) Also called the feast of matzah-7 days
5. Death of the firstborn (12:40-42) 
6. Passover to be observed annually (12:43-50) 

 CONCLUSION:

• And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)
• Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:                     (1 Corinthians 5:7)
• FOUNDATION STONE: The blood.  It covered but did not take away the sin of Israel.  Jesus blood takes away the sin of those who repent and come to Him.

The blood covered the houses of the children of Israel. When God saw the blood, He passed over that house, and the first born did not die. The children of Israel were obedient to the instructions God gave them through Moses.

A lamb was slain. The blood was applied to the lintel and doorposts.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth to be the sacrificial lamb for the sin of all mankind. He allowed Himself to go to the cross, to take the sins of all mankind on Himself, to pay our sin debt.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Salvation is for all men and women, boys and girls. Please call or write to me about how you might get saved.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The shedding of blood has been essential to the atonement for man’s sin. The shedding of blood is directly tied to our salvation. Jesus shed His perfect, precious blood to pay our sin debt.

The Passover, instituted by God, is a picture of salvation for Israel. When they applied the blood, God passed over their house. Right after that they were freed from their Egyptian enslavement.

This week we look at the progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves, preparation for deliverance of the Hebrew slaves, the Israelite’s delivered from Egyptian bondage, and Israel redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-Passover.

The Israelites delivered from Egyptian bondage (5:1-13:21) 

1. Moses demands the release of the Israelites (5:1-4) (READ)

“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.² And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

³ And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

⁴ And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.”

 “Let my people go…” used 8 times

2. Pharaoh’s answer: Hebrews denied straw with which to make bricks (5:5-23) 

3. Moses demand certified by miracle (5:23-7:12) (READ7:1-9)

“And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.² Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.³ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.⁴ But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.⁵ And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.⁶ And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they.⁷ And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.⁸ And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,⁹ When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.”

4. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (7:13-14) 
5. First plague: Blood (7:14-25)

6. Second plague: Frogs (8:1-15)
7. Third plague: Lice (8:16-19) 
8. Fourth plague: Flies (8:20-32) 
9. Fifth plague: Disease on Livestock (9:1-7) 
10. Sixth plague: Boils (9:8-12) 
11. Seventh plague: Hail (9:13-35 
12. Eighth plague: Locusts (10:1-20) 
13. Ninth plague: Darkness (10:21-29) 
14. Death announced (11:1-10) (READ)

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.² Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver and jewels of gold.³ And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.⁴ And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:⁵ And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.⁶ And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.⁷ But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.⁸ And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.⁹ And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.¹⁰ And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

Moses demands that Pharaoh let the children of Israel to go and worship. Pharaoh says no. He then requires the children of Israel to gather their own straw for the making of bricks.

Moses now proclaims ten plagues on the Egyptians. The last is the death of the first born of all the families of Egypt. Starting with Pharaoh’s son.

It is never wise to oppose God. Believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit of God residing in them. The Holy Spirit will convict believers of their opposition to God. When believers refuse to obey, God brings chastisement or judgment into their lives. Similar to what we see happening to Pharaoh and Egypt.

If believers go too far, God may take them home early. Similar to the death of the first born.

Pharaoh could have avoided this judgment by repenting and obeying God. He did not and he and the nation of Egypt suffered the consequences.

Jesus Christ paid the sin debt for all mankind. Those who have trusted Christ as their Lord and Savior, are to obey what God has given us in the Bible. When we fail to obey, we must repent of our sin, start obeying God’s word, and continue to serve our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Will we choose to be rebellious like Pharaoh or obedient like Moses?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com