So, why does God make such a big deal about using images to worship Him? It’s not just because He knew the history of His people. Right after God had given His people the Ten Commandments when they were gathered around Mount Sinai (v. 15), they were so afraid of…

What do children need to know about God? In today’s passage, we learn they need to progress beyond “Jesus Loves Me,” as marvelous as that truth may be. For here we see there are some other lessons that children need to know – lessons that are especially urgent in today’s…

Bible Reading for October 2 – Deuteronomy 5:1-7 Why did Moses have to give the Law to the people a second time? That’s what Deuteronomy means, second law. Why doesn’t the Bible just say at the end of Numbers, “And Moses told the people all the law again before they…

Why has legalism always been so attractive? Because it promises us one thing that human beings have craved since the time of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden: control. Legalism tells us the lie that we can be in charge of our relationship with God. It insists that if…

All in This Together Joshua 7:1-26 Review: 1. In spite of our rationalizations, we are called to obey God, even when it doesn’t make sense. 2. In spite of our individualism, the actions of one person can make a big impact on others. 3. It is the responsibility of the…

Wanting the blessings of Christ without the presence of Christ – that’s really what the people in today’s passage were trying to do. They had come to the realization that they had sinned by not trusting God to take them into the Promised Land. But then they turned right around…

Can we doubt that children all too often share in the consequences of their parents’ decisions? When Mom takes a better job in a new town, everyone has to move, but everyone shares the benefits that come with her higher salary. When Dad drinks too much, both Mom and the…

What do you want the most? Would it be good news for you if God gave it to you? Well, it certainly would be, if you are asking for anything that is in accordance with His will. After all, God always knows what is best for ourselves and our loved…

How does God display His perfect justice? In today’s passage we see that God often allows us to experience the consequences of our sin even after we have been forgiven. Now we must realize first that God’s pardon of His people was real. He continued to lead them in the…

How are American Christians called to treat those who belong to different cultures? As people from all over the world continue to stream to our shores in huge numbers, this is not merely an academic question. Should we retreat into our holy huddles, as the Church seems to be all…