This Weeks Chapters: 1 Cor 8-12
Pastor Alan Morton
"I don't want you to be ignorant that others were also baptised, saw God lead them through all sorts of trials and continuous miracles and saw God's supernatural provision ... but wrecked their faith. God was not pleased with them!"
A paraphrase of mine from 1 Cor 10 v1-5 but "these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evils things as they did."
So what did the Israelites do that was so bad? (v7-10)
• They were idolaters
• They were sexually immoral
• They tested the Lord
• They grumbled
Terrible sins ... I guess ... but what caused them to do these things?
IDOLATRY - From Exodus 32 we see that the people grew tired of waiting for Moses to return from the mountain where he was meeting with God. Moses was having a great time ... a face to face encounter with God ... and lots of revelation. But the people couldn't see what was happening. They reverted back to the last way they heard "God speak"
Today we often want things to happen in the ways we are used to seeing God operate, through the leaders we recognise God has used to speak to us in the past, with challenges we feel are acceptable to us. Restricting God to operating this way is God on our terms! A form of idolatry!
IMMORAL - From Numbers 25 the people got caught up with the practices of the neighbours around them. They learned new ideas from others. Those ideas were not very different from what they learned in Egypt so why shouldn't they join in?
Today we still want acceptance from the people around us, our neighbours. But we have a call, a destiny, a lifestyle that is counter-culture. Sometimes it is even offensive to our families but God's standards are not those of the world. Anything less than His standards is a form of immorality!
TESTING - From Numbers 21 the people complained about God's provision. Yes it was supernatural, yes it tasted good, but not more of the same! Anything else as long as it is different. Instead of thanksgiving the people grew impatient and wanted change.
Today we still want change. We watch Christian TV rather than listen to what God is speaking through the local pastor. We go to conferences and listen to the next greatest teaching yet never put into practice what God taught us last week. A form of testing!
GRUMBLING - From Numbers 11, 14 and 16 (as well as many other passages) we see the people wanted to choose their own leaders, do things their own way, go their own direction.
Today nothing has changed. We still grumble!
EXCEPT HERE AT WHBC! How great it is being the pastor of a church, a group of people who are learning to walk in true worship, righteousness, obedience and thanksgiving. It stops me from grumbling, testing the Lord, getting into sin and idolatry. I give thanks for all of you. You excite me as I see God using you! Let's go on encouraging each other to acts of faith!
Breathing Daily with God is an opportunity for the Pastors to share their thoughts on the chapters we have been reading in our daily bible reading plan.Email this to a friend | Add A Comment | Bookmark | Subscribe
4 Comments So Far
- Pastor Matt Excellent!
- Karen S Awesome Pastor Alan.We thank God for you and Pastor Claire. GoYe together. Enjoy your time-out.
- Karen W Thanks Pastor Alan, we are so excited to be part of what God is doing at WHBC at the moment, WHBC is an example of what CHURCH should be - let's continue to support all of our pastors in these days and be open to what God wants to do in and through us all. This is truly a church where we can find and fulfill our purpose in Christ.
- stephanie shefer Hi Pastor Alan,
I REALLY like this one Pastor Alan!!
posted July 23, 2009 at 12:07 AM
posted July 23, 2009 at 11:02 AM
posted July 23, 2009 at 12:16 PM
I am so blessed to be part of a church family where people are seeking the fullness of the Lord in their lives. I am so encouraged by the example of those around me especially when I am tempted to grumble. Lets continue to have open hearts to God's leading and let Him do things His way. Bless you and pastor claire as you continue to be led by the spirit. You have our support.
posted July 26, 2009 at 09:37 PM
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