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The Studies Stream offers easy access to all the existing Growing Disciples video resources. This stream also features new ‘Deep Dive’ studies on selected books and important themes of the Bible. Frequently Asked Questions will also be answered in written articles. New resources will be added each month.
The title of Mark’s gospel makes clear that it’s all about Jesus, who is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark presents this message in an economical and direct manner that will be useful for the persecuted 1st century Christians of Rome. Mark’s economic use of language should never be thought simplistic. Instead, he invites the reader’s inquiry into Jesus’ claim to be the kind of suffering servant saviour Messiah described in the latter writings of the prophet Messiah.
The 10 Commandments and all the other Laws given to Moses have been fulfilled by Jesus Christ on behalf of the Christian. The Law still remains'� revealing the character of God, showing sinners their need of a saviour'� until the everything is accomplished in the Lord's return. The commandments showed Israel how to live in covenant relationship with God, now that they were '�saved'.
God, through Moses, calls Pharaoh to "Let my people go." Pharaoh hardens his heart, God while also hardens his heart; resulting in judgment in the form of 10 plagues. We are, perhaps, surprised at the stubbornness of the human heart in resisting God despite compelling evidence as to the futility of such pretence. Ness Hughes leads this series of Daily Devotionals in the first half of the book of Exodus.
While the people watch on, God calls Moses up Mount Sinai. At the foot of the mountain, God's people learn that they are not alone in the desert. God is shepherding them towards the Promised Land. God who is holy, fearsome in power, perfect in purity'� makes himself known to his people and binds himself to them in covenant.
Set free from Pharaoh, rescued through the Red Sea, and heading towards Sinai to meet with the God who has saved them en route to their Promised Land, Israel begins to grumble and complain. Instead of humble dependance on their God who loves them and saves them, Exodus 16-18 shows Israel as demanding and unfaithful. Although 'saved', they still need to be taught how to live with their God, depending on him for all things.
Though Moses tries to convince God he is not up to the task, God reassures Moses that his plans will indeed be accomplished. Why? Because God will be with him. All that unfolds from here in the Exodus narrative should therefore be interpreted as the mighty work of Yahweh. God is with Moses and he is acting for his people.
Exodus 11 begins with the 10th and final of the plagues of judgment against Pharaoh and against the 'gods' of Egypt, who are all shown to be powerless in the face of the living God. Pharaoh's brutal plan of killing every Hebrew son is turned back upon the first-born sons of Egypt. God's deliverance is not merely an escape from tyranny, but it is a salvation from out of death-- remembered year after year at the Passover festival.
