In Exodus 34:23-24, we read that three times a year all the males in Israel were to go on a retreat before the Lord who ruled over them. In the Old Testament, the phrase “Lord your God” means sovereign Lord. Three times a year, all of the men were to go to a certain location, and in so doing, acknowledge the sovereign rule of God in their lives. Now, before we move past that too quickly, let’s look at what that might have done to those left behind. Three times a year all of the males left their land and homes. From a military ...
The concept of family is first mentioned in the book of Genesis. Even before there was sin, there was family. The divine institution of the family was placed in a sinless environment created by God. Looking at the book of Genesis in chapter one, we read that God has been very active creating many different things. He has created the heavens and the earth in such a way that they are functional, vibrant, and pulsating with life.
Scripture shares the story about the need for a strong and solid foundation in life. This story is located in the kingdom book of Matthew. It is part of Jesus’ greatest teaching on the kingdom, His sermon on the Mount. In this sermon we read about two very different men who were each building a house yet on two very different foundations.
The story of Hagar has some real-life lessons for single parents. We first meet Hagar in Genesis 16, where she was the servant of Sarai, who along with her husband Abram (this was just before their names were changed) were unable to have children.
Why is it so imperative that you learn to function by biblical authority? A simple exercise will demonstrate your need.