King's Church London

John teaches us the difference between walking and supporting one another in the truth, or putting yourself first and talking nonsense.

The importance of continuing in the teaching of Christ, in a world where it is often challenged.

The first in our Summer Shorts series, there are so many different themes packed into this little book of Philemon. But probably the biggest theme of this letter, and the theme of this talk, is the issue of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The whole story has been one of God drawing us out so he can draw us in: to relationship, to intimacy, and to presence with him. So the second half of the book is all about building a dwelling place for God, and the end focuses on how it is filled with God’s holy presence-cloud. That is the Pentecost moment of the story. Here's a link to the video referenced at the start of the message: https://www.facebook.com/TheVillageChurch/videos/10154007344772833/

After the blessing comes a fall. Israel, like Adam and Eve, turns her back on God and makes an idol, breaking the first two commandments; judgment immediately follows. But God is gracious, revealing his name to Moses, agreeing to remain with Israel, and restating the covenant. We, too, disobey God and worship idols, but receive his mercy and glimpse his presence—not his back but, in Christ, his face.

A practical look at leadership, based Moses' encounter with Jethro. Leadership wisdom isn’t unspiritual; it actually ensures the purposes of God are achieved. As a leader, you must know your limits, welcome good advice from outside God’s people, recognize your unique contribution, delegate to people according to character and competence.

Israel plunders Egypt, leaving with far more than they arrived with, which often happens in Exodus stories in Scripture. A mixed multitude goes with them, as God’s mercy is shown to Gentiles as well as Jews (as in Christ).

The giving of the Ten Commandments, along with some other early laws, is sandwiched in between two encounters on the mountain, first with Moses and then with the seventy elders. Obedience is a response to God’s grace, not a means of getting it. In some ways, that shape (gracious rescue – obedience to God’s law – eating and drinking with him) still holds for us in the new covenant.

Israel is out of Egypt, but still in need of daily miracles to sustain them; so are we in the normal Christian life. Manna could only be collected for today, even if Israel wanted to hoard it for tomorrow; it’s the same for us. Jesus is our bread of life and living water to satisfy our hunger and quench our thirst.

There are three revelations of who God is immediately following the exodus. The first one fits with what Israel had seen (warrior). The second gives another perspective, as God heals Israel’s diseases (which he still does). The third reminds them that God is still the one to whom they run in times of need, and who answers prayers.