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New Song Community Church
The Story - Chapter 6, Wandering
Join us on Sundays, 10am, beginning Sunday, August 18, 2019, for "The Story". God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what "The Story" is all about-the story of the Bible, God's great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, "The Story" sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV Bible, it allows the stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel. And like any good story, "The Story" is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption-and this story's true!
Locations & Times
New Song Community Church
2858 Hafenrichter Rd, Aurora, IL 60503, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
The Story, Chapter 6, Wandering
Check out this video from The Story, Chapter 6, Wandering (Teen Edition).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mgw2jtLYcUThe Straight Line
I can still remember playing baseball growing up. My Dad would always coach me. And, apparently, I was incapable of running in a straight line from base to base. I was already slow. But, because I couldn’t run straight, I would always get out at the next base. So, he would always say, “Jason, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line!” And, he was exactly right every time! Eventually, I just learned how to hit home runs and avoid it all!
I can still remember playing baseball growing up. My Dad would always coach me. And, apparently, I was incapable of running in a straight line from base to base. I was already slow. But, because I couldn’t run straight, I would always get out at the next base. So, he would always say, “Jason, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line!” And, he was exactly right every time! Eventually, I just learned how to hit home runs and avoid it all!
The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People
Today, we continue our sermon series, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People. This is an abridged, chronological, 31 chapter reading of the Bible. In it, we learn about The Story of the Garden, of Israel, of Jesus, of the Church, and of the New Garden. And, we get to see how God’s Upper Story in the Bible connects with our own Lower Story of going to work, caring for our families, and trying to live decent, honorable lives.
Today, we continue our sermon series, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People. This is an abridged, chronological, 31 chapter reading of the Bible. In it, we learn about The Story of the Garden, of Israel, of Jesus, of the Church, and of the New Garden. And, we get to see how God’s Upper Story in the Bible connects with our own Lower Story of going to work, caring for our families, and trying to live decent, honorable lives.
Chapter 6: Wandering
In Chapter 6: Wandering, we read Numbers and Deuteronomy. And, we see God’s people. They’ve experienced God’s deliverance in the Exodus, received God’s new commands and new covenant, and are on their way to the Promised Land. It was a 40 day, ~250 mile journey. Only, they spent 40 years wandering in the desert (wilderness) before entering. Apparently, God’s people did NOT know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line!
In Chapter 6: Wandering, we read Numbers and Deuteronomy. And, we see God’s people. They’ve experienced God’s deliverance in the Exodus, received God’s new commands and new covenant, and are on their way to the Promised Land. It was a 40 day, ~250 mile journey. Only, they spent 40 years wandering in the desert (wilderness) before entering. Apparently, God’s people did NOT know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line!
Israel's Forgetfulness and Unbelief
Why? Over and over, God’s people forgot about His great power and might, which led to grumbling, disobedience, and sin. Great leaders, the tabernacle (cloud/fire), the manna, quail, and water from the rock, 40 days in the land (12 spies), and God’s promise of victory in battles, it just wasn’t ever enough! So, they wandered for a generation. Not even Moses got to enter the Promised Land. Wandering in the desert. Does this sound familiar in your life?
Why? Over and over, God’s people forgot about His great power and might, which led to grumbling, disobedience, and sin. Great leaders, the tabernacle (cloud/fire), the manna, quail, and water from the rock, 40 days in the land (12 spies), and God’s promise of victory in battles, it just wasn’t ever enough! So, they wandered for a generation. Not even Moses got to enter the Promised Land. Wandering in the desert. Does this sound familiar in your life?
God's Lasting Promise to Us Today
If so, hear Moses in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV), “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
If so, hear Moses in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV), “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
It Only Takes One Step!
Years ago, someone said to me, “It doesn’t matter where you’ve wandered to or ended up in life. It only takes one step to get back to God.” I’m sure you’ve heard it. It’s why Jesus answered in John 14:6 (NIV), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” God’s invitation in ~1450 B.C. for us to love Him, hear His voice, and hold fast to Him has NOT changed! Even if it takes 40 years, find your way back to God!
Years ago, someone said to me, “It doesn’t matter where you’ve wandered to or ended up in life. It only takes one step to get back to God.” I’m sure you’ve heard it. It’s why Jesus answered in John 14:6 (NIV), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” God’s invitation in ~1450 B.C. for us to love Him, hear His voice, and hold fast to Him has NOT changed! Even if it takes 40 years, find your way back to God!
Closing Prayer
Lord, the greatest enemy of faith is forgetfulness. Even today, as Jesus’ disciples, we know what it is like to daily wander in our unbelief, grumbling, disobedience, and sin. But, Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV) says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Lord, thank You for being our glorious, faithful, covenant seeking Savior. As Your people, help us love You as our God, listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You. Help us live. Amen!
Lord, the greatest enemy of faith is forgetfulness. Even today, as Jesus’ disciples, we know what it is like to daily wander in our unbelief, grumbling, disobedience, and sin. But, Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV) says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Lord, thank You for being our glorious, faithful, covenant seeking Savior. As Your people, help us love You as our God, listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You. Help us live. Amen!
Discussion Questions
*What do you think was the root cause of most of the Israelites’ problems? Why?
*How did God respond to the people’s lack of faith?
*Why is God so radically opposed to sin?
*What do you learn from Moses’ leadership throughout this difficult period? How did he display frustration and faith?
*Have you ever felt as if you were “wandering in the wilderness”—spiritually or emotionally? Explain.
*How can having faith in what God has promised help you in difficult times?
*What do you think was the root cause of most of the Israelites’ problems? Why?
*How did God respond to the people’s lack of faith?
*Why is God so radically opposed to sin?
*What do you learn from Moses’ leadership throughout this difficult period? How did he display frustration and faith?
*Have you ever felt as if you were “wandering in the wilderness”—spiritually or emotionally? Explain.
*How can having faith in what God has promised help you in difficult times?
Family Memory Verse
“The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
“The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
New Song Website
If you would like to know more information about New Song, check us out online!
http://www.newsongchurch.net