Purity of Camp

tabernacleNite

Numbers 5:1-9:14

Purity of Camp

There was sin and defilement because of our fallen world. This was part of the Israelite camp. If God was to dwell in the center of the community, the Israelites needed to know how to deal with sin:

– Unintentional sins (such as infectious diseases)

– Intentional sin which required restitution

– Unfaithfulness in families – adultery

If God is to be the center of life, we must know how to deal with sin.

God calls His people to deal with sin.

The initial step in dealing with sin is trusting in the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Moses tells the people what is required if a person wants to devote himself to God for a period of time. These people are known as Nazarites.

Moses instructs Aaron and his sons on how they are to bless the Israelites.

God blesses and gives His grace and peace to those whose lives are centered on Him.

We see the offerings that are brought to the Levites to help them with their work. We see the same offerings offered by different people on different  days.  What is the significance of the repetition?  It means  it  is important. What point is God making? Through the repetition, there is careful recording of what each tribe brought as an offering(s) to God. This is not to say that each person should give the same thing. Rather, that no gift is insignificant when given out of love and for His work.

God values each gift given for His work.

One year ago, the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians. Passover is a vivid picture of the Gospel. Those who trust in the blood of Jesus Christ are “passed over” by God. We do not have to endure the wrath of God and punishment for our sins

God wants His people to remember His Son’s sacrifice.

We are cautioned not to let Jesus’ sacrifice become “old”. We are to remember and celebrate it.

Independence Day

Celebrating God On The 4th of July

We love fun poems and think they are a great tool for teaching kids.

Here is a poem that links the

celebration of Independence Day

with how God is the one who blessed us with this

freedom in the first place.

This is a section of a poem that really begins to emphasize this point.

*

“This is all quite wonderful
We revel in delight
But God above in divine love
Has brought this day to light.”

*

Jesus on the 4th of July

We gather ‘round to celebrate
On Independence Day
Pay homage to our country
As the children run and play.

With barbecues and picnics
And fireworks in the air
The flag we own is proudly flown
To show how much we care.

The stars and stripes spell freedom
She waves upon the breeze
While bursts of colors can be seen
Above the towering trees.

This is all quite wonderful
We revel in delight
But God above in divine love
Has brought this day to light.

With just a stroke of liberty
A touch of His great hand
He gave democracy to us
And helped this country stand.

The stripes upon our stately flag
Were touched by His sweet grace
Each star of white that shines so bright
Reflects His loving face.

So as you turn to face the flag
For battles that were fought
Be filled with pride for those who died
And freedoms that were bought.

But don’t forget to thank the One
That gives the bright display
The reason why we paint the sky
On Independence Day

Copyright © Marilyn Ferguson 2003
ferguson@adams.net

Happy Independence Day!