Warning: Serving God is Serious

This morning, on this “One Body” Sunday, we are going to move away from our series in Numbers and focus our attention on the subject of a “healthy church.” We recognize the immense differences that are present in our culture in relation to what a successful, healthy church or ministry might look like.

The dramatic narrative of Israel's rebellion is now interrupted by the giving of certain laws and commandments concerning purity and holiness. The question must be answered, “How can this holy God have a relationship with these rebellious, sinful people?”

This morning we bring to a close one of the saddest chapters in the Book of Numbers. This chapter marks the rebellion and unbelief of the people of Israel. The very people that the Lord had redeemed and sustained now refuse to trust and obey! Many are the lessons that the Lord teaches us concerning both His mercy and His wrath.

As we learned last Sunday, the majority is not always right! Ten of the twelve spies brought back an “evil or bad” report even though the land was exactly as the Lord had said. It was a fruitful and abundant land, a land that God had made a covenant to give them. Yet they refused!

The journey has now brought the Israelites to Kadesh-barnea and to a point of decision. These people, who had been delivered from slavery in Egypt, guided by a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, now stand at the door of the “promised land.”

Many are the wounds of a leader, but none more painful than the wounds of a friend (or even worse wounds from a family member). The wilderness experience so far has been filled with murmuring and grumbling.

Chapter eleven begins with an opening cameo scene recounting for us the spirit of discontentment that was expressed by some within the camp. Their discontentment and unbelief caused them to grumble, murmur, and complain to Moses concerning the Lord. Grumbling and complaining may not be one of the deadly sins, but in reality, it is symptomatic of a much greater problem.

On this first Sunday of the New Year, we resume our study of the Book of Numbers. Today we read the record of the children of Israel setting out from Mt. Sinai, where they has been encamped for over a year, and heading to the border of the promised land. This travelogue forms the second section of the Book of Numbers and includes many experiences of unbelief, disobedience, and judgment. This was surely some of the darkest days in the young nation's life! Numbers 10:11-13 & 29-36

This morning's sermon at Broadway Baptist is presented by Rev. Zad Tomberlin.

This morning, only 3 days away from Christmas morning, I wish to share with you my greatest desire for you as your pastor. Of course, I desire health and prosperity for you and your family as we enter into the New Year, but I also desire that in this Christmas season, each of us would be filled with the fullness and wonder of the incarnate God. (Eph. 3:19) Paul's desire was for the churches he loved to have a deeper knowledge of the fullness of Christ. Without question, the 21st century church needs a higher and fuller appreciation of the excellency of Christ. Let us think for a moment of the “fullness of Deity (God) dwelling in bodily form.” (Col. 2:9)