Sermon: "Ten Simple Rules", Exodus 19:3-7, 20:1-17 (October 11, 2026)

By the time we arrive at this point in the story of God’s people, we’ve learned a lot about the many benefits that come with being chosen by God – we’ve read about God’s deliverance in the stories of Noah, Joseph, and the parting of the Red Sea, we’ve read about the promises that God has made to humanity in general and to Abram specifically – but this is the first time we’ve encountered the RULES of being God’s chosen people. As it turns out, being God’s most precious possession comes with some obligations, and this is the first time that they’ve been formally laid out in Scripture.

Liturgy: The Ten Commandments, Exodus 19:3-7, 20:1-17 (October 11, 2026)

           *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know that you have either used or adapted it.*

Hymns

Hymn GTG #432, “How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord”

Hymn GTG #64, “I Long for Your Commandments”

Hymn GTG #740, “Lead Me, Guide Me”

Sermon: "Gotta Go Through It," Exodus 14:5-29

Ah, yes; the parting of the Red Sea. Most of us are so familiar with this story and the way it ends that we don’t ever really stop to think about what it actually would have been like for the Israelites. After the chaos of the ten plagues and their rushed exodus from Egypt, chapter 14 finds the Israelites several days into their journey. Undoubtedly, they were anxious and afraid when they’d first set out, but after about a week of traveling without incident, I can imagine them beginning to let their guard down, possibly even feeling the first real glimmers of hope. They’d become so confident in their success, in fact, that they decided to take a break from running away and rest by the Red Sea for a little while. 

Liturgy: The Israelites Cross the Sea, Exodus 14:5-29 (October 4, 2026)

          *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know that you have either used or adapted it.*

Hymns

Hymn GTG #53, “O God, Who Gives Us Life”

Hymn GTG #65, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”