You may have noticed a slightly improved look to the iBulletin today. I learned last week that because there is not universal agreement on web standards, I cannot expect to use one type of internet “language” that will look the same in all browsers (like Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer) and across each computer operating system (like Mac, Windows, and Linux). Thankfully there is plenty of help available and I found several templates that helped bridge the differences that I had not figured out on my own. If nothing else improves, I am hoping that the formatting will make the iBulletin easier to read.

In our Bible reading we have made it to the last of Moses’ books in the Pentateuch, the book of Deuteronomy, often called “the second law” because in these three sermons Moses recounts God’s holiness in the Law, reminds this new generation of how God redeemed His people from their bondage in Egypt, and reinforces God’s faithfulness in providing for His children even while disciplining them for their lack of faith.

Pastor Rigsby based his Wednesday night Bible study on the familiar passage in Deuteronomy 6 called the Shema, from the Hebrew word translated “hear.” These verses are quoted by Jews today, sometimes as many as five times each day. The Bible study encompassed verses 4 through 9.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Here is an abbreviated outline of what he said: “How to love God better.”

I The Call to Listen, 6:4

• “Hear” means listen with a view to action
• “One” does not refer to something that is a single unit, but is perfectly united (Genesis 2:24).

II The Call to Love, 6:5

• “Thou” refers to each individual, not to the group as a whole
• “Love” in the Bible is not first an emotion, but a relationship
• “Heart” in the Old Testament of center of decision. Submit every choice to His perfect will.
• “Soul” among other things, the center of thought.
• “Might” decisions and thoughts are worked out with our strength.

III The Call to Labor, 6:6-9

• In Choices, 6:6
• In Conversation, 6:7
• In Conduct, 6:8
• In Commitment, 6:9

Some have asked if we will be presenting slides about the trip to Israel and when. The short answers are “yes” and “soon.” Soon is probably after Resurrection Sunday (Easter), but which one exactly is still to be determined. A lot of that “to be determined” part is contingent on when I get a presentation together. Of course, I’ll let you know as soon as possible. Until then, as promised, “Day 3” of the Israel report is now available by clicking on the link. I’ll leave the links for the other days as well. Day 1, Day 2.

A birth. A funeral. A flood. A reunion. These all added up to not getting “Day 3″ of the Israel report completely finished this week. Day 1 is still available, as is Day 2.

You read about Chuck and Claudia Umlor’s baby being born and Mr. Jun’s funeral. The “flood” was a toilet that transformed into a continual geyser, which filled what became the beautiful ceramic lake! The lake was drained and the geyser has been replaced. The reunion was with the students that traveled to Israel in January. You just can’t get enough of a good thing with the people of that group. Next week, I’ll be back on track and Day 3 should be ready then!

A lot of people think that reading the book of Leviticus is boring (especially since we don’t understand the practice of the offerings and feasts that were given to the Hebrew people). At some point last week, I was beginning to think that reading the book of Numbers was depressing. I was in that long section which covers chapters 10 to 25 and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Instead of telling me all the things I wanted to know, we are told about multiple failures. Reading this book would be completely depressing if God did not intervene to rescue Israel (while at the same time judging their sin).

On their way to Kadesh, the people complained about their circumstances and the food. Moses complained about his life as the sole “judge” of the friction among the people. Then, Aaron and Miriam rebel against Moses’ leadership. God sent quail then killed many with a plague while they were still chewing the meat. Miriam became a leper then was restored after Moses prayed. God provided additional judges to help Moses.

At Kadesh twelve were sent to spy out the land. After hearing their report, Israel rebels against God, ten of the spies die immediately. God judges Israel to wander and die. The people change their mind and more die while fighting the Amalekites.

Somewhere in the wilderness, Korah stirs up a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korah and 250 others are judged by God. Korah and nearly all of his family die when the earth opened up and swallowed them alive. Fire runs through the camp to kill the men who rebelled with Korah. God demonstrates that Aaron’s line is His choice for the priesthood by causing only his rod to bud, bloom, blossom and yield almonds in a single night.

On their way to Moab, the people complain again about water. God tells Moses to speak to the rock. Moses hits it instead. God gives the water but Moses will not enter the promised land. After a victory over the Canaanites, the nation again complains. God judges the people with venomous serpents then provides relief by looking at the serpent Moses made out of bronze. The king of Moab, Balak, wants to put a hex on Israel, so he hires Balaam. Balaam tries his best four times, but can’t. It must have been the ultimate insult that Balaam was lectured by his donkey. How does Israel respond? They join Moab in worshipping their god, Baal-Peor. God calls it harlotry and sends another plague. When Phinehas responds by running a spear through Zimri and Cozbi, the Israelite man and the Midianite woman, God stops the plague, but not until another 24,000 die.

The message comes through loud and clear. God’s people would be tested to prove whether their faith was true or false. When they acted in faith they obeyed God. When they acted in disbelief, they disobeyed God and He would discipline them. Regardless of how His people responded, God always remained faithful to His promise. What is most depressing is that “we” are no different than the people of Israel. On the other hand, what is most encouraging is that God is still the same, yesterday, today, and forever.