Beginning A New Life Series

Note: Many of the notes came from the book Pilgrims Promise: Getting out of Egypt and Getting Egypt Out of Us by Bryan Cutshall

Title: A New Beginning

Theme:

Text: Exodus 13, 14

Exodus 13:17-18 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." (18) So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

Introduction

We started this series back in November.

So far we have covered Egypt. How did we get in this predicament: the SIN – original sin and sins of our lives.

Then we talked about the promise of God to Abraham. We learned that God grew Abraham’s faith through tests, which is what Johan preached on Wednesday night. So we could easily say that Abraham became the father of faith.

Next we talked about Moses and his insecurities. How God realized this man to lead a nation. Finally we finished with Egypt and getting out of it. God raise up a deliver.

So now that we have been delivered form Egypt. This could be a new Christian or a Christian who has been living under bondage. Not achieving all the things God has. It does not mean we have arrived. There is some work to be done.

We don’t just throw our self out to the world so that they can rip us apart. Let’s read the opening verse again.

Exodus 13:17-18 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." (18) So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

There are delays and there are detours. God will often time delay us to build our faith and our strength. Delays are not always detours but are preparing us for when we get there. Joseph learned this. He could not have led the kingdom without going through the process.

The most important part here is to understand to keep our focus on God. Keep the routine. Satan will try to give us detours if we are not careful.

The Valley of Succoth – The Valley

Psalms 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. (3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

In the Valley I find . . .

A place to remember

A place to stop

A place to be still and know God

A place to meet Him.

Etham – God’s Pillar of Fire

Exodus 13:20-22 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. (21) And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. (22) He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

This is where they met God. God showed out. They had seen Him work before but this is the first they had seen the Shekinah glory of the Lord. This is what faith will do. It will draw us closer as we trust him.

One last step before moving on – Getting Rid of the Past

Exodus 14:6-10 So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. (7) Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. (8) And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. (9) So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon. (10) And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.