The Bible teaches us that we are to:

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15

As Christians, we certainly have much to be thankful for:

1. We have been forgiven of our sins
2. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit
3. We have direct access and fellowship with God through His Word and prayer
4. We have the knowledge that God is always working for our ultimate good
5. We have been placed in the family God with wonderful sisters and brothers
6. We have assurance of eternal life
7. We have the promise of an eternal inheritance with Christ

In light of the many blessing that God has given us, our lives should be full of praise, thanksgiving, and joy.

May God bless you through this message!

The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob delivered this sermon in November, 2004.

The Bible teaches us that we are to:

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15

As Christians, we certainly have much to be thankful for:

1. We have been forgiven of our sins
2. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit
3. We have direct access and fellowship with God through His Word and prayer
4. We have the knowledge that God is always working for our ultimate good
5. We have been placed in the family God with wonderful sisters and brothers
6. We have assurance of eternal life
7. We have the promise of an eternal inheritance with Christ

In light of the many blessing that God has given us, our lives should be full of praise, thanksgiving, and joy.

May God bless you through this message!

The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Pastor Bob delivered this sermon in November, 2004.

Pastor Bob summarizes parts of Exodus thus far and gives people time to respond through prayer. Enjoy the summary and your prayer time!

Blessings, The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

In Old Testament times, legal and binding covenants were not drafted by attorneys and then signed by the parties involved. Instead, legal agreements were formalized by means of a very graphic covenant ceremony.

Called, “Beriyth” (to cut a covenant), this ceremony ratifying a legal agreement was sealed by cutting an animal in half. Then the two participating parties would pass between the halves while repeating the terms of the covenant. By doing so, the two parties were stating, “If I fail to fulfill my commitments to this covenant, may I suffer the same fate as this animal.”

This process is described in Gen 15:10-21 when God promised Abram a son.

In the Old Testament, there are three different types of covenants:

1. A parity covenant between two human parties, both of whom voluntarily accept the terms of the agreement (1 Sam 18:3,4; Mal 2:14; Obad 7).
2. The Royal Grant Treaty (unconditional): A promissory covenant that arose solely out of a king’s desire to reward a faithful servant. Examples: Abrahamic and Davidic
3. The Suzerain-Vassal Treaty (conditional): This type of covenant bound a subordinate vassal to a superior vassal. It was binding only upon the one who swore it. The purpose of the covenant was to emphasize the goodness and kindness of the lord to his vassal with a view to cause the vassal to gladly accept his responsibilities and obligations. Examples: Adamic, Noahic, Mosaic

The components of Suzerain-Vassal Treaties of that time (1500-1200 BC) are:

1. Preamble (Identification of the Covenant Giver)
2. A Historical Prologue
3. Stipulations
4. Provisions for Deposit and Public Reading
5. A Listing of Treaty Witnesses
6. Blessings and Curses
7. A Ratification Ceremony through the cutting of a covenant
8. Imposition of the Curses

The covenant at Sinai in Exodus 24 encapsulates all of these occurrences.

Blessings, The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

The Ten Commandments give us the fundamental principles for life and conduct. Exodus 21-23 applies those 10 principles to the complex context of daily living.

While these laws were specifically given to Israel as God’s covenant people, they are universally applicable and provide the judicial framework for all democratic countries in the world today.

Blessings, The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Introduction

The chapters in our study today establish the “Civil Laws” of Israel -- the regulations that involve the just punishment and procedures to follow for crimes committed. These were the laws that Moses was instructed to teach those who were put over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens (Ex 18:21-22).

Blessings, The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

As we look at these civil laws instituted by the Lord, we observe several things:

1. They reveal a morality/ethic that was far beyond that of the nations in that day.
2. They reveal the depravity of man in that we need these laws in the first place.
3. They reveal to us the fairness, goodness and justice of God.

This excerpt is from a sermon by Pastor Bob Hallman on the Book of the Covenant in Exodus, which provides legal guidelines for the Israelites. The sermon highlights the uniqueness of this ancient legal system, which emphasizes justice for all and includes laws regarding slavery, personal injury, and the death penalty. Pastor Hallman compares the Book of Covenant to the Code of Hammurabi, emphasizing God's more just and merciful approach to governance. He then connects these ancient laws to the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, and surrender to God in the modern context. Finally, Pastor Hallman invites listeners to dedicate their lives to God, becoming "bondservants" who are committed to serving their master and fulfilling his purposes.

Enjoy the rest of the message.

Blessings, The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

The provided text is an excerpt from a sermon by Pastor Bob Hallman, who explores the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their relevance for modern life. He contrasts Ted Turner's dismissal of the commandments as outdated with Ted Koppel's assertion of their enduring value. Hallman then examines the commandments in detail, interpreting each one in light of contemporary concerns and illustrating their application to personal life. He emphasizes that the commandments, while highlighting our inherent sinfulness, ultimately point towards the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. By recognizing our sinfulness, we can embrace the redemptive work of Christ and live lives dedicated to loving God and others.

Enjoy the rest of the message.

Blessings,

The Epic Life

3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513

Lihue, HI 96766

https://www.theepiclife.org

https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife

https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com