Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.Intro: (1) recap — sacrifice, priests, purity (2) purity laws — unclean vs. clean (cf. registering to vote) (3) not necessarily to be equated with sin — dirt in the living room (4) categories — food, childbirth, skin diseases, mold/mildew, bodi...  Read More

As with any trip, such as the one we recently took to Belmopan, Belize, there is a natural tendency to ask the wrong question, both leading up to and coming back from the trip. I heard it many times in reference to this trip, “So, what will you be doing?” Or upon our return, “So, what did you do?” And while that is often asked in genuine curiosity and out of a good heart, it indicates something so...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) transition --> sacrifices to priests (2) repetition (3) three application of priests (4) me leaving The TextFire and Food (6:8-23): (1) v.8-9, 13 --> fire from burnt offerings around the clock (2) the need for sacrifice is continual in order to experience the presence of the Lord (3...  Read More

I recently ran across an article that laid out some very helpful steps for fighting sin. There’s an old saying that says “prior planning prevents poor performance.” This principle can be applied to addressing sin in our lives. We can have the best of intentions to live free from sin, but without a plan, we will not get very far. So, below are eight steps that may be helpful (for a more detailed de...  Read More

If we were to identify a NT passage that most accurately describes what it looks like to live a life that reflects the themes of both the burnt and grain offerings, it would be Romans 12:1-2:“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be...  Read More

Have you ever wondered what it takes to have a “successful” life? This question is often evaluated by such things as: my level of happiness, how much money I have, fulfillment in my job, if I feel liked/accepted by others, how much I feel in control of my life, how my kids are functioning, how well I’m getting along with my spouse, and the list goes on and on. In short, many of the ways we define ...  Read More