Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) recap — significance of day of atonement (Yom Kippur) (2) “atonement” — broad word represented by a number of pictures/definitions to communicate what is necessary for sin to be addressed (3) read v.1-2 — Nadab/Abihu, ark/mercy seat (4) OT vs. NTOT Atonement1. Atonement and the pr...  Read More

While away on sabbatical I read a book that explored three daily temptations faced by pastors. Upon further reflection, I think each of these temptations are experienced by many of us in many different ways week after week.The first temptation is to be everywhere for everybody. The tendency for many of us to over-commit is ever upon us, and it can lead to a life of rushing and busyness, leaving li...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) outward symbols — ordinances (2) seats/candles at advent/lent (3) thesis statement in 15:31 CategoriesChildbirth (ch.12): (1) v.1-5 — lengths of time of uncleanness for boy vs. girl (2) two likely reasons — sin’s effect on childbirth, presence of blood (3) time away — maternity leav...  Read More

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