Science Ridge Mennonite Church

Gods Story, Our Story. Into Exile

How were the people of Israel conquered? Why did God allow it to happen? And could the same thing be repeated in our time? Today we have a bit of a history lesson. We'll look at some of the events leading to the downfall of both the Northern and Southern Kingdom and see what warnings and promises God gives the people. 

Ask the Pastor 2

How long did the plagues in Egypt last? 
How many people knew about John the Baptist?
What if the whole US was pacifist and we were invaded?
Is there predestination?
 
These questions and more for our "Ask the Pastor" Sunday!

God's Story, Our Story. Bad advice can destroy a nation.

Today we talk about an event in Israel that had a major impact that we rarely talk about. 
1 Kings 12 tells the story of how the nation of Israel becomes split into 2 Kingdoms, Judah (sometimes called the southern Kingdom) and Israel (also called Samaria or the Northern Kingdom).
And it all has to do with a King who decided to take the advice that made him feel good, rather than advice that would heal past wounds...
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God's Story, Our Story. The Role of Prophets

As kings become a part of Israel's history there arises the role of "prophet." Their role is to help keep the king accountable to God and call for repentance and and turning back to God when necessary. Today we attempt to summarize (at least in part) the primary message of the prophets by looking at Micah 6:6-8. 

God's Story, Our Story. David and God's Promise

How long have you kept a promise? Today we learn a bit about King David and a promise that God made to David that was finally fulfilled 1000 years later. 
 

God's Story, Our Story. We Want a King!

As humans, we want a leader. We want someone to turn to when trouble is brewing. The people of God were originally called to live with God as their king, and God would call up people to lead when needed. But between corrupt human leaders and the uncertainties that come with not having a central leader the people began to demand a king "like the other nations."
 
Our ability to trust God sometimes isn't much different..

God's Story, Our Story. The Promised Land

Why did God lead the people of Israel to "the promised land?" What's so special about this place? And what do we do with some of the stories of God seeming to authorize violence on the people that were already living there? Today we'll explore those questions.

God's Story, Our Story. Traveling through the Wilderness

The people have left Egypt. They have made a Covenant with God at Mt Sinai. Now God will use the time in the wilderness to continue to form this people. They have a lot of baggage from Egypt to unlearn along the way. 
Often we find ourselves in times of wandering, or "wilderness-like" experiences. As scary as they can be, God can use those times to shape us and mature us for the next stage of life.  

God's Story, Our story. Becoming a Chosen, Covenant People

In the Bible, the events of Mt Sinai take place in a jumble of laws and instructions. It can be easy to miss this important event in the life of God's people. Here God forms a Covenant with the people, gives them some boundaries and instructions, and lays out an identity for the people to be a "nation of priests" in God's plan to restore humanity back to God. 
We often think of rules as restrictive. But rules can also form us as people and inform the habits and values that we take on. Within God's expectations for us there is room to find life and purpose. 

God's Story, Our Story. Escaping Bondage

The people of Israel have found themselves enslaved and Egypt is afraid they might start an armed rebellion. How do they escape? Through God's awesome power!
When we are stuck in life our temptation is to get out with our own power. What if God has a better way to release you?