THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS

This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.

Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.

Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&h) for each page to:

Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418

Bro. Bruce's commentary for the book of Genesis is
now available for $7.50.

EXODUS
CHAPTER 20
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

The awesome display of God's power caused them to stand "afar off" from the mountain.
And they begged Moses to speak to them and not let God speak directly to them.
Moses said God's presence was shown to "test" them. The word "prove" or "test" here is
the same word we use for tempering metal. It infers a strengthening.
Read that verse (vs 20) now, and see that a healthy "fear" of God will STRENGTHEN
your faith!

22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. 24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. 25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. 26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.

The worship of Israel is to be unique. The only semblance of any creature would be on the
Ark of the Covenant (cherubim) which would be hidden from view in the Holy of Holies.
There would be no trinkets or statues in the worship of Jehovah. And any altar a man would build
should not be ostentatious - or "showy."
If a person had to climb steps, then he was leaving the door open to a fleshly and showy religion.
1Kings 6:7 tells us that Solomon built the temple without a sound. He did that out of
RESPECT for God!
Our religion (Christianity) shouldn't be showy or ostentatious. It should be evident with true
humility and genuine respect and adoration for God.

Please continue to follow along in Bible study with us.