Better News Podcast Ricky Alcantar - Cross of Grace Church

Every clap of thunder, every flash of lightning, is a warning that a storm is coming. Every plague brought upon Egypt was a warning as well. In this part of Exodus, we'll see how God slowly reveals His character with each new plague, not as a harsh tyrant but that of a merciful father offering chances for repentance. The Lord's justice isn't based on what we deserve, as we see through His grace throughout the whole scripture. The evidence of that grace isn’t limited to past events but runs throughout our lives.

The plagues that afflicted Egypt were immense and punishing. When you take in just how intense these events must have been, it's such a wonder that Pharaoh's heart continued to harden against Moses and the people. Then again, it's not really that hard to imagine. As individuals, as a nation, as a world, we feel powerful. We describe ownership to everything which is a denial of the Creator. With every hardship though we can be crushed and feel powerless, then our eyes may recognize Him.

You know when you're trying to find a radio station, and it's sort of cuts in and out until you end up with static? When you land on the station you want it's clear and in tune. Today Pastor Ricky will speak about how God reveals Himself in ways that will tune us into Him. In Exodus with the plagues, God is restoring His people back to His glory. Though the means seem harsh, we will see God's heart and what it says about His character. Today He is still proclaiming who He is and we need to respond.

As a little child, your idea of grandeur is somewhat limited. You may remember a friend's house as a mansion only to realize as an adult that it was a two-story house while yours had only a ground-floor. In comparison to God's plan for our lives, our perspective is that of a child. We may have desires that go unfulfilled because the Lord has a greater purpose for us, a life that we can't even imagine for ourselves. Today we will see God's people struggle with their inability to trust God's plan and promises.

When you’re in the thick of it, it may seem impossible to see the forest for the trees. That's where we are in Exodus today, when Moses and the people are being even more oppressed by Pharaoh. It feels like there's no way out. Even Moses will begin to waver, wondering why all this is happening. But God is great even when we’re wondering about the next chapter in our story. We may feel stuck on a particular page but He has already written a happy ending for us.

God is not only a sovereign God but He is a holy God who gives us exactly what we need. The Bible tells us that we are sinners and because of that sin, we’re hopeless. We can't save ourselves. God is eternal and God can save us. No one else except for Him, through his Son Jesus Christ, can save. Jesus went to the cross for you and for me. He is the hope that we need. He will save you from your sin so the question is, do you know Him?