Dr. Ronald J. Morrison | Hope Alliance Bible Church

Jesus Christ – a Refuge for Spiritual Refugees

habc_50admin — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 17:00:20 +0000

Many people are living life on the run from consequences of sinful actions and decisions that continue to follow them, and they feel like there is no place of peace and safety. Our nation and many others will have to deal with issues of immigration and refugees, and we must be careful to not treat others differently than we would want to be treated. Do you remember that during the first Christmas season, Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus had immigration and refugee experiences?

In times past, the Lord provided cities of refuge for people who were in danger because of actions they did not intend to commit, yet still were responsible for. Those persons were kept safe and protected as long as they remained in the city of refuge. Have you found your place of safety in the Lord Jesus Christ?

In Deuteronomy 19:1-21, we learn about the cities of refuge that God instituted for the Israelites and how Jesus Christ is our refuge.

Kings, Priests, Prophets, and the One Who Brings Them All Together

habc_50admin — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 17:00:10 +0000

The Lord gave his people the leadership offices they needed in order to be taught, cared for, and protected as they experienced life as He intended. Scripture gives guidelines for those persons and offices, and yet they were (and continue to be) frequently overlooked. No person in Israel’s history was assigned to fulfill all of these roles at the same time, yet each role was designed to teach us about our Lord who alone is a King, Priest, and Prophet. Last week we looked at the requirements for all kings. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) What does He want you to learn about him from this section of Scripture as we approach the celebration of His Incarnation this Christmas season?

In Deuteronomy 18:1-22, we learn about how Jesus Christ fulfilled the roles of King, Priest, and Prophet.

True Worship Is More Serious Than You Ever Imagined

habc_50admin — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 17:00:19 +0000

We are in a section of Scripture where true and exclusive worship of the only God who is able to save is emphasized. The Lord who saves is also a God of mercy, compassion, and justice. Those who represent Him must do so in accordance with His character, or else they will suffer serious consequences. Most people are willing to pay the price for what they want for Christmas. Are you willing to pay the price for worship that is pleasing to God?

In Deuteronomy 17:1-20, we learn about the importance of proper worship to God.

Holy Days or Holidays? Remembering Why We Celebrate

habc_50admin — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 17:00:26 +0000

We are in a season of holidays that for many have a significant spiritual connection to their observance. For many others, it has become a celebration of days off from work, lots of food, and buying gifts. It does not take long for most people forget what it is we are supposed to be celebrating. The Lord commanded Israel to regularly celebrate certain holidays, with feasting and biblical reminders of what God had done for them, and what He had promised. They were to enjoy Him, pursue justice that honored His character, and worship Him alone.

In Deuteronomy 16:1-22, we read about the establishment of the Passover to help us to remember the true purpose of our celebrations.

Releasing, Being Released, and Choosing to Become a Servant

habc_50admin — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 17:00:53 +0000

Long before the U.S.A. became a nation, the Lord had shown in Scripture how a society of people was to help one another become free from the burdens of insufficient provision that create a lack of dignity and forced dependency. God’s children are to learn the principles of working for the good of others, learning to release others, and choosing to serve freely.

In Deuteronomy 15:1-23, we learn about God’s view on debt and freedom in the Bible.

The Ultimate Test of Loyalty

habc_50admin — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 17:00:54 +0000

Our Lord demands absolute priority in our hearts and lives, and absolute loyalty to Him in every situation. Some people are surprised to see how serious the Lord is when it comes to fidelity, false teaching, and idolatry. He alone understands the real consequences of allowing false teaching to capture the hearts of the people He loves.

In Deuteronomy 13:1-18, we are reminded how important loyalty and obedience to God is and that it is a life or death situation.

Choose Wisely. The Consequences Last a Long Time!

habc_50admin — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 16:00:34 +0000

In Deuteronomy 11:1-32, we read about God’s command for the Israelites and us to love and obey Him – and be blessed in turn.

Loving God Is a Requirement, Not an Option. Where Is the Love?

habc_50admin — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 16:00:28 +0000

In Deuteronomy 10:6-22, we read about the Levites and the Law, as well as God’s greatness. This reminds us of the importance to love God.

Do You Care Enough to Pray like That for Someone Else?

habc_50admin — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 16:00:40 +0000

It is a good practice to remind ourselves of all that we have received that we did not deserve, and to be grateful for those persons who prayed for us when we were being disobedient. As we study the life of someone who was devoted to intercession for others, we should be challenged about how often or how little time we spend persevering for those who give us a hard time!

In Deuteronomy 9:1-10:5, we read about the Israelites’ disobedience to God by building a golden calf and Moses interceding for them to learn about the importance of prayer for others.

Fighting Enemies, Following Rules, & Feeling Loved

habc_50admin — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 16:00:15 +0000

In Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20, we read about God driving out the nations before Israel and His reminder to the Israelites, and to us, to not forget the goodness and grace of God.