Law

Scripture References Ephesians 1:4 Genesis 12 – 50 Exodus 1 – 32 Psalm 106:21 Exodus 25:8-9 Exodus 20:1-17 Romans 3:20-24 Hebrews 10:1, 10 John 3:16 Introduction Pastor Mike Breaux welcomes in-person and online attenders and reminds them Easter is next weekend – “Who are you inviting?” Sets up the theme: as Easter approaches, move from “investigating where Jesus went” to “who He is and what He’s done.” Uses everyday “shadows” (sunsets, dark alleyways, Groundhog Day) to introduce the biblical idea of Old-Testament shadows pointing forward to Christ. Key Points / Exposition 1. The Grand Storyline Summarized Bible arc: God longs for relationship with people like us. People like us broke that relationship. God moves through history to restore it. Ephesians 1:4 (Message paraphrase) underlines God’s pre-creation love and purpose. 2. Patriarchal Shadow: Promise to Abraham Genesis narrative: barren Abraham & Sarah laugh; Isaac (“laughter”) born. Promise: through their offspring “all nations” will be blessed – shadow of Christ. 3. Exodus Shadow: Deliverance from Slavery Israel enslaved 400+ years under a Pharaoh “who knew not Joseph.” God calls 80-year-old Moses; emphasis on God’s power, not Moses'. Ten plagues directly confront Egypt’s gods; final plague/Passover lamb – blood on doorposts causes death to “pass over.” Red Sea crossing prefigures Christian baptism – past buried in water, people walk free. 4. Wilderness Shadows: Daily Provision & Presence Manna (“What is it?”) = daily dependence (“Give us this day our daily bread”). Quail, water from rock, pillar of cloud/fire all foreshadow God’s Spirit guiding believers. Portable Tabernacle: God insists His dwelling be “in the middle of the camp,” symbolizing His desire to be at the hub of our lives. Furnishings (altar, lampstand, curtain, Most Holy Place, Ark of the Covenant) each carry Christ-fulfilled symbolism. 5. Ark of the Covenant: Covenant Shadow Box Contents: jar of manna, Aaron’s budding staff, Ten Commandments – tokens of provision, resurrection power, moral blueprint. God invites Moses up Sinai; gives Ten Commandments as relational guidelines. 6. Israel’s Immediate Failure: The Golden Calf While Moses receives tablets, people grow impatient; Aaron fashions golden calf from plundered jewelry. Psalm 106:21 – “They forgot God.” Moses smashes tablets (only person to break all Ten Commandments simultaneously). Commandments re-issued; illustrate human inability to stay faithful. 7. The Straight-Edge of the Law Audience self-assessment through the Ten Commandments proves universal guilt. Romans 3:20 – Law shows “how crooked we really are,” not a ladder for self-improvement. Primary purpose: drive us to a Savior. 8. Fulfillment in Christ Romans 3:21-24 – righteousness available “by faith in Jesus Christ… for everyone who believes.” Hebrews 10:1, 10 – Old sacrifices were “only a shadow,” Christ’s one sacrifice makes us holy “once for all.” Jesus is the true Passover Lamb; His cross = doorpost splashed with saving blood. 9. Imaginative Upper-Room Reflections Pastor envisions disciples and others (James/John, healed blind man, Nicodemus, widow with two mites, Zacchaeus, Peter, adulterous woman, Barabbas) rehearsing how Jesus fulfilled every shadow in their lives. Culminates with John’s declaration: “For God so loved the world…” – recognizing Jesus as ultimate fulfillment. Major Lessons & Revelations Every Old-Testament event, object, and ordinance previews Jesus. The Law exposes sin; grace in Christ removes it. God’s heart is always to dwell “in the middle” of His people, now inside believing hearts by the Spirit. Salvation is substitutionary – Jesus dies in the place of Barabbas, in the place of us. Practical Application Examine life for modern “golden calves” – anything we elevate above God. Use the Ten Commandments this week as a mirror, then run to grace rather than self-defense. Live a “daily manna” rhythm – trust God one day at a time. Re-center: invite God to the hub, not the periphery, of your calendar, finances, relationships. Invite someone far from Christ to Easter; share the shadow-to-substance story. Participate in Communion thoughtfully, expressing personal gratitude and faith. Conclusion & Call to Response The shadows have given way to substance: Jesus, the Passover Lamb, shed His blood so death might pass over us. The cross stands as the doorway back to relationship with God. Listeners are urged to: ...