BIBLE LIBRARY

A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon

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A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Every time a new year comes close, something in me start feeling that weird mix of excitement and heaviness. Maybe you know the feeling too—like you’re standing at this invisible doorway. One foot in the old year (the stuff you want to forget but somehow still sticks to you like stubborn glue), and the other foot stepping into something you still can’t see clearly. And sometimes you’re hopeful, sometimes you’re scared, sometimes you’re… well, both at the same time. I was thinking about all that while reading some Scriptures again, and honestly, it hit me harder this year. Maybe because life been kinda loud lately, or maybe because I’m tired of pretending everything always makes sense. But the Bible does this thing, right? It sneaks into the parts of your heart you thought you cleaned up, and suddenly you realize God is trying to talk to you again. Even if it feels like you weren’t exactly listening. S...

The Book of Deuteronomy


 The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Torah (Pentateuch) in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The name "Deuteronomy" comes from the Greek Deuteronomion, meaning "second law," because it restates and expands upon the laws given earlier in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.

Overview

Deuteronomy is structured as a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. Moses is preparing them for life in Canaan and reminding them of God’s laws and covenant.

Key Themes and Structure

  1. Historical Review (Chapters 1–4)

    • Moses recalls Israel’s journey from Egypt through the wilderness.

    • Highlights past failures and God's faithfulness.

  2. Restating the Law (Chapters 5–26)

    • Ten Commandments (Chapter 5) – Repeated from Exodus 20.

    • The Shema (Chapter 6:4-5) – "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one..."

    • Laws about worship, social justice, leadership, and daily life.

  3. Blessings and Curses (Chapters 27–30)

    • Blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience.

    • The renewal of the covenant.

  4. Moses’ Final Words and Death (Chapters 31–34)

    • Joshua is appointed as Moses' successor.

    • Moses gives a farewell song and blessing.

    • Moses dies on Mount Nebo, viewing the Promised Land from afar.


Significance

  • Covenant Renewal: Deuteronomy emphasizes the Israelites’ commitment to God’s covenant.

  • Love and Obedience: It repeatedly calls Israel to love God wholeheartedly and obey His commandments.

  • Theological Foundation: Forms the basis for much of Jewish and Christian ethical teachings.

  • Influence on Jesus and the New Testament: Jesus quotes Deuteronomy frequently, especially when resisting Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).

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