Volume 8: God Heard Their Cry
This five-session small group Bible study, God Heard Their Cry, by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume eight of the 12-part Faith Lessons series. In this volume, Vander Laan illustrates how God answered the cry of the Israelites as they were persecuted in Egypt, and made himself known to both them and their oppressors. Vander Laan illustrates how, in ancient times, nothing was bigger than Egypt - powerful pharaohs, strong armies, and a multitude of gods. God's people were no match against the Egyptians. In this volume of Faith Lessons, discover how God answers the cry of his persecuted people and proclaims himself Lord to them and their oppressors. Filmed on location in Luxor, Egypt; Deir al Medina, Ramesseum, and the Red Sea. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study.
01. How Big is Our God?
Lesson 8.1 | How Big is Our God?
Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life's Trials
The exodus from Egypt was a metaphor for God's greater redemption story, the restoration of shalom from the chaos of the evil one. His purpose was to invite Israel into a greater story than the one of their bondage, eventually unveiling a plan of restoration for the whole world. The question today is: whose story will you believe and live by? In this lesson, unpack God's plan to eradicate chaos in the context of the exodus, and build on the exodus experiences in your own life.
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 10:1-99, Deuteronomy 32:17, Exodus 12:12, Leviticus 11:45
Locations:
Giza Egypt, Thebes, Egypt
02. Israel in Bondage: God Heard Their Cry
Lesson 8.2 | Israel in Bondage: God Heard Their Cry
Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life's Trials
Unable to stand their suffering under a cruel Pharaoh any longer, the Israelites cried out to God. He heard them and initiated his plan to deliver his people, not only from their physical bondage but from slavery to Egypt's story. In this lesson, rediscover with the Israelites the story of their God, the God who heard their cry.
Scripture References:
1 Peter 2:1-99, Exodus 1:8, Exodus 1:11-14, Exodus 2:23-24, Exodus 19:5-6, Ezekiel 20:5-8, Genesis 47:5-6, Joshua 24:14-15, Numbers 11:4-5, Psalm 23:1-99, Psalm 78:1-99
Locations:
Goshen, Egypt, Medinet Habu, Egypt, Thebes, Egypt
03. Finger of God: The Plagues
Lesson 8.3 | Finger of God: The Plagues
Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life's Trials
The Lord defied the gods of Egypt with mighty displays of power so that Israel, Egypt, Pharaoh, and ultimately the entire world would see the strength of the one and only God. Pharaoh hardened his heart, but the Israelites responded to the power of their God and, in gratitude, left Egypt and their oppression behind. Follow the Israelites as they submit to God's invitation to join His story.
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 10:20, Deuteronomy 32:17, Exodus 6:7, Exodus 7:1-99, Exodus 7:5, Exodus 8:19, Exodus 12:12, Luke 11:20, Numbers 33:4, Psalm 24:7
Locations:
Medinet Habu, Egypt, Ramesseum, Egypt, Temple of Hathor, Thebes, Egypt
04. Watch With Me: Israel Leaves Egypt
Lesson 8.4 | Watch With Me: Israel Leaves Egypt
Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life's Trials
As God's plan of deliverance from Egypt for the Israelites unfolded, He began their "basic training," cultivating for Himself a people marked by shalom through obedience to His kingship. The very route they took out of Egypt illustrates this testing. Join Israel as God leads them through the dangers of the Red Sea, and allow your own heart to be tested.
Scripture References:
Exodus 6:6-7, Exodus 12:1-99, Exodus 12:29, Exodus 14:31, Mark 14:34
05. The Lord Reigns
Lesson 8.5 | The Lord Reigns
Finding Freedom in the Midst of Life's Trials
The themes of the exodus experience look forward to the good news of God's kingdom, which Jesus would later proclaim. In this lesson, journey beyond the Red Sea and into the desert with the Israelites as you explore the gospel in this context, celebrating the deliverance and the grace-filled work of Jesus the Messiah.
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 3:16, Acts 2:3, Exodus 14:21, Exodus 14:31, Exodus 15:1-99, Exodus 15:2, Exodus 15:6, Exodus 15:11, Luke 11:20, Matthew 6:10