Exodus 32:1-6 – When Leaders Delay: Lessons from Exodus and Ephesus on Drifting Faith

Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser.

Exodus 32:1-6

(1) And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. (2) And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. (3) And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. (4) And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. (5) And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. (6) And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Revelation 2:4-5

(4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
King James Version Change email Bible version

In Exodus 32:1-6 is an example of what happens when a leader goes away and does not return within the expected time. It provides a clear-cut example of what was happening to the Ephesian church (Revelation 2:4-5).

Moses went up Mount Sinai; Christ went up to Mount Zion in heaven. “What has become of him?” the people asked. “We do not know what has happened to him! He is up there. He is supposed to return, but He has not returned according to our expectations.”

What do the Israelites decide to do? They began looking to the world for a solution, in this case to Egypt. In the Ephesians’ case, it was the world around Ephesus, the world of Asia Minor. They looked to the culture to gratify them, and they began to drift in that direction.

Moses’ return was delayed longer than the people thought that he should have been gone, so their affections pulled their attention elsewhere. The same happened to the Ephesians, only it took a lot longer because of the Spirit of God in them. The people in Exodus did not have the Spirit of God, yet the people in Ephesus—in the church—did have God’s Spirit, so what took place very quickly in the book of Exodus was dragged out over a much longer period in the first-century church. The Ephesian’s affections were taking them back into the world, and they began to follow the world’s ways once again.

— John W. Ritenbaugh

To learn more, see:
How to Know We Love Christ

Topics:

World , Attraction for

World’s Dangers

World’s Evil Characteristics

World’s Influence

World’s Systems

World, Relationship with

Subscription Information

This daily newsletter was sent to you at peterhovis@me.com because you subscribed at www.theberean.org on Apr 14, 2017.

Email Preferences | Unsubscribe

Church of the Great God
P.O. Box 471846
Charlotte, NC 28247
803-802-7075

About The Berean | Archives | Random Berean | Subscriptions

Daily Movers: 1-800-FLOWERS (FLWS) Shares Skyrocket, What You Need To Know

Your recap for January 5, 2026 Top stories for you1-800-FLOWERS (FLWS) Shares Skyrocket, What You Need To Know Sabre, WeightWatchers, Genesco, VF Corp, and Lincoln Educational Stocks Trade Up, What You Need To Know Stock market today: Dow jumps 600 points to record, S&P 500 and Nasdaq rally as oil stocks surge a…Why the stock market is ‘shrugging off’ Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s capture Bitcoin’s Price is Climbing. Did the U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro Help?View more storiesMy portfolio highlightsDay Change +0.68%Top gainersGCO Genesco 26.59
+7.52%FLWS 1-800-FLOWERS.COM 3.94
+6.78%MSTR Strategy Inc 164.72
+4.81%Top losersCPB The Campbell’s Co…26.67
-3.75%UURAF Ucore Rare Metals 4.09
-3.54%KMB Kimberly-Clark 98.07
-3.28%Most activesXOM Exxon Mobil 125.36
+2.21%WMT Walmart 112.71
-0.04%MSTR Strategy Inc 164.72
+4.81%View your portfoliosUS market highlightsS&P 500
+0.69%Dow 30
+1.4%Nasdaq
+0.71%Russell 2000
+1.78%Crude Oil
+1.85%Top gainersRGC
Regencell Bioscie…27.5
+33.89%FIGR
Figure Technology…52.55
+20.15%QXO
QXO, Inc.23.3
+18.13%Top losersAAOI
Applied Optoelect…35.07
-11.43%SITM
SiTime Corporation332.36
-10.16%VKTX
Viking Therapeuti…32.35
-8.66%Most activesNVDA
NVIDIA Corporation187.38
-0.78%ONDS
Ondas Holdings Inc.12.14
+10.21%PLUG
Plug Power, Inc.2.4
+7.85%Yahoo Finance App: Portfolio performance, news and alerts, stock data and all you need in a finance app. Download now.

770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Unsubscribe Firearms Life

The following may contain promotional content from our paid sponsors.

Will You Review This Controversial Biblical Health Book?

For centuries, Biblical healing knowledge has been ignored, censored, and erased.

This book just blew the lid off the cover-up.

Inside, you’ll find:

A Biblical diet that fights disease—but was replaced with junk
A sacred oil that heals—but is now banned
A forgotten fasting method that resets the body

It’s controversial. It’s not for everyone.

But if you’re ready to see what they’ve hidden, we need your honest review.

Get your copy before it’s taken down.

But I can’t promise how long this book will be available.

The publisher wants this in the hands of as many Christians as possible so they’re giving away 100 copies today.

Enter your shipping details here to claim your copy!

But hurry, these will go FAST!

🔍 Ensuring Every Conservative Voice is Heard

In the vast landscape of news and media, it’s essential that we don’t let important conservative stories slip through the cracks. Our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage that champions our shared values.

Did we overlook a story or event that you believe deserves attention?

👉 Hit ‘Reply’ and let us know. Your insights ensure that our community remains informed and that every conservative voice gets the platform it deserves.

Together, we can ensure that no story goes untold and that our conservative principles are represented in every conversation.

Thank you for being an active participant in our mission.

CLICK HERE TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM OUR LIST

Material Connection Disclosure: Unless otherwise expressly stated, you should assume that all references to products and services on this website are made because material connections exist between the sender of this email and the providers of the mentioned products and services.Anti Spam Policy Privacy Policy Terms of Use Compensation Disclosure

Patriot Powered Publishing | 5613 SE 67th St OK 73135

You are Subscribed Under Email: [Email]

Unsubscribe | Report Spam | View In Browser

This is just the beginning

Can’t view this email? Click here.

A JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP

Now that you’ve taken that step, discover how to use the Technogym App to reach your wellness goals.GET YOUR PROGRAM

What you get on Technogym App

Personalized coaching

Choose your goal, and Technogym AI Coach creates a custom training plan tailored to you and your goals, guiding you every step of the way.

Workout and progress tracking

Head to the Activity section to track your home, gym, and outdoor workout and performance data.

Endless content with Technogym Plus

Unlock your 1-month free trial of Technogym Plus for access to hundreds of workouts, meditation sessions, and more.

Get the results you want with a Precision Program

START NOW

Work out at your own pace with Routines

These video-guided workouts take you through reps, exercises, and rest times. It’s like having a personal trainer right there with you, but you’re in control. CHOOSE A ROUTINE TGLogo This is a service communication. You can change your contact preferences by clicking below.

This is a no reply message – Please do not reply to this email.
Privacy Contacts Preference Center

Revelation 6:5-6 – Third Seal: Grain Scarcity Amid Oil and Wine Abundance in God’s Judgment

Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser.

Revelation 6:5-6

(5) And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. (6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
King James Version Change email Bible version

This is a picture of scarcity of grain during a time when olive oil and wine are abundant. The grain must be measured very carefully, and it is sold at about twelve times its normal price. At the same time, growers are commanded not to reduce the production of oil and wine, items which most would consider to be luxuries. It seems that the common folk would spend all their living on grain to fend off starvation and have nothing left over for the finer things, while the rich would continue to live comfortably and make money on the inflated grain prices. The Third Seal describes scarcity in the midst of prosperity; the rich get richer as the poor get poorer.

Such a situation is not hard to imagine in our fast-paced, greedy world. Amos shows the rich “[selling] the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals” (Amos 2:6). Many businessmen have no qualms about taking advantage of a situation, as long as they are guaranteed to make a profit. We should not be surprised when food prices escalate sharply after a mediocre harvest.

God is not capricious; He does nothing without a purpose. He says that He sends these droughts, floods, diseases, insects, and famines to warn us and cause us to return to Him (Amos 4:6-9). Our God wants us to receive blessings, not curses, but sometimes He must get our attention and point us in the right direction when we go astray.

But Israel is stubborn and rebellious (Jeremiah 5:23). The people fail to see that their sins have caused these curses to fall upon them (verses 24-25). In fact, Israel loves to dwell in sin (verses 26-31)! Thus, God must punish them to make them obedient to His laws—laws that will make them prosperous and happy.

Hunger is a method that hits home quickly, and God will try to use this curse effectively:

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the short measure that is an abomination? Shall I count pure those with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore I will also make you sick by striking you, by making you desolate because of your sins. You shall eat, but not be satisfied; hunger shall be in your midst. . . . You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread the olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil; and make sweet wine, but not drink wine. (Micah 6:10-15)

— Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To learn more, see:
Your Land Shall Not Yield Its Produce

Topics:

Blessings and Cursings

Seals of Revelation: The Third

The Third Seal of Revelation

Wicked, Prosperity of

‌

Subscription Information

This daily newsletter was sent to you at peterhovis@me.com because you subscribed at www.theberean.org on Apr 14, 2017.

Email Preferences | Unsubscribe

Church of the Great God
P.O. Box 471846
Charlotte, NC 28247
803-802-7075

About The Berean | Archives | Random Berean | Subscriptions

Explore culture through food, performances and more

Trouble viewing email? Click here
You are subscribed to this newsletter as: peterhovis@icloud.com

EVENT DETAILS LEARN MORE MORE PROMOTIONS

Explore culture through food, performances and moreSave the date! Chandler’s Multicultural Festival returns for its 31st year on Jan. 17!

Join us as we celebrate the Chandler community’s strong heritage and vibrant cultural diversity through live performances, delicious food and engaging experiences.

Highlights of the FREE festival include live entertainment on the Unity Stage, a variety of worldly cuisines available for purchase, an international shopping market where you can discover unique treasures and handmade goods from around the globe, and opportunities to connect with local nonprofits, faith-based organizations and other educational groups.

See you Saturday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth!

Visit chandleraz.gov/MulticulturalFestival for more information, including the performance schedule and lists of food and merchandise vendors and participating community organizations.

Explore culture through food, performances and more

Manage Profile | Unsubscribe

To ensure you receive our emails, please add inbox@phoenixnewtimes-insider.com to your address book.
You are receiving this advertisement newsletter because you have signed up on our website or at an event, participated in a promotion, or purchased a ticket to an event. Thank you for your patronage.
© 2026 Phoenix New Times, LLC. All rights reserved.
1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Sushi Roku team returns to the Valley with new Scottsdale restaurant

An acclaimed Hollywood eatery is coming to town. Here’s what to expect.

By Sara Crocker

Scottsdale Italian restaurant to become a vibey steakhouse

A Scottsdale Quarter eatery is undergoing a quick transformation. Here’s what to expect at the new restaurant.

By Sara Crocker

Don’t Miss Our Latest Newsletter

We have the most aggressive newsroom in Phoenix. You have email. So let’s do this thing.

We’re launching a weekly news newsletter dedicated to our original news coverage. We’ll keep you on top of the stories that shape Phoenix — local politics, weather, law enforcement, education and much more. Sign up, and we’ll deliver our local reporting to you every Thursday.

Sam Eifling

Editor-in-Chief

Love New Times? Thanks to a recent Google update, you can now select us as a preferred source to see our stories first in search results. Thank you in advance for your ongoing support of local journalism.

Manage Profile | Unsubscribe

To ensure you receive our emails, please add inbox@phoenixnewtimes-insider.com to your address book.
You are receiving this advertisement newsletter because you have signed up on our website or at an event, participated in a promotion, or purchased a ticket to an event. Thank you for your patronage.
© 2026 Phoenix New Times, LLC. All rights reserved.
1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Catch Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown & More in Tempe! ⚾️🎸

Trouble viewing email? Click here
You are subscribed to this newsletter as: peterhovis@icloud.com

BUY TICKETS LEARN MORE MORE PROMOTIONSTime to plan some fun for 2026! Don’t miss Extra Innings Festival on Feb. 27 – 28 in Tempe, Arizona! Catch Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, HARDY, Dierks Bentley, Jessie Murph, Brothers Osborne, Shaboozey, Muscadine Bloodline, Bret Michaels, 49 Winchester, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors and more at Tempe Beach and Arts Park.

Layaway Plans are available until the end of THIS WEEK (Jan. 5 at midnight) to split up your ticket into two payments. Don’t wait!

Catch Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown & More in Tempe! ⚾️🎸

Manage Profile | Unsubscribe

The RJ Hamster morning Show

www.podbean.com/ei/pb-ihy3c-1a0d022

Genesis 3:1 – Satan’s Doubt: Undermining Trust in God’s Word and Faith

Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser.

Genesis 3:1

(1) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
King James Version Change email Bible version

In this first message to mankind, Satan sows seeds of doubt as to whether God can be trusted. Satan’s very first words were, “Has God indeed said. . . ?” Spoken or not, this sentiment that God is untrustworthy, and that His Word is suspect, has been a regular feature in mankind’s relationship with God ever since.

The Gnostics were no exception—in fact, they are a prime example. In its most basic sense, Gnosticism is knowing, but its knowledge, while sometimes including the Word of God, does not have it as its foundation. Instead, more than what was contained in Scripture, Gnostics valued what they experienced, what elders told them, or what they learned from “angels,” astrology, or chemistry (alchemy). Thus, we see elements of Gnosticism in Galatians: a mixture of “lucky days,” to which they ascribed spiritual significance (part of their worship prior to conversion) and a belief, brought in by Judaizers or perhaps even an “angel” (Galatians 1:8), that justification could come by works of the law.

Judaism, though it has its roots in the Old Testament, sees God’s Word through the lens of Hellenism (Greek thought) and the traditions of Jewish scholars and teachers through the centuries. The Galatian Christians gave God’s Word lip service, but did not depend on it as the source of their beliefs and practices. If they had, they would not have returned to pagan “days, months, seasons, and years,” nor believed that justification could ever result from good works—a concept that is read into the Old Testament, but not actually found there.

Similarly, the Colossian Christians were affected by an ascetic form of Gnosticism that included “ordinances” (KJV) or “regulations” (NKJV) that are not found in God’s Word but were the commandments and doctrines of men(Colossians 2:20-23), as well as demons, the “basic principles of the world” (Colossians 2:8).

This same distrust of God’s Word is readily seen in today’s Catholicism and Protestantism. The Catholic Church holds that Scripture is only one of three sources from which its dogma is derived—the other two being divine revelation and the writings and traditions of previous Catholic saints. The Bible, while generally utilized as the source of doctrine, can be easily overridden by the words of a Pope or other theologian, living or dead. Once again, human words and traditions are considered more trustworthy than God’s.

In some respects, Protestantism has a higher regard for Scripture. However, it, too, accepts the traditions of men in such beliefs as the Trinity, the immortality of the soul, going to heaven, observing Christmas and Easter, and venerating the first day of the week (which the Catholic Church rightly points out makes sense only if one accepts Rome’s authority, for there is no scriptural authority for keeping any day holy but the Sabbaths).

Modern Gnostics who believe in “progressive revelation” have also succumbed to this first of Satan’s ploys. While God does reveal things to us, the critical point is that what is revealed—if it truly comes from Him—will never contradict what He has already revealed in His Word. “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Yet progressive revelation advocates believe that their revelations are more authoritative than the Bible, rather than complementing and harmonizing with it, making them ripe for satanic influence under the guise of God revealing something new to them. They may sincerely believe that God speaks to them, yet they simultaneously mistrust what He has already said in inspired Scripture. They tend to shy away from Bible study, concluding that they do not need it since God speaks directly to them, and if there is anything important, God will let them know.

Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” But Satan knows this too and believes that, if he can undermine the trustworthiness of God and the validity of His Word, he can destroy the faith necessary for salvation. Currently, the Bible’s legitimacy is undergoing an intense assault. Due to popular Gnostic writings like the Gospel of Judas and the Gospel of Thomas, as well as The Da Vinci Code book and movie, many people are questioning why we have the Bible that we do and wondering if something in the ancient apocryphal writings, if it were known, would change Christianity as we know it. Rather than quibbling about this or that point of doctrine, Satan seems to be gunning for the whole package by asserting that the Word of God is subject to the whims of men and thus cannot be trusted. At every turn, faith founded in God’s Word is being undermined.

— David C. Grabbe

To learn more, see:
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan’s Three Heresies