INTRODUCTION - IS THE GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT A BULLY? SOME SEEM TO THINK SO, AND QUOTE THIS PASSAGE

• It does seem like a rather extreme penalty, the death penalty for gathering sticks-
• While Liberals call God a bully over this- Conservatives find sweet peace in God's law.
• We need to think it through carefully- for the fact is- our lives depend on our action.

I. GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE A LAW

A. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS WERE MEANT TO BE OBSERVED BY ISRAEL, AND KEPT!

1. The foundation of all Human rights and civilization is in the ten commandments-etc.
2. They each have a purpose, and God expected them to be obeyed -
3. The parent that issued an order and does not support it is training a delinquent!

B.  THE MAN IN QUESTION WAS CAUGHT GATHERING STICKS ON THE SABBATH DAY- 15:32

1. There were no questions asked of motive, procedure, influence - he was caught - no 5th amendment
2. The people brought him to Moses- Mob judgement never works- they followed proper procedure
3. They put him in ward (jail) not knowing what to do until Moses asked the Lord!

C.  GOD'S JUDGEMENT WAS GIVEN CLEARLY AND PLAINLY - THE LORD SAID "PUT HIM TO DEATH" v. 35

1. Don't blame God if you cannot understand- He knew the man's heart & judged perfectly!
2. God had already given the rules for the game- and these rules were clearly understood!
3. Now God had an important lesson to teach all mankind- 1 Cor 10:11 it must be clear to all

II.  THE LAW TEACHES PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN GOD

A.  SPIRITUAL LAW, LIKE NATURAL LAW MUST BE BELIEVED !

1.  We know that physical law hangs our lives upon a thin thread, split second, heart beat
2. Joe Hayes gun misfired- Baby, mother; TFY driver - lied re: insurance- died with 4 teens-
3. Are Spiritual laws to be any less sharp? Certainly not and there are reasons why not!

B.  GOD INSTRUCTED THE PEOPLE TO WEAR A BLUE FRINGE, ( 15:38,39)

1. All of God's instructions have a reason- here a Blue fringe- God's fashions/or man's
2. The border of this garment was to be a reminder to obey all ALL of his commandments-v.40
3. Blue- the color of heaven- the color of truth, the color of loyalty-

C.  DO YOU HAVE A BORDER OF TRUE BLUE ON YOUR MIND?

1. Men's minds have strained today- real battles being fought for them- Brainwashing-
2. Will you allow your minds to be dulled by the permissiveness of society- fooled by drugs?
3. Or will you discipline your mind and make it as clear as the crisp, blue air of mountains?

III. THE LAW GIVES CERTAINTY, IN DEATH, AND IN LIFE

A.  A VIOLATION OF GOD'S LAW GIVES CERTAIN DEATH, AND THIS CAN BE COUNTED UPON!

1. There are absolutes- no matter what you have been taught! There is Truth- & Law!
2. The violation of an absolute brings the penalty for that violation- hurt & death!
3. Don't kill yourself trying to prove that you can get away with something- God is longsuffering but does not forget

B.  THE KEEPING OF THE LAW GIVES CERTAIN LIFE, AND THIS CAN BE COUNTED UPON

1. God's word is sharp- Heb 4:12- it is definite and final - and it is sure!
2. John 1:11-13 is true! -and all the power is from Him- our part is to receive him!
3. John 10:27,8- gives us a great promise- God kept his word re: sticks! & will in this!

C.  THANK GOD WE CAN BE SURE, ARE YOU? YOU CAN BE IF YOU WILL BELIEVE GOD'S WORD

1. This is a sharp line the difference is life or death! If you don't believe-you are sure!
2. Not by feelings, not by hoping, not by rationalization- but by obeying God's Contract- His Word
3. If you work hard enough- you can sin unto death-eternal! if you trust hard enough-saved

God has done everything necessary for you to inherit eternal life - will you?

CONCLUSION - THE DECISION IS YOURS - WILL YOU TRUST CHRIST AND BE SAVED, OR REJECT HIM AND BE LOST?

1. Accept His law for Salvation- and be eternally secure in His promises
2. Accept His laws for Victorious Christian living- and have joy of heaven now!
3. Accept His church for the companionship, and fellowship you need- & it is sweet!