When Joshua was near Jericho, God gave him instructions on how to gain victory over the city. He told him to have the priests carry the ark, and all the musicians and Levites would follow, and all the armies of Israel would follow them. This multitude would walk around Jericho each day for six days … Continue reading Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6:1 – 7:9)
Commander of the Army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13 – 15)
The people of God moved into Canaan. When they were near Jericho, Joshua looked up and saw a Man opposite him with His sword drawn. Joshua questioned Him as to His allegiance, and the Man replied, "...as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Joshua fell on His face and awaited … Continue reading Commander of the Army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13 – 15)
Memorial Stones and Circumcision (Joshua 4:1 – 5:12)
In the beginning of chapter 4, the Israelites complete their trek across the dry Jordan River Bed. When they have reached the other side, Joshua commands the leaders of the tribes to make twelve men, one from every tribe, and take twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan and take them to the place … Continue reading Memorial Stones and Circumcision (Joshua 4:1 – 5:12)
Getting Ready for Battle (Joshua 2 – 3)
Joshua sent two spies into the land, specifically to Jericho. They came to the home of a harlot, Rahab, and stayed there. The king heard they were there, and inquired, but Rahab hid them. She told the king's messengers that they had already left the city. Actually, she had hidden them under stalks of flax … Continue reading Getting Ready for Battle (Joshua 2 – 3)
How Do I Love Them?
How Do I Love Them? Dr. Greg Sloop, Lead Pastor There are lots of souls in the world in need of a Savior. We can ignore them, and remain comfortable in our normal lives. Or, we can change our perspective and see the world differently, and act accordingly. Soul-winning and loving souls demands change and … Continue reading How Do I Love Them?
God’s Instructions to Joshua (Joshua 1)
"Moses my servant is dead." What a stark introduction to Joshua from the Lord! Lord, we know he is dead. Did you have to remind us? Then, immediately following that thought, God tells him to go into the Promised Land. "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, … Continue reading God’s Instructions to Joshua (Joshua 1)
Moses’ Final Blessing and Death (Deuteronomy 33 & 34)
The final blessing of Moses includes the following thoughts: The law was given by God to Israel as a blessing, Each tribe received a special blessing, Israel will live in safety, in a land of grain and new wine, Their enemies will submit to them and they shall be saved by the Lord! As the … Continue reading Moses’ Final Blessing and Death (Deuteronomy 33 & 34)
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:52)
Moses sings his song of covenant before all of Israel. He rehearses the nation's history and speaks of how judgement will come upon them if they disobey God's commandments. After he finished the song, he reiterated the need to obey the law of God, and promised long life for those who obey Him. After his … Continue reading The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:52)
Israel’s Future Rebellion (Deuteronomy 31:14 – 29)
The Lord instructed Moses to install Joshua as his replacement. The two of them presented themselves at the tabernacle. The pillar of cloud stood above the door. The Lord told Moses he would soon die, and that the Israelites would rise and play the harlot with foreign gods. They will break covenant with God, and … Continue reading Israel’s Future Rebellion (Deuteronomy 31:14 – 29)
Joshua the New Leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:1 – 13)
Moses is 120 years old at the time of this Scripture. Also, God told Moses that he would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience. The Lord would be crossing over the Jordan before the children of Israel. He would destroy the nations from before them, and the Israelites would … Continue reading Joshua the New Leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:1 – 13)