Podcasts about Achan

Do it his way- Failure and discouragement can be hard to deal with, but God is able to bring good out of our disappointments. God graciously gave Joshua a plan of success to have victory over Ai after the sin of Achan. Do you trust that God's design and plan are what's best for you?

In Joshua 7, the Israelites have been warned not to keep any plunder from their battles. However, after the battle of Jericho, Achan coveted and hid some plunder. Achan's individual sin resulted in Israel being defeated in their next battle, costing dozens of lives. God blamed, and allowed, the entire nation of Israel to suffer ... The post Sin in the Camp: Part II appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

God can't bless sin- Achan took ownership of his actions, but still suffered the consequences for disobeying the word of the Lord given by Joshua. Although we still face the consequences of sin today, God has provided forgiveness through Jesus who took the penalty for all our sins.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 November 16, 2025 AM.When there is a problem in the church, we must recognize that it affects the whole church, like Achan's sin in Joshua 7 affected the entire nation. Appropriate censure is called for and then if there is repentance, the church is to forgive, comfort, and renew their love for the former offender so that Satan will not get the better of the church.

This week's message dives into one of the most misunderstood commandments—“You shall not steal.” But Pastor reveals something deeper: stealing isn't just about taking possessions… it's about the condition of the heart, the breakdown of trust, and the areas of our lives where we withhold what belongs to God. From the two thieves on the cross, to Achan, Judas, Jacob, David, and beyond—Scripture shows that stealing destroys relationship, blocks blessing, and disconnects us from intimacy with God. But in the middle of all of it… there is a Redeeming King who offers mercy even in our darkest moments. This message confronts: • The hidden ways we steal without noticing • How withholding worship, obedience, integrity, and the tithe robs God • Why trust, not money, is the true root issue • How giving unlocks encounter, blessing, and restored relationship • The repentant thief who asked Jesus for nothing but mercy—and received Paradise You'll learn what the Bible actually teaches about the tithe, stewardship, spiritual theft, and the heart posture that either closes heaven… or opens the floodgates. If you've ever struggled with trusting God, giving, or letting go of control—this message will hit home in the best way. Listen now and discover why you radically love God… by not stealing.

November 16, 2025 Sunday morning sermon by David Bishop Website: www.lighthouseontherockky.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/lotrchurch  

The part affects the whole- Israel saw the walls of Jericho fall in victory because their leader, Joshua, faithfully sought after the Lord. Israel also experienced judgment because a man named Achan defied Joshua's orders to not to take from the spoils of the enemy. Our sins never just affect ourselves.

This week, we continue our Strong and Courageous series through the book of Joshua where God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous in the face of every challenge ahead. Today we will explore Joshua 7 and the story of Achan, whose hidden sin brought trouble not just on himself but on the entire nation of Israel. Its a powerful reminder that sin doesnt just affect us, it impacts others and our relationship with God. Through this passage, well wrestle with what it means to live before a holy God, how sin distorts our alignment with Him, and how His grace realigns our hearts through Jesus. As Timothy Keller said, Christian living is therefore a continual realignment processone of bringing everything in line with the truth of the Gospel. If youve ever felt distant from God, or if grace has become a band-aid instead of a reason to live differently, this message will call you back to the holiness, mercy, and hope found in Christ.

Theme: From Defeat to Victory — Obedience, Judgment, and God's Longsuffering Pastor Matthew continued his series on the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter 8, where Israel returned to face Ai—the place of their previous defeat. The sermon unfolded three key themes: restoration through obedience, understanding God's justice, and the call to overcome through repentance and faithfulness. Returning to the Place of Defeat After Israel's failure at Ai (caused by Achan's sin), God instructed Joshua to go back: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed. Take all the people of war with you… I have given into your hand the king of Ai.” (Joshua 8:1) Pastor explained that God often sends us back to the place of defeat — not to relive shame, but to redeem it through obedience. “When you go back in the power of Christ and the Word of the Lord, you can't lose.” God gave new instructions: this time, the spoils of Ai would belong to Israel. The principle: “The first fruits belong to God; the rest He blesses for you.” Lesson: God is fair and faithful — He doesn't take to deprive but to teach trust and honor. The Strategy of Obedience Joshua followed God's detailed battle plan: Set an ambush behind Ai while Joshua and the main army pretended to retreat. Once the enemy was drawn out, the ambush rose, took the city, and set it on fire. When the enemy looked back and saw the smoke, Israel turned and struck them down (v. 19–22). Pastor emphasized how God is a God of detail: “If we would listen long enough, God would tell us exactly what to do. But we've become a drive-thru culture—no patience, no waiting.” Application: Faith follows God's word precisely. Victory is not random — it comes through listening, waiting, and acting on divine instruction. Renewal of Covenant After Ai was destroyed, Joshua built an altar at Mount Ebal, offered burnt and peace offerings, and read all the words of the Law before the people (Joshua 8:30–35). This marked a spiritual renewal — a recommitment after failure. Pastor's takeaway: “They renewed their covenant because someone thought it was okay to steal from God. Never steal from God — He owns everything.” He reminded that God's ownership and our stewardship are central to understanding His commands. God's Justice and Longsuffering The message turned theological as Pastor explored why God ordered the destruction of Ai: God owns everything and has all knowledge. When judgment comes, it's because a people or person has exhausted God's grace. Using Genesis 15:16, he explained that the Amorites' “iniquity was not yet full” — God's patience always precedes judgment. He compared this to modern examples: “God knew when Saddam Hussein's time was up. When a man's cruelty or sin reaches its limit, God says, ‘That's enough.'” Scriptural anchors: 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Romans 1 – How rejecting truth and embracing sin leads to delusion and depravity. Revelation 2:18–29 – The church of Thyatira and “Jezebel,” who was given time to repent of immorality. Core Message: “When judgment comes, it's never sudden — it's the result of mercy refused.” Sexual Immorality and Idolatry — The Downfall of Nations Pastor linked Israel's ancient idolatry to modern culture: Sexual immorality causes more destruction than drugs and alcohol combined. Every society that normalizes it must invent idols to justify sin. The last straw before national judgment is not immorality itself but idolatry — worshiping false gods that excuse disobedience. “If I'm going to live against God's Word and refuse to repent, I'll find a god that makes me feel okay about it.” He warned that America faces similar danger: “The nations that forget God will be turned into hell.” Mercy, Repentance, and Overcoming Despite these warnings, Pastor underscored that God still offers mercy: Even Jezebel was given time to repent — showing the depth of God's compassion. “No one is as long-suffering as God. When judgment finally comes, it's because He's exhausted Himself trying to reach us.” Quoting 1 John 1:9, he assured: “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you.” He then linked this to Jesus' message to the seven churches in Revelation: “To him who overcomes…” (Greek: nikao / neo — to gain victory). The word is the root of “Nike,” meaning to prevail — symbolizing the believer's call to overcome through repentance and obedience. Application: Set yourself up to succeed spiritually — not to fail. “The strongest Christians aren't the ones who can endure anything; they're the ones who know their weaknesses and guard against them.” He gave practical examples: The man freed from alcoholism who changed his route to avoid temptation. The believer who moved his computer into the living room to avoid secret sin. “Don't set yourself up to fail — paristano means to ‘position yourself to succeed.'” Closing Prayer and Reflection Pastor closed by reminding: God's mercy is real, but so is judgment. We must renew covenant, walk in holiness, and guard our hearts. “Be kind to yourself, be honest before God, and stay the course.” He led the congregation in the Lord's Prayer, ending with worship and thanksgiving for God's mercy and truth. Core Message God is long-suffering but just. He gives space to repent, but not forever. Victory follows obedience, repentance, and humility. Set yourself up to succeed — abide in His Word and overcome.

The difficult story of Achan and his family being destroyed again raises the question of "God's endgame". Achan and his family stole plunder from Jericho against the specific command to set these things apart for God. Worse, they lied about it and buried the treasure suggesting deliberate deception. There's a lot to be horrified in this story, but perhaps the most intriguing thing is that it shows sin and disobedience within Israel. We discuss how this obvious truth impacts the overall narrative of conquering the Promised Land.

Fateful Choices | The Sin of Covetousness and Unbelief | 11 04 2025

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2025 quarter 4, lesson 6 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Joshua”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Enemy Within”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: 1 Pet. 1:4, Joshua 7, Ps. 139:1-16, Ezra 10:11, Luke 12:15, Josh. 8:1-29. Memory Text: " 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds' " (Jeremiah 17:10, ESV).    (November 1 - November 7)  Sunday (Shelley Quinn) - Breach of the CovenantMonday (John Lomacang) - The Sin of AchanTuesday (John Dinzey) - Fateful ChoicesWednesday (Jill Morikone) - The Door of HopeThursday (James Rafferty) - A Witness of God's Power Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

“People should get what they deserve.” I'm guessing that most of us would see this as a general statement of fairness and equity. Of course, for this statement to ring true, we need to agree on who or what ultimately determines what people deserve. On a very basic level, this may sound like karma. So, what is karma? Basically, karma is the idea that what you do, especially your choices and intentions, shapes what happens to you later. If you act kindly and do good, good things are more likely to come your way. If you act selfishly or harm others, you may face negative consequences. In many Indian traditions, this isn't just about this life, it can affect what kind of life you're born into next. So, do Bible teachings supports the idea of karma? Are the two in harmony? Similar principles? While both Karma and the gospel emphasize consequences for actions— “you reap what you sow”— they do diverge significantly in their foundations. Karma, rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, is a complex, often impersonal law of cause and effect, sometimes spanning multiple lifetimes through reincarnation. In contrast, the Bible teaches a single human life followed by judgment in accordance with divine grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. One may present three biblical arguments that resemble karmic principles: sowing and reaping (Galatians 6), reciprocity in judgment (Matthew 7), and narrative examples of moral consequences (e.g., David and Bathsheba, Achan's disobedience). However, the gospel introduces the key distinction that God's grace is not earned but freely given, and forgiveness is central to Christian life. Karma lacks a personal deity who intervenes with mercy; instead, it operates as a mechanical system of moral accounting. Christianity offers clarity, direction and divine support, while karmic systems often leave individuals to navigate consequences without memory of past lives or a defined path to enlightenment. Ultimately, the gospel is a more compassionate and purposeful framework, culminating in eternal life through Christ, rather than endless cycles of rebirth. Key Takeaways: Karma and the Bible both teach consequences, but differ in origin, scope and divine involvement. Karma is impersonal and often tied to reincarnation; the gospel centers on grace, forgiveness and a single human life. Biblical justice is relational and redemptive, guided by God's mercy and Jesus' advocacy. The gospel provides a clear, loving plan for humanity's restoration, surpassing karma's uncertainty.

The Sin of Achan | God's Justice and Grace Revealed | 11 03 2025

Pastor Mike Decker unpacks the Bible's raw truth about lust—not just sexual, but power, competition, and greed. Discover how King David's rooftop glance and Achan's hidden treasure reveal the same deadly pattern. 3 Lust Truths Lust begins with your eyes Lust is fueled by selfishness Lust destroys relationships & your walk with God 5 Biblical Remedies to Conquer Lust Confess & repent immediately Cut off the fuel (triggers) Pray in the moment Renew your mind daily with Scripture Live empowered by God's grace, not guilt Key Scriptures: 2 Samuel 11 (David & Bathsheba) Joshua 6–7 (Achan's sin) James 1:14–15 | 1 John 1:9 | Romans 12:2 Perfect for: Anyone struggling with passion pushed too far—whether in relationships, ambition, or competition. End with Communion & Prayer – A powerful moment to receive forgiveness and strength. Filmed Live: November 2, 2025 Palm Harvest Church Never defined by your fall—rise in His grace. Subscribe for weekly sermons | Like if this challenged you | Comment your biggest takeaway #lust #deadlysins #christiansermon #bibleteaching #palmharvest #graceoverguilt

"But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel" (Joshua 7:1).

Breach of the Covenant | When One Sin Affects Everyone | 11 02 2025

Theme: Obedience, Trust, and Consecration — Lessons from Jericho and Ai Pastor Matthew continued his teaching series in the Book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 6 and 7—the fall of Jericho and the sin of Achan. The message contrasts the victory that comes through obedience with the defeat that follows disobedience. The Battle of Jericho — Obedience Brings Victory Text: Joshua 6 God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to march around Jericho once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day, with seven priests blowing seven rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. Though God could have destroyed Jericho instantly, He required faithful obedience—teaching Israel to trust His word above their understanding. The people were instructed to remain completely silent until the final trumpet blast—a picture of disciplined obedience and dependence on God's timing. On the seventh day, after the final trumpet blast, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed—a miraculous victory marking the Israelites' first conquest in the Promised Land. Key Lesson: Faith requires obedience even when instructions make no sense. The Israelites' victory came not by strength but by submission to God's word. The Principle of First fruits — The Tithe of Jericho Jericho represented the first fruits of the Promised Land; all spoils from the city were devoted to God as holy and untouchable. Joshua reminded the people that everything belongs to God, and the first portion of increase is His (Proverbs 3:9–10). This first conquest was to be fully dedicated to the Lord, symbolizing that everything that follows is blessed when the first portion is consecrated. God instructed that silver, gold, and bronze be placed in His treasury—no individual was to take from it. Application: The first belongs to God—whether it's time, talent, or treasure. Giving back to Him is not about pressure, but about trust and honor. The Fall at Ai — Disobedience Brings Defeat Text: Joshua 7 A man named Achan from the tribe of Judah secretly took a Babylonian garment, silver, and gold from Jericho, violating God's command. Because of this hidden sin, Israel was defeated at Ai, losing 36 men. Joshua fell before God in despair, questioning why the defeat happened, but God told him plainly: “Get up! Israel has sinned... They have stolen, deceived, and put it among their own stuff.” The nation's defeat was not due to lack of skill but due to sin in the camp. Until the accursed thing was removed, they could not stand before their enemies. Key Principle: Even private disobedience can bring corporate consequence. God's presence and power dwell with purity and obedience. The Judgment of Achan Achan confessed that he coveted and stole the forbidden items. He and his household were brought to the Valley of Achor (“trouble”) and were executed—serving as a solemn reminder that sin contaminates the whole body. The judgment restored Israel's standing before God and removed the curse from the camp. Spiritual Lesson: We must remove the “accursed things”—anything that dishonors God or competes with Him for first place in our lives. The Call to Generosity and Trust Pastor Matthew used the story of Achan to teach about honoring God with our resources: Tithing and giving predate the Law—first modeled by Abraham and Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18–20). Malachi 3:8–10 calls believers to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” and test God's promise to open the windows of heaven. Luke 11:42 shows Jesus affirmed tithing while calling believers to practice it with justice and love. Hebrews 7:5–9 demonstrates that giving honors God across generations, as Levi was blessed through Abraham's obedience. He emphasized that giving is not about compulsion, but about faith and partnership with God's purpose. “You'll trust Him with your eternal salvation—why not trust Him with your finances?” Illustration: He shared a testimony of a man who began tithing in hardship and later prospered abundantly, learning firsthand that God honors faithfulness. Spiritual and National Lessons The defeat at Ai mirrors spiritual decline in modern times—a warning for America: great power and knowledge cannot replace obedience to God. Pastor urged believers to sanctify themselves and remove what is cursed—anything that keeps them from God's favor. He reminded that sin, disobedience, or misplaced loyalty (even cultural compromise) brings spiritual defeat, but repentance restores God's presence. Closing Application Check with God in everything—even after victory. Success can easily lead to complacency. Consecrate your life—make sure God is first in your time, finances, priorities, and heart. Trust God's Word, not your feelings. Faith grows when obedience is consistent. Remember that obedience brings blessing, while disobedience brings loss and distance from God. Core Takeaway Faith obeys when it doesn't understand. Victory requires consecration. Disobedience endangers everyone. God's power flows through purity, obedience, and trust.

The Enemy Within — Review of Lesson #6 of the 4th Quarter of 2025 -The Sabbath School Lesson study guide can be found here:— https://ssnet.org/lessons/25d/less06.html— https://www.adultbiblestudyguide.org/archives— https://sabbath-school.adventech.io/enThe title of this quarter's theme is: Second Chances: The Book of JoshuaFor the next 13 weeks (October to December 2025), we will look at the transition from Moses to Joshua as the visible leader of Israel, who leads the Children of Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan.Related Podcasts:— Some Thoughts on the Doctrine of Free Will— What Exactly is the Great Controversy, Anyway?— Choose Ye This Day— The Foreknowledge Conundrum— God's Ways are Not Our Ways— Fear Not — For I am With TheeRelated Podcasts at TrueWisdom:— Beware Who You Follow— The Battle is the Lord's— Opening Their Eyes— The Covetousness of AchanText UsSupport the showSend questions or comments to: BibleQuestions@ASBzone.comThe Key Principles of Effective Bible Study is a resource which outlines core concepts shown in the Scriptures that will help you to better understand many Biblical themes and doctrines. We have an extended, 24-part podcast series on these principles, and a condensed, 9-part series called God's Precious Word, that is based on the same resource. We also recommend that you check out the True Wisdom podcast which I co-host with Robert Baker -- a different format for Bible Study. Finally, check out these awesome Bible Maps! We pray that all of these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies.

Send us a textMaria thinks copying answers from her teacher's book is “no big deal”—until a cookie caper with her little sister, Yo-Yo, makes the truth impossible to hide. Later in Sabbath School, the Shoebox Kids study Achan's story and learn that God sees everything and wants honest hearts. Maria realizes she needs to tell the truth, too. A relatable story about temptation, telling the truth, and how God helps us choose integrity even when no one is watching. Talk about it:Why did Maria think copying the answers didn't matter at first?How did Yo-Yo's “chocolate on her face” help Maria see her own mistake?What does Achan's story teach us about hidden choices?What is one honest choice you can make this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Free Choice | The Spiritual Implications of Defiance | 10 29 2025

Send us a textAfter the victory at Jericho, Israel expects an easy win at Ai—but the soldiers run away and Joshua falls before God, devastated. God reveals the reason: someone has disobeyed by taking things from Jericho that were meant to be destroyed. By God's choice, the tribes and families come forward until Achan is named. He confesses that he hid silver, gold, and clothes under his tent. Israel removes the sin from the camp, and then—following God's new plan—they return to Ai and win. This sobering story shows that hidden choices can hurt many people, and that God calls His people to honest hearts and obedient lives. Talk about it:Why did Israel lose the first battle at Ai?What did Achan take, and why was hiding it such a big problem?How did God help Joshua after the people obeyed?What is one honest choice you can make this week, even if it's hard?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Send us a text      In Joshua chapter 7 Scripture begins with the narrative of Achan's abomination and the damage he caused towards Israel. As the saying goes in the epistle to the  Galatians, "What man sows is what he reaps". May this sermon be of a blessings to you all!  Support the show

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel” (Joshua 7:1).

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel” (Joshua 7:1).

Sometimes the most difficult stories can lead us to the most powerful truths.  This account of a man named Achan is one of those stories.  Achan was a man who carried something we all can understand: a mistake, a failure, that he kept hidden.  Psychologists tell us that shameful secrets and unspoken guilt do incredible damage to our whole person.  But how could we ever bring what is in the dark, bring what is hidden, out into the open?  Through Achan's story, we will see how our gracious and redeeming God can turn our deepest troubles into a door of hope. 

If there's one lesson to learn from today's message, it's this: As freely as God's blessing is given to those who obey, it can be removed from those who disobey.After Israel's miraculous victory at Jericho, the next strategic target for Joshua's conquest of the land was the city of Ai. Its small size should have made it an easy win. Instead, Israel was defeated, leaving Joshua and his people angry, ashamed, and confused. Before we move on with this story, a little flashback is necessary. When God gave Joshua His strategy for taking Jericho, He gave strict instructions for the utter destruction of all the inhabitants of Jericho and the total surrender to the Lord of all the valuable objects found there: silver, gold, bronze, and iron. This “ban” was clearly communicated, but apparently, one man and his family didn't think God was serious. After their defeat, Joshua fell facedown before the Lord, pouring out his heart, trying to understand what went wrong. Finally, God told him to stand up and call the people together. There was sin in the camp.Following the Lord's orders, Joshua had the tribes come forward, one by one, until Judah was chosen. Then Judah came forward by clans, then by families, and then man by man until one man was chosen. Achan. Joshua beseeched him, “Tell me what you have done; don't hide it.” Achan confessed. He had taken silver, gold, and valuable things and buried them beneath his tent. When the contraband was found, Joshua took Achan and all his family and all he owned and had them stoned and then burned. Hidden sin is no small matter to God. We dare not let the Evil One's lies or our own rationalization cause us to downplay sin. We need to call sin what God calls it.Hidden sin is seen by God. Nothing is hidden from God.Hidden sin removes God's hand of blessing. As a wise parent, God cannot and will not reward rebellion. Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper…”Hidden sin will eventually be exposed. Hebrews 4:13 puts it plainly: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”But there is hope. Hidden sin can be forgiven. Proverbs 28:13 started by warning us, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper…” But it continues, “but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”To confess is to say the same thing about your sin that God does. “It's wrong…and I've been wrong.”  To renounce or to repent is to have a change of mind and make a change of action.  “I'm so sorry and I'm going to stop doing that.” And to receive forgiveness is to believe Jesus paid the penalty. His grace is enough, even for that.  Text: Joshua 7Originally recorded on September 25, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel” (Joshua 7:1).

In the Middle Ages, theologians said there are different forms of gluttony—that you can eat and drink excessively, sumptuously, daintily, or impulsively. Technically, gluttony means to eat and drink immoderately. But gluttony also tells us something about each of us. Gluttony is taking something good and then cramming it in until we're sick of it. Our desires are disordered so that good and necessary things become cravings. Sin, in other words, makes us all addicted to something. We all crave something, and we do it in such a way that it is very, very bad for us. Let's look at three things this Scripture teaches us about craving: 1) the depth of our craving, 2) the structure of our craving, and 3) the healing. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 5, 1995. Series: The Seven Deadly Sins. Scripture: Joshua 7:19-26, Hosea 2:13-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

The Stone of Burial: Confronting Hidden Sin and Finding Freedom explores the powerful biblical story from Joshua 7 where hidden sin led to devastating consequences for an entire nation. This message reveals how Achan's secret disobedience caused Israel's defeat at Ai and teaches vital spiritual principles for modern believers.Discover why hidden sin creates barriers between us and God's blessing, and learn the transformative truth that sin buried in secrecy will eventually bury us in shame. This teaching balances God's grace with His call to holiness, addressing how compromise slowly erodes our spiritual lives and damages our legacy.The good news? Your past doesn't have to define your future. This message explains how God can transform your Valley of Trouble into a Gateway of Hope (Hosea 2:15) and how the places of your greatest failure can become launching points for God's calling in your life.The teaching draws powerful connections between Achan's burial and Christian baptism, showing how baptism symbolizes burying our old self and rising to new life in Christ (Colossians 2:12). For those already baptized, it addresses the critical question: Are you walking like you're free, or still carrying what God has already removed?Perfect for anyone struggling with hidden sin, feeling spiritually stuck, or wanting to experience greater freedom in Christ. This message provides practical steps for embracing repentance, considering baptism, and truly walking in freedom.

A single question threads through ancient battlefields and modern routines: who are we choosing today? We walk through Joshua 5–8 to trace a pattern that feels uncannily current—kneel before the Lord, experience the joy of obedience, face the wreckage of hidden sin, and return to renewal. Along the way, we hear Jesus's clear, present-tense call from Luke 9: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow. The contrasts are vivid: Joshua meets the commander of the Lord's army and discovers that the point isn't “Whose side is God on?” but “Are we aligned with Him?” Jericho's walls fall through trust, not tactics. Achan's secrecy shows how private choices fracture a public community. And on Mount Ebal, the whole nation—women, children, and sojourners—gathers to remember and recommit under God's Word.We connect these scenes to everyday discipleship. True assurance doesn't rest on a dusty memory of a card or aisle; it shows up in today's footsteps. Time, difficulty, and change test roots. When the wind rises, do we release the aroma of Christ? We lean into a practical, grace-filled framework for examining direction over perfection—habits in Scripture, prayer, community care, and humble celebration of others. The good news holds the center: Jesus is the better Joshua who stepped beneath the stones we deserve, so we can stand on rubble by grace. Repentance is not meant to end in despair but to lead to remembrance, reaffirmation, and recommitment—at the table and in our rhythms.If you're hungry for a faith that's honest about failure and stubborn about hope, this conversation is for you. Join us as we choose today—at home, in conflict, in fatigue—to say yes to Jesus again. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

The sermon centers on the tenth commandment—'You shall not covet'—presenting it not merely as a prohibition against theft or adultery, but as a profound call to purity of heart and spiritual integrity. It explores how coveting, though internal, corrupts the soul, distorts relationships, and reveals idolatry by placing created things above God, ultimately dehumanizing both the coveter and the object of desire. Drawing from Scripture, including the fall of Adam and Eve, the sin of Achan, and the transformation of Paul, the message underscores that true righteousness begins with a heart transformed by grace, not legalism. The preacher emphasizes that genuine faith is marked by contentment, stewardship, and selfless love, exemplified in Christ's incarnation and Paul's ministry, where the pursuit of others' souls, not personal gain, defined true service. The call is for believers to reject materialism, greed, and self-centered ambition, trusting in God's promise to never leave or forsake them, and to live as free people whose hearts are fixed on Him alone.

Yehoshua catches Achan and his crime is revealed, leading to his punishment and the rectification of the issue.

The story of Achan in Joshua 7 reveals how one person's hidden sin affected an entire community and teaches us that while we can commit sin, we can never contain its consequences.• One person's disobedience caused defeat for Israel at Ai and the death of 36 soldiers• The Valley of Achor (meaning "trouble") shows the severity of sin's consequences• We often misdiagnose difficulties in our lives instead of examining hidden sin• Joshua's response of tearing his clothes and falling to the ground in repentance• God's surprising command to "get up" and address the real problem• The process of revealing Achan's sin among two million people demonstrates God's sovereignty• Nothing hidden will remain hidden - God already knows the sin no one else sees• When we sin, other people must clean up our messes and face consequences• The Valley of Trouble (Achor) later becomes a "gateway of hope" through God's grace• We cannot fully comprehend our sin's severity or the sufficiency of God's grace Run to repentance. Don't walk to find it. For your own sake as well as for the sake of the people around you. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Joshua 8 is a story of restoration. After Israel was defeated in Ai, Joshua and the leaders dealt with Achan's sin. The difference between Joshua 7 and 8 was one of restoration with God. When God was with the people and the sin was handled, there was a completely different outcome. Join us as we continue our sermon series through Joshua.

This week Pastor Brandon continues our Break Free series by tackling one of the most destructive strongholds—hidden sin. Through the story of Achan in Joshua 7, we see how sin that is kept secret not only destroys us from the inside out, but also impacts those around us. Hidden sin multiplies, it robs us of peace, and it eventually always comes to light. But the good news is that God has given us a way to break free through confession, repentance, and accountability. Pastor Brandon reminds us that what is uncovered and surrendered to Jesus becomes an opportunity for His grace to be unleashed in our lives. This message is both convicting and full of hope, pointing us to the freedom that only Christ can bring.

Jews determine only need 2000 or 3000 troops for next battle (against city of "Ay") and ultimate fail in battle, Yehoshua davens to Hashem and He responds with the crime of Achan being the cause for the failure as he took from the spoils of Yericho, Hashem instructs the solution to this issue

Have you ever felt like failure or sin left you in a valley with no way out? The story of Achan shows how sin brings trouble—but also how God can turn even the Valley of Achor into a door of hope. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace and discover how God's grace abounds where sin once reigned.

William Anderson Scott was a preacher who moved to San Francisco during the height of the gold rush to preach to the prospectors there. His ministry and preaching left a permanent impact on the believers of San Francisco.Thank you to Timothy Frierens for reading this sermon for us! Join Revived Studios on Patreon for more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revived-thoughts6762/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What foundation are you building your life on—sand or solid rock? In this powerful message, drawing from Matthew 7:24-27, Pastor James Wilson and Bro. Jahmari Moodie teach on the importance of spiritual preparation, obedience to God's Word, and building your faith on the unshakeable truth of Christ. From correcting common misquotes of Scripture to unpacking the parable of the two builders, this sermon reminds us that life's storms will come, but only a faith built on solid ground will stand. They highlight how disobedience, like in the story of Achan, affects more than just the individual, and how true worship goes beyond praise—it is surrendering to God's sovereignty no matter the circumstance. The call for the rest of 2025 is clear: clean out the spiritual clutter, let God's light into every corner of your life, and commit fully to living as His temple. When you allow God to order every part of your life, you will stand firm through trials and walk in the fullness of His promises. Sermon Scriptures: Matthew 7:24-27   We stream live every Sunday at 11 am and every Wednesday at 8 pm. Visit our website: https://perfectingfaithchurch.com  Connect with us on social media!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerfectingFaithChurch/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectingfaithchurch/  X: https://x.com/PFCNY   Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perfectingfaithchurch

What is the kickoff? What did James leave out? How did the law increase the trespass? What is resigned in death? Who is Achan and Ai? How can we leave a legacy? How bad are the Browns gonna be this year? All this and more on this week's episode. Enjoy!

Joshua 7, Acts 9, Luke 6August 31st, 2025—Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (or disobedience).A core problem of disobedience is its near-sightedness. Disobedience sees the tree but misses the forest. Obedience is 20/20 faith in an immeasurable more God. Joshua 6:15-19 (NIV) 15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”A fundamental element of obedience is God goes first. When God gets our first, God gives us His best. Joshua 7:1 (NIV) But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So, the Lord's anger burned against Israel.Joshua 7:10-12 (NIV) 10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.Satan is forever trying to convince us that God is not enough for us. That God doesn't have our best in His mind. God doesn't “get it” or me. God doesn't understand this moment. I have to take matters into your own hands. Sin always wants to hide, it never wants submit, surrender or be exposed. Romans 6:23a “the wages of sin is death”. Romans 6:23b but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! Never dismiss the death in disobedience. Never dismiss the life in obedience.Acts 9:10-19 (NIV) 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.Luke 6:46 “46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Disobedience bubbles up from 3 lingering impacts of our sin nature.Independence. Mistrust. Fear. What is Obedience?Obedience is a daily transfer of ownership. Obedience is faith in action in the love and goodness of God. Obedience is empowered actions.6 Disobedience Tipoffs“No one will ever find out.”“This really isn't that big of a deal.”“I deserve this.”“This won't impact anyone but me.” “Just this one time.” “This will be the last time.”All disobedience isn't a separating sin. All disobedience is self-limiting and a relational speed bump. All obedience is relationship building. All obedience empowers life with God's glorious riches. All obedience leads to life in us and others, more and better life than we could have ever imagined.Matthew 25:21,23 (NIV) “Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things, I will make you ruler of many things. Come and share in your master's happiness.” What does it mean for God to find us faithful? I believe our faithfulness will be measured less by big outcomes and more by consistent daily obedience.

The stories in Scripture hold powerful lessons for everyday life - and the Book of Joshua is no exception! In this message, Pastor Josh continues our study by walking through Achan's disobedience and the consequences of private sin. Our hope is that, because of Jesus, we can have freedom when we get honest about our struggles.July 20, 2025

Joshua | Our Achan Heart | Joshua 7 & 8 Sermon from August 10, 2025 – Dr. Bobby Kelly Part 5 of 5 of the series Joshua: Remembering The Faithfulness & Greatness of God

Joshua 7 presents a sobering lesson about the seriousness of sin among God's people. Fresh from their miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel approached the smaller town of Ai with confidence, only to face unexpected defeat. The reason wasn't military weakness but divine judgment - Achan had taken items that God had commanded to be devoted to Him, and God's anger was kindled against all Israel as a result. Joshua's response models honest prayer in confusion, falling before God to question what happened while still honoring God's name. The story reveals essential truths about corporate responsibility - though only Achan sinned directly, the entire community bore responsibility for failing to seek God's guidance and for their collective pride. God's ultimatum was clear: deal with the sin, or lose His presence. After Achan and his family faced severe judgment, God's presence returned, and Israel was victorious at Ai. This narrative challenges us to take sin seriously, recognizing that our actions affect not just ourselves but the entire body of believers. When facing setbacks, we should ask if God is trying to get our attention about sin in our lives. Most importantly, we can take comfort that God's discipline, though painful, is always redemptive - designed to restore us to fellowship with Him. The Valley of Achor (trouble) can truly become a door of hope through genuine confession and repentance.

As we continue our series "Tales as Old as Time" that help us to learn vicariously, we look at the story of Achan in Joshua 7. This helps us to see the importance of relying on God, not being prideful, and repenting as soon as we recognize sin. We're glad that you made it to this sermon! We are also available on Youtube. For more information on our worship services or church as a whole, visit fbcwest.com

Fr. Mike explains the meaning of circumcision for Israel's relationship with God. He also underscore the gravity of Achan's sin, and how the Valley of Achor symbolizes shame that is painful but not hopeless. Today we read Joshua 5-7 and Psalm 125. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.