Podcasts about Mount Ebal

What if some of the details in the Gospel of John were designed to remind its original audience of the Scriptures they had recently heard read in the synagogue? Today, Jewish communities read through the Torah on an annual cycle, beginning each year again in the seventh month of Tishri. But during the first century, Jewish communities in the land of Israel followed a Triennial Torah Reading Cycle, reading through the Torah over three years. Evidence suggests that some communities began the cycle in the month of Nisan. This ancient reading cycle opens a fascinating window into the Gospel of John. In this introductory lesson, we explore the work of Aileen Guilding and her book The Fourth Gospel and Jewish Worship. Guilding proposed that many of the themes, images, and even the timing of events in John's Gospel may be connected with the Torah and Haftarah readings being heard in the synagogue. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 provides a remarkable example. When we place the story within the proposed synagogue readings for the month of Shevat (Jan/Feb), an extraordinary collection of connections begins to emerge. The readings include Exodus 2, where Moses meets his future wife at a well, and Hosea 2, with its powerful promise of Israel's restoration: "In that day...you will call me 'my husband.'" Suddenly, John's presentation of Jesus as the Bridegroom coming to reclaim his bride becomes even richer. Another reading takes us directly into the ancient dispute between Jews and Samaritans. Deuteronomy 27:4 instructs Israel in the Masoretic Hebrew tradition to erect an altar on Mount Ebal, while the Samaritan Pentateuch preserves Mount Gerizim—the very mountain at the center of the Samaritan woman's conversation with Jesus: "Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." — John 4:20 Coincidence? Or is John deliberately weaving the synagogue readings familiar to his audience into the story he is telling? Join us as we introduce the Triennial Torah Reading Cycle, examine Aileen Guilding's influential theory, and begin exploring how the Torah, the Prophets, Jewish worship, and the Gospel of John may fit together in ways that modern readers often miss. -------------------------------- www.figtreeministries.org Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/the-triennial-torah-cycle-the-hidden-key-to-the-gospel-of-john Article: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_gospel_of_john_and_triennial_synagogue_reading_v2.pdf Aileen Guilding Life and Work: https://www.academia.edu/2640173/Aileen_Guilding_her_Life_and_her_Work Book "The Fourth Gospel and Jewish Worship" - https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Gospel-Jewish-Worship/dp/B0014ZYUPQ/ref=sr_1_1_so_ABIS_BOOK?crid=3MA82I0OEKJ7O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.91goByv-PHqn0mD5iyA-ffIUPjIJAa4lpB_X8RBpm_Nmv-6l37ocJcPdF8jRtLX385NXjImzokdeV0-_y54_9gDpHZJfw-3RNNXwWs8IdebfpZ30Xd3Ml1IjnkOkz3t16IeQGiLqB9Hoz5D7Gu9ZutwwnH4zR-4Fsip0LKuGofA7148Grl7s1NxG2BTiHNL-MYOGigjjOLwC3iQSSwSu1lSCmS90uIyMQxqr_AgSLQ0.8mqys_ON7zUWnJTxfrvpJs2oqAE-0Jknc2wRLG5caJE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+fourth+gospel+and+jewish+worship&qid=1787344134&sprefix=the+fourth+gospel+and+jewish+worship%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1

00:00:00 Deuteronomy 1 – Moses Rehearseth the Story of Israel's Journey and Unbelief00:06:36 Deuteronomy 2 – Compass Mount Seir and Conquest of Sihon King of Heshbon00:12:37 Deuteronomy 3 – Bedstead of Iron of Og King of Bashan and Moses Denied Canaan00:16:43 Deuteronomy 4 – Ye Shall Not Add unto the Word and Cities of Refuge Be-side Jordan00:24:52 Deuteronomy 5 – Ten Commandments Repeated and The LORD Talked Face to Face00:29:27 Deuteronomy 6 – Hear, O Israel: The LORD Our God Is One LORD00:32:50 Deuteronomy 7 – Seven Nations Greater and Mightier Than Thou Destroyed00:37:22 Deuteronomy 8 – Man Doth Not Live by Bread Only and Forget Not the LORD00:40:25 Deuteronomy 9 – Not for Thy Righteousness and Rehearsal of the Golden Calf00:45:24 Deuteronomy 10 – Two Tables of Stone in the Ark and Circumcise the Foreskin of Your Heart00:48:35 Deuteronomy 11 – Blessing and a Curse Set Before You upon Gerizim and Ebal00:53:28 Deuteronomy 12 – The Place Which the LORD Shall Choose to Put His Name00:58:38 Deuteronomy 13 – Enticers to Idolatry and False Prophets Stoned01:01:48 Deuteronomy 14 – Ye Are the Children of the LORD and Tithe of All Thine Increase01:05:32 Deuteronomy 15 – Year of Release, Debts Forgiven, and Hebrew Servants01:09:07 Deuteronomy 16 – Three Times in a Year Shall All Thy Males Appear01:12:50 Deuteronomy 17 – Hard Matters in Judgment and Duty of the King01:16:27 Deuteronomy 18 – Abominations of the Nations and A Prophet Like unto Moses01:19:38 Deuteronomy 19 – Cities of Refuge, Landmarks, and Two or Three Witnesses01:22:56 Deuteronomy 20 – Laws of Warfare and Trees for Meat Not Destroyed01:26:14 Deuteronomy 21 – Inquest for Unsolved Murder and Rebellious Son Stoned01:30:01 Deuteronomy 22 – Divers Sorts Forbidden and Tokens of Virginity01:34:35 Deuteronomy 23 – Exclusion from the Congregation and Purity of the Camp01:38:34 Deuteronomy 24 – Bill of Divorcement, Pledges, and Gleanings for the Stranger01:42:11 Deuteronomy 25 – Forty Stripes, Muzzling the Ox, and Levirate Marriage01:45:14 Deuteronomy 26 – Firstfruits Offering, A Wandering Aramean, and Third Year Tithe01:48:58 Deuteronomy 27 – Great Stones on Mount Ebal and Curses Spoken on Mount Ebal01:52:25 Deuteronomy 28 – Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience Pronounced02:03:44 Deuteronomy 29 – Covenant in Moab and Secret Things Belong unto the LORD02:08:13 Deuteronomy 30 – Word Is Nigh Thee and I Have Set Before You Life and Death02:11:41 Deuteronomy 31 – Be Strong and of a Good Courage and Reading of the Law02:17:24 Deuteronomy 32 – Song of Moses: Give Ear, O Ye Heavens, and I Will Speak02:24:43 Deuteronomy 33 – Blessing Wherewith Moses the Man of God Blessed the Children of Israel02:29:22 Deuteronomy 34 – Moses Vieweth the Promised Land from Pisgah and DiethDownload One-Year Reading Plan:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/kingjamesbibleinoneyearBooks:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/booksPodcast & More:https://andrewhorval.substack.com

Will Calvert | Joshua 8:30-35After the battle of Ai, Israel gathers between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim to hear the blessings and curses of God's law read aloud. A message on why even the "skippable" parts of Scripture carry weight — and what it means to build an altar of obedience after victory.

In this episode, we're walking through Joshua 7–9, and honestly, these chapters move through a lot of familiar ground in the life of faith—victory, failure, confusion, and then restoration. Israel comes off the high of Jericho and immediately runs into a hard moment at Ai. Achan's hidden sin brings unexpected defeat, and Joshua is left asking some very real questions about what just happened and why things fell apart so quickly. But the story doesn't stay there. In Joshua 8, God speaks again with those familiar words—"do not be afraid or discouraged"—and brings Israel back into step with Him. What follows is a reset of sorts: obedience, clarity, and a renewed commitment to God's covenant as the people gather between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim to re-center their lives around Him. Then in Joshua 9, the tone shifts again. The Gibeonites show up—not with weapons, but with a story and a plan. They deceive Israel into making a covenant, and suddenly Joshua is dealing with the fallout of a decision made without asking God first. It's messy, complicated, and honestly very human. And through all of it, one theme keeps surfacing: God is still leading. Even when His people stumble, miss things, or get it wrong, He keeps working with them and moving His promises forward. So if you've ever wondered what faith looks like in the middle of failure, confusion, or second chances—this section of Joshua has a lot to say. Oh, my OOBTers, please don't miss this one—I promise you're going to want to hear it! For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/joshua-7-9/

In this episode of Growing Forward, Pastor Andy Comer and Heather Ferrell unpack the Bible's teaching on blessing and cursing through the story of Abimelech and Jotham, along with the significance of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in Deuteronomy. These Old Testament themes point us all to Jesus, who became a curse for us so that by faith we can receive every spiritual blessing and a secure identity in Him!

God punishes disobedience. Pastor Bankie teaches that Christians should meditate on the consequences of disobedience—“mount Mount Ebal”—so we will not reject the warnings by wish or declaration. He points to Psalm 66:18 about sin in the heart blocking prayer, and Hebrews 12:14 calling us to pursue peace with sanctification.

Weekly live worship service from Cornerstone Church, North Gower (Ontario) FOLLOW US #northgowercornerstone WEBSITE https://www.knowgrowshow.ca/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/northgowercornerstone/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/northgowercornerstone/ LINKTREE https://linktr.ee/knowgrowshow The Passage: Joshua 9:1-27 (focus v14) The Inquiring of God Sermon Growgroup Discussion Starters  Know K1 What part of Joshua 9:1–27 or the sermon stood out to you most today, and why? Grow G1 In Joshua 9:14, the Israelites “sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.” Why do you think they skipped seeking God at this moment, especially after everything they had just experienced with Him? G2 The Gibeonites' deception seemed convincing. What are some modern situations where circumstances or appearances might lead us to make decisions without seeking God? G3 The Israelites had just heard the blessings and curses from Deuteronomy 28:1–2 at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. What does their failure to inquire of God reveal about the gap between knowing God's word and actually living it? G4 The leaders kept their oath to the Gibeonites even after discovering the deception (Joshua 9:18–20; Numbers 30:2). What does this teach us about integrity and keeping our word? G5 The sermon asked several reflective questions: Do you believe God loves you, knows what is best for you, and cares about your decisions? Which of these is hardest for you to believe in practice, and why? G6 The sermon described taking time to quiet your heart, ask God a question, and listen in prayer. What practices help you seek God's guidance when facing decisions? Show S1 Think about a decision or situation in your life right now. What would it look like this week to intentionally “inquire of the LORD” (Joshua 9:14) before moving forward? A PRACTICE OF LISTENING PRAYER (INQUIRING OF THE LORD)   Step 1: Enter his gates with Thanksgiving   Ask: Holy Spirit, show me something I can be grateful to you for in my life.   Listen.   Write down what you sense the Spirit saying:   _______________________________________________________   Step 2: Write down a specific guidance question for God. Example 1: What should I do about situation X? Example 2: Should I choose A or B? Example 3: What do you think of when you think of me?   Listen.   Write down what you sense he is saying.   You can turn over and practice this on the other side of the sheet. You sheet might look like this: Me: God what should I do about X? God: _____________ Me: _____________ God: _____________   When you feel the conversation is done close in a moment of quiet or spoken gratitude or by reading out loud Thomas Merton's prayer. Thomas Merton's Prayer “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” We will be practicing this on Tues 9:30-11am - Cornerstone. Wed 7-8:30pm – Manse

Join Rod Hembree and Janice on Bible Discovery as they explore Deuteronomy 26, discussing the significance of the firstfruits offering. Learn about the historical context and spiritual meaning behind this ancient practice, and how it relates to Christian giving today. Corey shares insights on archaeological findings from Mount Ebal, while Ryan examines Jesus' teachings on the law of 'eye for eye.'

In 1980, archaeologist Adam Zertal began excavating Mount Ebal, near the ancient city of Shechem—modern-day Nablusin the West Bank. After decades of little success by earlier researchers, Zertal's team uncovered a large stone structure that took years to fully reveal.Remarkably, the structure matches the biblical instructions for an altar: built from uncut field stones, with no iron tools,and accessed by a ramp rather than steps. Explore the archaeological details and the significance of this remarkable find!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 349 Knights Ave Kewaskum WI 53040 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3CREDITS: Developed & Hosted by Michael Lane. Produced & Edited by Isabel Kolste. Graphics & Publication by Isabel Kolste. Additional Art, Film, & Photography Credits: Stock media “Memories” provided by mv_production / Pond5 | Logo Stinger: Unsplash.com: Leinstravelier, Logan Moreno Gutierrez, Meggyn Pomerieau, Jaredd Craig, NASA, NOASS, USGS, Sam Carter, Junior REIS, Luka Vovk, Calvin Craig, Mario La Pergola, Timothy Eberly, Priscilla Du Preez, Ismael Paramo, Tingey Injury Law Firm, Dan Cristian Pădureț, Jakob Owens | Wikimedia: Darmouth University Public Domain, Kelvinsong CC0 | Stock media “A stately Story (Stiner02)” provided by lynnepublishing / Pond5

Episode 2.77How does God give victory—and what happens when His people forget who the battle belongs to?In this episode, Michael and Zach walk through Joshua 5:13–12:24, the heart of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. Beginning with Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the LORD's army, the episode makes a crucial point: Joshua never wins by strategy or strength—God fights for His people.From the fall of Jericho to the defeat at Ai, the text shows that victory depends on obedience and dependence, not confidence or cleverness. The sin of Achan reveals the seriousness of God's holiness and the corporate weight of covenant faithfulness. The covenant renewal at Mount Ebal reminds listeners that conquest is never separated from worship and God's Word.The episode also addresses difficult questions—divine judgment, total warfare, archaeology, and the justice of God—while keeping the focus where Joshua does: Yahweh as Divine Warrior, Judge, and Promise-Keeper. Even as Israel “takes the land,” the book makes clear that the victory is partial, pointing forward to a greater rest still to come.Joshua isn't about how great Israel was—it's about how faithful God is, even when His people stumble.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/RSksvCyu3zMMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

A lesson on the impossibility of upholding the Law, the curse of sin, and the means that God has provided for our redemption: faith alone in Christ alone. The sermon presents a powerful exposition of Galatians 3:10–14, emphasizing that all humanity is born under the curse of sin and incapable of achieving righteousness through the law, which demands perfect, perpetual obedience that no one can fulfill. Drawing on the imagery of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, it contrasts the fatal curse of the law with the life-giving blessing of faith in Christ, who bore the curse on the cross to redeem sinners. The central message is that justification is not by works of the law, which only condemn, but by faith alone in Christ, whose perfect righteousness is imputed to believers. The sermon calls the audience to abandon all confidence in their own obedience, rest in Christ's finished work, and live daily by faith, trusting in His substitutionary sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit promised to all who believe.

In this week's class, we walk through Deuteronomy 26–28 and watch Israel stand at a kind of covenant “I do” moment with God. We look at the offering of firstfruits, where God tells His people how to give thanks for a harvest they have not even seen yet, and talk about how that kind of forward-looking gratitude can calm our own fears about the future. We also notice how Israel retells its rescue-from-Egypt story and ask what it would look like for our families to have a simple, honest way of saying, “This is my story, and this is where God showed up.” From there, the lesson moves to the dramatic scene on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, with blessings and curses echoing back and forth across the valley, painting a vivid picture of what life with God looks like when His people listen—and what it becomes when they walk away. We touch on hot-button questions about Israel, the church, and “replacement theology,” while holding on to the mystery that God is not done writing Israel's story or ours. We finish by tying all of this into Christmas: the way Jesus steps into the story as the true rescuer, the One who bears the curse, breaks the cycle of slavery, and invites us into a better Exodus—out of sin, into freedom, and into a new identity as God's treasured people. It is a hopeful, honest look at judgment, mercy, and what it means to let God be the author of your story.

2536 - The Bearded Bible Brothers and crew are escorted by IDF soldiers to the infamous Mount Ebal in the West Bank, where they inspect the original altar built by Biblical Joshua. What consequences does the vow of Blessings and Curses have on Israel today? Afterward, Joshua and Caleb return to Jordan, to the ruined Roman city of Jerash.

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Teacher: Adam Just Download Sermon Notes  Watch Episode Give Online: http://westgatechapel.org/give Connect With Us: http://westgatechapel.org/connect Chapters (00:00:07) - Snowbird Service at Westgate(00:00:21) - Wonders' Prayer(00:06:24) - Thanksgiving and Christmas at Westgate(00:09:04) - Thanksgiving Praise and worship(00:19:44) - Communion(00:28:45) - Giving Back to the Lord(00:30:42) - Wonders of the World(00:33:44) - Wonders of the World(00:37:44) - The Samaritan Woman and Her Questions(00:45:06) - Jesus on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal(00:49:24) - What is Wonders' Worship?(00:51:00) - Worship(00:55:08) - Wonders of the World(01:05:25) - Why Do We Worship?(01:11:26) - Worthy, Worthied, and Dedicated

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.

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.

Our study opens with a look at Civil War between Rehoboam and Judah vs. Jeroboam and Israel (931-910 BC). 1 Kings 12:1 We read that Rehoboam went to Shechem, “for all Israel had gone there to make him king.” Shechem was an historic site for the nation from about 500 years early when Levitical priests recited the blessings and the curses from Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Shechem is the city near these two mountains.  In verses 3 and 4 we read that Jeroboam challenges Rehoboam. Reheboam goes to 2 advisory boards. One was the elders that had served under his father, Solomon.  They gave him wise direction. 1 Kings 12:7 - they said that if you serve the people and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants. (Wise advise - to be a servant leader. It is also a prophetic view of who Jesus would be - Jesus is our Servant King - our suffering servant) The second group of advisors was Rehoboam's young friends. 1 Kings 12:13-14 says they tell him to be tougher with the people. Reheboam decided to take the advise of his young friends, but when he tells the people he will be even tougher on them than his father was, the result is that the Israelites - the entire northern part of the kingdom rebels against Reheboam and he had to escape to Jerusalem.  Will there be civil war or will there be an uneasy peace? We read in 1 Kings 12:21 that when Rehoboam arrives in Jerusalem, he gathers Judah together and the tribe of Benjamin to go to war against Jeroboam and the rest of Israel so that he can regain the entire kingdom of his father Solomon. But then God intercedes giving a word to Shemaiah a man of God: 1 Kings 12:23-24 “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.'” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered.” Reheboam listens to the words from the prophet Shemaiah and there is an uneasy peace established between the splintered nation. However, we read in verses 26-27 that Jeroboam's response to the peace was fear that his people - the northern part of the kingdom - would again give their allegiance to Reheboam King of Judah, Solomon's son.  So Jeroboam has two golden calves made - one is put in the northern part of his kingdom and the other calf is placed in the southern part of Israel and he tells the people that it's too much to go up to Jerusalem to worship, so here instead are your gods. And the people did worship these golden calves and it says in 1 Kings 12:29-30 that it became a sin. And the nation begins to turn away from God. Jeroboam led them astray and did not do as God had requested of him when he was given the prophetic word of his kingship over Israel.  Pastor shares the archeological discovery of the Altar of Dan where one of the golden calves had been set up. A sad testimony to how the nation was led astray and away from God. We learn the importance of following God and listening to His voice. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Joshua leads all Israel in a covenant renewal ceremony. 

Join archaeologist Abigail Van Hus as she unveils the intriguing discoveries at the Mountain of Curses, a pivotal site in biblical archaeology. Explore the evidence of Joshua's altar on Mount Ebal and its significance in the formation of the Israelite nation. This episode of Watchman on the Wall delves into the archaeology that confirms biblical narratives, highlighting the findings of ancient altars, offerings, and inscriptions.

Joshua 8 tells of the strategy in the taking of Ai and the events that led up to this conquest. After the shameful defeat of chapter 7 Joshua is encouraged to return and take the city by surprise by using an ambush and pincer movement to encircle and trap the Amorite army. Thirty thousand men remained silent and hidden in thickets near Ai while Joshua and the bulk of the army made a front line attack against the city. The army pretended to be in panic and lured the Amorites from the city which was then smitten while the Amorites were pursuing Israel. The occupiers of the city than came out against the Amorite army and Joshua stretched out his spear, when the LORD said that the moment was right, and the fleeing Israelites turned to encircle the enemy and destroy them. The entire populace of Ai was destroyed and their livestock taken by Israel as spoil. The city was burned by fire and then buried under a heap of stones.Verses 30-35 describes Joshua taking Israel to Shechem, building the altar of Yahweh on Mount Ebal, offering sacrifices, writing on plastered stones the blessings and curses from the book of Deuteronomy and pronouncing these blessings and curses on each of the six tribes on Ebal – for curses – and blessings on the six tribes on Mount Gerazim. Both natural Israelites and the strangers in their midst assented to the words of the covenant.

Deuteronomy 27 commands Israel that when they enter the land the nation should be assembled together at Shechem – which means the burden bearer. This town has an incredible history from the time Joshua gathered the nation to this location as soon as the major conquests of the land had been completed until the advent of our Lord Jesus' visit as John 4 records. The village lies in a valley between two mountains – Ebal and Gerazim. Six tribes were to stand upon each of these mountains to hear the reciting of Deuteronomy chapters 27 and 28. The curses for disobedience are found in chapter 27 and the blessings for obedience in chapter 28. Before this happens large stones were whitewashed and the words of the curses and the blessings were written on them. These were to be a record to remind the Israelites of the LORD's favour and goodness in bringing the people into the Promised Land. Additionally an altar of unhewn stones was to be built on Mount Ebal – the mountain of cursing. We, perhaps, puzzle that it should be the mountain of cursing where God's altar was to be. Why? Perhaps since the curses become more prominent in the nation's subsequent history as Joshua would point out towards the end of his life – Joshua 24 verses 18-22. Sacrifices were offered on Yahweh's altar. It is interesting to note that the confusing worship of the Samaritans had its focus on Mount Gerazim (John 4 verses 20). The tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin were to stand on Mount Gerazim. On Mount Ebal stood the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulon, Dan and Naphtali. The Levites were to recite in a loud voice all the curses and the blessings. After each curse the people of Israel were to audibly respond with the word “Amen”. Think about that as we find that word in chapter in each of the verses from 15-32. In past ages it was normal practice for each member of the congregation in our ecclesias to audibly say “Amen” as a sign of accord with what had been said. It meant that we were participating in the prayer and agreeing that the prayer was not just for the praying brother, but that it was our prayer. And so we said “Amen” meaning ‘so be it'..

The heart of the Book of Deuteronomy is the principle of the curses and the blessings. Moses gave instructions on how that principle was to be demonstrated when the people reached the Promised Land, and the time had now come for Joshua to enact that word picture for the Israelites. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the significance of the staging of this drama and an even more important principle therein. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29

The heart of the Book of Deuteronomy is the principle of the curses and the blessings. Moses gave instructions on how that principle was to be demonstrated when the people reached the Promised Land, and the time had now come for Joshua to enact that word picture for the Israelites. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the significance of the staging of this drama and an even more important principle therein. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

Joshua 8:30-35 The heart of the Book of Deuteronomy is the principle of the curses and the blessings. Moses gave instructions on how that principle was to be demonstrated when the people reached the Promised Land, and the time had now come for Joshua to enact that word picture for the Israelites. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he takes us through the significance of the staging of this drama and an even more important principle therein.

Deuteronomy - Offering first fruits. The curses of Mount Ebal.

In Joshua 8:30-35, after the victory at Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites to Mount Ebal, where he builds an altar to the Lord as instructed by Moses. All the people of Israel, including elders, officers, and judges, gather around the altar. Joshua reads all the words of the law, including blessings and curses, to the assembly, reaffirming their commitment to God's covenant.

In Joshua 8:30-35, after the victory at Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites to Mount Ebal, where he builds an altar to the Lord as instructed by Moses. All the people of Israel, including elders, officers, and judges, gather around the altar. Joshua reads all the words of the law, including blessings and curses, to the assembly, reaffirming their commitment to God's covenant.

here Is Your Samaria? Grace Christian Fellowship Mikey Brannon February 16, 2024 The Haircut o Can you get me in? But barber wasn't there because of an emergency. o Julie can do it though. Hair was sticking up in spike, it was all different colors. She had 100 piercings, shoes didn't match. Polka dotted pants and a flannel shirt. She said I'm Julie are you Jack? o Thought I'll just go to sleep. I hope she hurries. We have nothing in common. I don't want to hear anything she has to say. o Where do you work? Down at the big church by the interstate. o She said Oh yeah I was there the other day. She said, my momma is cocaine addict. My uncle is cocaine addict. Somebody gave us a Christian video the other day, and we sat down and watched it. She said, I don't know nothing about the Bible, but I knew when I finished watching it, I didn't want to go to hell. o So I went down there to buy a Bible. I don't know what to do. Already read a bunch, but I don't know what I'm reading. o Tears are streaming down her face. By this point many of the other people in the barber shop are frozen, some are crying. o Got up out of that chair, broken by his own obstinance to the direction of the Holy Spirit, he said Julie I want to 1 apologize to you for not telling you about Jesus, but you stay right here because I'm going to get a bible study out of my car and I'm going to help you know all about Jesus. o Oh how many times do we try to decide where the Spirit gets to move and where the Spirit does not get to move ▪ That person doesn't look like me ▪ That person is annoying ▪ He's dirty, he's on drugs, she is a lowlife sinner ▪ I'm an introvert. I'm just shy. I don't even know that person. ▪ I don't talk about religion at work, or school, or at the gym. Transition to Key Verse (John 3:8) o First talk about the hermeneutical principle of context (Contextual Interpretation). Why is this story here? o We have been looking the last few weeks at John 3, and the story of Nicodemus. o And today we have this abrupt shift where Jesus leaves Judea for an entirely new setting. So it is important to ask ourselves why is this passage placed here. o I think I know why. In fact, I want to give overwhelm you with reasons this morning so that hopefully you would agree with me. o Do you remember back in school when you would have a reading assignment, and you would get back to class and the teacher would say. Now that you all have read the book, I want you to write a paper where you compare and contrast a key character in the story? o I think that is exactly why John places this story of Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well, next to the passage of Nicodemus. He (under inspiration of the HS) 2 wants us to see the similarities, but he also wants us to see the differences. And I really believe that both of these stories tie back to a key verse in John 3 and verse 8. ▪ [Jhn 3:8 ESV] 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." • The wind is abstract, you can't see it • The wind is random or unpredictable • That is the way it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit • We don't know where the Spirit is going to move. Baber shop, work, school, on an afternoon walk. • But many of us, if we are honest try to play assistant Holy Spirit all the time. o So we have both of these stories, and I content that both of them are linked to this passage. Where Jesus is showing us exactly how unexpected movements of the Spirit, Salvation, can be. The Comparison What do both of these stories have in common? ▪ They are beside each other in the Gospel of John (John 3 & John 4) ▪ Both are personal extended conversations with Jesus. ▪ Both conversations are about the nature of salvation. ▪ In both cases Jesus is well aware of who he is talking to. Even aware of personal details. ▪ Both Nicodemus and the woman start off by misunderstanding Jesus in an overly literal way. 3 4 ▪ Both conversations deal with the Holy Spirit The Contrast ▪ I believe these stories are meant to be compared ▪ I'm the 1,000,000th person also to make this comparison. Nicodemus, John 3 Woman at the Well, John 4 Nicodemus is a man, we know his name, he is prominent member of society well respected and powerful. She is a woman. We don't know her name and she is an outcast from society. She had no social status and is without any power. He is a devout Jew. Even the teacher of the Jews. He is a member of the ruling council (the Sanhedrin). She is an immoral Samaritan. She is from a culture of misfits. Kings 17:24. Because of this influence from the Assyrians The region and its people were polluted with false idols religions, and as such were looked down on by Jewish people. He would have been viewed as righteous by his peers. She would have been viewed as unrighteous and scorned by her peers. He was educated. She was uneducated. Discussion is a night Discussion is in the day. Walks away confused, and is slow to come to Faith. His community remains unbelievers. Walks away with understanding, is quick to receive faith and her community is significantly impacted. Jesus doesn't explicitly reveal the fullness of his identity. Jesus for the first time reveals himself as God the son incarnate. You expect the Spirit to move in the direction of Nicodemus The W@tW is the last place you expect the Spirit to move. 5 In your mind right now as we learn more about this Samaritan woman, I want you to be thinking back to Julie the hairdresser. You see the woman at the well was a picture of desperation. She was broken and wanted nothing more in her life than to have peace. [Luk 5:30-32 ESV] 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." I think when we read about the Pharisees there is (with me) a temptation to externalize them a little. To think wow those guys were horrible. But whenever you catch yourself doing that I want you to stop and ask yourself a question. In what ways am I just like that. Because I really believe there is a little Pharisee in each of us. [Jhn 4:1 ESV] 1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John • Pastor Darrien discussed this last week. JTB realized that he must decrease and Christ must increase. • John the Baptist is already in prison at this point. The Pharisees already suspicious of his growing popularity, and probably even have spies reporting on what Jesus is doing. • Talk about why Jesus was a threat to them, and why Jesus is a threat to the world today. 6 [Jhn 4:2 ESV] 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), • Jesus didn't baptize personally because of the division that might have caused. • People would have been tempted to think they were superior because they had been baptized by Jesus. See 1 Corinthians 1:12-15. • Talk here about Baptismal regeneration. Good proof text for knowing that baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but is done as a demonstration of salvation. [Jhn 4:3 ESV] 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. • https://www.jesuswalk.com/john/maps/jerusalem-cana samaria-2148x3472x300.jpg • 70 mile walk • Talk about Messianic timing and his perfect connection with the Holy Spirit. • [Jhn 7:30 ESV] 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. • JTB ministry had cleared the way for Jesus to go to Galilee. It was under Herod's jurisdiction and the last known spot where we have John's ministry before imprisonment. [Jhn 4:4 ESV] 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. • Look at map. • Because of the geographic location travelers were often making their way through this region. • However, the real reason is not geographic necessity it is because of a divine appointment. Talk about God's sovereignty is all aspects of our life. How the lady was just going for water, but the appointment for her was set before the foundation of the world. • Jesus took the most direct path available. In that day most Jews would have opted for the longer route across the Jordan river because they had such a disdain for the Samaritan people. The believed that they would be defiled just by being near the people. • Parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10) o Beaten, striped, thrown away for dead o Priest comes by, moved as far away as possible and kept walking o Levite does the same o Then we have Samaritan 7 • “had to” – verb John often uses to denote Jesus perfect obedience to the mission given to him by his Father. • Give an example of a person who is obedient, but we don't do it perfectly [Jhn 4:5 ESV] 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. • Sychar mountain village located on Mount Ebal. Recall back in the book of Joshua • [Jos 8:33-34 ESV] 33 And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. • The Talmud explains that as the priest would say the positive of the curse they would all face toward Mount Garizim and for the negative of the they would face Mount Ebal. • What is the Samaria in your life? What group of location have you made off limits to the gospel. (work, school, home, friend group). • Religion had become about living in a bubble. If we are honest with ourselves we too create for ourselves bubbles that we fit in. And then we justify why those bubbles exist. [Jhn 4:6 ESV] 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. • https://images.app.goo.gl/JTNTtkGQ7XYqQBdb9 • Modern site that is claimed to be Jacob's well. Location is pretty well established from tradition and writings. • Jacob -> Joseph shortly before he died (Gen 48) • 6th hour -> Noon. Jewish time starts counting at sunrise about 6 am. • Jesus has become weary. Gospel writers never tried to conceal Jesus' humanity or Jesus' divinity. We believe that Jesus is 100% man and 100% God. Bad math, but good theology. • Jesus humanity is required in order for him to be an appropriate sacrifice • [Heb 2:17 ESV] 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a 8 merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [Jhn 4:7 ESV] 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." • It is unusually that this woman would come to the well at noon. Customarily this practice (Gen 24:11) would be done in the evening. • Another unusual detail is the distance this woman would have walked from the village to get to this particular well. • We will find out later in the story why. She is an outcast from the outcasts. Likely someone who regularly receives shame and scorn from others. • In fact she would rather come to the well in the heat of the day, than to have to endure the shame that she would otherwise receive. • To the discouraged, realize that God's providence is in control, and he provides hope in the most mundane of things. Here is this woman just going to the well on any old day, and she is about to have the most life changing moment of her life. [Jhn 4:8 ESV] 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) • Jesus is not being exclusive or pretentious by sending his disciples. This was customary. Because Jesus was the Rabbi, it was normal for the students of the teacher to gather the food. [Jhn 4:9 ESV] 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no • Jews had transactions buy things, but could not share drinks food utensils. They were considered dirty. • How thirsty was this woman? o She wasn't seeking God o She was living in sin, running from God o She was seeking peace, guilt relief, but not God 9 dealings with Samaritans.) [Jhn 4:10 ESV] 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." • Jesus moves strait past her comment about the fued between the Samaritans and the Jews. He knows that this is a side bar and he gets right to the heart of the matter. • If you only knew who it is that asks you he says. o Can you imagine is she only knew? She sees a dirty, thirsty, tired traveler. o Jesus says if you only knew. If she only knew that the one who asks was: ▪ The word become flesh ▪ The one who hung the starts in the sky ▪ The one by whom all of creation came to be ▪ The one who was, the one is, and the one who is to come ▪ He is the I Am. As we close here, I want to ask the musicians and those serving the Lord's supper this morning to be making their way. I want to leave you with two thoughts. As you pray this morning and as you remember what Jesus did for you on the Cross. How is blood was spilled, how his body was broken. I ask you to search your heart of sin this morning. There's a couple of ways I want you to think about this sermon this morning. For some of you, I want you to think about where is Samaria for you. What is the place that you have marked off limits to God. If we are honest, we can admit that we have been trying to control which way the wind Where is the difficult place or the difficult thing that God is asking of you to go. This morning I want you to pray and take care of that. But I think there may be a second group of people here also. Because some of you may feel like you are not the Pharisees in the story, but maybe you feel like the Samaritan woman. You might say, this all sounds good Mikey, but I'm in a dirty dark spot. Down here where I am I just don't think Jesus is willing to come. I've done things, I've burned bridges, I've broken relationships and I'm like that Samaritan woman. I think Jesus this morning is sitting on the well, and he's waiting for you to walk up. And this morning he looks directly at you and says, I'm really thirsty would you mind getting me a drink? Don't walk away from him. Let's pray

There are claims - and you hear them every so often - that archeology has disproved this story or that in the bible, and claims from this or that scholar of particularly late dating of different bible books.How do we as evangelical pastors react/respond/answer those claims?Hans Kristensen is senior pastor of Marsfield Community Church in Sydney and is studying ancient archaeology.He suggests that there are 10 major archaelogical finds that help us to increase our confidence in the Old Testament:There's evidence of a big population jump in Caanan at exactly the time that the bible said that Yahweh was giving Israel the land, called the ‘Hill Country Explosion.'The Egyptian Pharaoh Merneptah boasts of raiding the land of Caanan, saying it was occupied by Israel.In the city of Hazor, archaeologists have found religious idols destroyed and other items intact, just as expected from Joshua 11-12The recently discovered altar at Mount Ebal is likely Joshua's altar (Joshua 8)In the Tel Dan inscription we now have archeological evidence for King David's existence.There's consistent architectural town planning in the cities built around the time of David and Solomon - pointing towards planning and control under one ruler (eg a King).There are similarities between what we know of the temple of Solomon and a similar temple built at Ain Dara, about 30 kilometres from Beirut, showing Solomon's temple fits into the religious and architectural landscape of the time.The discovery of six massive chambered gates at Hazor, Meggido and Gezer and other architectural discoveries at those sites corresponds with 1Kings 9:15.A ninth century battle account from King Moab of Mersha mirrors the one in 2 Kings 3.The Biblical chronology of the listed kings matches almost exactly with archeological evidence.Reach Australia National ConferenceReach Australia's National Conference is happening from 19 to 22 May 2025 on the Central Coast of NSW. This year's theme is URGENT: The Necessary Task of Mission Before Christ Returns. For more info. The Church Cohttp://www.thechurchco.com is an excellent website and app platform built specifically for churches. Support the show--Become a regular financial supporter of The Pastor's Heart via Patreon.

When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali.Start your day in God's Word with our Daily Verse Reflections! Each weekday, our pastors offer insights and encouragement to help you apply Scripture to your daily life. Whether you're seeking inspiration, comfort, or guidance, these Daily Verse Reflections will keep you grounded in your faith throughout the week!You can also watch the video versions of our Daily Verse Reflections at https://watch.timeofgrace.org/browse, where you will also find a wide variety of videos that will help you learn more about Jesus and grow in your faith!To receive special text offers and stay up to date with the Time of Grace, text the word "Grace" to 45321 to subscribe!

In May 2023, archaeologist Scott Stipling published his discovery of an altar on Mount Ebal which proves to be the very one mentioned in Deuteronomy 27 and Joshua 8. Within the covenant there were blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This is the curse of the law Paul referenced in Galatians 3:10. What does the ceremony of blessing and cursing teach us today? Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Send us a textSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessEpisode Notes:Key Themes:Choices and Consequences:Daily decisions impact our lives positively or negatively.Key to beneficial decisions: loving and obeying God.Historical Reminder:Moses reviews Israelite history, emphasizing God's discipline as moral education. Recounting miracles and judgments serves to remind of God's power and care.Love and Obedience:Central command: Love the Lord and keep His commandments.Love is shown through obedience, leading to strength and prosperity.Dependence on God:Contrast between Egypt's manual irrigation and Promised Land's divine rain.Prosperity relies on God's provision, not human effort.Generational Teaching:Importance of teaching God's commands to children.Constant engagement with Scripture ensures faithfulness.Blessings and Curses:Obedience brings blessings; disobedience brings curses.Visual representation through Mount Gerizim (blessing) and Mount Ebal (curse).Practical Applications:Internalize God's Word:Keep God's words in hearts and minds, visible in daily life.Teach and live out biblical principles within families.Remember God's Acts:Reflect on past experiences of God's provision and discipline.Use these reflections to guide current decisions.Depend on Divine Provision:Recognize that true prosperity comes from God's blessings.Trust in God's timing and provision rather than solely on personal efforts.Teach Future Generations:Instil biblical principles in children through daily conversations and actions.Ensure the continuation of faithfulness and obedience across generations.Conclusion:Loving and obeying God is the foundation for making beneficial choices.Obedience brings blessings, while disobedience brings severe consequences.By internalizing and living out God's word, we align our decisions with His will, leading to a prosperous and blessed life.These study notes provide a concise overview of the key themes and practical applications from Deuteronomy 11, reinforcing the importance of making decisions that benefit us by loving and obeying God.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

(DEUTERONOMY 27:4-8) When you’ve crossed over the Jordan, use these stones & some plaster to build an altar on Mount Ebal to the Lord your God. Don’t use tools, build it with your hands! You shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, make peace offerings, & have a feast there. You shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of the Law.

(DEUTERONOMY 27:4-8) When you’ve crossed over the Jordan, use these stones & some plaster to build an altar on Mount Ebal to the Lord your God. Don’t use tools, build it with your hands! You shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, make peace offerings, & have a feast there. You shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of the Law.

We're back in Deuteronomy! Peter Leithart, James Bejon and Alastair Roberts discuss Deuteronomy 27:1-8. _____ GIVE TO THEOPOLIS theopolisinstitute.com/give/ The Theopolitan Ministry Conference theopolisinstitute.com/gatherings/th…oriented-age/ Get the new Theopolis App! app.theopolisinstitute.com/menu Use Code "theopolitan" to get your first month free! Sign up for In Medias Res mailchi.mp/0b01d726f2fe/inmediasres

For some reason today I could not help but remember Psalm 136 as I was looking at Joshua 8. Every verse in Psalm 136 ends with, “His mercy endures forever”, or as in some translations, “His steadfast love endures forever”. I am so thankful that after all our failures, like the defeat at Ai (Joshua 7), the Lord because of His love, His mercy, and His forgiveness, He gives us the opportunity of a new beginning (Joshua 8; 1 John 1:7-9). To find peace with God, to renew fellowship with God, to get back on our feet and face whatever challenges or battles that still lie ahead of us. God gives us a new beginning, a new guidance and wisdom, and new victories as we continue our journey, our pilgrimage through this world of sin.   Now, in verses 30-35, of Joshua 8, we find that the people of Israel make a new commitment as they build this altar. At some time following the victory at Ai, Joshua led the people thirty miles north to Shechem, which lies in the valley between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim. Here the nation obeyed what Moses had commanded them to do in his farewell speech. “Therefore it shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that on Mount Ebal you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, and you shall whitewash them with lime. And there you shall build an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use an iron tool on them. You shall build with whole stones the altar of the LORD your God, and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God. You shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before the LORD your God. And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 27:4-8)   “Now Joshua built an altar” (v. 30). “Now”, not shortly, not later, not tomorrow, but “now” is always the time to make sure of our relationship and fellowship with the Lord! Joshua interrupted the military activities to give Israel the opportunity to make a new commitment to the authority of Jehovah as expressed in His law. Since Abraham had built an altar at Shechem (Gen. 12:6-7), and Jacob had lived there a short time (chap. 33-34), the area had strong historic ties to Israel. Joshua's altar was built on Mt. Ebal, "the mount of cursing," because only a sacrifice of blood can save sinners from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:10-14).   In building the altar, Joshua was careful to obey Exodus 20:25 and not apply any tool to the stones picked up in the field. No human work was to be associated with the sacrifice lest sinners think their own works can save them (Eph. 2:8-9). God asked for a simple stone altar, not one that was designed and decorated by human hands, "that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:29). It's not the beauty of manmade religion that gives the sinner forgiveness, but the blood on the altar (Lev. 17:11).   In verse 31, the priests offered burnt offerings to the Lord as a token of the nation's total commitment to Him (Leviticus1). The peace offerings, or "fellowship offerings," were an expression of gratitude to God for His goodness (Leviticus 3; 7:11-34). A portion of the meat was given to the priests and another portion to the offeror, so that he could eat it joyfully with his family in the presence of the Lord (Leviticus 7:15-16, 30-34; Deut. 12:17-18). By these sacrifices, the nation of Israel was assuring God of their commitment to Him and their fellowship with Him.   Today, we can renew fellowship with the Lord at His altar of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary! There we can confess our sins and be assured that, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).   God Bless!

Could it be the greatest find of the century? Learn about one of the greatest archeological discoveries in our time as Dr. Gene Bailey talks with Scott Stripling about the Mount Ebal "Curse Tablet." RRTV 240623

Peter Leithart, James Bejon and Jeff Meyers discuss Deuteronomy 27:1-8. _____ GIVE TO THEOPOLIS theopolisinstitute.com/give/ The Theopolitan Ministry Conference https://theopolisinstitute.com/gatherings/theopolitan-ministry-conference-sexual-sanity-in-a-disoriented-age/ Get the new Theopolis App! app.theopolisinstitute.com/menu Use Code "theopolitan" to get your first month free! Sign up for In Medias Res mailchi.mp/0b01d726f2fe/inmediasres

After the Battle of Ai, in the Book of Joshua, an event is recorded. This event would be the reading of the blessings and curses that Moses would command Joshua to do. However, scholars today cannot figure out the timeline in which the event happened! Welcome to the History of the Bible! If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or someone you know click the link (https://forms.gle/jr4EdGsqCaFk4qZm8)! Please let us know if you believe something was presented with incorrect information (https://forms.gle/PiMMkPnJFaa4j5p37).  Our show was edited and produced by Nikao Productions. Search Nikao Productions wherever you listen to podcasts to check out other shows! Follow them on Instagram @Nikaoproductions  

Timothy Mahoney, Steve Law, and Dr. Scott Stripling conclude their discussion of updates on the Mount Ebal Curse Tablet project. Hear Dr. Stripling address and refute criticisms launched at the tablet by other scholars who seem all too eager to dismiss this important Biblical discovery.               ➡️ HELP US FUND THE NEXT FILM

Timothy Mahoney, Steve Law, and Dr. Scott Stripling discuss the process of scanning and deciphering the Mount Ebal Curse Tablet.             Learn how an international team of Tomographers and Epigraphers headed by Dr. Stripling discovered the name Yahweh written in Proto-Alphabetic script within the tiny lead object. Tim, Steve, and Scott continue pointing out the major ramifications this find has for Biblical archaeology and the historicity of Scripture.               ➡️ HELP US FUND THE NEXT FILM

In this episode Dr Andrew Ollerton is joined by Dr Daniel Block to look at Old Testament law and instruction. This episode's text is Deuteronomy Chapter 27 and the instruction to set up the stones on Mount Ebal, as Daniel demonstrates how even after 50 years of study the biblical text might still have surprises for us.Dr Daniel Block is Gunther Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton College. His scholarly work focuses on the books of Deuteronomy, Judges, Ruth, and Ezekiel. Dr Block studied for his DPhil at Liverpool University. He has written numerous scholarly articles and reference works and served as a senior translator for the New Living Translation. His books include The Gods of the Nations: Studies in Ancient Near Eastern Theology and The Gospel according to Moses: Theological and Ethical Reflections on the Book of Deuteronomy.Reading list:Covenant: The Framework of God's Plan for Redemption (Baker Academic, 2021)Daniel I. Block, "'What Do These Stones Mean?' The Riddle Of Deuteronomy 27," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 56.1 (March 2013): 17-41---This episode is a re-release from the Trusting the Bible podcast which was a collaboration between Tyndale House, Cambridge @Tyndale_House and the Bible Society @biblesociety in 2022.Edited by Tyndale House Music – Acoustic Happy Background used with a standard license from Adobe Stock.Support the Show.

Timothy Mahoney, Steve Law, and Dr. Scott Stripling continue discussing updates on the Mount Ebal Curse Tablet and how this tiny tablet has caused huge waves in the archaeological community!           In what ways does this find challenge long held paradigms, critical of the Bible's historicity? What does it say about literacy of the early Israelites and their ability to record biblical events as eyewitness accounts? Learn the significance of this discovery as well as the evidence dating it to the time of Conquest of the Promised Land.             ➡️ HELP US FUND THE NEXT FILM

In our new series Timothy Mahoney, Steve Law, and Dr. Scott Stripling discuss exciting updates with the Mount Ebal Curse Tablet. The three also refute criticisms launched at the tablet and its important Proto-Alphabetic inscription containing the name Yahweh.           In this first episode learn the story behind the tablet's discovery and the Biblical significance of where it was found!           Did you miss our first, 6 episode series on the curse tablet with Dr. Stripling and Dr. Peter van der Veen? You can find it here on our podcast platform!         Ep01 https://sites.libsyn.com/425630/the-altar-the-curse-the-alphabet         Ep02 https://sites.libsyn.com/425630/curses-covenants         Ep03 https://sites.libsyn.com/425630/the-name-of-god-from-mount-ebal         Ep04 https://sites.libsyn.com/425630/translating-the-curse         Ep05 https://sites.libsyn.com/425630/changing-the-world-of-biblical-archaeology         Ep06 https://sites.libsyn.com/425630/the-future-providence-of-the-mount-ebal-tablet       ➡️ HELP US FUND THE NEXT FILM

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” — Galatians 3:10 CALL OUT: Shout out to Resolute, all my current Board Members, and those who've journeyed with us over the past decade. Today marks our tenth anniversary since our inception. Looking ahead to the next decade, I'm eager to expand our reach, deepen discipleship, and offer even more valuable resources and support to men within the church. I want each of you to be integral to this journey. For those of you who listen daily to these devotionals, I want you to know I'm committed to delivering them until I've covered the entire Bible. I will continue to provide great studies through the Bible. And to every generous donor who has supported our mission, a heartfelt thank you. Your contributions make all of this possible. With your assistance, we're impacting millions of men each year. So, this text has some super interesting history that Paul is hinting at here. The curse he referenced is spoken about in Deuteronomy 27-28. This Scripture is the account of Israel's inaugural entry into the promised land. Moses instructed the people on how vital it was to keep the Law of God as they entered this new season. He ordered men to build a legal monument on two separate mountains: one in the Desert and one in the Promised Land (i.e., Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal). Then, a long list of curses is shouted from the leaders on each mountain to the people below. The list of curses is found in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. The point of doing this was to forever embed in their hearts, minds, and souls the importance of obedience to God's Law and the curses upon them if they were disobedient. It's worth a read if you have not read it before because the words and scenes are chilling. Paul, without a doubt, had these curses memorized. History tells us that he endured five severe floggings, each time receiving "39 lashes" from synagogue leaders (2 Corinthians 11:24). During these lashings, it was mandated that the curses from Deuteronomy 27:15-26 be recited. This means Paul had these curses ingrained in his mind and beaten into his body multiple times. Also, before his conversion, he justified the lashing of others. So, better than most, Paul understood the curse he referenced here. Yet Paul also understood that we are all cursed. The Law of God curses all men because only one man was obedient to the whole Law—Jesus Christ, which brings us to the ultimate point. Relying on our work is to live cursed but relying on Jesus's work is to live blessed. Today, consciously shift your reliance from your works to the finished work accomplished by Jesus on Mount Calvary's Cross. Embrace the blessing that he shouts down to you that the curse of the Law no longer binds you but you are a recipient of all God's grace. #GraceOverWorks #CursedNoMore #ChristFinishedWork #FromCurseToBlessing #EmbracingGodsGrace ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you found yourself striving to earn God's favor through your own works. How did this mindset affect your relationship with God and others? What changes can you make today to shift your reliance onto Christ's finished work? In what areas of your life do you still struggle to fully trust in God's grace rather than your own efforts? How can you intentionally remind yourself of the freedom and blessing found in Christ's redemption, especially when facing challenges or temptations? DO THIS: Shift reliance from your work to His work. PRAY THIS: Father, I humbly surrender my striving and efforts, choosing to trust fully in the grace and finished work of your Son, Jesus Christ. Renew my mind daily to live in the freedom and blessing of your redemption, and empower me to extend this grace to others. Amen. PLAY THIS: God Help Me.

7:25 And Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him with stones. They burned them with fire and stoned them with stones. And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his burning anger. Therefore, to this day the name of that place is called the Valley of Achor. 8:28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it forever a heap of ruins, as it is to this day. And he hanged the king of Ai on a tree until evening. And at sunset Joshua commanded, and they took his body down from the tree and threw it at the entrance of the gate of the city and raised over it a great heap of stones, which stands there to this day. At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.  And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.  There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them.Sermon Questions1. What failure, mis-step, or sin do you have a hard time letting go of?2. When have you struggled to receive forgiveness?3. What quality, action, or habit are you most proud of?4. What have you enshrined in your heart?5. When have you most felt God's presence?6. What does it look like for you to 'come to Jesus' today?

The Palestinian Authority has begun building a neighborhood on the site of Joshua's altar on Mount Ebal, near Nablus, paving roads as part of a project for 32 housing units at the historic and biblically important site. 5) Ukraine replaces Defense Minister as counteroffensive stalls; 4) Rain strands 72,000 people at Burning Man in Nevada desert; 3) Israel scrambles to stop housing development at Joshua's altar; 2) More than half of Americans report interacting with dead relatives; 1) US government developing smart clothing that spies on wearer. FOLLOW US! Twitter X: @SkyWatch_TV YouTube: @SkyWatchTVnow @SimplyHIS @FiveInTen Rumble: @SkyWatchTV Facebook: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHIS @EdensEssentials Instagram: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHisShow @EdensEssentialsUSA TikTok: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHisShow @EdensEssentials SkyWatchTV.com | SkyWatchTVStore.com | EdensEssentials.com | WhisperingPoniesRanch.com

Since the 1950s, American astronomers and military officials have monitored the orbital space above planet Earth for signs of objects that may represent threats to the United States. However, even prior to the launch of Sputnik in October 1957, strange objects of unknown origin were being detected in orbit above Earth, giving rise to theories about the existence of an alien probe that could have quietly monitored our planet from a once-hidden position in orbit for thousands of years.  This week on The Micah Hanks Program, we dive into the strange history involving what is popularly known as "The Black Knight Satellite", and how a genuine scientific anomaly first detected in the 1920s helped give rise to theories about possible evidence of alien technologies in Earth's orbit.  The story doesn't end here... become an X Subscriber and get access to even more weekly content and monthly specials. Want to advertise/sponsor The Micah Hanks Program? We have partnered with the fine folks at Gumball to handle our advertising/sponsorship requests. If you would like to advertise with The Micah Hanks Program, all you have to do is click the link below to get started: Gumball: Advertise with The Micah Hanks Program Show Notes Below are links to stories and other content featured in this episode: NEWS: The Hottest Online Game: Hunting for Classified Documents  Prosecutor seeks to free man imprisoned 33 years for murder, citing evidence of innocence  Ancient tablet found on Mount Ebal predates known Hebrew inscriptions In 'crazy' coincidence, 2 earthquakes occur one second apart on different faults, jostling San Diego County  Denmark's mystery tremors caused by acoustic waves from unknown source, officials say   BLACK KNIGHT: Short Wave Echoes and the Aurora Borealis Science: Message from a Star... The Five Most Likely Explanations for Long Delayed Echoes Evidence of Non-Terrestrial Objects Surveilling Earth Could Be Revealed in New Research Effort BECOME AN X SUBSCRIBER AND GET EVEN MORE GREAT PODCASTS AND MONTHLY SPECIALS FROM MICAH HANKS. Sign up today and get access to the entire back catalog of The Micah Hanks Program, as well as “classic” episodes of The Gralien Report Podcast, weekly “additional editions” of the subscriber-only X Podcast, the monthly Enigmas specials, and much more. Like us on Facebook Follow @MicahHanks on Twitter Keep up with Micah and his work at micahhanks.com.