Podcasts about Rahab

IS CHAOS a symbol of disorder, or is it, as certain passages in the Bible suggest, an entity? Back this month for another in our Iron and Myth series are Brian Godawa (www.godawa.com), author of Leviathan and Behemoth, Pastor Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, and Dr. Judd Burton (www.burtonbeyond.com), author of Interview with the Giant: Ethnohistorical Notes on the Nephilim. We discuss the various ways chaos is described in the Bible (Leviathan, Rahab, a multi-headed sea dragon, and the sea itself), the apparent struggle to subdue chaos in scripture and in pagan cultures of the ancient world, and the disturbing connection between chaos and the modern UFO phenomenon. Subscribe and share our YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/GilbertHouse! Get our new app! It features all of our weekly content—this podcast, our weekly Bible study, the Gilbert House Fellowship, and our weekly programs SciFriday and Unraveling Revelation. It's free and available for iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire tablets, and for Roku and Apple TV. Find the link here: www.GilbertHouse.org/app/. My latest book, The Second Coming of Saturn, is now available in paperback and Kindle! Check out free chapters of the book by clicking here. Read my novels for free! Iron Dragons and The God Conspiracy are part of Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program, and they're linked at my author page: Amazon.com/author/derekpgilbert. Please join Derek and Sharon Gilbert each Sunday for the Gilbert House Fellowship, our weekly Bible study podcast. Log on to www.GilbertHouse.org for more details. Join us in Israel! For details on our Israel Tour March 19-30, 2023, log on to www.gilberthouse.org/travel. NOTE NEW DATES: Join Derek and Sharon Gilbert in Turkey October of 2023 for a fascinating tour that explores the history and future of Turkey. For information and registration, log on to www.SkyWatchinTurkey.com! Check out our weekly video programs: SciFriday (www.SciFriday.tv) and Unraveling Revelation (www.unravelingrevelation.tv), and subscribe to the YouTube channels: YouTube.com/UnravelingRevelation and YouTube.com/SciFridayTV. Discuss these topics at the VFTB Facebook page (www.facebook.com/viewfromthebunker) and check out the great podcasters at the Fringe Radio Network (www.spreaker.com/user/mxpw)!

This week in our series with Helen Starrett she shares the story of an unlikely Bible hero. Rahab. This story is a perfect example of God's grace- using someone the world may see as an outcast- to do something incredible for His kingdom. Series: Destiny https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife

View the bulletin for Sunday August 14, 20228:00 a.m. - Worship with Communion9:15 a.m. - Adult/Teen Bible Study & Sunday School10:30 a.m. - Worship with CommunionAll are welcomeView our current COVID-19 ProtocolsDOWNLOAD ORDER FORM: Easter LiliesArchive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”Old Testament Reading – Jeremiah 23:16–29 Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, ‘It shall be well with you'; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.'” For who among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. “Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!' How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal? Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD. Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” Epistle Reading – Hebrews 11:17-31; 12:1-3 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the twelfth chapter. [Jesus said:] “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.' And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,' and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

We are saved by grace, not by respectability or external markers of decency or balancing the ledger of good deeds over bad. Faith is the response to grace which is demonstrated staking our lives on God rather than on anything else, like Rahab.

Adrian Rogers reveals four things about the power of faith from the story of Rahab the prostitute in Joshua 2. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

James 2:18-26Payton Roth joins Edwin for today's conversation. How are we justified? The only place in the Bible that uses the words "faith alone," and it says we are not justified by faith alone. Payton and Edwin talk a bit about how this fits with what Paul says in Romans and Galatians. They also talk about the demonic faith.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=10474The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Faith has the incredible ability to radically and dramatically change people. In Joshua 2, Rahab the prostitute was transformed by faith. In this message, Adrian Rogers reveals four things about the power of faith.

Adrian Rogers reveals four things about the power of faith from the story of Rahab the prostitute in Joshua 2. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

Morning: Psalms 88–89 Psalms 88–89 (Listen) I Cry Out Day and Night Before You A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil1 of Heman the Ezrahite. 88   O LORD, God of my salvation,    I cry out day and night before you.2   Let my prayer come before you;    incline your ear to my cry! 3   For my soul is full of troubles,    and my life draws near to Sheol.4   I am counted among those who go down to the pit;    I am a man who has no strength,5   like one set loose among the dead,    like the slain that lie in the grave,  like those whom you remember no more,    for they are cut off from your hand.6   You have put me in the depths of the pit,    in the regions dark and deep.7   Your wrath lies heavy upon me,    and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah 8   You have caused my companions to shun me;    you have made me a horror2 to them.  I am shut in so that I cannot escape;9     my eye grows dim through sorrow.  Every day I call upon you, O LORD;    I spread out my hands to you.10   Do you work wonders for the dead?    Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah11   Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,    or your faithfulness in Abaddon?12   Are your wonders known in the darkness,    or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? 13   But I, O LORD, cry to you;    in the morning my prayer comes before you.14   O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?    Why do you hide your face from me?15   Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,    I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.316   Your wrath has swept over me;    your dreadful assaults destroy me.17   They surround me like a flood all day long;    they close in on me together.18   You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;    my companions have become darkness.4 I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the Lord A Maskil5 of Ethan the Ezrahite. 89   I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.2   For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”3   You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;    I have sworn to David my servant:4   ‘I will establish your offspring forever,    and build your throne for all generations.'” Selah 5   Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!6   For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?    Who among the heavenly beings6 is like the LORD,7   a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,    and awesome above all who are around him?8   O LORD God of hosts,    who is mighty as you are, O LORD,    with your faithfulness all around you?9   You rule the raging of the sea;    when its waves rise, you still them.10   You crushed Rahab like a carcass;    you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.11   The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.12   The north and the south, you have created them;    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.13   You have a mighty arm;    strong is your hand, high your right hand.14   Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.15   Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,    who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,16   who exult in your name all the day    and in your righteousness are exalted.17   For you are the glory of their strength;    by your favor our horn is exalted.18   For our shield belongs to the LORD,    our king to the Holy One of Israel. 19   Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one,7 and said:    “I have granted help to one who is mighty;    I have exalted one chosen from the people.20   I have found David, my servant;    with my holy oil I have anointed him,21   so that my hand shall be established with him;    my arm also shall strengthen him.22   The enemy shall not outwit him;    the wicked shall not humble him.23   I will crush his foes before him    and strike down those who hate him.24   My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him,    and in my name shall his horn be exalted.25   I will set his hand on the sea    and his right hand on the rivers.26   He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,    my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'27   And I will make him the firstborn,    the highest of the kings of the earth.28   My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,    and my covenant will stand firm8 for him.29   I will establish his offspring forever    and his throne as the days of the heavens.30   If his children forsake my law    and do not walk according to my rules,931   if they violate my statutes    and do not keep my commandments,32   then I will punish their transgression with the rod    and their iniquity with stripes,33   but I will not remove from him my steadfast love    or be false to my faithfulness.34   I will not violate my covenant    or alter the word that went forth from my lips.35   Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;    I will not lie to David.36   His offspring shall endure forever,    his throne as long as the sun before me.37   Like the moon it shall be established forever,    a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah 38   But now you have cast off and rejected;    you are full of wrath against your anointed.39   You have renounced the covenant with your servant;    you have defiled his crown in the dust.40   You have breached all his walls;    you have laid his strongholds in ruins.41   All who pass by plunder him;    he has become the scorn of his neighbors.42   You have exalted the right hand of his foes;    you have made all his enemies rejoice.43   You have also turned back the edge of his sword,    and you have not made him stand in battle.44   You have made his splendor to cease    and cast his throne to the ground.45   You have cut short the days of his youth;    you have covered him with shame. Selah 46   How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?    How long will your wrath burn like fire?47   Remember how short my time is!    For what vanity you have created all the children of man!48   What man can live and never see death?    Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah 49   Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,    which by your faithfulness you swore to David?50   Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,    and how I bear in my heart the insults10 of all the many nations,51   with which your enemies mock, O LORD,    with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. 52   Blessed be the LORD forever!      Amen and Amen. Footnotes [1] 88:1 Probably musical or liturgical terms [2] 88:8 Or an abomination [3] 88:15 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [4] 88:18 Or darkness has become my only companion [5] 89:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [6] 89:6 Hebrew the sons of God, or the sons of might [7] 89:19 Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones [8] 89:28 Or will remain faithful [9] 89:30 Or my just decrees [10] 89:50 Hebrew lacks the insults (ESV) Evening: Romans 10 Romans 10 (Listen) 10 Brothers,1 my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.2 The Message of Salvation to All 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?3 And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for   “Their voice has gone out to all the earth,    and their words to the ends of the world.” 19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,   “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;    with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” 20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,   “I have been found by those who did not seek me;    I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Footnotes [1] 10:1 Or Brothers and sisters [2] 10:4 Or end of the law, that everyone who believes may be justified [3] 10:14 Or him whom they have never heard (ESV)

================================================== ==SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1================================================== == DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA ADULTOS 2022“NUESTRO MARAVILLOSO DIOS”Narrado por: Roberto NavarroDesde: Chiapas, MéxicoUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church 11 DE AGOSTONUESTRO MARAVILLOSO DIOS«Josué salvó la vida a Rahab, la ramera, a la casa de su padre ya todo lo que ella tenía, y ella habitó entre los israelitas hasta hoy, por cuanto escondió a los mensajeros que Josué había enviado para reconocer a Jericó». Josué 6: 25ES DIFÍCIL LEER EL RELATO de la destrucción de Jericó, especialmente el L-papel que desempeñó Rahab, «la ramera», sin que surjan preguntas varias: ¿Era ella, en realidad, una mujer de mala vida? ¿Por qué escondió a los espías a sabiendas de que ese acto podía costarle la vida? ¿Cómo recompensa Dios su fe?La respuesta a la primera pregunta la proporción el Comentario bíblico adventista cuando afirma que el uso de la palabra hebrea zonah («ramera») «en todo el AT, y su traducción en Heb. 11:31 y Sant. 2:25, Indica que señala a una mujer de mala vida». * O sea que Rahab, además de pagana, era prostituta.¿Por qué escondió a los espías, arriesgándose así su vida? Porque de alguna manera, Rahab se había enterado de las maravillas que Dios había realizado un favor de Israel: «Tenemos noticias -dijo Rahab— de cómo el Señor secó las aguas del Mar Rojo para que ustedes pasaran, después de haber salido de Egipto. También hemos oído cómo destruyeron completamente a los reyes amorreos» (Jos. 2: 10, NVI). De estas proezas también sabían los habitantes de Jericó, pero en ningún momento dieron muestras de querer someterse a Dios de Israel. En cambio, Rahab reconoció la soberanía del Altísimo en términos inconfundibles: «Yo sé que el Señor y Dios —declaró- es Dios de dioses tanto en el cielo como en la tierra» (vers. 11, NVI).¡Y pensar que Rahab vivía en medio de una cultura plagada de dioses, y saturada de ritos sexuales! A pesar de todo, su fe se puso en evidencia, primero, al salvar la vida de los dos mensajeros israelitas (vers. 2-7). Luego, al seguir al pie de la letra sus indicaciones —colocó el cordón rojo en la ventana de su casa (vers. 21), y reunió a sus familiares bajo su techo para que no perecieran (Jos. 6:22-25). Finalmente, «esperó en Dios» el cumplimiento de la promesa, en el sentido de que su familia no sería destruida. ¡Con razón el apóstol Santiago -al ilustrar la verdad de que la fe sin obras es muerta—, menciona el nombre de Rahab al lado del nombre de Abraham (Sant. 2: 25)!¿Cómo recompensó Dios la fe de Rahab? Nuestro texto responde: «Y ella habitó entre los israelitas hasta hoy» (Jos. 6:25). Hasta el día de su muerte, Rahab disfrutó, con su familia, de las bendiciones prometidas a los descendientes de Abraham. Rahab la pagana. Rahab la ramera.¡No digo yo que nuestro Dios es, sencillamente, maravilloso! Mi corazón te alaba, Padre celestial porque, no importa cuánto oscuro haya sido nuestro pasado, nos perdonas en Cristo y nos aceptas como miembros de tu pueblo escogido.*Comentario bíblico adventista, t. 2, pág. 186.

Morning: Psalms 85–87 Psalms 85–87 (Listen) Revive Us Again To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. 85   LORD, you were favorable to your land;    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2   You forgave the iniquity of your people;    you covered all their sin. Selah3   You withdrew all your wrath;    you turned from your hot anger. 4   Restore us again, O God of our salvation,    and put away your indignation toward us!5   Will you be angry with us forever?    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?6   Will you not revive us again,    that your people may rejoice in you?7   Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,    and grant us your salvation. 8   Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,    for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;    but let them not turn back to folly.9   Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,    that glory may dwell in our land. 10   Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;    righteousness and peace kiss each other.11   Faithfulness springs up from the ground,    and righteousness looks down from the sky.12   Yes, the LORD will give what is good,    and our land will yield its increase.13   Righteousness will go before him    and make his footsteps a way. Great Is Your Steadfast Love A Prayer of David. 86   Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,    for I am poor and needy.2   Preserve my life, for I am godly;    save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.3   Be gracious to me, O Lord,    for to you do I cry all the day.4   Gladden the soul of your servant,    for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.5   For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,    abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.6   Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;    listen to my plea for grace.7   In the day of my trouble I call upon you,    for you answer me. 8   There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,    nor are there any works like yours.9   All the nations you have made shall come    and worship before you, O Lord,    and shall glorify your name.10   For you are great and do wondrous things;    you alone are God.11   Teach me your way, O LORD,    that I may walk in your truth;    unite my heart to fear your name.12   I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,    and I will glorify your name forever.13   For great is your steadfast love toward me;    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 14   O God, insolent men have risen up against me;    a band of ruthless men seeks my life,    and they do not set you before them.15   But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.16   Turn to me and be gracious to me;    give your strength to your servant,    and save the son of your maidservant.17   Show me a sign of your favor,    that those who hate me may see and be put to shame    because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song. 87   On the holy mount stands the city he founded;2     the LORD loves the gates of Zion    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.3   Glorious things of you are spoken,    O city of God. Selah 4   Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush1—    “This one was born there,” they say.5   And of Zion it shall be said,    “This one and that one were born in her”;    for the Most High himself will establish her.6   The LORD records as he registers the peoples,    “This one was born there.” Selah 7   Singers and dancers alike say,    “All my springs are in you.” Footnotes [1] 87:4 Probably Nubia (ESV) Evening: Romans 9 Romans 9 (Listen) God's Sovereign Choice 9 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,1 my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. 6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,2 but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,   “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,'    and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.'”26   “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,'    there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.'” 27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel3 be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,   “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,    we would have been like Sodom    and become like Gomorrah.” Israel's Unbelief 30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness4 did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,   “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;    and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Footnotes [1] 9:3 Or brothers and sisters [2] 9:16 Greek not of him who wills or runs [3] 9:27 Or children of Israel [4] 9:31 Greek a law of righteousness (ESV)

Isaiah 49–53 Isaiah 49–53 (Listen) The Servant of the Lord 49   Listen to me, O coastlands,    and give attention, you peoples from afar.  The LORD called me from the womb,    from the body of my mother he named my name.2   He made my mouth like a sharp sword;    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;  he made me a polished arrow;    in his quiver he hid me away.3   And he said to me, “You are my servant,    Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”14   But I said, “I have labored in vain;    I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;  yet surely my right is with the LORD,    and my recompense with my God.” 5   And now the LORD says,    he who formed me from the womb to be his servant,  to bring Jacob back to him;    and that Israel might be gathered to him—  for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD,    and my God has become my strength—6   he says:  “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant    to raise up the tribes of Jacob    and to bring back the preserved of Israel;  I will make you as a light for the nations,    that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” 7   Thus says the LORD,    the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,  to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation,    the servant of rulers:  “Kings shall see and arise;    princes, and they shall prostrate themselves;  because of the LORD, who is faithful,    the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” The Restoration of Israel 8   Thus says the LORD:  “In a time of favor I have answered you;    in a day of salvation I have helped you;  I will keep you and give you    as a covenant to the people,  to establish the land,    to apportion the desolate heritages,9   saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,'    to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.'  They shall feed along the ways;    on all bare heights shall be their pasture;10   they shall not hunger or thirst,    neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them,  for he who has pity on them will lead them,    and by springs of water will guide them.11   And I will make all my mountains a road,    and my highways shall be raised up.12   Behold, these shall come from afar,    and behold, these from the north and from the west,2    and these from the land of Syene.”3 13   Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;    break forth, O mountains, into singing!  For the LORD has comforted his people    and will have compassion on his afflicted. 14   But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;    my Lord has forgotten me.” 15   “Can a woman forget her nursing child,    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget,    yet I will not forget you.16   Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;    your walls are continually before me.17   Your builders make haste;4    your destroyers and those who laid you waste go out from you.18   Lift up your eyes around and see;    they all gather, they come to you.  As I live, declares the LORD,    you shall put them all on as an ornament;    you shall bind them on as a bride does. 19   “Surely your waste and your desolate places    and your devastated land—  surely now you will be too narrow for your inhabitants,    and those who swallowed you up will be far away.20   The children of your bereavement    will yet say in your ears:  ‘The place is too narrow for me;    make room for me to dwell in.'21   Then you will say in your heart:    ‘Who has borne me these?  I was bereaved and barren,    exiled and put away,    but who has brought up these?  Behold, I was left alone;    from where have these come?'” 22   Thus says the Lord GOD:  “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations,    and raise my signal to the peoples;  and they shall bring your sons in their arms,5    and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.23   Kings shall be your foster fathers,    and their queens your nursing mothers.  With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,    and lick the dust of your feet.  Then you will know that I am the LORD;    those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.” 24   Can the prey be taken from the mighty,    or the captives of a tyrant6 be rescued?25   For thus says the LORD:  “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken,    and the prey of the tyrant be rescued,  for I will contend with those who contend with you,    and I will save your children.26   I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh,    and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine.  Then all flesh shall know    that I am the LORD your Savior,    and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Israel's Sin and the Servant's Obedience 50   Thus says the LORD:  “Where is your mother's certificate of divorce,    with which I sent her away?  Or which of my creditors is it    to whom I have sold you?  Behold, for your iniquities you were sold,    and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.2   Why, when I came, was there no man;    why, when I called, was there no one to answer?  Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?    Or have I no power to deliver?  Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea,    I make the rivers a desert;  their fish stink for lack of water    and die of thirst.3   I clothe the heavens with blackness    and make sackcloth their covering.” 4   The Lord GOD has given me    the tongue of those who are taught,  that I may know how to sustain with a word    him who is weary.  Morning by morning he awakens;    he awakens my ear    to hear as those who are taught.5   The Lord GOD has opened my ear,    and I was not rebellious;    I turned not backward.6   I gave my back to those who strike,    and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;  I hid not my face    from disgrace and spitting. 7   But the Lord GOD helps me;    therefore I have not been disgraced;  therefore I have set my face like a flint,    and I know that I shall not be put to shame.8     He who vindicates me is near.  Who will contend with me?    Let us stand up together.  Who is my adversary?    Let him come near to me.9   Behold, the Lord GOD helps me;    who will declare me guilty?  Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment;    the moth will eat them up. 10   Who among you fears the LORD    and obeys the voice of his servant?  Let him who walks in darkness    and has no light  trust in the name of the LORD    and rely on his God.11   Behold, all you who kindle a fire,    who equip yourselves with burning torches!  Walk by the light of your fire,    and by the torches that you have kindled!  This you have from my hand:    you shall lie down in torment. The Lord's Comfort for Zion 51   “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,    you who seek the LORD:  look to the rock from which you were hewn,    and to the quarry from which you were dug.2   Look to Abraham your father    and to Sarah who bore you;  for he was but one when I called him,    that I might bless him and multiply him.3   For the LORD comforts Zion;    he comforts all her waste places  and makes her wilderness like Eden,    her desert like the garden of the LORD;  joy and gladness will be found in her,    thanksgiving and the voice of song. 4   “Give attention to me, my people,    and give ear to me, my nation;  for a law7 will go out from me,    and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples.5   My righteousness draws near,    my salvation has gone out,    and my arms will judge the peoples;  the coastlands hope for me,    and for my arm they wait.6   Lift up your eyes to the heavens,    and look at the earth beneath;  for the heavens vanish like smoke,    the earth will wear out like a garment,    and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;8  but my salvation will be forever,    and my righteousness will never be dismayed. 7   “Listen to me, you who know righteousness,    the people in whose heart is my law;  fear not the reproach of man,    nor be dismayed at their revilings.8   For the moth will eat them up like a garment,    and the worm will eat them like wool,  but my righteousness will be forever,    and my salvation to all generations.” 9   Awake, awake, put on strength,    O arm of the LORD;  awake, as in days of old,    the generations of long ago.  Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces,    who pierced the dragon?10   Was it not you who dried up the sea,    the waters of the great deep,  who made the depths of the sea a way    for the redeemed to pass over?11   And the ransomed of the LORD shall return    and come to Zion with singing;  everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;    they shall obtain gladness and joy,    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 12   “I, I am he who comforts you;    who are you that you are afraid of man who dies,    of the son of man who is made like grass,13   and have forgotten the LORD, your Maker,    who stretched out the heavens    and laid the foundations of the earth,  and you fear continually all the day    because of the wrath of the oppressor,  when he sets himself to destroy?    And where is the wrath of the oppressor?14   He who is bowed down shall speedily be released;    he shall not die and go down to the pit,    neither shall his bread be lacking.15   I am the LORD your God,    who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—    the LORD of hosts is his name.16   And I have put my words in your mouth    and covered you in the shadow of my hand,  establishing9 the heavens    and laying the foundations of the earth,    and saying to Zion, ‘You are my people.'” 17   Wake yourself, wake yourself,    stand up, O Jerusalem,  you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD    the cup of his wrath,  who have drunk to the dregs    the bowl, the cup of staggering.18   There is none to guide her    among all the sons she has borne;  there is none to take her by the hand    among all the sons she has brought up.19   These two things have happened to you—    who will console you?—  devastation and destruction, famine and sword;    who will comfort you?1020   Your sons have fainted;    they lie at the head of every street    like an antelope in a net;  they are full of the wrath of the LORD,    the rebuke of your God. 21   Therefore hear this, you who are afflicted,    who are drunk, but not with wine:22   Thus says your Lord, the LORD,    your God who pleads the cause of his people:  “Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering;  the bowl of my wrath you shall drink no more;23   and I will put it into the hand of your tormentors,    who have said to you,    ‘Bow down, that we may pass over';  and you have made your back like the ground    and like the street for them to pass over.” The Lord's Coming Salvation 52   Awake, awake,    put on your strength, O Zion;  put on your beautiful garments,    

Proper 14 First Psalm: Psalm 89:1–18 Psalm 89:1–18 (Listen) I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the Lord A Maskil1 of Ethan the Ezrahite. 89   I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.2   For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”3   You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;    I have sworn to David my servant:4   ‘I will establish your offspring forever,    and build your throne for all generations.'” Selah 5   Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!6   For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?    Who among the heavenly beings2 is like the LORD,7   a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,    and awesome above all who are around him?8   O LORD God of hosts,    who is mighty as you are, O LORD,    with your faithfulness all around you?9   You rule the raging of the sea;    when its waves rise, you still them.10   You crushed Rahab like a carcass;    you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.11   The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.12   The north and the south, you have created them;    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.13   You have a mighty arm;    strong is your hand, high your right hand.14   Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.15   Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,    who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,16   who exult in your name all the day    and in your righteousness are exalted.17   For you are the glory of their strength;    by your favor our horn is exalted.18   For our shield belongs to the LORD,    our king to the Holy One of Israel. Footnotes [1] 89:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 89:6 Hebrew the sons of God, or the sons of might (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 89:19–52 Psalm 89:19–52 (Listen) 19   Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one,1 and said:    “I have granted help to one who is mighty;    I have exalted one chosen from the people.20   I have found David, my servant;    with my holy oil I have anointed him,21   so that my hand shall be established with him;    my arm also shall strengthen him.22   The enemy shall not outwit him;    the wicked shall not humble him.23   I will crush his foes before him    and strike down those who hate him.24   My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him,    and in my name shall his horn be exalted.25   I will set his hand on the sea    and his right hand on the rivers.26   He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,    my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'27   And I will make him the firstborn,    the highest of the kings of the earth.28   My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,    and my covenant will stand firm2 for him.29   I will establish his offspring forever    and his throne as the days of the heavens.30   If his children forsake my law    and do not walk according to my rules,331   if they violate my statutes    and do not keep my commandments,32   then I will punish their transgression with the rod    and their iniquity with stripes,33   but I will not remove from him my steadfast love    or be false to my faithfulness.34   I will not violate my covenant    or alter the word that went forth from my lips.35   Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;    I will not lie to David.36   His offspring shall endure forever,    his throne as long as the sun before me.37   Like the moon it shall be established forever,    a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah 38   But now you have cast off and rejected;    you are full of wrath against your anointed.39   You have renounced the covenant with your servant;    you have defiled his crown in the dust.40   You have breached all his walls;    you have laid his strongholds in ruins.41   All who pass by plunder him;    he has become the scorn of his neighbors.42   You have exalted the right hand of his foes;    you have made all his enemies rejoice.43   You have also turned back the edge of his sword,    and you have not made him stand in battle.44   You have made his splendor to cease    and cast his throne to the ground.45   You have cut short the days of his youth;    you have covered him with shame. Selah 46   How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?    How long will your wrath burn like fire?47   Remember how short my time is!    For what vanity you have created all the children of man!48   What man can live and never see death?    Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah 49   Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,    which by your faithfulness you swore to David?50   Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,    and how I bear in my heart the insults4 of all the many nations,51   with which your enemies mock, O LORD,    with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. 52   Blessed be the LORD forever!      Amen and Amen. Footnotes [1] 89:19 Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones [2] 89:28 Or will remain faithful [3] 89:30 Or my just decrees [4] 89:50 Hebrew lacks the insults (ESV) Old Testament: Judges 12:1–7 Judges 12:1–7 (Listen) Jephthah's Conflict with Ephraim 12 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” 2 And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. 3 And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” 4 Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.” 5 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” 6 they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. 7 Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.1 Footnotes [1] 12:7 Septuagint; Hebrew in the cities of Gilead (ESV) New Testament: Acts 5:12–26 Acts 5:12–26 (Listen) Many Signs and Wonders Done 12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. The Apostles Arrested and Freed 17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. (ESV) Gospel: John 3:1–21 John 3:1–21 (Listen) You Must Be Born Again 3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus1 by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again2 he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.3 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You4 must be born again.' 8 The wind5 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.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you6 do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.7 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.8 For God So Loved the World 16 “For God so loved the world,9 that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” Footnotes [1] 3:2 Greek him [2] 3:3 Or from above; the Greek is purposely ambiguous and can mean both again and from above; also verse 7 [3] 3:6 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit [4] 3:7 The Greek for you is plural here [5] 3:8 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit [6] 3:11 The Greek for you is plural here; also four times in verse 12 [7] 3:13 Some manuscripts add who is in heaven [8] 3:15 Some interpreters hold that the quotation ends at verse 15 [9] 3:16 Or For this is how God loved the world (ESV)

Week four of the series “A Great Cloud of Witnesses”, learning about how the scripture was a lived reality for the people of the Bible, but also for us today, as the people of Hamilton in 2022.

Ruth in the Gospel Story Ruth 4:17-22 Matthew 1:2-6 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David. Ruth 4:17-22 (ESV) 1. The gospel story invites worship (4:17). 2. The gospel story magnifies God's sovereignty (4:18). 3. The gospel story celebrates God's redemptive power (4:22). 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, Matthew 1:2-6 (ESV) 4. The gospel story anticipates God's ultimate victory (4:22).

We are thrilled to welcome in David Bliley from New Zealand to preach to us. David, originally from Roanoke, currently serves as an Evangelist of the Central Auckland Church of Christ in Auckland, New Zealand. Both he and his wife, Megan, have been serving the church there since 2013 and have seen the church over triple in size. In this sermon from Joshua 2, David expounds on the OT narrative of Rahab and the two spies, her journey of faith, and the implications and applications this text has for our lives today. Listen in and be inspired by how God moves through our beginnings, our past, and for our future. Visit us at www.roanokevalleychurch.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/roanokevalleychurch/support

Proper 13 First Psalm: Psalm 87; Psalm 90 Psalm 87 (Listen) Glorious Things of You Are Spoken A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song. 87   On the holy mount stands the city he founded;2     the LORD loves the gates of Zion    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.3   Glorious things of you are spoken,    O city of God. Selah 4   Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush1—    “This one was born there,” they say.5   And of Zion it shall be said,    “This one and that one were born in her”;    for the Most High himself will establish her.6   The LORD records as he registers the peoples,    “This one was born there.” Selah 7   Singers and dancers alike say,    “All my springs are in you.” Footnotes [1] 87:4 Probably Nubia (ESV) Psalm 90 (Listen) Book Four From Everlasting to Everlasting A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. 90   Lord, you have been our dwelling place1    in all generations.2   Before the mountains were brought forth,    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,    from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3   You return man to dust    and say, “Return, O children of man!”24   For a thousand years in your sight    are but as yesterday when it is past,    or as a watch in the night. 5   You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,    like grass that is renewed in the morning:6   in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;    in the evening it fades and withers. 7   For we are brought to an end by your anger;    by your wrath we are dismayed.8   You have set our iniquities before you,    our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9   For all our days pass away under your wrath;    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.10   The years of our life are seventy,    or even by reason of strength eighty;  yet their span3 is but toil and trouble;    they are soon gone, and we fly away.11   Who considers the power of your anger,    and your wrath according to the fear of you? 12   So teach us to number our days    that we may get a heart of wisdom.13   Return, O LORD! How long?    Have pity on your servants!14   Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15   Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,    and for as many years as we have seen evil.16   Let your work be shown to your servants,    and your glorious power to their children.17   Let the favor4 of the Lord our God be upon us,    and establish the work of our hands upon us;    yes, establish the work of our hands! Footnotes [1] 90:1 Some Hebrew manuscripts (compare Septuagint) our refuge [2] 90:3 Or of Adam [3] 90:10 Or pride [4] 90:17 Or beauty (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 136 Psalm 136 (Listen) His Steadfast Love Endures Forever 136   Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,    for his steadfast love endures forever.2   Give thanks to the God of gods,    for his steadfast love endures forever.3   Give thanks to the Lord of lords,    for his steadfast love endures forever; 4   to him who alone does great wonders,    for his steadfast love endures forever;5   to him who by understanding made the heavens,    for his steadfast love endures forever;6   to him who spread out the earth above the waters,    for his steadfast love endures forever;7   to him who made the great lights,    for his steadfast love endures forever;8   the sun to rule over the day,    for his steadfast love endures forever;9   the moon and stars to rule over the night,    for his steadfast love endures forever; 10   to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,    for his steadfast love endures forever;11   and brought Israel out from among them,    for his steadfast love endures forever;12   with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,    for his steadfast love endures forever;13   to him who divided the Red Sea in two,    for his steadfast love endures forever;14   and made Israel pass through the midst of it,    for his steadfast love endures forever;15   but overthrew1 Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,    for his steadfast love endures forever;16   to him who led his people through the wilderness,    for his steadfast love endures forever; 17   to him who struck down great kings,    for his steadfast love endures forever;18   and killed mighty kings,    for his steadfast love endures forever;19   Sihon, king of the Amorites,    for his steadfast love endures forever;20   and Og, king of Bashan,    for his steadfast love endures forever;21   and gave their land as a heritage,    for his steadfast love endures forever;22   a heritage to Israel his servant,    for his steadfast love endures forever. 23   It is he who remembered us in our low estate,    for his steadfast love endures forever;24   and rescued us from our foes,    for his steadfast love endures forever;25   he who gives food to all flesh,    for his steadfast love endures forever. 26   Give thanks to the God of heaven,    for his steadfast love endures forever. Footnotes [1] 136:15 Hebrew shook off (ESV) Old Testament: Judges 9:22–25; Judges 9:50–57 Judges 9:22–25 (Listen) The Downfall of Abimelech 22 Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. 23 And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, 24 that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. 25 And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech. (ESV) Judges 9:50–57 (Listen) 50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. 51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. 52 And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53 And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull. 54 Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.'” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. 55 And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, everyone departed to his home. 56 Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. 57 And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. (ESV) New Testament: Acts 4:32–5:11 Acts 4:32–5:11 (Listen) They Had Everything in Common 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. Ananias and Sapphira 5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you1 sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Footnotes [1] 5:8 The Greek for you is plural here (ESV) Gospel: John 2:13–25 John 2:13–25 (Listen) Jesus Cleanses the Temple 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple,1 and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Jesus Knows What Is in Man 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. Footnotes [1] 2:20 Or This temple was built forty-six years ago (ESV)

Many times in life, the decisions we have to make are either hard or hard, so you have to choose your hard. Sometimes the right thing can be the hardest thing. And like Rahab, may we make decisions that honor God's will above all else.

Catherine McNiel joined Aubrey Sampson to pinch hit for Brian From. Catherine is the author of the new book “Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies”  (00:00-09:08): According to new data more and more Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Aubrey and Catherine talked the impact inflation is having on their lives. (09:08-17:37): Sharmila Wijeyakumar is the Founder of Rahab's Daughters and a survivor of human trafficking. She joined Aubrey and Catherine to talk about the work the organizations does and their upcoming event on August 20th. (17:37-24:56): Carey Latimore IV, a Baptist minister and a historian who studied how Black people persevered by faith, died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 46. Aubrey and Catherine talked about legacy and how you'd like to be remembered by your family, friends and colleagues.  (24:56-34:!7): Kelly Olson is the  Co-founder and Partner at The Baton Pass. The Baton Pass tells overcomers that their voice matters, connects individuals, and empowers women to find God in their stories. Baton Pass has an event coming up on August 9th. (34:17-41:48): Grinds my Gears: Aubrey is having Google Chrome headaches and Catherine takes issue with Brian's insistence that this show use the phrase “Hump Day” (41:48-49:18): Tim Challies wrote about how to “cast your burdens upon the Lord” when things get difficult. Aubrey and Catherine shared their thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaiah 28–30 Isaiah 28–30 (Listen) Judgment on Ephraim and Jerusalem 28   Ah, the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim,    and the fading flower of its glorious beauty,    which is on the head of the rich valley of those overcome with wine!2   Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong;    like a storm of hail, a destroying tempest,  like a storm of mighty, overflowing waters,    he casts down to the earth with his hand.3   The proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim    will be trodden underfoot;4   and the fading flower of its glorious beauty,    which is on the head of the rich valley,  will be like a first-ripe fig1 before the summer:    when someone sees it, he swallows it    as soon as it is in his hand. 5   In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory,2    and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people,6   and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,    and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. 7   These also reel with wine    and stagger with strong drink;  the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink,    they are swallowed by3 wine,    they stagger with strong drink,  they reel in vision,    they stumble in giving judgment.8   For all tables are full of filthy vomit,    with no space left. 9   “To whom will he teach knowledge,    and to whom will he explain the message?  Those who are weaned from the milk,    those taken from the breast?10   For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept,    line upon line, line upon line,    here a little, there a little.” 11   For by people of strange lips    and with a foreign tongue  the LORD will speak to this people,12     to whom he has said,  “This is rest;    give rest to the weary;  and this is repose”;    yet they would not hear.13   And the word of the LORD will be to them  precept upon precept, precept upon precept,    line upon line, line upon line,    here a little, there a little,  that they may go, and fall backward,    and be broken, and snared, and taken. A Cornerstone in Zion 14   Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers,    who rule this people in Jerusalem!15   Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death,    and with Sheol we have an agreement,  when the overwhelming whip passes through    it will not come to us,  for we have made lies our refuge,    and in falsehood we have taken shelter”;16   therefore thus says the Lord GOD,  “Behold, I am the one who has laid4 as a foundation in Zion,    a stone, a tested stone,  a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:    ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.'17   And I will make justice the line,    and righteousness the plumb line;  and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,    and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”18   Then your covenant with death will be annulled,    and your agreement with Sheol will not stand;  when the overwhelming scourge passes through,    you will be beaten down by it.19   As often as it passes through it will take you;    for morning by morning it will pass through,    by day and by night;  and it will be sheer terror to understand the message.20   For the bed is too short to stretch oneself on,    and the covering too narrow to wrap oneself in.21   For the LORD will rise up as on Mount Perazim;    as in the Valley of Gibeon he will be roused;  to do his deed—strange is his deed!    and to work his work—alien is his work!22   Now therefore do not scoff,    lest your bonds be made strong;  for I have heard a decree of destruction    from the Lord GOD of hosts against the whole land. 23   Give ear, and hear my voice;    give attention, and hear my speech.24   Does he who plows for sowing plow continually?    Does he continually open and harrow his ground?25   When he has leveled its surface,    does he not scatter dill, sow cumin,  and put in wheat in rows    and barley in its proper place,    and emmer5 as the border?26   For he is rightly instructed;    his God teaches him. 27   Dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge,    nor is a cart wheel rolled over cumin,  but dill is beaten out with a stick,    and cumin with a rod.28   Does one crush grain for bread?    No, he does not thresh it forever;6  when he drives his cart wheel over it    with his horses, he does not crush it.29   This also comes from the LORD of hosts;    he is wonderful in counsel    and excellent in wisdom. The Siege of Jerusalem 29   Ah, Ariel, Ariel,    the city where David encamped!  Add year to year;    let the feasts run their round.2   Yet I will distress Ariel,    and there shall be moaning and lamentation,    and she shall be to me like an Ariel.73   And I will encamp against you all around,    and will besiege you with towers    and I will raise siegeworks against you.4   And you will be brought low; from the earth you shall speak,    and from the dust your speech will be bowed down;  your voice shall come from the ground like the voice of a ghost,    and from the dust your speech shall whisper. 5   But the multitude of your foreign foes shall be like small dust,    and the multitude of the ruthless like passing chaff.  And in an instant, suddenly,6     you will be visited by the LORD of hosts  with thunder and with earthquake and great noise,    with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire.7   And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel,    all that fight against her and her stronghold and distress her,    shall be like a dream, a vision of the night.8   As when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he is eating,    and awakes with his hunger not satisfied,  or as when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he is drinking,    and awakes faint, with his thirst not quenched,  so shall the multitude of all the nations be    that fight against Mount Zion. 9   Astonish yourselves8 and be astonished;    blind yourselves and be blind!  Be drunk,9 but not with wine;    stagger,10 but not with strong drink!10   For the LORD has poured out upon you    a spirit of deep sleep,  and has closed your eyes (the prophets),    and covered your heads (the seers). 11 And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed. When men give it to one who can read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.” 13   And the Lord said:  “Because this people draw near with their mouth    and honor me with their lips,    while their hearts are far from me,  and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,14   therefore, behold, I will again    do wonderful things with this people,    with wonder upon wonder;  and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,    and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” 15   Ah, you who hide deep from the LORD your counsel,    whose deeds are in the dark,    and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?”16   You turn things upside down!  Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,  that the thing made should say of its maker,    “He did not make me”;  or the thing formed say of him who formed it,    “He has no understanding”? 17   Is it not yet a very little while    until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field,    and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest?18   In that day the deaf shall hear    the words of a book,  and out of their gloom and darkness    the eyes of the blind shall see.19   The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD,    and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.20   For the ruthless shall come to nothing    and the scoffer cease,    and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,21   who by a word make a man out to be an offender,    and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate,    and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. 22 Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob:   “Jacob shall no more be ashamed,    no more shall his face grow pale.23   For when he sees his children,    the work of my hands, in his midst,    they will sanctify my name;  they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24   And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding,    and those who murmur will accept instruction.” Do Not Go Down to Egypt 30   “Ah, stubborn children,” declares the LORD,  “who carry out a plan, but not mine,  and who make an alliance,11 but not of my Spirit,    that they may add sin to sin;2   who set out to go down to Egypt,    without asking for my direction,  to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh    and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!3   Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame,    and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation.4   For though his officials are at Zoan    and his envoys reach Hanes,5   everyone comes to shame    through a people that cannot profit them,  that brings neither help nor profit,    but shame and disgrace.” 6 An oracle on the beasts of the Negeb.   Through a land of trouble and anguish,    from where come the lioness and the lion,    the adder and the flying fiery serpent,  they carry their riches on the backs of donkeys,    and their treasures on the humps of camels,    to a people that cannot profit them.7   Egypt's help is worthless and empty;    therefore I have called her    “Rahab who sits still.” A Rebellious People 8   And now, go, write it before them on a tablet    and inscribe it in a book,  that it may be for the time to come    as a witness forever.129   For they are a rebellious people,    lying children,  children unwilling to hear    the instruction of the LORD;10   who say to the seers, “Do not see,”    and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right;  speak to us smooth things,    prophesy illusions,11   leave the way, turn aside from the path,    let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”12   Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,  “Because you despise this word    and trust in oppression and perverseness    and rely on them,13   therefore this iniquity shall be to you    like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse,    whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant;14   and its breaking is like that of a potter's vessel    that is smashed so ruthlessly  that among its fragments not a shard is found    with which to take fire from the hearth,    or to dip up water out of the cistern.” 15   For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,  “In returning13 and rest you shall be saved;    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”  But you were unwilling, 16 and you said,  “No! We will flee upon horses”;    therefore you shall flee away;  and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”;    therefore your pursuers shall be swift.17   A thousand shall flee at the threat of one;    at the threat of five you shall flee,  till you are left    like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain,    like a signal on a hill. The Lord Will Be Gracious 18   Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,    and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.  For the LORD is a God of justice;    blessed are all those who wait for him. 19 For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. 20 

31 July 2022 | This Sunday founding pastor John Snelgrove shares a warning with us on the dangers of only being hearers and not doers of the word. We cannot be merely in agreement of the truth; as demonstrated by the examples of Abraham and Rahab we are encouraged to exercise a faith that is alive, not dead.

Psalms and Wisdom: Song of Solomon 8:8–14 Song of Solomon 8:8–14 (Listen) Final Advice Others 8   We have a little sister,    and she has no breasts.  What shall we do for our sister    on the day when she is spoken for?9   If she is a wall,    we will build on her a battlement of silver,  but if she is a door,    we will enclose her with boards of cedar. She 10   I was a wall,    and my breasts were like towers;  then I was in his eyes    as one who finds1 peace. 11   Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon;    he let out the vineyard to keepers;    each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver.12   My vineyard, my very own, is before me;    you, O Solomon, may have the thousand,    and the keepers of the fruit two hundred. He 13   O you who dwell in the gardens,    with companions listening for your voice;    let me hear it. She 14   Make haste, my beloved,    and be like a gazelle  or a young stag    on the mountains of spices. Footnotes [1] 8:10 Or brings out (ESV) Pentateuch and History: Judges 12 Judges 12 (Listen) Jephthah's Conflict with Ephraim 12 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” 2 And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. 3 And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” 4 Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.” 5 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” 6 they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. 7 Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.1 Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon 8 After him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 9 He had thirty sons, and thirty daughters he gave in marriage outside his clan, and thirty daughters he brought in from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. 10 Then Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem. 11 After him Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel, and he judged Israel ten years. 12 Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at Aijalon in the land of Zebulun. 13 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. 14 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys, and he judged Israel eight years. 15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried at Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. Footnotes [1] 12:7 Septuagint; Hebrew in the cities of Gilead (ESV) Chronicles and Prophets: Jeremiah 27–28 Jeremiah 27–28 (Listen) The Yoke of Nebuchadnezzar 27 In the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah1 the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD. 2 Thus the LORD said to me: “Make yourself straps and yoke-bars, and put them on your neck. 3 Send word2 to the king of Edom, the king of Moab, the king of the sons of Ammon, the king of Tyre, and the king of Sidon by the hand of the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. 4 Give them this charge for their masters: ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: This is what you shall say to your masters: 5 “It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me. 6 Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, my servant, and I have given him also the beasts of the field to serve him. 7 All the nations shall serve him and his son and his grandson, until the time of his own land comes. Then many nations and great kings shall make him their slave. 8 “‘“But if any nation or kingdom will not serve this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, I will punish that nation with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence, declares the LORD, until I have consumed it by his hand. 9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your fortune-tellers, or your sorcerers, who are saying to you, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon.' 10 For it is a lie that they are prophesying to you, with the result that you will be removed far from your land, and I will drive you out, and you will perish. 11 But any nation that will bring its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave on its own land, to work it and dwell there, declares the LORD.”'” 12 To Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke in like manner: “Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people and live. 13 Why will you and your people die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, as the LORD has spoken concerning any nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? 14 Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are saying to you, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon,' for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you. 15 I have not sent them, declares the LORD, but they are prophesying falsely in my name, with the result that I will drive you out and you will perish, you and the prophets who are prophesying to you.” 16 Then I spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying, “Thus says the LORD: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who are prophesying to you, saying, ‘Behold, the vessels of the LORD's house will now shortly be brought back from Babylon,' for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you. 17 Do not listen to them; serve the king of Babylon and live. Why should this city become a desolation? 18 If they are prophets, and if the word of the LORD is with them, then let them intercede with the LORD of hosts, that the vessels that are left in the house of the LORD, in the house of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem may not go to Babylon. 19 For thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, the sea, the stands, and the rest of the vessels that are left in this city, 20 which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take away, when he took into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem—21 thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of the LORD, in the house of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem: 22 They shall be carried to Babylon and remain there until the day when I visit them, declares the LORD. Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.” Hananiah the False Prophet 28 In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, 2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD's house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.” 5 Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, 6 and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. 7 Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. 8 The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. 9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” 10 Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. 11 And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years.” But Jeremiah the prophet went his way. 12 Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 13 “Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. 14 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.'” 15 And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. 16 Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.'” 17 In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died. Footnotes [1] 27:1 Or Jehoiakim [2] 27:3 Hebrew Send them (ESV) Gospels and Epistles: Hebrews 11–12:2 Hebrews 11–12:2 (Listen) By Faith 11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. 29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,1 they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Footnotes [1] 11:37 Some manuscripts add they were tempted (ESV)

The story of Rahab challenges us on what it means to be a true believer in God: what does this prostitute's story teach us about discipleship? Scripture: Joshua 2:1-15, 6:15-17 and 6:24-25

The faith and blessings of Rahab.

She had every reason to be insecure. Her past was shameful. But in a moment of crisis, she revealed herself to be the bravest person in her city. Her actions resulted in a history altering victory for God's people. She was just a sinful foreigner, but she would go on to be part of the lineage of Jesus and be included in the Hall of Faith. Her story proves that anyone can become a hero! Join us as Justin Bleuer from Berean Bible Church continues our shared series with a message about this unlikely Faith Hero and what her story means for us today.

In this episode of the Five Minutes of Faith Podcast, we cover the story of Rahab the prostitute and how she allowed God to use her regardless of her past. In the same way, God is looking to use you, regardless of your past. 

Bible Class: Book of Job and chapters 22-26 Round 3 of the verbal "boxing match" between Job and his friends. Job and his friends toss the darkness and water metaphors at each other, oh, and the RAHAB sea monster. To see the video click here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTVpr2Z7-ykFMSNi-FyW6abjdoUdnT8Xg   From Immanuel Cares podcast of sermons, Bible classes, and devotions: https://immanuelshirleywels.podbean.com/   #bookofjob #immanuelshirley #EHV Show Notes Contact the Podcast: RWJPodcast@gmail.com or www.raisedwithjesus.com/podcast  Click here to find a nearby congregation or church home.   yearbook.wels.net All rights reserved. Content used at this podcast comes from a variety of locations & sources.   Casting Nets Podcast: https://castingnetspod.podbean.com/ Apple   Spotify Contact Casting Nets: castingnetspod@gmail.com  Impact Podcast - St. Andrew, Middleton WI https://st-andrew-online.org/impact/  RSS Link: https://feeds.libsyn.com/314675/rss  Prince of Peace - Thousand Oaks, CA https://www.princeofpeaceto.com  https://www.youtube.com/c/PrinceofPeaceTO/featured  Water of Life Lutheran Church - Caledonia & Racine, WI https://www.wateroflifelutheran.com  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcICs1dldnmZ-rcBqs4QtVQ  Life Challenges Podcast https://christianliferesources.com/life-challenges-podcast/  St. Paul Lutheran Church - Ottawa, ON, Canada https://www.stpaulottawa.org/  https://www.youtube.com/c/StPaulOttawa  His Word 360 (WLS Prof. Rev. Stephen Geiger) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd542RpYW_KSrkEBUSNw-Lg  WELS Streams: https://www.youtube.com/c/welsstreams  WELS Congregational Services: https://vimeo.com/welscongserve  https://vimeo.com/wels  Point of Grace Campus Ministry https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsI7Z5KbPwLdHeIVj_l1z_A  Pilgrim Lutheran Church - Menomonee Falls WI https://www.youtube.com/user/pilgrimlutheran  Through My Bible readings by Rev. Martin Spriggs.  Audio accessed at https://wels.net/serving-you/bible/through-my-bible-archive/  Produced 2022 by Pastor Hagen: pastorhagen@icloud.com or (419) 262-8280  Music from Joseph McDade: https://josephmcdade.com #raisedwithjesus #lutheran #sanctification #toledome #toledo #welstoledo #jesus #bible #podcast #dailyjesus #jesusdaily #rwjpodcast #jesusfortoledo  Resurrection - Maumee: Family Bible Hour at 10:15 AM, Worship on Sundays at 9 AM & 11 AM 2250 S. Holland Sylvania Rd - Maumee, OH Contact RWJ: RWJPodcast@gmail.com (419) 262-8280 CCLI Copyright License 11582729 and Streaming License 20003552 

Living by Faith in Rahab's God Date: 7/24/22 Series: Living By Faith Passage: Hebrews 11:24-27 Speaker: Rev. Dr. Robbie Griggs

Series: VBS 2022Service: VBSType: SermonSpeaker: Bubba Garner

Hebrews 11 is a who's who of the faithful: Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and more! It brings up the question: in addition to these wise men and women of the faith, who is in your "cloud of witnesses," cheering you on and leading you in wisdom? Pastor Courtney shares stories of pastors, mentors, and family members who have guided her faith through the decades and asks the question: who's in your hall of faith?

This Sunday we continue our sermon series here at Asbury titled, “Behind the Veil”. Over the next week six-weeks we are looking at different women of the old testament and how important their stories are to the overall message of God. This week we talk about Rahab a prostitute who helped hide Israelite spies. Tune in as Pastor Chris Jones shares the message, “Rahab: Faith Through Action.” Scripture: Joshua: 2:1-14

In this message we look at the story of "Rahab from Jericho" and how her destiny was changed at the place where God's Grace and Our Faith collide. From Hebrews 11:30-31. Joshua 2. 

A Devotional on Joshua 6:22-25 22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. 23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. 25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. God Will Take Care Of You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92_BfspZngQ

Why God chooses to use some and not others who seemingly have far greater talents and abilities has never been completely clear to me.  The fact is that God often uses individuals who have little in the natural to recommend them.  I think of Gideon, who demanded a sign from God, and Barak the military leader who wouldn't face the enemy unless a woman went with him; Rahab, the prostitute, who was of the lineage of Jesus Christ.  Include the twelve who were common fishermen, farmers, tax collectors and laborers, who walked with Jesus... along with St. Augustine, Mary Slessor, the Scottish lass who left such a mark on Africa in the nineteenth century, and on and on.  But two common threads seem to be evident:  Men and women who are used by God in some measure or capacity are people of simple faith, and have lives characterized by complete obedience.

Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.2 And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord.7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the Lord.8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the Lord, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them.9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.11 So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord.13 And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the Lord, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.18 And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.24 And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.27 So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.

The Sin of Achan And The Communal Effects Of Sin Joshua 7 Main Point of the Sermon: When we sin, we not only damage ourselves, but also our community and God's name. Introduction For many years in my life I shared the popular opinion that my actions were between me and God. As long as I didn't directly hurt someone else, I thought my sin was perhaps less severe to God and no one else's business. But I had a rude awakening in my early twenties when I realized that my sin not only caused deep wounds for me, it caused great pain and left many scars on those I loved. You see, when you belong to a family, or when you are in covenant with someone, perhaps marriage, every action, both good and bad, affects the relationship. Whether it's what you do with finances or with your time or your body, our actions either serve and bless the other person or they bring pain and curse to the other. The same is true in our relationship with God and his church. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are joined to God in Christ, similar to a marriage. And we're also joined to one another, to the church, Christ's body. We are family, which means our behavior is never private. What you do is not between you and God. What we do, both good and bad, has massive effects on both God's name and our community, which means that your behavior is everybody's business. I want to show you from the book of Joshua the communal effects of our sin and remind you of the Good News of Jesus in light of our sin. Context: Let me remind you of who Joshua is and where this book fits in the Bible. Joshua was Moses's right hand man. And while Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because of his sin, God anointed Joshua to lead them in. So Joshua records Israel entering and occupying the land God promised to them. That promise goes all the way back to Genesis 12, where we meet Abraham, a pagan moon worshiper, whom God chose and took out of Babylon and made a covenant with. In the vows of the covenant, God promised to create a people from him that would be God's special possession and through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. He also promised to give them land from which they would bless the rest of the world. But from Abraham to Joshua is a long history of unbelief, fickleness, and disobedience from Israel yet steadfast love and faithfulness from God. After God delivered Israel out of Egypt, he gave the Law through Moses, which were the covenant terms of the relationship. In other words, the Law showed an unholy Israel how to be in relationship with a holy God. So after Moses died, Joshua led the people and miraculously crossed the Jordan, and began to destroy the wicked nations who possessed the Promised Land according to the Lord's command. The first city they were called to destroy because of its great sin, was Jericho, a major city. How did they destroy it? Oh… by marching around it seven days in a row and then shouting loudly. You know, like all of us win battles. We just yell at it and it crumbles. The walls miraculously fell down and Israel took the city. God was clearly with his people as he promised. But Joshua had given his fighting men important instructions before they took the city: 18 But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction…lest you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it (Jos 6:18). God had instructed Israel to destroy everyone and everything except for Rahab and her family and the precious metals which God preserved for his temple. But one man disobeyed the Lord. Here's where we pick up in the story. Verse 1: But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel. #1 Achan's sin affected Israel like Adam's sin affected humanity. Notice here, right off the bat, that God counts one man's sin against the entire community. Though Achan is pinpointed as the sinner, we are told that “the people of Israel broke faith” and that “the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.” If you are already offended at God and see him as unjust and angry for holding one man's sin against an entire community, let us consider again who God is and who we are and what's going on here? First, who is God? Well, the Bible says that God is the Creator of all things. He not only makes us and everything that exists, but defines the purpose for all that he made. God is also holy. We just sang those words together. Holy, holy, holy. When we sing those words, we echo the song of heaven which the angels constantly shout to one another, declaring God's utter uniqueness, his purity, and perfection in being, character, and actions. What about people? People are fundamentally dependent on God. The Bible says we live and move and have our being in God (Ac 17:28). This means that we thrive in a relationship with God and die without him. Further, the Bible teaches that all of mankind was separated from God when sin entered the world through Adam, our first father, because of his disobedience. Heaven and earth were once united, but humanity was banished from that place because a holy God cannot dwell with unholy people. Like the son of a wicked king, forever exiled from the kingdom for his father's behavior, we too were born outside of relationship with God and outside of his presence because of one man's sin. As they died, we too will justly die for our sin. But God's holiness drove him to pursue us and rescue us. So, what's really going on here with Israel? Israel is Abraham's offspring. The nation is like Adam 2.0 and the Promised Land is like the garden of Eden 2.0. God set apart this people to become holy by his Word and his presence. Similar to our union with Adam, Israel had union as one people of God. That means if one person obeyed, there were benefits for all, and if one person disobeyed God, there were consequences on all. We see this clearly laid out in Deuteronomy 28, which says, 9 The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. 10 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you….” So, when we see God's anger burning against the people of Israel for Achan's sin, it is because God's people, called to be holy and to dwell with God in his holy place, are no longer holy and able to be in relationship with God because of the stolen things in the camp. If one man is unholy, it is as if the whole community is unholy. It is as if they have all cheated on him and the covenant is broken. Israel had become as impure and unclean as Jericho and all the nations of the earth because of this one act of disobedience. So, God's wrath was towards them and his presence no longer went with them. That's what we'll see in the next point. #2 Israel is defeated and devoted to destruction because of its unholiness. In verse 2 we're told that Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai to spy out the land and prepare for the next conquest. At the spies request, Joshua sent a small army to Ai because it was a small city. Israel, having just conquered a massive city went with confidence that God was stronger than any of their enemies. But verse 4 says that “they fled before the men of Ai… 36 of their men [were killed]… and the hearts of the people melted and became as water.” Verse 6 tells us that Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes and fell to their faces before God until evening, crying out, why would you send us here to destroy us? What will come of your great name?” There's something beautiful about this scene. Joshua and the elders take responsibility for the people. They go before the Lord for an entire day seeking to understand what went wrong. They are concerned also that the name of Yahweh will be blasphemed. But listen to the response of the Lord in verse 10: “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; God's response to Joshua gives the impression that Joshua was in the wrong. It seems that Joshua is quick to question God's faithfulness and slow to recognize their unfaithfulness. How many times do we find ourselves questioning God's faithfulness when we are met with trials and pain that is unexpected? How quick we are to judge God as unfaithful and how slow we are to check our own hearts for unfaithfulness. Nonetheless, God answers Joshua and mercifully explains why this happened and how to remedy the situation. In verse 12, God says, because the people had stolen and lied and broken covenant with God, “…the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. When God was with Israel, when he blessed them, they could do all things. But Israel's unholiness hindered God's presence from going with them. Without God they would have no strength and would even have God against them as their enemy. They would perish apart from God as God would hand them over for destruction. This is exactly what he meant when he promised curses for disobedience. Friends, we don't want God to be against us. We need him to be with us and for us. But sin destroys the relationship with God and necessitates his justice. God was just to turn his wrath towards Israel. He cannot have a double standard and accept Israel who was committing the same acts as the wicked cities for which they were being destroyed. I need you to see that one man's sin had consequences for 36 families who lost husbands and fathers. Further, one man's sin brought God's wrath, his curses, upon the people. “I will be with you no more.” What a horrifying and deadly thought? Does the thought of God not being with you terrify you? It should. Even more, one man's sin crushed the momentum of the people. The people's hearts melted within them. Rather than being filled with confidence in their God and his promises, they thought they were toast. Who would want to go fight after that? So what was the solution? God told Joshua in verse 12, “I will be with you no more unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.” #3 The death and destruction of the unholy can appease God's wrath. So God told Joshua to consecrate the people the next day, that is purify or make holy. Here again is the theme of holiness. God is telling his people that in order for him, a holy God, to be present with them, they must become holy again by purging the sin from them. Verse 16 tells us that Joshua rose early to bring the people before the Lord tribe by tribe, family by family, and man by man. One by one Joshua cast lots before the Lord to determine who had committed the sin. He essentially threw dice to see who God would pinpoint as the sinner. Can you imagine this scene? The entire community of Israel, a couple million strong, all standing together before the ark of the covenant where God's presence dwelled. It would be a terrifying and unforgettable moment. It is clear from this story that God knows precisely who committed the sin, but in trying the entire community before the Lord, the people would have come to fear the Lord and remember this moment as an example of God's righteous and all-knowing judgment. We're told that, first, Judah was taken, or better translated “were caught or captured” by the Lord. Then, the clan of the Zerahites. Then Zabdi. And finally Achan was caught by the Lord. Achan must have been shaking and sweating uncontrollably at this point. God had just pinpointed him out of a couple million people and identified him through the casting of dice. Don't you know that God sees your sin? We pretend that God doesn't see, that he doesn't know, that there are no consequences for our sin. But friends, God sees every single one. He keeps record of every single sin we commit against him. There is nothing hidden from God. We live our lives daily before the face of God. Achan too thought he could hide just as Adam and Eve did when they had sinned against God. And he hid until he was caught. Notice the similarities of the description of Adam and Eve's sin in Achan's response to Joshua: “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath” (Genesis 3:6). Adam (and Eve) and Achan saw something good and beautiful, coveted it, or desired it for themselves, though it was forbidden; they took it; they hid; and ultimately they died. All sin is just a of these stories. When Achan stole the gold and silver and the cloak, he was ultimately stealing what belonged to God. He considered his happiness as more important than God and the welfare of his people. When we sin, we too steal from God. We determine that something is more desirable than God, more important than God. When we take something that God has forbidden we are saying to God, this is my god, this is more precious to me than relationship with you. All sin is idolatry. Sin is about allegiance. When we sin, we are rejecting allegiance to God and pledging allegiance to self and other things. So we steal from the glory and worship that only God deserves every time we sin. #4 Because sin affects the entire community, it's the entire community's role to deal with sin. Notice in verse 22 how the community gets behind dealing with the sin. Joshua sends messengers who discover the hidden things in Achan's tent. Then in verse 24, were told that Joshua with all Israel took Achan, the stolen items, and all of his family and possessions outside the camp, saying, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him and his entire family with stones. And burned them with fire, covering them with a heap of stones. This is a tragic moment but one that would have reminded every person who threw a stone of God's just and holy anger and the death that would come on them if they followed the same path. So how should we live in light of this story? This story is a warning and charge for us to be holy. It's a warning. This story was recorded for remembrance. Even as the heap of stones in the Valley of Achor (trouble) would remind the people for generations to come that sin brings trouble on all, this story is a warning to everyone who reads it. Friends, our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The God of the New Testament is the same God as the old. God is still a holy God who will not put up with sin. He does and will punish those who walk in unrepentant sin. And the church, the New Covenant people of God are still charged to be a people holy unto the Lord. We don't have a pass to sin sometimes because of Jesus's work on the cross. No! God still expects full obedience from us. Jesus raised the bar for us, didn't lessen it. He said if your hand or eye cause you to sin, cut it off, gouge it out! This story shows us that partial obedience is still disobedience. Achan fought valiantly in the battle of Jericho, following the commands of the Lord up until this moment of compromise. He probably destroyed many things in obedience to God. Maybe he even piled up many pieces of gold and silver. But it did not matter. Partial obedience is still disobedience to the Lord. I'm afraid that many of us act like we are our own judges. Rather than working from the standard of God's holiness and perfection, we compare ourselves to others: I'm not as bad as that person. I never hurt anyone. Or, I've done all this for you God, so shouldn't I be allowed to have this? We compromise with the Lord and don't surrender all to him because we have convinced ourselves that we are better judges than God and that he has withheld from us so we must take matters into our own hands. We're really not much different than Achan at all. Maybe his family was struggling financially. But he didn't trust God to provide for him. Maybe you are lonely. But instead of trusting God, you surrender to the embrace of someone outside of marriage. We're tired, so instead of going to Jesus for rest, we cling to other forms of entertainment or food or alcohol or other substances for relief and comfort. I could go on and on with examples. And how do all these little compromises affect the church today? Let me answer in the words of Paul from 1 Corinthians 12. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (v. 26-27). Through faith in Jesus we become united to Christ as one body. Every individual becomes like a different member of a single body. And Paul says, when one of those members suffers, all suffer together. You understand this well. If your back is jacked up, everything in your body is thrown off. You can't hardly move. You don't hardly want to talk. You just want to lay on your back and sleep. In the same way, if one member is honored, or thrives, the whole body rejoices together, like we did a couple weeks ago when Eric, Jonny, and Nolan were baptized in our presence. What this means is that when you are thriving in this community and bearing fruit for this community, it is credited to the entire community and Christ looks beautiful to the world. But when one member of this body is given to sin, the entire body is affected. Not only is Christ made to look ugly before others because of your behavior, but the whole body loses out on the gifts that you bring. Not only does sin hinder you from serving and loving others in your full capacity because of shame or foolish living, it drags down the body in severe ways. Friends, when you walk in unrepentant sin, it demands others time, emotional capacity, and energy. It's not just you who are being hindered by your sin, but the entire community experiences the pain of coming around a wounded member to try to nurture it back to health. Rather than being on mission, your community is forced to pursue you and fight for your soul and call you to repentance. Rather than moving to new levels of maturity and fruitfulness and knowledge of God, we keep dealing with the same basics. Sin kills momentum. We wonder why people aren't coming to faith. Part of the reason is because we just keep cleaning up the same sin messes in the church. Further, God's church is blasphemed because of unrepentance and hypocrisy of God's people. Jesus is a byword. I heard someone last week mock the church as a place where abuse is safe and unquestioned. It made me sick to my stomach. And a close family member just shared with me this weekend that she left the church at a young age because of the hypocrisy of her pastor. How can we tell someone we are a Christian and then behave dishonestly or arrogantly? How can we call ourselves Christians and go sleep around during the week? How can we call ourselves Christians and live for our own selfish motives while ignoring the poor and the lost. Church, this must not be. Joshua's job, as the chosen leader over Israel, was to exhort the people to obey God's Law and also to punish those who disobeyed. My job as an appointed shepherd of your souls is to exhort you to obey the Lord completely, to be wholly devoted to the Lord and also to rebuke you and correct you when you walk in sin. But it's not just my job because I'm just one part of this body. We're all in this together. We need each other. Friends, this is why we take church discipline so seriously. When sin is left undealt within our community, the whole community is tainted and affected. Slowly, those seeds of unholiness seep into the community until we are all desensitized by sin. But when someone is disciplined before the community for unrepentant sin, we see and fear the consequences of our sin and fight to remain holy unto the Lord. It is our duty to deal with sin in our community. This is why we have DNA groups that deal with the nitty gritty details of our temptation and sin. I think we are often too quick to assume that God would never punish a Christian for sin like he did Achan. But Church, consider Ananias and Sapphira, two of the earliest members of the church, who dropped dead before Peter for lying to the Holy Spirit and to the church about an offering that they had given to the Lord. (Ac 5:1-11). Or consider the church of Corinth, who Paul says had members who had died or were sick because of their irreverent and unholy behavior around the Lord's Supper (1 Cor 11:30). Paul refers to these individuals as belonging to the church and warns them as Christians to repent of their sin. God still disciplines his children. Sometimes that comes in the form of a challenging circumstance so that we learn to wait on the Lord and grow more mature in an area, and sometimes that discipline is a merciful wakeup call that hits in major or minor physical ways or financial ways or otherwise. I could give you many personal examples and examples of close family and friends who have experienced this reality. Please do not hear me saying that your suffering is certainly a result of some sin you committed. Scripture will not allow us to believe that. I'm only saying that God sometimes uses suffering to shake us out of something more deadly, out of eternal separation apart from God because we choose our sin. I need you to understand the difference in the fatherly discipline of the Lord, even though sometimes severe, and the wrath of God. While discipline is always for our benefit and a warning to us to repent of sin, God's wrath is full and final. It is punishment that not only kills, but also condemns to eternal separation from God in hell. While all Christians should expect the discipline of the Lord, we do not have to fear the wrath of God unless you prove yourself not to be a Christian by living in unconfessed and unrepentant sin (c.f. Hebrews 10:26-31). Here's why we don't have to fear God's wrath. It says in verse 26: “The Lord turned from his burning anger.” God's wrath can be appeased. This is where the Gospel of Jesus comes in. God doesn't wish to destroy you or any sinner! His love drove him to give his only Son as our substitute, so that we wouldn't have to perish like Achan. Romans 6: 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!10 God's wrath has been appeased by the blood of Jesus, who willingly died in our place on the cross. He took the curse we deserve that we might have the blessings that he alone deserved. This is true for everyone who puts faith in Jesus. So, while there are still clear effects of sin on the entire church family when someone sins, I don't believe that God holds the sin of one Christian against the entire church in the same way because of the sacrifice of Jesus. 1) We are under a different covenant with God and one another, not by virtue of our race, or adherence to the Law, or anything else, but only by faith in Jesus. 2) That means that God's wrath has been appeased by the blood of Jesus and his righteousness has been counted to you and I so that when he looks at his us he sees Jesus's righteousness, not our sin. Think of what incredible mercy has been poured out on you, that when you and I deserved the fate of Achan, we enjoy this place of peace with God. In light of that mercy, I want to exhort you today with Peter's words. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. It's right to fear God. It's right to fear the consequences of sin. But fear cannot be our chief motivator. We must be motivated by the incredible love of the Father that wanted us and rescued us while we were still sinners. Church, I believe that as we turn from sin and pursue greater levels of holiness as a community, we will see an outpouring of the Spirit like we haven't seen before. We will see more prayer, more baptisms, greater levels of worship, of unity and love. So, we've seen that choosing sin not only damages you and your relationship with God, it damages the church, and God's name in the world. God takes sin seriously. It put Jesus to the cross for us, and it will put all who reject him to death and hell. So I plead with you, if you don't know Jesus or are walking in unconfessed and unrepentant sin, repent today. Come and talk with me or someone else here right now and get right with God and find joy in God's forgiveness and mercy in Jesus. Benediction: You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 1:29)

The book of Hebrews has a chapter we typically call the “Hall of Faith”. It's full of stories of people in the Bible who demonstrated great faith. Through these stories, we can learn valuable lessons about following after God in the middle of our circumstances. Join with us as we look at these stories! #Hebrews #FaithStories #HallOfFaith #StoriesOfFaith If you want to download the Impact Project booklet, please click this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7wmmi5a6cxvtank/The%20Impact%20Project.pdf?dl=0 Sign up to pledge toward Project Impact at pledge.dscchurch.com #TheImpactProject #ImpactProject #ProjectImpact Find out more about Regather...Click here: https://www.dscchurch.com #Regather Let us know you're watching...fill out an online community card: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/126819 #Community Have a prayer request? Let us know: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/109630 #Prayer Support the ministry of Desert Springs by giving online: https://pushpay.com/g/dscchurch?src=hpp&r=monthly #Giving Find out more about our Children's Ministry: https://www.dscchurch.com/children #DSKids #Hope #Baptism #Communion #StudyTheBible #EngageWithGod #ConnectWithOthers #LiveOnMission #WhatDoesTheBibleSay #Evangelism #StoriesCollective

Thank you for listening to the Classic City Church Podcast! This is part 10 of the sermon series “PROFILES” from Connections Pastor Elizabeth Rogers. Date Given: July 17th, 2022 Sermon Scripture: Joshua 2 Visit us at CLASSICCITY.ORG

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Hebrews 12:1-3It's a first! Andrew and Edwin have a bit of a disagreement. But what an amicable way to disagree. Edwin suggests Hebrews 11 urges us to look to Jesus because our author pick and chose the characters to highlight and the bits of the story to remember because they foreshadow Jesus. Andrew thinks it is just examples of faith. In the end, they decide they may be making a distinction without a difference and focusing just on emphasis. What do you think?Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=10258The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

God uses people who believe Him and have faith in Him. Do you? Will you? It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done. God can do powerful things through you like you have never seen before. 

Proper 11 First Psalm: Psalm 63; Psalm 98 Psalm 63 (Listen) My Soul Thirsts for You A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 63   O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;    my soul thirsts for you;  my flesh faints for you,    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.2   So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,    beholding your power and glory.3   Because your steadfast love is better than life,    my lips will praise you.4   So I will bless you as long as I live;    in your name I will lift up my hands. 5   My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,6   when I remember you upon my bed,    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;7   for you have been my help,    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.8   My soul clings to you;    your right hand upholds me. 9   But those who seek to destroy my life    shall go down into the depths of the earth;10   they shall be given over to the power of the sword;    they shall be a portion for jackals.11   But the king shall rejoice in God;    all who swear by him shall exult,    for the mouths of liars will be stopped. (ESV) Psalm 98 (Listen) Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord A Psalm. 98   Oh sing to the LORD a new song,    for he has done marvelous things!  His right hand and his holy arm    have worked salvation for him.2   The LORD has made known his salvation;    he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.3   He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness    to the house of Israel.  All the ends of the earth have seen    the salvation of our God. 4   Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!5   Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,    with the lyre and the sound of melody!6   With trumpets and the sound of the horn    make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! 7   Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;    the world and those who dwell in it!8   Let the rivers clap their hands;    let the hills sing for joy together9   before the LORD, for he comes    to judge the earth.  He will judge the world with righteousness,    and the peoples with equity. (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 103 Psalm 103 (Listen) Bless the Lord, O My Soul Of David. 103   Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and all that is within me,    bless his holy name!2   Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and forget not all his benefits,3   who forgives all your iniquity,    who heals all your diseases,4   who redeems your life from the pit,    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5   who satisfies you with good    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6   The LORD works righteousness    and justice for all who are oppressed.7   He made known his ways to Moses,    his acts to the people of Israel.8   The LORD is merciful and gracious,    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9   He will not always chide,    nor will he keep his anger forever.10   He does not deal with us according to our sins,    nor repay us according to our iniquities.11   For as high as the heavens are above the earth,    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12   as far as the east is from the west,    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13   As a father shows compassion to his children,    so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14   For he knows our frame;1    he remembers that we are dust. 15   As for man, his days are like grass;    he flourishes like a flower of the field;16   for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,    and its place knows it no more.17   But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,    and his righteousness to children's children,18   to those who keep his covenant    and remember to do his commandments.19   The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,    and his kingdom rules over all. 20   Bless the LORD, O you his angels,    you mighty ones who do his word,    obeying the voice of his word!21   Bless the LORD, all his hosts,    his ministers, who do his will!22   Bless the LORD, all his works,    in all places of his dominion.  Bless the LORD, O my soul! Footnotes [1] 103:14 Or knows how we are formed (ESV) Old Testament: Joshua 6:15–27 Joshua 6:15–27 (Listen) 15 On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city. 17 And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction.1 Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. 18 But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. 19 But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall go into the treasury of the LORD.” 20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. 21 Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword. 22 But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute's house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” 23 So the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. And they brought all her relatives and put them outside the camp of Israel. 24 And they burned the city with fire, and everything in it. Only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD. 25 But Rahab the prostitute and her father's household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. 26 Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho.   “At the cost of his firstborn shall he    lay its foundation,  and at the cost of his youngest son    shall he set up its gates.” 27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land. Footnotes [1] 6:17 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verses 18, 21 (ESV) New Testament: Acts 22:30–23:11 Acts 22:30–23:11 (Listen) Paul Before the Council 30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them. 23 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God's high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'” 6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (ESV) Gospel: Mark 2:1–12 Mark 2:1–12 (Listen) Jesus Heals a Paralytic 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (ESV)

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Hebrews 11:29-40We all know faith is the victory. However, Andrew and Edwin, looking at the end of Hebrews 11 begin to wonder how victorious it is. Some of those faithful had some pretty awful lives and met some pretty awful deaths. Through this discussion we discover the victory of faith is not what we often think. It is not leading healthy, wealthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. It is looking to the reward following the resurrection.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=10225The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/