Podcasts about Rahab

Pastor Isaac Roman | My Story

Send us a textIn Part 16 of our verse-by-verse Hebrews study, we step into the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. The writer has just warned his readers not to drift, harden, fall away, or shrink back — now he shows them what persevering faith looks like. We'll see how Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Israel at the Red Sea, Rahab, the judges, the prophets — even the unnamed, persecuted saints “of whom the world was not worthy” — were all trusting the same God we trust today. And here's the surprise: they didn't receive the promise yet because God had “something better” planned that includes us. One people, one promise, one Savior.The Biblical Roots MinistriesOur websiteOur YouTube ChannelProf. Solberg's BlogSupport our Ministry (Thank you!)

====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== LECCIÓN DE ESCUELA SABÁTICA         IV TRIMESTRE DEL 2025Narrado por: Eddie RodriguezDesde: Guatemala, GuatemalaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchMARTES 04 DE NOVIEMBREDECISIONES EQUIVOCADAS Lee Josué 7:19-21. ¿Qué pide Josué a Acán? ¿Qué significaba esa petición? ¿Cómo entendemos la confesión de Acán? Josué pidió a Acán que hiciera dos cosas: primero, que diera gloria a Dios y lo honrara. Segundo, que confesara lo que había hecho y no lo encubriera. Acán debía tributar alabanza a Dios admitiendo lo que había hecho. El término hebreo traducido como “confiesa” o “declara” (todah) puede referirse tanto a la acción de gracias (Sal. 26:7; Isa. 51:3; Jer. 17:26) como a la confesión del pecado (Esd. 10:11). Lamentablemente, no hay en el texto bíblico indicación alguna de que Acán diera muestras de verdadero arrepentimiento. Su desafiante actitud indicaba que era un transgresor prepotente para el que no había expiación según la ley de Moisés (comparar con Núm. 15:27-31). Las palabras de Acán en Josué 7:21 recuerdan la caída de Adán y Eva. Ella vio (ra'ah) que el árbol era deseable (jamad) y finalmente tomó (laqaj) de su fruto (Gén. 3:6). En su confesión, Acán admitió que vio (ra'ah) en el botín un hermoso manto babilónico, 200 siclos (2,3 kg) de plata y un lingote de oro. Entonces, los codició (jamad) y los tomó (laqaj). Al igual que en el caso de Adán y Eva, la decisión de Acán reveló que la codicia es el pecado de la incredulidad, pues significa dudar de que Dios desea lo mejor para sus criaturas y sospechar que les oculta deleites extraordinarios que solo pertenecen al ámbito de la deidad. Lee Josué 7:19-21. ¿Qué pidió Josué a Acán? ¿Qué significaba esta petición? ¿Cómo debe interpretarse la confesión de Acán? Además de la alusión a la caída de Adán y Eva, el texto señala un marcado contraste entre la actitud de Rahab (comparar con Jos. 2:1-13) y la de Acán. Ella llevó a los espías a la azotea y los escondió de los soldados; el otro tomó cosas prohibidas y las escondió de Josué. Ella actuó bondadosamente con los espías israelitas y los ayudó a lograr la victoria; él trajo problemas a Israel con su avaricia y fue responsable de la derrota de su pueblo. Ella hizo un pacto con los israelitas; él rompió el pacto con Dios. Rahab libró su vida y la de sus familiares, quienes se convirtieron en ciudadanos respetados en Israel; Acán se condenó a sí mismo y a su familia a la muerte, y se convirtió en un ejemplo de ignominia. Piensa en el pecado de la codicia. ¿Cómo podemos evitar sucumbir a él, independientemente de cuánto poseamos o no? (Comparar con Luc. 12:15). 

Welcome to the audio podcast of Valley Family Church located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We pray you'll be encouraged as you listen to this podcast. For more information on Valley Family Church, visit valleyfamilychurch.org.

Series: Crazy Faith "Still Living by Faith" Title: Faith That Still Speaks Speaker: Lead Pastor Ken Primeau Date: November 2, 2025 Faith is more than wishful thinking—it is confidence in God's promises and trust in His character, even when we cannot see the outcome. You haven't really trusted God until you've attempted to do something you can't do on your own strength. Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith has always been the mark of God's people. From Abel to Abraham, Rahab to Moses, these men and women risked everything because they believed in the unseen. They did not live for the immediate but for the eternal. As we stand at the midpoint of our Crazy Faith journey, we are also invited to fix our eyes on what cannot be seen, to take bold steps of obedience, and to trust the God who always keeps His promises. God calls us to Crazy Faith — a response to Him that requires us to trust Him even when it doesn't make sense. STAY CONNECTED Website: https://mrne.info/church Mercy Kids: https://mrne.info/kids Mercy Students: https://mrne.info/students Mercy Road Northeast Facebook: https://mrne.info/facebook Mercy Road Northeast Instagram: https://mrne.info/instagram HELPFUL LINKS Connect Card: https://mrne.info/getconnected Prayer: https://mrne.info/prayer Give Online: https://mrne.info/giving Outposts: https://mrne.info/outpost Subscribe to MERCY ROAD CHURCH - NORTHEAST YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week! https://www.youtube.com/@mercyroadnortheast

Come As You Are Series - The Broken Ones Are Beautiful Too!Romans 7:19-20 Paul said, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me.”God knows we are broken. He knows we struggle. He doesn't get disappointed. Instead, He celebrates every time we don't give in to temptation. Every time we mess up, we can bring that to God with the assurance that He welcomes us with open arms and celebrates because we came home instead of being upset we messed up.We live in an age where social media lets us see what everyone is doing. Social media has many benefits. I get to see photos of friends I haven't talked to in years. We can notify everyone with one post about the biggest things in our lives. We get to post all the amazing things happening in our lives. It also has downsides, and one of them is that people tend to post all the amazing things and leave out all the bad stuff. Which in itself isn't bad. I mean, who wants to read about negative things? However, when we see all the good and none of the bad, our brain tells us stories about how everyone else has it all together. Everyone else can do all the things, so why can't we? Why are we struggling when no one else is? Our mind starts to play the comparison game. Comparison is the thief of joy. We can go on Facebook for 20 minutes, then feel terrible, and we can't figure out why. It's because we compare ourselves to others and decide everyone else has so much more than we do, they are so much further along than we are, they are happier than we are, and so on. We may not even realize we are doing it. Do you ever notice your mood change after spending time on social media? That could be why.We can do the same thing when we look at the various saints or we look at the people of the Bible. We can look at how God used them and get discouraged. We can tell ourselves He will never use us like He used them. We put them on a pedestal and assume that they were so holy, which is why God used them. We look at all they did for God and are sure they were much holier than we are. We tell ourselves they had it all together; they must have said their prayers perfectly, always worshiped God, and were always perfect. We do this with people we see in church, too. We see the Deacon, the Priest, the minister, and his wife; we think they must be so holy. They must not have the struggles that we have. Let me tell you a little secret: they struggle just like we do. No one is exempt from struggling. No one has this life figured out.I found an article titled' The Bible Heroes Who ‘Failed Forward' by Greg Laurie. I just want to read you the beginning part, as it shows us that these people came just as they were. They didn't change before God used them. God knew who they were, and he chose them anyway.Pastor Levi Lusko tells the story of collecting shells on the beach with his daughter Clover. Levi was looking for the nice shells that were in good condition. Meanwhile, Clover was picking up all the broken shells.When her little hands couldn't hold any more shells, she turned to her father and said, “Daddy, the broken ones are beautiful too.”I think God sees things the same way.The New Testament book of Hebrews includes a collection of great heroes of the faith, men and women whom God used and blessed. I find that interesting because these people messed up. They weren't perfect examples.But the funny thing is that chapter 11 of Hebrews mentions only their victories and not their mistakes. That is because God sees what we will become, not necessarily what we are.In fact, a lot of people we read about in the Bible messed up. Abraham, the father of faith and of the Jewish people, lied about his wife twice. His son Isaac did the same thing. Sarah, Abraham's wife, laughed at the promise of God and then denied that she laughed.Jacob lied and connived. Noah got drunk. Samson was immoral. Gideon was fearful. Rahab was a prostitute. David had an affair and then had someone murdered to cover it up. Elijah was deeply depressed and didn't want to live. And Jonah ran from God. The disciples fell asleep when they should have been praying, and Simon Peter openly denied the Lord. Then there was Moses, who killed a guy.”This article shows us that these amazing people in the Bible weren't perfect. Could God have selected perfect people to do these things? Yes, absolutely. He is God. He can do whatever He wants. Yet He didn't. He chose people who had made mistakes. He chose people who had done things that we might think are unforgivable. He chose people who probably didn't feel up to the task. He chose people who failed more than once. Do you know what these people all had in common? They said yes. Not all of them said yes the first time they were asked, but God wouldn't have used them if they didn't cooperate with Him. I love that Greg said in his article that God sees what we will become, not necessarily what we are.The same is true for you. If you want God to use you, all you need to do is say yes. There is a song I love titled Nobody by Casting Crowns. The lyrics confirm that God uses the unlikeliest of people to do the most amazing things. God isn't looking for perfect people. Just like we talked about in previous devotionals in this series. Jesus didn't come for the righteous; they do not need a savior. God is looking for ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The song starts out:Why You ever chose meHas always been a mysteryAll my life I've been told I belongAt the end of the lineWith all the other not-quitesWith all the never-get-it-rightsBut it turns out they're the ones You were looking for All this time Is this you? Have you always been on the outside looking in? Have you always been told you wouldn't amount to anything? Have you always struggled to feel worthy or part of the crowd? Have you always felt different or less than? Have you been told you are either not enough or too much? Have you been told no one would ever love you? Well guess what? You are the one God has been looking for all this time.The song goes on to say:'Cause I'm just a nobodyTrying to tell everybodyAll about SomebodyWho saved my soulEver since You rescued meYou gave my heart a song to singI'm living for the world to seeNobody but Jesus This is great because it says, I'm living for the world to see nobody but Jesus. Would you relate as much to those in the Bible if they were all perfect? If they were perfect from birth and never made the wrong choice? I know that is how we see them in our eyes. Yet, when we learn they weren't perfect, don't we feel better? Isn't it somehow comforting to know they aren't perfect? If God only used perfect people, then we might say, Of course, they could do that; they were perfect. However, when we hear about some ordinary person doing something extraordinary, we know it had to have been God. No one is looking at the ordinary little shepherd boy, David, and saying that He killed Goliath because he is just that good and he is that strong. It is clear that God was with Him, and He could only kill the giant because He was with him. The song points out people that God chose and why they probably wouldn't have been our first choice. Moses had stage frightWhen David brought a rock to a sword fightYou picked twelve outsiders nobody would have chosenAnd You changed the worldWell the moral of the story isEverybody's got a purposeSo when I hear that devil start talking to me saying"Who do you think you are?” I sayI'm just a nobodyTrying to tell everybodyAll about SomebodyWho saved my soul I want you to remember this when the devil starts talking in your ear, too, because he will. I am not even talking about if you have some big mission for God. Even if you try to come to God in prayer, the devil will get in your ear and ask, “Who do you think you are?” “Why would God want to hear from you? Remember that thing you did last week? Do you think he will ever forgive you for that?” “God has more important people to talk to.” “God has better things to do than to listen to you complain about the same pain you have been complaining about all month.” The enemy can be relentless. When this happens, not if, but when, you need to be armed with truth. That is what this series is all about. During this devotional series, we have been finding the truth in the scriptures, in songs, and in the lives of those who came before us. My prayer is that by the end of this series, we will be so confident in our ability to go to the Lord just as we are when the enemy asks us, “Who do you think you are?” We will be able to say I am a child of God. I am a son or daughter of the one true king. I am worthy because Christ died on that cross for me. I can come to God just as I am because of God's mercy and grace. God doesn't want me to wait till I am perfect to come to Him. He wants me to go right now, right where I am. I know you might not be there yet, but we are done with this series yet!Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those who are listening. Lord, I ask you to show us how wonderful we are in your eyes. Please help us to really believe that you want us to come to you just as we are. We love you, Lord, and we want to believe it! We want to believe you love us even though we are deeply flawed. We want to believe you love us even though we sin. Please help us Lord! We ask all of this in accordance with Your Will and In Jesus's Holy Name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. We are coming to the end of this Come As You Are series. If you have an idea of a topic you would like me to cover next, please reach out and let me know. Also, please check out my book; it is on Amazon right now. Walk Boldly With Jesus Devotional: Who I Am: Discovering God's Truth About Me. If you do get the book, I would be really appreciative if you could leave a review on Amazon. It doesn't have to be long, and it doesn't have to be glowing. Just leave an honest review, even if it's just one sentence; it will be helpful. I need to have a certain number of reviews before I can run ads, and that would help more people find the book. I look forward to meeting you here again on Monday. Remember Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed weekend.Today's Word from the Lord was received in June 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I saw their ways, but I will heal them and lead them. I will give comfort to those who mourn for them. I, the creator, who gave them life, peace to the far and to the near, says the Lord, and I will heal you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Welcome to Day 2722 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2722 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 89:19-18 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2722 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2722 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: God's Cosmic Dominion – The Unrivaled Strength of the Almighty - A Trek Through Psalm Eighty-Nine 9-18 This psalm is a grand meditation on God's covenant faithfulness, and this middle section serves to powerfully establish God's absolute cosmic power as the guarantor of that covenant. In our last conversation, we heard the psalmist, Ethan the Ezrahite, begin with an eternal commitment to sing of God's Unfailing Love and Faithfulness forever. He anchored that hope in the Davidic Covenant—God's eternal promise of an unending dynasty—and affirmed God's supremacy over the Divine Council, declaring that no angel can compare with Him. Now, Ethan shifts from the celestial courtroom to the vastness of creation, demonstrating that the God who made that eternal promise is the only One powerful enough to keep it. He is the God who calms the raging sea, defeats the ancient powers of chaos, and possesses all the power, righteousness, and justice necessary to sustain His promise forever. This is a powerful, awe-inspiring affirmation designed to build our confidence in the absolute authority of the Most High. So, let's open our hearts to this declaration of God's universal sovereignty, recognizing the immense power of the One who holds us in His hand. The first section is: Taming the Chaos: The Ruler of the Seas (Psalm eighty-nine 9-12) You rule the oceans when their waves surge high. You are the one who smashed the great sea monster, Rahab, and scattered your enemies with a mighty arm. The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is made by your hands. You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name. The psalmist begins by affirming God's absolute dominion over one of the most terrifying forces in the ancient world: the sea. "You rule the oceans when their waves surge high." In the ancient Israelite worldview, the sea was often seen as a symbol of chaos, instability, and raw, untamable power. For God to "rule the oceans" means He exercises complete control over the very forces of chaos and destruction. When the waves surge in fury, God is the supreme authority who limits them and commands their retreat. This dominion over chaos is illustrated by a great historical and mythical allusion: "You are the one who smashed the great sea monster, Rahab, and scattered your enemies with a mighty arm." "Rahab" is often used in the Old Testament as a mythical figure representing primeval chaos, similar to the sea monsters Yam and Leviathan. More practically, it is a symbolic

Welcome to the Sunday Morning Worship Service of New Covenant Christian Ministries with Pastor Bill and Dr. D'Ann Johnson. Our mission is “Transforming all people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ."  In today's sermon, Pastor Kenneth Bryant shares that God's ultimate desire is salvation, not judgement.

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

Dispossession or Annihilation | Understanding God's Original Intent | 10 28 2025

====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== LECCIÓN DE ESCUELA SABÁTICA         IV TRIMESTRE DEL 2025Narrado por: Eddie RodriguezDesde: Guatemala, GuatemalaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchMIÉRCOLES 29 DE OCTUBRELIBRE ELECCIÓN Lee Deuteronomio 20:10, 15-18; 13:12-18 y Josué 10:40. ¿Cómo iluminan estos mandatos de Dios acerca de la guerra y de cómo debía proceder Israel con las naciones idólatras la orden divina de destruir completamente a algunos de esos pueblos? El texto hebreo utiliza un término especial para describir la destrucción de personas en la guerra: herem. Esta palabra se refiere a lo que está “prohibido”, “condenado” o “dedicado a la aniquilación”. En la mayoría de las ocasiones, ese vocablo designa la colocación completa e irrevocable de personas, animales u objetos inanimados en el dominio exclusivo de Dios, lo que en un contexto bélico implicaba, en la mayoría de los casos, su destrucción. El concepto y la práctica del herem como erradicación total de un pueblo en la guerra deben entenderse a la luz del conflicto de Dios con las fuerzas cósmicas del mal, en el que están en juego su carácter y reputación. La neutralidad no es posible desde que el pecado apareció en el mundo. Solo se puede estar de parte de Dios o contra él. Lo primero conduce a la vida eterna; la otra opción, a la muerte eterna. La destrucción total representaba el juicio justo de Dios contra el pecado y el mal. Dios delegó en su pueblo escogido, el antiguo Israel, y en un momento especial de la historia, la toma de posesión de la Tierra Prometida, la ejecución de sus juicios. La consagración de algo a la destrucción estaba bajo su estricto control teocrático, limitado al período de la conquista y al área geográfica bien definida de la antigua Canaán. Como vimos en el estudio de ayer, quienes estaban consignados a la destrucción se rebelaron constantemente contra los propósitos de Dios, y los desafiaron, sin demostrar nunca un genuino arrepentimiento. Por lo tanto, la decisión de Dios de destruirlos no fue arbitraria ni nacionalista. Además, Israel recibiría el mismo trato si decidía adoptar el estilo de vida de los cananeos (comparar con Deut. 13). Aunque parezca que los grupos situados a ambos lados de la guerra divina estaban predefinidos (los israelitas heredarían la tierra y los cananeos serían destruidos), los roles podían revertirse, como veremos en los casos de Rahab, Acán y los gabaonitas. Las personas no estaban ni protegidas ni destinadas arbitrariamente a la destrucción. Quienes se beneficiaban de una relación con el Señor podían perder su estatus privilegiado si incurrían en rebelión, mientras que aquellos sobre quienes pesaba un decreto divino de destrucción podían someterse a la autoridad de Dios y vivir. ¿Qué implicaciones espirituales tiene la actitud desafiante de los cananeos para con Dios en nuestro contexto actual? Es decir, ¿qué consecuencias tienen para nosotros las decisiones que tomamos libremente? 

David Papillon, Joshua 2. From the "Various 2025" series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

This week, we continue to walk through Hebrews 11:4–40, where we see the incredible faith of those who came before us. We hear about people like Abel, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and many others who trusted God even when things didn't make sense. Their faith helped them stand strong and keep going through difficult seasons.

David Papillon, Joshua 2. From the Various 2025 series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Malachi 2:10-16 We are continuing in the book of Malachi. This morning we'll be covering chapter 2 verses10-16. Please turn there. You can find it on page 954 in the pew Bible. This is our fourth of eight sermons in Malachi. It's a short book. It only has 4 chapters, but as you have seen already, it packs a punch. Malachi's prophecy began with a reminder of God's electing love for Israel. But then God turns to the ways in which they have been unfaithful in response. The overall theme of the book is God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness. And we will see that clearly in our text this morning. The people were demonstrating a lack of faith in God because of unfaithfulness in their marriages. Reading of Malachi 2:10-16 Prayer There is one relationship in life that is more important than any other. This relationship requires dedication. It's a relationship built on forgiveness. It's one where if you are not seeking to honor the one with whom you are in this relationship with, then you will struggle. Your path will be filled with difficulty. This relationship is that important. I'm talking about your relationship with the Lord. Some of you probably thought that I was going to say, “your relationship with your spouse.” Right? After all, a marriage relationship is critically important. But your relationship with the Lord is more important. It's tempting to see our text this morning as only applying to marriage. After all, it has plenty to say about marriage, and we're going to get there. However, this passage is ultimately about your faith in the creator God. So, whether you are married or not, you are directed to draw near to the Lord by faith. I don't know if you noticed it, but the word “faithless” is used here 5 times. Look at verse 10. After asking a couple of rhetorical questions, which we'll get to, it says, “why then are we faithless to one another.” Then immediately in verse 11. “Judah has been faithless.” Judah was the southern kingdom which was exiled, some of whom had returned. So in other words, God was calling them faithless. Now go down to verse 14. In the middle there it says, “…the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless.” That is repeated at the end of 15. “Let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.” In those instances, it is faithless to their spouse. And finally, this passage ends with this, “so guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” So, faithless. Their faithless actions and faithlessness in their marriages, displayed a faithlessness before God. To give a little structure this morning, we'll consider this in 4 points. 1. Faithless before a Faithful God (2:10–11a) 2. Faithless with a Faithless Bride (2:11b–12) 3. Faithless to a Faithful Bride (2:13–16) 4. Faithful despite a Faithless Bride Those may be hard to remember, but they are printed there on page 4. 1. Faithless before a Faithful God (2:10–11a) So again, #1, Faithless before a faithful God. Verse 10 and the first half of verse 11 begin by emphasizing their covenant relationship with God and therefore with one another. The two questions there in 10 direct them to God. Malachi asks “Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?” They already know the answer. Yes, he is God their Father. Yes, they are his children. And yes, he is their creator. Those questions are to remind them of who God is;  who they are; and the centrality of his relationship with them. You see, before God speaks into the tangled mess of their marriage relationships, he first directs them to himself. He also directs them to one another. That is because their faithless actions not only reflected their faithlessness before God. But it also reflected on their faithlessness with one another. In other words, because they were in a covenant relationship with God together, anyone who broke that covenant with God, was being faithlessness toward one another. And anyone breaking the covenant with one another, was being faithless before God. By the way, we are going to get very practical in just a couple of minutes. But before we get there, it's critical to first understand why breaking the covenant was an act of faithlessness. It says that by their actions, they were “profaning the covenant.” That's  a strong statement Let me say a couple things about it: ·      The reference to covenant here includes the promises that God made to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. God established a relationship with them as his people. He called them to be his. He gave them his law. He promised them a kingdom and that they would be a people as numerous as the sands of the sea. They were set apart by the God of all creation. It was a beautiful thing. ·      But they “profaned” the covenant relationship. They profaned it because they were dishonoring God by violating the relationship that he had established with them. They had been breaking his commands. Rather than acting in faith, some had been rejecting the covenant promises that God had given them. So, it was serious. That's why it says in 11 that they had been faithless. They had been faithless to God and faithless to one another. Now, I want to say one more thing before we get to the heart of this passage about marriage. In the middle of verse 11 it says that they profaned the “sanctuary of the Lord.” At the heart of the word translated “sanctuary” is the word set apart. Some believe this is a reference to God's covenant people. They were profaning one another. And I think that's right. It goes along with two things. First, verse 10 had just said that they were faithless to one another. And second, immediately after saying they had profaned the sanctuary, it says, “which he loves.” Remember from the opening verses of chapter 1. God loves his people. In summary, their sin broke faith with God and with one another. Sometimes we don't think about that. Our sin is not only a sin against God it is sin against the covenant community. No matter our sin, it affects the community, sometimes in a more direct way, which we will see here, or sometimes indirectly. Either way, it was breaking fellowship with God and with one another. Ok, then, but what was it? What sin had they committed which was an abomination to God and which was faithless to one another? Well, they had been violating God's sacred establishment of covenant marriage. They were violating it in two ways: First, many had been marrying people outside of the covenant. And second, many had been unlawfully divorcing their spouses. 2. Faithless with a Faithless Bride (2:11b–12) Which brings us to points 2 and 3 about those two things. About unholy marriage and unlawful divorce. Point 2 is this: Faithless with a Faithless Bride. They were being covenantally unfaithful because they were marrying outside of the faith. Right there at the end of 11. They had “married the daughter of a foreign God.” Verse 12 points the finger at some men who were doing this When the exiles were in Babylon, all around them were not just Babylonians but also other nations that Babylon had conquered and brought to Babylon. The temptation was to intermarry with those outside of God's covenant people. But even when they were back in Jerusalem, there were now people from other kingdoms. Part of the temptation was marrying into the people group who was in control in order to improve their plight. Now, whether it was just an attraction to someone outside of the covenant community or whether it was for economic gain, either way, it was an abomination, as God says. And let me be very clear. This is not about race. There is nothing in the Bible that prohibits marriage between people from different ethnic backgrounds or people groups. Rather, this is about marrying outside of God's covenant community. That is very clear at the end of verse 11, “the daughter of a foreign God.” Plus, we have several examples of women who were originally outside of God's covenant community, but who became part of the covenant, and then married an Israelite. Think of Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite woman who was joined the covenant community and then married Boaz. Rahab is another example. She was a Cannanite, whom God spared from the destruction of Jericho because of her faith. She married Salmon. The admonition for us is to only marry someone who shares our faith in Christ. Let me take a moment to speak to those of you who are not married – young and old. Not everyone is called to be married. The apostle Paul wasn't married, and he makes it clear that there are blessings to being single. But many of you have the desire to be married. Younger kids, I want to make sure you are listening as well. Marriage may be far from your mind right now. You may be thinking “eww, marriage.”  But that will likely change. So, listen as well. If you decide to get married, the most important thing is to marry someone who shares your faith in Christ. It's God's command to marry in the Lord. The world says that love is not a choice. It says that when love finds you, no matter with whom, you cannot say “no.” But don't buy the lie. Don't mix up attraction with love. Love is a choice. Yes, you should be attracted to someone you want to marry, but that person needs to share your faith and commitment to your Lord and Savior. There is no such thing as missionary dating. Do you hear me? You are playing with fire if you are dating someone who you think you can win over to Christ. It's the Holy Spirit job to change someone's heart. Don't go there. The most important relationship you have is with the Lord and if you can't share that with your spouse, it is difficult and comes with consequences. I know several godly people who are married to unbelievers, and they would confirm that struggle. Sometimes that happens because one spouse comes to faith in Christ after getting married. Praise the Lord. If that happens, the struggle is still there. If you are in that situation, stay married. As the Scriptures say, so that you may win over your spouse. But sometimes someone young in his or her faith marries an unbeliever. It's only later that the person realizes the sin of it and how difficult it is. God forgives and he helps. If that is you, stay married and continue to pray for your unbelieving spouse to believe. And we will pray along with you. But for those of you who are not married, I plead with you, if you marry, marry a Godly man or woman who loves the Lord and his Word. Not just someone who says they are a Christian, but someone who demonstrates their faith and Love for the Lord. These verses are saying that marrying outside of God's covenant community demonstrates faithlessness. The consequences are difficult. 3. Faithless to a Faithful Bride (2:13–16) Which brings us to the other thing that they were doing. Many were unlawfully divorcing their spouses. This is point 3. Faithless to a Faithful Bride. As we already saw, twice it mentions unfaithfulness to the wife of their youth. These men had made a covenant commitment to these women, yet they were walking away from their marriages. We're not told, but perhaps some of them were the ones who then married outside of the covenant community. Before I go on, I want to be sensitive to the burdens and pain in this room from past marriages. Some of you have endured difficult marriages that have failed. Perhaps your marriage failed because of your own sin or perhaps your spouse's or perhaps both of you. Whatever the situation, it's hard and there's often relational fallout beyond the breaking of that marriage covenant. But I want you to know that God is merciful and forgiving. As you look back and either recognize your own complicity or you feel the hurt of being sinned against, know that God forgives and ministers his grace. To be sure, God's mercy and forgiveness is never to be a justification for an unbiblical divorce. The Scriptures are clear about divorce. Jesus spoke of divorce being permissible when sexual infidelity has occurred. Elsewhere abandonment is included. I would include abuse as a form of abandonment. These grievous sins are the only grounds for divorce. What was happening in Jerusalem is that marriages were being annulled because a spouse no longer cared to be married. And because of it, God no longer heard them or received their offerings, verse 13. They were weeping because of God not receiving them. It was not a godly grief that led to repentance, but rather just a groaning because of the consequences. In verse 14, they ask, “why has he not?” Why does God no longer accept us? By the way, this is the Malachi pattern, remember. They were reaping the consequences of their sin but didn't acknowledge their sin. And so the hammer drops again. Two weeks ago the hammer dropped on their polluted offerings. Last week it dropped on the corrupt priests. And here, it's back to the people, some of whom were faithless by divorcing their spouses without warrant. But they had made a covenant with their spouse. The Lord was a witness to that covenant commitment. And look at verse 15. “Did he [that is, God] not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union?” They were united to one another in marriage. It's a reference back to Genesis 1. God was actively present in bringing about that oneness. So by abandoning their marriage, they were abandoning God. And not only that, they were abandoning God's call for them to raise their children to know the Lord. As the middle of 15 says, God desires “Godly offspring.” It would be a downward spiral of faithless future generations. Now, not every husband or wife was walking away from their marriage. But even some who were still married were considering divorce. We know that because it says, “guard yourself in your spirit and let none of you BE faithless.” The verse before said some of them “have been faithless.” In other words, for the ones who were still in their covenant marriage, they were to guard their hearts and minds against going down the path of divorce. And, actually, did you notice that the phrase, “guard yourself in your spirit” is used twice. Once in verse 15 and second in verse 16. Ok, let me now speak to those who are married. Some of your marriages are struggling. And I probably only know the half of it. Every marriage has its ups and downs, but some marriages have acute struggles for a variety of reasons. And it is hard. What is supposed to be the most intimate relationship on earth, is sometimes fraught with tension and mistrust and heartache because of current sin or past sin... which can lead to more sin and cause more tension and more mistrust and more heartache. If that is you, I want to say two things: 1. As it says here, “guard yourself in your spirit.” Do not let yourself wander to thoughts of divorce. Don't let go of the covenant that you made to your spouse. Pursue your spouse again. Recommit yourself to your marriage. There's a warning here of faithlessness if you pursue unbiblical divorce. So, guard your thoughts and your heart. 2. Number 2. There is help and there is hope. There is not a single elder here unwilling to help if your marriage is struggling. Please reach out. I will meet with you and pray with you, multiple times if necessary. We can also find help outside of our church if you would be more comfortable with that. But please reach out. If you do not think your marriage needs help, but your spouse does, let me encourage you to honor and listen to your spouse. Set aside whatever is preventing you from getting help. And do not lose hope. We serve a God who is in the business of forgiving and reconciling. The forgiveness and reconciliation that he gives you, individually, is the basis for forgiveness and reconciliation in you marriage. 4. Faithful despite a Faithless Bride Which is a nice transition to point 4. Faithful despite a Faithless Bride I'm not talking about a marriage between a man and a woman here. I am talking about the marriage between Christ and his church. Despite the unfaithfulness of God's people, his bride, God has remained faithful. The marriage paradigm is the pattern that God uses all throughout Scripture to convey his faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. And this goes all the way back to the garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, when they ate of the forbidden fruit, their sin was spiritual adultery. They had been in a covenant relationship with God. He promised them life, but they turned against his promise of blessing and instead ate that which was forbidden. That spiritual adultery theme continues throughout the Scriptures. God's people were betrothed to God, but they forsook his name and committed spiritual adultery against him by going after other so-called gods from the surrounding nations. But as we read in Hosea 2 earlier in the service, despite the people's unfaithfulness, God promised that he would be faithful. He promised to be their husband who would protect and lead them in righteousness and justice. They would once again be called his people and they would call him their God. This is the pattern over and over in the Old Testament. The people forgot the Lord. They acted in adulterous ways like the people here in Jerusalem. Yet God was merciful… and just like here, he called them back to himself. And the climax of this marriage paradigm in Scripture… is found in Christ. He not only sought his bride, the church, but as we read earlier in Ephesians 5, he died for her. There is no greater love. He sanctifies and cleanses her. By giving his church his righteousness, Christ presents her pure and spotless. SO not only is he faithful despite her unfaithfulness, he makes her faithful. And he nourishes and cherishes her and leads her. And all of that will come to full fruition when he returns for the consummation of the great spiritual wedding. He will usher his people, his bride, into the wedding supper of the Lamb forever. Beloved, this is the reason that marriage is sacred. Marriage on earth is patterned after the union between God and his people. It is why a Christian should only marry a Christian. It is why God hates divorce. It is why those who are married should fight for their marriage and not against it. It is why in a marriage relationship you should love and forgive just as Christ loved you and forgave you. It is why a husband has been called to be the spiritual leader in his marriage and home. It is a sacrificial leading. Again, as Ephesians 5 said, husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and died for her. The people in Jerusalem didn't have this full picture, yet. They didn't yet know of what was to come. But as we will find out in these next 2 chapters, God is going to lift the curtain and give them a glimpse of what was soon to come for them. In the meantime, they were to return in faith to God by returning in faithfulness to their covenant marriages. For those who desire one day to be married, seek Godly spouses by faith in Christ. And for those who are married, pursue and love our spouses because God has pursued and loved you. For all of us, may we see the beauty and wonder of our bridegroom, Christ. And because of his love and faithfulness to us, may we seek to be faithful in return to him.  

David Papillon, Joshua 2. Mas sermones se pueden encontrar en www.gbcob.org.

NOTAS DE ELENAMaterial complementario de la escuela Sabática para adultosNarrado por: Patty CuyanDesde: California, USAUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchSÁBADO DE TARDE, 25 DE OCTUBREDIOS PELEA POR USTEDESLas naciones paganas habían mirado con oprobio al Señor y a su pueblo porque los hebreos no habían tomado posesión de Canaán, como lo esperaban, poco después de haber abandonado Egipto. Sus enemigos se habían regocijado porque Israel había errado tanto tiempo en el desierto, y habían declarado en son de burla que el Dios de los hebreos no podía introducirlos en la tierra prometida. Ahora el Señor había manifestado señaladamente su poder y favor al abrir el Jordán ante su pueblo, y sus enemigos ya no podían tenerlos en oprobio (Historia de los patriarcas y profetas, pp. 519, 520). La destrucción total de los habitantes de Jericó no fue sino el cumplimiento de las órdenes dadas previamente por medio de Moisés con respecto a las naciones de los habitantes de Canaán: "Del todo las destruirás". "De las ciudades de estos pueblos, ... ninguna persona dejarás con vida". Deuteronomio 7:2; 20:16. Muchos consideran estos mandamientos como contrarios al espíritu de amor y de misericordia ordenado en otras partes de la Biblia; pero eran en verdad dictados por la sabiduría y bondad infinitas. Dios estaba por establecer a Israel en Canaán, para desarrollarlo en una nación y un gobierno que fuesen una manifestación de su reino en la tierra. No solo habían de ser los israelitas herederos de la religión verdadera, sino que habían de difundir sus principios por todos los ámbitos del mundo. Los cananeos se habían entregado al paganismo más vil y degradante; y era necesario limpiar la tierra de lo que con toda seguridad habría de impedir que se cumplieran los bondadosos propósitos de Dios. A los habitantes de Canaán se les habían otorgado amplias oportunidades de arrepentirse. Cuarenta años antes, la apertura del mar Rojo y los juicios caídos sobre Egipto habían atestiguado el poder supremo del Dios de Israel. Y ahora la derrota de los reyes de Madián, Galaad y Basán, había recalcado aún más que Jehová superaba a todos los dioses. Los juicios que cayeron sobre Israel a causa de su participación en los ritos abominables de Baal-peor, habían demostrado cuán santo es el carácter de Jehová y cuánto aborrece la impureza. Los habitantes de Jericó conocían todos estos acontecimientos, y eran muchos los que, aunque se negaban a obedecerla, participaban de la convicción de Rahab, de que Jehová, el Dios de Israel, era "Dios arriba en el cielo y abajo en la tierra". Como los antediluvianos, los cananeos vivían solo para blasfemar contra el Cielo y corromper la tierra. Tanto el amor como la justicia exigían la pronta ejecución de estos rebeldes contra Dios y enemigos del hombre (Historia de los patriarcas y profetas, p. 525). 

Is your faith alive—or just something you say? In this powerful episode, we unpack James 2:14–26 and the often-misunderstood relationship between faith and works. Through raw stories and real-life application, Kim explores what it means to have a living faith that breathes, moves, grows, and lets go of sin. From a personal story of walking through a traumatic school shooting to the biblical stories of Abraham and Rahab, this episode challenges us to ask: “Is my faith showing up in how I live?” Whether you're new to the Bible or deep in study, this episode will encourage you to reflect deeply and live boldly.=============================Reflection Questions:=============================✅ Is my faith showing up in the way I respond to people in need?✅ What's one area of my life where my actions haven't matched my beliefs?✅ What sin or pride might God be inviting me to confess and release this week?✅ Who in my life needs more than words—who needs me to show up for them?=============================The Study of James:A Product of Anchor + WavesChannel Credits=============================

Dr. Michael Thiessen and Pastor Nate Wright get practical about what it means to build Christian culture at the national level. Picking up from last week, they argue that freedom is only secure when it’s tethered to Christ—and then work through the “messy details” Christians must think through: covenantal nationhood, immigration and oaths, public worship, courts and penalties, and the Lord’s Day. In this conversation, they cover: * Why nations are covenantal, not merely ethnic, and why that matters for law and belonging (Ruth, Rahab, Kuyper, Rushdoony).* Immigration & citizenship: the biblical categories of sojourner/resident/citizen; why oaths to God and constitutional loyalty are essential; equal civil justice without parallel legal systems.* Public worship & free speech: protecting public order (no high places, no public idolatry or blasphemy) while safeguarding reasoned religious dispute.* Courts & penalties: replacing warehousing prisons with restitution and structured bond-service, reserving capital penalties for capital crimes.* Lord’s Day in public life: civil rest that protects worship without policing private piety.* Common objections (“Isn’t this illiberal?” “What about free speech?”) and why law is a teacher. Events & Links: * Fall Bible Conference — Oct 23–25, 2025, Big Tree Inn, Upstate NY (with Dr. Joe Boot): https://www.ezrainstitute.com/fall-bible-conference/* Ezra Conference East — Nov 1, 2025, Ingersoll, Ontario: Think Christianly about Islam & Immigration: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/ezra-conference-east/* Explore and support the work at Ezra Media—new site, new shows, subscriber perks, and year-end giving opportunities: https://ezramedia.tv/

Joshua 2: 8-14 Ruth 1: 15-18, 22

Dr. Michael Thiessen and Pastor Nate Wright get practical about what it means to build Christian culture at the national level. Picking up from last week, they argue that freedom is only secure when it’s tethered to Christ—and then work through the “messy details” Christians must think through: covenantal nationhood, immigration and oaths, public worship, courts and penalties, and the Lord’s Day. In this conversation, they cover: * Why nations are covenantal, not merely ethnic, and why that matters for law and belonging (Ruth, Rahab, Kuyper, Rushdoony).* Immigration & citizenship: the biblical categories of sojourner/resident/citizen; why oaths to God and constitutional loyalty are essential; equal civil justice without parallel legal systems.* Public worship & free speech: protecting public order (no high places, no public idolatry or blasphemy) while safeguarding reasoned religious dispute.* Courts & penalties: replacing warehousing prisons with restitution and structured bond-service, reserving capital penalties for capital crimes.* Lord’s Day in public life: civil rest that protects worship without policing private piety.* Common objections (“Isn’t this illiberal?” “What about free speech?”) and why law is a teacher. Events & Links: * Fall Bible Conference — Oct 23–25, 2025, Big Tree Inn, Upstate NY (with Dr. Joe Boot): https://www.ezrainstitute.com/fall-bible-conference/* Ezra Conference East — Nov 1, 2025, Ingersoll, Ontario: Think Christianly about Islam & Immigration: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/ezra-conference-east/* Explore and support the work at Ezra Media—new site, new shows, subscriber perks, and year-end giving opportunities: https://ezramedia.tv/

James 2:14-26 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Dr. Michael Thiessen and Pastor Nate Wright get practical about what it means to build Christian culture at the national level. Picking up from last week, they argue that freedom is only secure when it’s tethered to Christ—and then work through the “messy details” Christians must think through: covenantal nationhood, immigration and oaths, public worship, courts and penalties, and the Lord’s Day. In this conversation, they cover: * Why nations are covenantal, not merely ethnic, and why that matters for law and belonging (Ruth, Rahab, Kuyper, Rushdoony).* Immigration & citizenship: the biblical categories of sojourner/resident/citizen; why oaths to God and constitutional loyalty are essential; equal civil justice without parallel legal systems.* Public worship & free speech: protecting public order (no high places, no public idolatry or blasphemy) while safeguarding reasoned religious dispute.* Courts & penalties: replacing warehousing prisons with restitution and structured bond-service, reserving capital penalties for capital crimes.* Lord’s Day in public life: civil rest that protects worship without policing private piety.* Common objections (“Isn’t this illiberal?” “What about free speech?”) and why law is a teacher. Events & Links: * Fall Bible Conference — Oct 23–25, 2025, Big Tree Inn, Upstate NY (with Dr. Joe Boot): https://www.ezrainstitute.com/fall-bible-conference/* Ezra Conference East — Nov 1, 2025, Ingersoll, Ontario: Think Christianly about Islam & Immigration: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/ezra-conference-east/* Explore and support the work at Ezra Media—new site, new shows, subscriber perks, and year-end giving opportunities: https://ezramedia.tv/

Send us a textTwo spies slip into Jericho and find unexpected help from Rahab, who lowers them over the wall with a red rope and trusts God to save her family. As Joshua prays, the Commander of the Lord's army appears with a surprising plan: for six days, Israel will march silently around the city behind priests carrying the Ark; on the seventh day, they will circle seven times, blow the trumpets, and shout. When they obey, Jericho's mighty walls crash down, Rahab's family is rescued, and everyone learns that God's power—and His promises—can be trusted. Talk about it:Why did Rahab hang the red rope in her window?What was unusual about God's battle plan for Jericho?How did the people show trust and obedience to God?What promise from this story helps you trust God this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

In this sermon on James 2:14-26, Pastor Patrick Austin tackles the seemingly contradictory Biblical teachings about faith and works. He establishes that Scripture doesn't contradict itself, then explains that James is combating a false belief that how you live after professing faith doesn't matter. The pastor articulates that "a saving faith in Jesus evidences itself through a life of good works done to the glory of God." Pastor Austin identifies two key evidences of genuine faith: showing heartfelt care for the needy rather than offering empty words, and living in obedience rather than merely voicing intellectual belief. He illustrates these principles through Abraham and Rahab, who both demonstrated their faith through concrete actions. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and Rahab's protection of the Israelite spies weren't attempts to earn God's favor but confirmations that their faith was genuine. The pastor concludes by challenging us to examine our faith, place our trust in Jesus, and actively demonstrate our faith through serving others and walking in obedience.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you.   ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613   SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM)!   CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

A SECOND CHANCE Jonah 3 Jonah 3.4 (NLT) On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” Back in chapter 2, Jonah cried out to God from the belly of a fish. God heard. God rescued. God put Jonah back on task. God doesn't just save us from something; he saves us for something. A purpose. Jonah 3.1-2 (NIV) Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” God is a God of second chances. Abraham lied twice. Moses murdered a guy. Rahab ran a brothel. Paul persecuted churches. God specializes in comeback stories. Second chances. • Jonah ran, God chased. • Jonah sank, God saved. • Jonah quit, God re-enlisted him. Your story is not over. If you're still breathing, He's still writing. Jonah 3.5 (ESV) And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. God knew exactly how to get through to Nineveh. He keeps showing up: in the storm, in the fish, and in revival. The book of Jonah isn't about a great preacher. It's about a great God. Paul was self-aware enough to understand this: 1 Corinthians 2.1-5 (ESV) And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. No matter how clever a sermon is, it's just noise without the Spirit. We don't need the wisdom of men. We need the power of God. In Jonah's story, God did the heavy lifting. Jonah just opened his mouth. Because when God shows up… everything changes.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Faith is more than belief—it's action. In this message from James 2:14–26, we're reminded that genuine faith produces tangible works of love and obedience. In a culture that often separates words from deeds, James challenges believers to embody their faith through compassion, generosity, and courage. From Abraham's obedience to Rahab's risky hospitality, we see that true faith always moves—toward God and toward others. Grace changes our hearts, but faith makes that change visible. As Craig Keener said, “Genuine faith is a reality on which one stakes one's life, not merely passive assent to a doctrine.” ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

Sometimes faith means obeying God instead of the people in power. Sometimes following Jesus means saying no to kings, governments, or systems that tell us to look away while someone suffers. Join us this morning as Zach W. Lambert walks us through Rahab's story!We are here live-streaming every Sunday at 9:30am CT. If you'd like to connect with Restore, go to www.restoreaustin.org/connect.Resources Referenced:The Five Books of Moses by Robert AlterThe NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study BibleWhere Do We Go From Here by Martin Luther King Jr.https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/10/neighbor-shielded-7-year-old-during-south-shore-federal-raid-i-didnt-want-them-to-take-her

ZOMBIE FAITH (dead, useless, foolish faith)-James: The Uselessness of Faith Without Works (James 2:14-26)-Paul: The Futility of Works Without Faith (Ephesians 2:1-10)LIFE-GIVING FAITH-Life-giving faith for anyone! [from Abraham ---> Rahab] -Life-giving faith (2:14-26) meets life-giving religion (1:27)  -Faith that gives life to the least, last, and lost. -Faith that gives life to our own lives.

This Week: Conquering Rahab, the Chaos DragonIf the universe tends toward chaos, why does beauty keep breaking through? Maybe the ancients saw something we've forgotten. Join us we launch our new series, Monsters and Miracles.Sermon Series: Monsters and MiraclesThe Bible isn't short on monsters: sea dragons, demons, locust swarms, even kings who lose their humanity, but behind every terrifying image is a deeper truth. Our fears aren't the end of the story. In Monsters and Miracles, we'll face the ancient fears that still haunt us—chaos, power, intimacy, deception—and discover the God who brings order, love, and truth out of the darkness.Sermon preached by Dallas Flippin, on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Jackson, MI.Connect with FBC JXNLearn more about FBCJXN at https://fbcjxn.org.Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/fbcjxn.Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/fbcjxn.Want to connect more with us, fill out our virtual connect card at https://www.fbcjxn.org/connect/How can we pray for you? Let us know at https://www.fbcjxn.org/prayer/

The beauty of faith is often found in its simplicity. You don't have to possess a wealth of theological knowledge to be captivated by the truth of the gospel. Maybe, like Rahab, you've simply heard what the Lord has done and you believe.

Living faith- We don't have a right to judge others, but we do have a right to question the reality of their faith if there is no fruit. There's dead faith, demonic faith, and real dynamic faith. Abraham and Rahab demonstrated what real obedient faith looks like.

Can you even believe it, my OOBTers?!? Today we're kicking off a new book of the Bible—our sixth book—Deuteronomy!

2.14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

In Joshua 2, we meet Rahab—a surprising hero who risked everything to align with the God of Israel. As judgment loomed over Jericho, Rahab's faith and quick action became her family's path to salvation. This message draws powerful parallels between her story and our own need to be saved from coming judgment. God's mercy is still available today for those who want it.

Joshua – Session 2: Faith, Obedience, and the Word Text: Joshua 1–2 ; Romans 6 Theme: Living by faith and obedience through the Word of God I. The Foundation – God's Word at the Center Joshua 1:8-9 – Prosperity and success come from meditating on and obeying God's Word. Key truth: The Word must have the final say in every decision. Personal principles: God's Word overrules opinion. Don't go to bed angry. Handle family issues within your own household. Application: Blessing follows submission to Scripture, not cleverness or culture. II. Obedience, Stewardship, and Accountability Israel prepares to cross the Jordan; obedience brings unity and victory. Lesson: God owns everything — we are stewards. Disobedience forfeits blessing; stewardship invites favor. Moral call: Stand for truth and life — repentance restores, but sin must still be named as sin. III. Rahab's Faith – The Scarlet Thread of Salvation Joshua 2: Rahab hides the spies and hangs a scarlet cord — a symbol of Christ's blood. Faith requires action; belief is proven by obedience. Everyone under the scarlet cord (inside the house) is saved — stay in the house (fellowship, worship, presence). Hebrews 10:25 – Do not forsake assembling together. IV. Faith and Focus in a Distracted World Joshua and Caleb believed God despite giants. Faith stands on truth, not visible results. Warning against information overload — believers must fix their eyes on Christ, not chaos. Application: Maintain joy — “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). V. From Law to Grace – Faith That Works by Love Romans 6: Crossing Jordan pictures salvation — leaving Egypt (sin) for the Promised Land (new life). The Law is an X-ray — reveals sin but cannot heal. Christ is the Physician — He heals through grace. Faith and obedience are married; faith without works (obedience) is dead. Love produces obedience: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) VI. Dead to Sin, Alive to Christ Romans 6:6-11 – Believers are crucified with Christ; position overrules condition. No longer slaves to sin, but servants of righteousness. Reckon (logizomai): The ledger is settled — Christ paid it all. Our identity is not in failure but in our position in Christ. VII. The Shepherd Who Found Us Jesus is not a hireling — He stays in hard times. We didn't find God; He found us. The Good Shepherd rescues His sheep and never forsakes them. Application: Trust His leading, rest in His faithfulness, and respond with daily surrender. Key Takeaway: “Our position in Christ overrides our condition in life.” Faith acts, love obeys, and the Word sustains.

Raising Deborahs & Defending the Word: Spiritual Warfare for the Last Days | KIB 501 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description In this Feast of Tabernacles episode of Kingdom Intelligence Briefing (KIB 501), Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake call the remnant to the Word and the War—urging believers to return to a physical Bible, cultivate a warfare worldview, and pray for strong women of faith to rise like Deborah and Esther (and for redeemed Rahabs and Tamars to step boldly into God's plan). We unpack why everything is spiritual warfare, how the Word of God births, cleanses, protects, heals, and equips, and why Psalm 22 stands as a stunning fulfilled prophecy of Messiah's crucifixion. Practical tools for marking your Bible, study tips, and a recommended read—God at War by Gregory Boyd—are included. What you'll get in this message How God uses flawed people and raises mighty women in this hour Why a physical Bible (with margins & proper highlighters) matters The warfare worldview from Moses to Paul—and what it means for daily discipleship Ten+ ways the Word transforms believers (life, cleansing, protection, healing, discernment, faith, renewal, equipping, fruitfulness, alignment with God's will) Psalm 22 as a precise, fulfilled prophecy of the crucifixion A call to pray over leaders, courts, and national issues with hope and perseverance Scriptures & themes referenced (not exhaustive): Judg 4–5 (Deborah), Esth 4–5 (Esther), Gen 38 (Tamar), Josh 2 (Rahab), Exod 15:1–3; Gen 1–3; Deut 32; Ps 1; Ps 22; Ps 107:20; Prov 4:20–22; Isa 55:11; John 6:63; 15:3; Rom 12:2; 10:17; Eph 6; 5:26; 2 Tim 3:16–17; Heb 4:12; Luke 8:11–15. Recommended resources: God at War: The Bible and Spiritual Conflict by Gregory Boyd. Bible Hi-Gliders Kohinol Color Pencils, Dry Highlighter Set Pentel Arts 8 Color Mechanical Pencil Moleskine Cahier Journals Partner with the ministry / stay connected: • Weekly podcasts & updates: Kingdom Intelligence Briefing • Support Biblical Life TV and the KIB mission to equip the remnant Timeline (Chapters) 00:00 Opening & KIB mission: empowering the remnant 00:36 Feast of Tabernacles context & personal update 02:02 Women of real strength: Deborah, Esther, and redeemed Rahabs/Tamars 07:55 Guarding against strange fire & counterfeit prophetic movements 10:18 Hope for the nation: prayer over leaders, courts, and laws 15:14 Call to steadfast intercession; refusing despair about “Babylon” narratives 18:40 Why a physical Bible matters: editions, margins, binding, and longevity 22:28 Marking & studying your Bible: highlighters, pens, notebooks, word studies 27:05 If systems go dark: why hard copies are strategic 29:10 Everything is spiritual warfare—a worldview for discipleship 31:22 Book spotlight: God at War (Gregory Boyd) & reading the Bible as warfare literature 35:30 From Adam to Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus: the shepherd's staff & conflict with the powers 41:12 The long war against the Word of God through history 45:25 Canonicity, translations, & practical guidance (ESV, NKJV; cautions on paraphrases) 50:10 What the Word does in believers: life, cleansing, protection, healing, discernment, faith, renewal, equipping, fruit 57:18 Psalm 22: precise prophecy of the crucifixion fulfilled in Jesus 1:04:10 Living by the Word in the last days; building your well-marked Bible 1:08:12 Prayer & closing blessing; next steps for the remnant SEO Hashtags (copy/paste) #KingdomIntelligenceBriefing, #KIB501, #BiblicalLifeTV, #FeastOfTabernacles, #DeborahAnointing, #EstherAnointing, #SpiritualWarfare, #WordOfGod, #Remnant, #EndTimes, #BiblicalWorldview, #Psalm22, #ProphecyFulfilled, #Holiness, #Prayer, #Revival, #Discernment, #KingdomPriesthood, #MichaelLake, #MaryLouLake

If you could rewrite your family story, what would you change? In Week 2 of Citizens of Heaven, Executive Pastor Moises Bejarano takes us through the surprising genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1—filled with brokenness, scandal, outsiders, and redemption. From Tamar's shame to Rahab's redemption, Ruth's faith, and David's failure, we see that Jesus didn't comefrom a perfect family—He came FOR imperfect families like ours. If you've ever felt unworthy, unwanted, or too far gone, this message will remind you: Jesus isn't ashamed of your story—He came to redeem it. Comment below: What part of your story have you seen God redeem? Take your next step at sunrisechurch.org or text NEXT to 909.281.7797 Subscribe for more in the Citizens of Heaven series! #CitizensOfHeaven #MoisesBejarano #SunriseChurchCA #JesusFamily #Redemption #GraceForAll #Matthew1 - NEXT STEPS  Looking to take your next step?  We want to help! Text the word NEXT to 909-281-7797 or visit sunrisechurch.org/nextsteps. - GIVE TO SUNRISE CHURCH Imagine what God can do through our giving. You can give today at sunrisechurch.org/give  - FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseChurchCA  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisechurchca  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SunriseChurch

Si pudieras reescribir la historia de tu familia, ¿qué cambiarías? En la segunda semana de Ciudadanos del Cielo, el pastor ejecutivo Moisés Bejarano nos guía a través de la sorprendente genealogía de Jesús en Mateo 1, llena de quebrantamiento, escándalo, marginados y redención. Desde la vergüenza de Tamar hasta la redención de Rahab, la fe de Rut y el fracaso de David, vemos que Jesús no vino de una familia perfecta; vino PARA familias imperfectas como la nuestra. Si alguna vez te has sentido indigno, indeseado o demasiado perdido, este mensaje te recordará: Jesús no se avergüenza de tu historia; vino a redimirla.

10/11/2025

We Risk Relationally Have you ever felt like your story disqualifies you from God's purpose? Or wondered if God still uses ordinary, overlooked people to do extraordinary things?  In this week's message from Joshua 2, we meet an unlikely hero: a Canaanite prostitute named Rahab. While the rest of the city builds walls of fear, Rahab opens a window of faith—and everything changes. At the same time, two unnamed spies risk their lives, not for conquest, but for connection. They don't blend in; they bring breakthrough. They don't judge Rahab's past; they respond to the faith rising in her heart.  This message explores the messy beauty of spiritual community, the courage to go where others won't, and how someone's breakthrough might begin with your hello.  Joshua 3:1-14 Discussion topics What is one thing that you heard, felt, or was challenged by in this past Sunday's sermon? Scripture Reflection (Joshua 2:1-14) a. What stands out to you about Rahab's faith and the spies' courage? b. The spies are un-named. Why do you think the Bible left them anonymous? How does that help us see ourselves in the story?  What's your “scarlet cord” — the public declaration of your faith? Is there a way this week to make your trust in Jesus more visible? Have you ever felt unseen, unqualified, or like an outsider in your spiritual journey? What helped you feel included or invited back in? Who is someone in your life that might be behind “emotional or spiritual walls” right now? What step can you take this week to reach out to them?  Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

Join Campbell Swoopes as they explore the lessons we can learn from the story of Rahab.

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Mark, MA (2:48) - Matthew 27:9 contains a quote from Zechariah but says it is from Jeremiah, why is that? Enoch, NY (4:46) - What does the passage "cast your bread upon the waters" mean? Matthew, GA (6:24) - Is fasting to build our strength in prayer? Would fasting help give us control over emotions, thoughts, or ADHD? Chris, email (9:09) - How have anyone's sins been atoned for since the destruction of the temple and loss of the Ark of the Covenant? Didn't God prescribe very specific processes to receive atonement for sins? What did Jericho's walls look like? Did they sink down, flat into the ground, and preserve Rahab's house on top? Cameron, MI (13:51) - If not all descended from Israel are of Israel based on Romans 9:6-7, how does that apply with Romans 11, that all Israel will be saved and grafted in? Tony, FL (16:23) - Are the two witnesses in Revelation Enoch and Elijah? Camile, NJ (18:00) - Is my friend still a Christian if she doesn't believe in the doctrine of hell? Chris, CA (23:21) - How did the Jewish priests fulfill the law of Moses after the Babylonian exile but before Jesus was crucified? They didn't have the Ark of the Covenant to use in the sacrifices, so how did they do it? John, NJ (33:12) - If Christ was crucified on a Friday, what happened to the third night? Why do they leave the word "the" out of Jesus's name, since Christ was not his last name?  Vincent, NY (36:44) - What was Jesus talking about when he said "anyone who believes in me will do the same works I've done and even greater things?" Who has done anything "greater" than Jesus? Why did Mary name Him "Jesus" and not "Immanuel?" Michael, AL (41:03) - How should I speak to my grandmother who believes Jesus came to deconstruct the God of the Old Testament? Robert, email (47:10) - I've been struggling with addiction. Do you believe people can change? If we can, can we change for our betterment? Edwin, NJ (50:20) - Is it acceptable to be cremated as a follower of Jesus Christ? Kate, email (51:53) - As a new believer, do I need to find everyone I ever lied to and tell them the truth in order to be truly forgiven by God? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Open a Bible and follow along with us as Pastor Obie shares of Rahab's rescue in Joshua 2.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2025 quarter 4, lesson 2 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Joshua”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Surprised by Grace”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Josh. 2:1–21, Num. 14:1–12, Heb. 11:31, Exod. 12:13, Joshua 9, Neh. 7:25.  Memory Text: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31, NKJV).” (October 04 - October 10)  Sunday (Shelley Quinn) - Second ChanceMonday (James Rafferty) - Value in Unexpected Places Tuesday (John Dinzey) - New AllegianceWednesday (John Lomacang) - Conflicting ValuesThursday (Jill Morikone) - Surprising Grace Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Rahab risked everything to follow God, trading fear for faith and choosing obedience over comfort. Her yes to God not only saved her family but wove her into the very lineage of Jesus—a once-outcast turned legacy-maker. Like Rahab, we don't have to see the full picture to say yes; we simply have to trust the One who calls us. This message invites us to take that same bold step of faith, knowing God can turn our obedience into something far greater than we could ever imagine!

The story about how the walls of Jericho came “a-tumblin' down” is a favorite. But it's also the target of a great deal of skepticism. Today, we're going to look briefly at three of the most frequently asked questions related to the battle of Jericho, and then we'll seek to apply the events of that day to our day.1.   Is Jericho a real historical site?Yes! In fact, Jericho is known as the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. Archeologists have uncovered artifacts that indicate a large city did exist in the late Bronze Age—the time of Joshua.2.  Is it possible that such complete destruction could actually occur?Yes! Jericho is located in the Jordan Rift—one of our planet's most seismically vulnerable places. In addition, it was built on sandy soil. Likely, an earthquake occurred, causing the walls of the city to collapse. Then the Israelite armies could enter the city through the breaches in the walls.Suggesting an earthquake could have brought down the walls doesn't negate the miracle. That it happened exactly when and how God said it would is the miracle!  3.  How can we reconcile God's order to kill all the city's inhabitants?This is a tough question, but that difficulty is eased some when one considers the sociological history of that region at that time.Historians have verified that Jericho's Canaanitish culture was unquestionably as perverse and corrupt as any in the history of our planet. Among other perversions, hideous forms of child abuse were rampant.In light of this, if the living God, as Great Physician, determines in the interest of the larger body of the human race to perform radical surgery, to eradicate the cancer of a culture so corrupt that it can only corrupt and destroy others, then are not His actions indeed loving and just?  They had ample time to repent. Rahab did and was saved! But they refused, and judgment fell.HIS CITY—YOUR CITY—OUR CITYWith that groundwork, let's consider Joshua's city (Jericho), your personal city, and our city—the place we live. When God gave Joshua instructions for taking Jericho, He commanded them to use trumpets, not drums, like armies typically would. Drums are a function of hands. Trumpets are a function of breath—ruach—spirit. Breath that offers praise.The Lord was underscoring to His people that the impossible walls they were facing would not come down through human effort, but through divine power that flowed out of obedience and praise. So, for six days, they walked around the city, following God's strategy for city-taking. They walked in unity. They walked and worshiped. Then, when told to, they shouted. And the walls fell.  Just as worship played a role in overcoming Joshua's city, it is powerful in facing the walls in our lives.Worship is not only glorifying to God, but it is debilitating to the forces of evil.  We all have walls, things that defy forward movement. Those walls could be blockaded relationships, crippling emotional issues, painful physical maladies, unbreakable habits, or chronic financial challenges. Could it be that the strategy for your city-taking is the same as it was for Joshua?  That God is calling you to walk in faith, praising Him even before you see the walls come down?  What about in our city, the place we live? How do we begin to see the walls come down so God's Kingdom can break through?What if we borrowed Joshua's strategy for our city? Walk your neighborhoods and worship. Walk and pray—for schools, for neighbors, for streets. Who knows what might happen if we did? Text: Joshua 6Originally recorded on September 18, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN