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Samson is the final judge in the book of Judges, and represents Israel both in his supernatural birth and his disloyalty expand

Samson is the final judge in the book of Judges, and represents Israel both in his supernatural birth and his disloyalty to Yahweh. Yet God shows him mercy as he prays: the desperate prayer of a flawed leader to the real God is more powerful than thousands worshiping an idol. Samson fights alone, and dies alone as a prisoner, but in his death brings deliverance, just as Jesus does for his people. back

No Audio Available: Click the link above for the printed text of this sermon.

No Audio Available: Click the link above for the printed text of this sermon. back

The book of Judges reveals that Israel abandoned their Deliverer, and though we would expect it to be 'game over', her serial expand

The book of Judges reveals that Israel abandoned their Deliverer, and though we would expect it to be 'game over', her serial idolatry is followed by serial grace, for God cannot deny himself, and the covenant promise He has made to His people. In Jesus Christ, God keeps both sides of the covenant, so that if (when) we are faithless, He remains faithful. back

'Choose this day whom you will serve,' Joshua says to the people of Israel in his final speech. The people of God must demonstrate expand

'Choose this day whom you will serve,' Joshua says to the people of Israel in his final speech. The people of God must demonstrate fidelity to God in the good land He has given them. But, it is foundational to the gospel that God actually chooses us first, as verses 2-13 show. And our choice is not an arid intellectual one, but a choice of a person. The object of our choosing is more significant than the choice itself. back

After having been brought into the land, and having seen God's hand in victory over the enemy, and now being at peace in expand

After having been brought into the land, and having seen God's hand in victory over the enemy, and now being at peace in the land, the people of God are faced with the choice of clinging to the LORD or complacent, incremental drift into idolatry. back

Joshua gave partial victory over the Promised Land, but Jesus has given victory over death. This has happened. Yet, the expand

Joshua gave partial victory over the Promised Land, but Jesus has given victory over death. This has happened. Yet, the perfection of Christ's victory is still to come, and in the 'in between' time He invites us to participate by faith in 'settling' the land, planting the kingdom of God, by proclaiming Jesus in life and speech. back

With ritual obedience to the LORD's command, Jericho is destroyed. But in the context of judgment, grace: Rahab and her expand

With ritual obedience to the LORD's command, Jericho is destroyed. But in the context of judgment, grace: Rahab and her father's household are saved. Joshua learns that God guarantees neither complete salvation of Israel (as we see in Chapter 7) nor the complete destruction of Canaan; He is not a tribal deity, and will show mercy on those whom he will show mercy-even us. back

Before the Israelites could enter into their inheritance, God required them to observe the covenant markers of circumcision expand

Before the Israelites could enter into their inheritance, God required them to observe the covenant markers of circumcision and the passover meal. These identified them as the people of God, divinely birthed, distinct from the nations around them that were in opposition to God (as the exodus generation had been in the wilderness). For the church today, circumcision is analogous to baptism, and passover to the Lord's Supper. back

How do we know God is moving with us, even in front of us? There are five movements in these two chapters, including the expand

How do we know God is moving with us, even in front of us? There are five movements in these two chapters, including the liturgical movement of the ark of the covenant, which, significantly, moves ahead of Israel, for it is God who is giving them the land. back

The story of Rahab the prostitute seems out of place in the larger story of the possession of the Promised Land by the ancient expand

The story of Rahab the prostitute seems out of place in the larger story of the possession of the Promised Land by the ancient Israelites. But the largest story of all is this: against the dark curtain of God's just judgment against Canaan, the diamond of his mercy shines so very brightly. The only way to escape the judgment of God is to seek the mercy of God. back

After Moses dies, Joshua takes over. Or does he? Joshua 1 tells us that the LORD of heaven and earth is actually the true expand

After Moses dies, Joshua takes over. Or does he? Joshua 1 tells us that the LORD of heaven and earth is actually the true leader of his people. When God leads, we follow, so take courage! back

'The secret things belong to the LORD,' but He has revealed in his mighty actions the reason that we must keep covenant expand

'The secret things belong to the LORD,' but He has revealed in his mighty actions the reason that we must keep covenant with him. Deviation from the covenant has to do with seeking the hidden things away from the Lord, in the false idols that surround us. back

At the heart of the Law is a special command: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. The way we expand

At the heart of the Law is a special command: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. The way we best demonstrate our love for God is to obey him, for his perfect law is life. back

(Sermon not recorded: printable copy available on Sermon Download page) At the boundary of the Promised Land, Moses warns expand

(Sermon not recorded: printable copy available on Sermon Download page) At the boundary of the Promised Land, Moses warns the people of God about the foundational thing they must remember: to place their trust in him alone.   back

In this interesting text from near the end of the wilderness journey, we see God's (apparently) foolish answer to sin is expand

In this interesting text from near the end of the wilderness journey, we see God's (apparently) foolish answer to sin is to look to the serpent on the pole. All the people have to do is look up, and they will be healed. It is a foreshadow of Christ on the cross, who will be lifted up so that those who look to him will be healed. back