(delayed by accident)
Our reading challenge for the day is Joshua 21-24. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
As the book of Joshua concludes God’s people are asked for a decision. Just whom will they serve? Will it be the gods of the native people and of their past idolatries? Will it be the true God who delivered them from bondage in Egypt?
We are right to ask the same question today. Yet in all too many churches where that question is asked it is twisted into a man-centered means of salvation. Consider the difference between these questions:
1) Will you believe the Jesus who has saved you by his death on the cross?
2) Will you believe Jesus so he can save you?
Question number two makes you the ultimate savior. Question number one is biblical and sees Jesus as the savior. he has accomplished salvation. Will you trust him or will you trust yourself?
Showing posts with label Joshua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joshua. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Bible Reading Challenge Week 14 Day 3
(delayed by accident)
Our reading challenge for the day is Joshua 16-20. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
The idea of private property was important in Israel. not only are there laws against theft, but there are also inheritance laws. This becomes very important when we consider the principle that lands return to their previous owner at the Jubilee. Knowing what does and does not belong to an individual or family is very important. In much of Western society the laws of inheritance have been eroded. The law seems to assume that each generation will be self-made. Rather than a persumption of private property we find increasing calls for property to belong to a governmental entity and to be granted, at least temporarily, to individuals.
Clear laws of property and inheritance have always been good in protecting families in their ability to earn, keep, and wisely share wealth.
Our reading challenge for the day is Joshua 16-20. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
The idea of private property was important in Israel. not only are there laws against theft, but there are also inheritance laws. This becomes very important when we consider the principle that lands return to their previous owner at the Jubilee. Knowing what does and does not belong to an individual or family is very important. In much of Western society the laws of inheritance have been eroded. The law seems to assume that each generation will be self-made. Rather than a persumption of private property we find increasing calls for property to belong to a governmental entity and to be granted, at least temporarily, to individuals.
Clear laws of property and inheritance have always been good in protecting families in their ability to earn, keep, and wisely share wealth.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Bible Reading Challenge Week 14 Day 2
Our reading challenge for the day is Joshua 11-15. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Today’s readings detail battles, borders, and inheritances. What must we realize here? All that God’s people have is provided to them by their Lord. He has appointed them a place and a way to live. He has separated them from other people. He has given them an inheritance, but above all he shows that he himself is their inheritance. The generations come and go but the God who has appointed a place for his people remains forever.
Today’s readings detail battles, borders, and inheritances. What must we realize here? All that God’s people have is provided to them by their Lord. He has appointed them a place and a way to live. He has separated them from other people. He has given them an inheritance, but above all he shows that he himself is their inheritance. The generations come and go but the God who has appointed a place for his people remains forever.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Bible Reading Challenge Week 14 Day 1
Our reading challenge for the day is Joshua 6-10. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Joshua 6 - God is the one who fought the battle of Jericho. His servants merely accepted his command by faith.
Joshua 7 - We see what kind of things happen when we choose to trust in our own abilities. It is possible for us to be defeated against all odds.
Joshua 8 - With God's specific command and blessing any task can be accomplished. the strategy doesn't matter. God's blessing does.
Joshua 9 - The Israelites had to take their oath with Gibeon very seriously. Promises are important. How do we view our promises? how does God view his promises?
Joshua 10 - We remember that God's purpose is to give the land to Israel. He is not to be stopped. What is the promised land for those who trust in Jesus, the people of God calls children of Abraham by faith? It is deliverance from sin and a promise of heavenly rest. The battle is not about land any more. It is a battle for the faith.
Joshua 6 - God is the one who fought the battle of Jericho. His servants merely accepted his command by faith.
Joshua 7 - We see what kind of things happen when we choose to trust in our own abilities. It is possible for us to be defeated against all odds.
Joshua 8 - With God's specific command and blessing any task can be accomplished. the strategy doesn't matter. God's blessing does.
Joshua 9 - The Israelites had to take their oath with Gibeon very seriously. Promises are important. How do we view our promises? how does God view his promises?
Joshua 10 - We remember that God's purpose is to give the land to Israel. He is not to be stopped. What is the promised land for those who trust in Jesus, the people of God calls children of Abraham by faith? It is deliverance from sin and a promise of heavenly rest. The battle is not about land any more. It is a battle for the faith.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Bible Reading Challenge Week 13 Day 5
Our reading challenge for the day is Joshua 1-5. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Joshua 1 - od reminds Joshua and the people of Israel that he is able to deliver on his promises. What has he promised in Jesus? Consider it done.
Joshua 2 - God preserves his chosen line, the line of the Messiah, through Rahab, the pagan and prostitute. What other unsavory characters does he use to accomplish his purposes?
Joshua 3 - I'm amazed at how the people of Israel will stop and receive instruction from God while crossing a river he has dried up miraculously. I can barely get a congregation to stop and listen when they smell coffee!
Joshua 4 - Yet another memorial is set up. What do we use to remember how our Lord has provided for us? Do we effectively look to God's provision or are we looking to ourseelves?
Joshua 5 - How did the people of Israel fail to circumcise their children while in the wilderness? Despite their failure God still gave them a time of repentance. As we say in Matins and Vespers services when we hear the Scripture, "Lord have mercy." "Thanks be to God."
Joshua 1 - od reminds Joshua and the people of Israel that he is able to deliver on his promises. What has he promised in Jesus? Consider it done.
Joshua 2 - God preserves his chosen line, the line of the Messiah, through Rahab, the pagan and prostitute. What other unsavory characters does he use to accomplish his purposes?
Joshua 3 - I'm amazed at how the people of Israel will stop and receive instruction from God while crossing a river he has dried up miraculously. I can barely get a congregation to stop and listen when they smell coffee!
Joshua 4 - Yet another memorial is set up. What do we use to remember how our Lord has provided for us? Do we effectively look to God's provision or are we looking to ourseelves?
Joshua 5 - How did the people of Israel fail to circumcise their children while in the wilderness? Despite their failure God still gave them a time of repentance. As we say in Matins and Vespers services when we hear the Scripture, "Lord have mercy." "Thanks be to God."
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