Living by Faith

This week we will be discussing chapter 6 of Joshua which is well known for the battle of Jericho, the walls coming down, Joshua's victory and most everything but what the main point is about. Truth is it is a completion to chapter two. Yes Joshua has victory and yes Rahab is safely brought out, but what about God and what about Rahab and Joshua's faith? Seems like we overlook it pretty quickly with the focus on the physical. Remember the preincarnate Christ with sword drawn in chapter 5, encouraging Joshua that He would win the battle for Israel not any tricky military strategy. And have you ever "wondered" why the red cord isn't mentioned when Joshua sends the spies to get Rahab out? (o.k., I'll give you this one early this one time. It was the only part of the wall that did not collapse. makes it pretty easy to figure out which house was hers huh?) Chapter 6 is full of faith, but did you realize that the word faith is only found four times in the O.T. and each time is a different Hebrew word, and none are found in Joshua, let alone chapter 6? This seems to defy the rules of Bible study. Normally you look for repeated words to get an idea of what is important and I would still encourage you to do just that, but in this case if that were all we did, we may miss the point altogether. This week read through Joshua 6 and come back again for the extra points for deeper study.
Till then keep in the Word!!
PM

where is your loyalty?

Pastor Mark

The last month has consisted to a lot of smack talk about who's team is the best. A funny thing is that many of "their" teams are those sitting in someones living room watching the teams that did earn a spot in the super bowl. We make plans and invite guests to come and watch the game in our homes and eat way to much. We plan snacks, activities for halftime and prepare the house for our guests. Now don't get me wrong, this was my dream Superbowl. My favorite two teams since I was a kid growing up. Going into the game was a win/win for me. But I can't help but consider how much more important our life is and especially when we consider our eternity. Why is it we can be bold for our favorite teams, talking tough to anyone that dare puts down our team? Or how is it we can so easily switch teams because our favorite player switches teams or they start losing? When it comes to loyalty our first loyalty should undoubtedly reside in Jesus Christ. We should be bold and speak out as to our dedication to Him. I am so thankful that Jesus' loyalty does not sway with the moment as ours can at times. He is fully devoted to us and loves us with a love so great and so pure we struggle to understand it. Pro 21:21 reads he who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor. How interesting that if we pursue righteousness and loyalty, we will find life, righteousness and honor. Life of course is the crucial element. Remember all people are going to have all eternity, some to despair and torment seperated from God, others will experience the saving grace to eternal life. Do your co-workers know what team you are playing for? Do they know you stand firm and are loyal and unwavering for the Kingdom? Everyone is committed, so the question is what are you committed to?