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

Leading part 9

If you think back to your years in school, we can all recall "teachers" that we found totally boring and those who opened a world that we hadn't seen before. What is the difference? For sure one of the characteristics is an enthusiasm to pass on knowledge on a subject that they truly loved. As they would teach that passion would show through. Its kinda like a cold virus, you can't see it with the eye but your bound to catch it. That is our topic of today. The ability for an elder to teach is a characteristic that can be easily abused, misunderstood and all around confusing. This doesn't mean that they know everything, or that when they teach everyone stops what they are doing and rushes over as though in a trance. It doesn't mean that they are gifted in teaching, although some will be for sure.

The Greek term is very simply, instruct through teaching. To instruct someone is to show them the way they should go, through revealing of truth. The intention of teaching/instructing is to bring about action. As a pastor I always try to look at the irreducible minimum and what is the application in my life. Elders are indeed expected to be able to help us on our way through teaching. Regardless if it is one on one or a group, an elder must be able to share the truths of scripture and explain what the relevance is. The Holy Spirit will get hold of a person and bring about change and conviction if need be as the elder is submissive to the Lords instruction in their own lives. For an elder to teach he must be in the Word and have an understanding which is confirmation of an elders calling to overseeing a flock. Many look to the pastors for instruction but Biblically speaking all elders should be ready to teach. Why not spend a moment as you consider these truths to pray for your elders and the ministry they are called to? Pray for a strong walk and wisdom as well as discernment as they fill the office of elder.
In it with you
Mark