Text: James 2:12-13 James said we will be “judged by the law of liberty” or “the law that gives freedom” (NIV). This should affect how we “speak” and “act.” So what does this mean? What is the “law of liberty”? How does recognizing this affect our lives? And how does this impact our view of […]
October 7, 2024
Declaring Holy War
Text: Micah 3:5 In this chapter, the rulers of God’s people were condemned, yet the false prophets tolerated them because they were comfortable, and they attacked anyone who jeopardized the status quo. In the same way, false teachers are content when they have their livelihood, but when this is threatened, they “declare holy war.” This […]
September 23, 2024
Lessons from Gideon (Part 4): Pride Can Be Our Downfall
Text: Judges 8 This is the final lesson in our series on Gideon. He was a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:32) who helped deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. Yet he certainly had his faults. In this lesson, we will see how he was an illustration of the wise man’s warning: “Pride goes before destruction” […]
September 16, 2024
Lessons from Gideon (Part 3): Depend on God, Not on Numbers
Text: Judges 7:1-2 When the time came to go to battle against the Midianites, Gideon assembled a large army. Yet God dramatically reduced his number in order to teach him (and us) a lesson. Despite the smaller number, Gideon’s army of 300 defeated the Midianites because God was with them. The lesson from this is […]
September 9, 2024
Lessons from Gideon (Part 2): Idols Must Be Destroyed
Text: Judges 6:25-27 The Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites (Judges 6:1-7). God sent an angel to call Gideon to deliver them (Judges 6:12-16). He questioned God and doubted his ability to carry out this task, but he went. He was a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:32). Through his leadership, God would deliver Israel. […]
September 2, 2024
Lessons from Gideon (Part 1): Why Do Hard Times Come?
Text: Judges 6:11-14 Gideon lived during a time when the Midianites oppressed the Israelites. The people cried out to God, and an angel called Gideon to deliver them. Gideon believed God had abandoned them, and that he was the last one who should be called upon to deliver the people. Yet he was persuaded to […]
August 26, 2024
Contend Earnestly for the Faith
Text: Jude 3 Throughout the New Testament, our efforts in the cause of Christ are likened to our involvement in a military conflict (cf. 1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:11). Jude also used this type of language in our text: “Contend earnestly for the faith.” What does this mean? How do we do this? And why […]
