In a series of quick raids Joshua attacked and conquered the key cities of southern Canaan. These included Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir (vv. 29-39). Joshua and his army went from city to city, destroying each one and slaying its king and inhabitants “as the Lord God …
In the next three chapters Isaiah pronounces five woes on those who scorn God’s word. A sixth “woe†is found in (Isa. 33:1). Interspersed with these “woes†of judgment are promises of restoration and glory. Isaiah is pronouncing this series of “woes†…
If we are going to grow as a Christian, we have to leave the elementary teachings of Christ behind and go forward in Spiritual growth (vv. 1-3). This next passage is perhaps one of the most difficult and controversial passages in the entire Bible (vv. 4-6). The issue centers ar …
God makes it clear through Peter’s teaching that the Good News of Christ is for everyone (vv. 34-35). We should never allow culture, prejudice, geography, economic situations, or educational levels to keep us from telling others about Christ. In every nation there are people ready to receive …
“Paul, an apostle by the will of God” (v. 1) writes this letter when he is near the end of his service for Christ. Almost 30 years have passed since his conversion. Of his sixty odd years, less than half of them have been spent as a Christian. This is one of the priso …
Apparently, the false teachers in Corinth were suggesting that Paul’s unwillingness to accept support from the church was simply a coverup. They thought that he really had a love for money, and the offering he claimed to be taking for the suffering saints in Jerusalem was only going to be …
This passage consists of a review of Israel’s relationship with the Lord (vv. 7-10) and a call for Israel to remember who He is (vv. 11-14). Isaiah announced that he would reflect on the loyal love of the Lord toward His people Israel (v. 7). God had elected Israel as His …
Peter says he is writing to encourage Church leaders (v. 1). Just as shepherds are to watch over their sheep Church leaders must watch over everyone God has placed in their care (v. 2). They are to do it willingly in order to please the Lord and not because they feel like they have to. Also, they …
The same is true of our rough times, when we fight against them we sink, when we relax in faith, the influence of God’s presence lifts us up. When the world seems out of control and times get rough, where can we find shelter, peace and refuge? “Times of Refreshing” …
Paul’s statement gives us good reason to believe that he was referring to known languages and not some “heavenly†language (vv. 10-11). Each known language is different and yet it has its own meaning. No matter how sincere a speaker may be, if I do not understand his language, he cannot …