Danger of persistently refusing God's offer of salvation (Hebrews 2:1-4)

 A friend pointed out to me the truths from Hebrews 2:1-4 that was in the new believers bible.

Summary: The danger is not merely committing isolated sins but persistently refusing God's offer of salvation.

The Big Idea

Hebrews 2:1-4 calls every reader to a decisive response:

• Listen carefully to God's Word.
• Do not drift into spiritual neglect.
• Receive the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
• Trust the gospel God confirmed through Christ, the apostles, miracles, and the Holy Spirit.
• Persevere in faith rather than ignoring God's gracious invitation.

The passage presents both God's grace and human responsibility. God has spoken through His Son, provided complete salvation through the cross, confirmed that message with signs and wonders, and continues to call people through the Holy Spirit. The question Hebrews asks every reader is simple: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3). The implied answer is that there is no greater rescue than the one God has already provided in Christ.

Key Theme: Don't Drift. Respond to God's Salvation.
Primary text: Hebrews 2:1-4

The warning in Hebrews is not primarily against ignorance, but against neglect. Spiritual drift is usually gradual. The writer urges believers to pay close attention to Christ because the salvation He offers is greater than anything that came before.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Hebrews 3:12-15: Guard your heart against unbelief that slowly pulls you away from God.
• James 1:22: Be doers of the Word, not merely hearers.
• John 5:24: Whoever hears Christ and believes has eternal life.
• Romans 10:9-13: Salvation is received by believing and calling on Christ.

Summary: God has spoken clearly through His Son. The proper response is faith, obedience, and perseverance.

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Key Theme: God Desires Everyone to Be Saved

God's heart is consistently revealed as one of mercy and invitation rather than condemnation.

Supporting Scriptures:

• 2 Peter 3:9: God is patient, not wishing that any should perish.
• 1 Timothy 2:3-4: God desires all people to be saved.
• Ezekiel 33:11: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires repentance.
• John 3:16-17: Christ came to save the world, not condemn it.

Summary: God's desire is universal salvation, but His invitation must be personally received.

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Key Theme: God's Invitation Requires a Human Response

Salvation is God's work, yet Scripture consistently calls people to respond.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites the weary to come.
• Revelation 22:17: Whoever is thirsty may freely receive the water of life.
• Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized.
• Acts 17:30: God commands all people everywhere to repent.
• Isaiah 55:6-7: Seek the Lord while He may be found.

Summary: Grace is freely offered, but faith and repentance are genuine responses that God calls every person to make.

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Key Theme: Salvation Is Entirely God's Work

People cannot save themselves. Forgiveness, justification, and new life come only through Christ.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Ephesians 2:8-9: Salvation is by grace through faith, not works.
• Titus 3:5: God saved us because of His mercy.
• Romans 3:23-24: We are justified freely through Christ's redemption.
• John 14:6: Jesus is the only way to the Father.

Summary: Salvation is accomplished by Christ alone and received through faith.

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Key Theme: Human Responsibility Is Real

God does not coerce belief. Scripture repeatedly presents people with a genuine choice to accept or reject Him.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Joshua 24:15: Choose this day whom you will serve.
• Deuteronomy 30:19-20: Choose life.
• John 1:11-13: Some rejected Christ, while others received Him.
• Romans 1:18-21: Humanity is accountable because God has made Himself known.

Summary: God's sovereignty does not eliminate human responsibility. Every person is accountable for how they respond to Christ.

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Key Theme: God Confirmed the Gospel Through Signs and Wonders

Hebrews emphasizes that the gospel was not based on human opinion. God authenticated it through miraculous works.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Mark 16:20: The Lord confirmed the message with accompanying signs.
• Acts 2:22: Jesus was accredited by miracles, wonders, and signs.
• Acts 5:12: Many signs and wonders occurred through the apostles.
• 2 Corinthians 12:12: Apostolic ministry was authenticated by signs and miracles.
• John 20:30-31: Jesus' signs were recorded so people would believe.

Summary: Miracles did not replace faith, but they confirmed God's revelation concerning Jesus Christ.

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Key Theme: Ignoring the Gospel Has Eternal Consequences

Hebrews presents one of the New Testament's strongest warnings against neglecting salvation.

Supporting Scriptures:

• John 3:18: Whoever does not believe stands condemned already.
• John 3:36: Whoever rejects the Son remains under God's wrath.
• Matthew 25:46: Jesus describes eternal life and eternal punishment.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: Judgment comes upon those who reject the gospel.
• Hebrews 10:26-31: Deliberately rejecting God's provision leaves no other sacrifice for sins.

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Forgotten Maker, Building Their Own Greatness

 Core Theme

The cyclical pattern of prosperity → forgetfulness → self-reliance → judgment → restoration

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I. THE PATTERN OF FORGETFULNESS

A. Prosperity Breeds Amnesia (Deuteronomy 8:11-20)

The Warning Cycle:

1. God delivers and provides (v.14-16)
2. People become satisfied (v.12)
3. Hearts become proud (v.14)
4. Attribution shifts from God to self (v.17)
5. Worship follows attribution (v.19)

Cross-references:

• Hosea 13:6 - "When they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me"
• Deuteronomy 32:15 - "Jeshurun grew fat and kicked... he forsook God who made him"
• Proverbs 30:8-9 - "Give me neither poverty nor riches... lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'"

B. Historical Amnesia (Psalm 106:13, 21)

Speed of Forgetting: "But they soon forgot his works"

Pattern in Israel's History:

• Egypt's deliverance → Golden calf (Exodus 32)
• Wilderness provision → constant grumbling (Numbers 11-14)
• Conquest victories → Canaanite compromise (Judges 2:10-13)
• Kingdom glory → idolatrous division (1 Kings 11-12)

Jeremiah 2:32 - The absurdity: A bride never forgets her wedding attire, yet God's people forget Him "days without number"

Additional References:

• Judges 8:33-34 - "As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. And the people of Israel did not remember the LORD their God"
• Nehemiah 9:16-17 - "But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them"

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II. SELF-MADE MONUMENTS

A. Building Without God (Psalm 127:1)

The Futility Principle: Human effort apart from divine blessing = vanity

Three Applications:

1. Households - Family legacy built on human wisdom alone
2. Cities/Nations - Civilizations that exclude God (Psalm 33:12)
3. Personal Achievement - Career, reputation, wealth as self-constructed towers

Isaiah 22:11 - The condemnation of Jerusalem: intricate waterworks and defenses, but "you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago"

B. The Tower Syndrome (Genesis 11:1-9)

Babel's Characteristics:

1. Unity in rebellion - "Let us make..." (not "Let God make...")
2. Self-glorification - "Make a name for ourselves"
3. Fear-driven building - "Lest we be dispersed" (rejecting God's command to fill the earth, Gen 9:1)
4. God-replacement - Tower reaching to heaven (usurping divine position)

Modern Babel Parallels:

• Corporate empires without ethical foundation
• Personal brands built on self-promotion (Isaiah 14:13-14 - "I will... I will...")
• Theological systems that exclude God's revelation
• Technology worship - Habakkuk 1:16 applied: "he sacrifices to his net"

Additional References:

• Isaiah 5:21 - "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!"
• Obadiah 1:3-4 - "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock... who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'"

C. The Rich Fool's Delusion (Luke 12:16-21)

Five Fatal Mistakes:

1. Monologue with self - "I will say to my soul" (v.19) - God never consulted
2. Ownership delusion - "My crops, my barns, my goods" (v.17-18)
3. Security in things - "You have ample goods laid up for many years"
4. Temporal focus - "Relax, eat, drink, be merry" (no eternal perspective)
5. Death's interrupt - "This night your soul is required of you" (v.20)

The Verdict: "Not rich toward God" (v.21)

Cross-references:

• James 4:13-16 - Boasting about tomorrow without "If the Lord wills"
• Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 - Wealth acquired, wealth lost; "naked he shall return"
• Matthew 16:26 - "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?"

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III. PRIDE'S TRAJECTORY (Proverbs 16:18)

A. The Downward Spiral

Pride → Destruction
Haughty Spirit → Fall

Biblical Examples:

1. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-37) - "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built...?"
2. Herod (Acts 12:21-23) - Accepted worship, struck down immediately
3. Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16) - "When he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction"

B. Self-Worship in Disguise (Habakkuk 1:16)

"He sacrifices to his net" - Worshiping the instrument of our success

Modern Idols:

• Education/credentials - "My degree earned this"
• Work ethic - "My hustle built this empire"
• Strategy/intelligence - "My brilliant plan succeeded"
• Networks - "It's all about who you know" (whom I know)

Romans 1:21-25 - The exchange: Truth of God → lie; worship of Creator → worship of created things (including ourselves)

Additional References:

• Ezekiel 28:2-5 - "Because your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god'... yet you are but a man"
• 1 Corinthians 4:7 - "What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"

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IV. THE ANTIDOTE: REMEMBERING AND REBUILDING RIGHTLY

A. Commanded Remembrance

Deuteronomy 8:18 - "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth"

Memory Mechanisms in Scripture:

1. Passover - Annual reenactment (Exodus 12:14)
2. Feast cycles - Regular rhythm of remembering (Leviticus 23)
3. Stones of testimony - Physical memorials (Joshua 4:6-7)
4. Lord's Supper - "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19)
5. Teaching children - Generational transfer (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

Psalm 103:2 - "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits"

B. God-Centered Building

Proper Attribution:

• 1 Chronicles 29:11-14 - David's prayer: "All that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours... Both riches and honor come from you... But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you."
• James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above"
• Philippians 2:13 - "God... works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure"

Proper Building:

• 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - Building on the foundation of Christ with gold/silver/precious stones (not wood/hay/stubble)
• Matthew 7:24-27 - Wise builder on rock (God's Word) vs. fool on sand (self-will)
• Colossians 3:17 - "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"

C. Humility's Protection

Proverbs 3:5-7 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding... Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD"

Micah 6:8 - "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you"

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V. PRACTICAL APPLICATION

A. Daily Questions for Self-Examination

1. Attribution audit: When I recount success today, who gets the credit?
2. Building inspection: What am I building—and whose glory does it serve?
3. Memory check: What has God done that I'm tempted to forget?
4. Idol inventory: Where am I "sacrificing to my net"?
5. Eternal perspective: If God required my soul tonight, would I be "rich toward God"?

B. Specific Action Steps

1. Establish remembrance rhythms - Weekly gratitude journaling specifically noting God's provision
2. Reframe success narratives - Practice saying "God enabled me to..." instead of "I accomplished..."
3. Preach to yourself - Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5 - "Why are you cast down, O my soul? ...Hope in God"
4. Build with eternal materials - Regular evaluation: Will this matter in 100 years? 1,000? Eternity?
5. Practice dependence - Begin projects/decisions with prayer, not just planning

C. Warning Signs of Forgetfulness

• Decreasing prayer life despite increasing success
• Irritation when God gets credit for your achievements
• Anxiety about losing what you've built (revealing where security lies)
• Difficulty celebrating others' success (competition rather than stewardship mindset)
• Trajectory toward luxury while ministry/generosity plateaus

Revelation 3:17-18 - Laodicean delusion: "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (not knowing spiritual bankruptcy)

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VI. THE ULTIMATE CONTRAST

The Two Builders:

Self-Made Builder:

• Forgets Creator → Becomes own creator
• Builds monuments to self → They burn (1 Cor 3:15)
• Trusts in own strength → Falls (Prov 16:18)
• Rich in things → Poor toward God (Luke 12:21)
• Dies → "Fool!" (Luke 12:20)

God-Dependent Builder:

• Remembers Creator → Reflects Creator's glory
• Builds on Christ → Work endures (1 Cor 3:14)
• Trusts in God's strength → Stands firm (Psalm 125:1)
• Rich toward God → True riches (Luke 12:21)
• Dies → "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt 25:21)

Final Word - Jeremiah 9:23-24: "Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'"

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Closing Challenge

Two paths lie before every achievement:

1. Amnesia → Self-glorification → Destruction
2. Remembrance → God-glorification → Enduring fruit

The choice is made not once, but daily—in how we narrate our stories, allocate our resources, and direct our worship.

Your move: What monument are you building today? And whose name will be carved at the top?

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Non-coercive discipleship, God’s way is invitation, not compulsion

Reflecting on Truth With Tenderness: Leading Without Spiritual Harm in Conversations, the idea of Non-coercive discipleship made me take a deeper look. 

Non-coercive discipleship is a relational approach to spiritual growth that relies on love, voluntary participation, and respect for free will, rather than force, threats, or manipulation, focusing on leading individuals to faith and deeper understanding by modeling Christ's principles and empowering them to choose their path, much like William Glasser's educational model, promoting autonomy and intrinsic motivation in learning and following. [1, 2, 3]

Key Principles

• Love & Respect: Building relationships based on care, encouragement, and valuing the individual's choices, mirroring Jesus's rebuke of disciples who wanted to harm a Samaritan village for not welcoming him, emphasizing that "everyone gets to choose".
• Voluntary Participation: Discipleship is an invitation, not an imposition; people come to faith and grow through personal decision, not coercion.
• Leading, Not Bossing: Instead of dictating or berating, effective leaders (teachers, mentors) provide stimulating environments and help, trusting that people will be drawn to what fulfills their needs (freedom, love, fun, achievement).
• Modeling & Invitation: Sharing experiences and beliefs through deeds and words, inviting others to experience new life in Christ, rather than shoving them towards it.
• Patience & Prayer: Recognizing that faith journeys take time, requiring consistent prayer and support without pressure, as seen in the gradual process of conversion. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]

Practical Applications

• Storytelling: Using scripture stories to engage listeners, rebuild them together, and encourage personal retelling, fostering deep engagement.
• Empowerment: Helping people discover their own desire to follow by meeting their needs and fostering independence, as shown in parenting and teaching.
• Focus on Choice: Presenting faith as a joyful choice and a fulfilling path, not a set of rules enforced by fear. [2, 3, 7, 8]

Contrast with Coercion

• Coercive: Threatening, punishing, forcing compliance, using emotional pressure (e.g., "boss teachers").
• Non-Coercive: Inspiring, enabling, encouraging, leading through love and positive example (e.g., "lead teachers"). [1, 6, 7]

Below are biblically grounded references that support each idea behind non-coercive discipleship. The pattern is consistent across Scripture. God invites. He does not force. Transformation flows from love, truth, and the Spirit’s work, not pressure.

Core Biblical Foundation. God’s way is invitation, not compulsion

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” - Joshua 24:15

• Faith is framed as a voluntary choice, not enforced allegiance.

Christ stands at the door and knocks. He does not break it down. Revelation 3:20

• When many disciples walk away, Jesus lets them go and then asks the Twelve if they also want to leave. No coercion. Only invitation. - John 6:66-67

Key Principles with Scripture

1. Love and Respect for Free Will. Discipleship rooted in love honors choice.

Jesus rebukes the disciples for wanting to call down fire on a Samaritan village. He refuses coercion even when rejected. Luke 9:51 to 56

“God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” Romans 2:4

• Repentance flows from goodness, not fear.

Love is not self-seeking and not controlling. 1 Corinthians 13:5

2. Voluntary Participation. Faith grows through willing response.

• “Come to me.” The invitation is open and gentle. Matthew 11:28-30
• Those who received Him became children of God. John 1:12
• God values willingness over compulsion. This principle applies broadly to obedience and devotion. 2 Corinthians 9:7

3. Leading, Not Bossing. Spiritual authority is relational, not authoritarian.

• Jesus contrasts worldly power with servant leadership. Mark 10:42-45
• Shepherds are commanded not to lord authority over others, but to lead by example. 1 Peter 5:2-3
• “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

4. Modeling and Invitation. Truth is embodied before it is explained.

• Jesus teaches by example, then invites imitation. John 13:14-15
• The gospel came not only in words but in lived witness. 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6
• “Follow me.” An invitation tied to relationship, not force. Matthew 4:19

5. Patience and Prayer. Spiritual formation unfolds over time.

• God is patient, desiring repentance, not pressure. 2 Peter 3:9
• Persistent prayer and gracious speech shape faithful witness. Colossians 4:2-6
• Growth requires endurance without manipulation. Galatians 6:9

Practical Applications Anchored in Scripture. Storytelling and Engagement

• Faith is passed relationally through shared story and conversation. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• Jesus opens Scripture through narrative, allowing hearts to awaken. Luke 24:27-32

Empowerment and Ownership

• God works within us, not over us, cultivating internal desire. Philippians 2:12-13
• Wise leaders draw out what God is already stirring in a person. Proverbs 20:5

Focus on Choice and Joy

• “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Experience precedes commitment. Psalm 34:8
• Jesus presents life as abundance, not obligation. John 10:10

Contrast with Coercion in Scripture. What Scripture Rejects

• Condemns harsh and forceful leadership. Ezekiel 34:4
• Heavy burdens without care misrepresent God. Matthew 23:4

What Scripture Commends

Christ leads into freedom, not control. Galatians 5:1

God’s wisdom is gentle, open to reason, and full of mercy. James 3:17

Summary Insight

• Biblical discipleship aligns with this truth:
• God transforms hearts through love, truth, patience, and invitation.
• Anything that bypasses choice may produce compliance, but it will never produce Christlikeness.

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://faculty.washington.edu/cadavis1/503%20Readings/GlasserChapter.pdf

[2] https://pastors.ai/bible/verse/jesus-non-coercive-kingdom-and-political-authority/

[3] https://www.caratedstonetherapy.com/parenting/blog-post-title-one-l7s99

[4] https://uncg.edu/~bblevin/class_management/moremodels/WilliamGlasser.html

[5] https://www.smallgroups.com/articles/2010/sharing-your-faith-without-embarrassment-or-coercion.html

[6] https://www.patheos.com/blogs/uncommongodcommongood/2012/10/conversion-not-coercion-or-capitulation/

[7] https://sharperiron.org/article/when-followers-don-t-follow-closer-look-at-coercion

[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yia7_mNjfSs

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Practical knowledge, everyday need of applied religion - don't be indifferent (Samson Judges 13-16)

I'm enjoying reflecting on my past and thinking about the future, looking for wisdom I'm reminded of this Rob Harbison study on Proverbs

Earlier this week I was listening to Bill Johnson, "Between ungrateful and grateful - indifference"

Indifferent gratitude is marked by a lack of investment.

• Treasure is where you're heart is 
• Buy that field 

Indifferent towards obedience will loose anointing (Samson) Judges 16:20, no clue God left him. 

• Didn't loose strength when hair cut but when he became indifferent. 
• I'm being casual with my vow of abstinence from sin? 
• Sometime we need "to know" but mostly we need a "NO!" 

Samson didn't lose his power when his hair was cut, he lost his power when he became indifferent. Sounds bold but is it true?

A) Miracle Baby: Samson was born by a promise into an oppressed society

• God's people doing evil, handed over to Philistine oppression for 40 years (Judges 13:1), Angel of LORD instructions + miracles + promises (Judges 13:2-7), Manoah believed, prayed "Yes LORD, give us more instruction" (8-25) God answered via Angel of God + wife + Samson + Spirit of the LORD
• Religious ideas: Careful/no alcoholic drink or forbidden food/dedicated to God, Nazirite (consecrated/separated Numbers 6:1-21) rescuer. Examples in Samuel, John the Baptist and Paul (Acts 18:18, 21:22-24)

B) Samson lives foolishly yet LORD's anointing is revealed in Power/Spirit and Thirsty-Prayer/Water

• Samson marries Philistine, parents object, LORD at work (kills lion, honey) 30 Philistine groomsmen (Judges 14:1-11)
• Samson riddle/bets 30 Philistines "one eats came something to eat, strong came sweet" 3 days (12-14)
• 4th day, "entice husband to explain or family dies", cries until 7th day explains riddle, Samson loses bet but kills others to pay debt, goes home - wife marries best man (15-20)
• Samson want wife, anger, catches 300 foxes and burns all the fields: wheat, vineyards olive groves (15:1-5)
• Philistines kill wife/father Samson vows revenge, killed many (6-8)
• Philistines retaliated against Judah, 3000 Judah conspire to turn Samson over (9-13)
• Philistines celebrate but Spirit of Lord on Samson, he kills 1000 with a bone, yet Samson boasts (14-17)
• Anointed ministry: Samson thirsty, cries to LORD, God caused water to gush, Samson judged 20 years Philistines dominated (18-20)
• Isn't this is what he's known for Judges 16:31, the 20 good years - Hebrews 11:32?

C) Samson falls into sin, love for Delilah and indifference to God ruins his life.

Life of Sin starts: Samson Philistine Gaza prostitute, sleeps till noon, plot to kill didn't work (16:1-3)

Unequally yoked marriage: Samson love Delilah, rules employ her to get secret (strength + capture) for 1100 silver pieces (4-6)

Relationship of deceit: Samson tells 3 lies (7 bowstrings, new, rope, 7 braids/fabric) that "make him weak as anyone" Delilah test them, tormented him nagging, sick to death (7-16)

• Lies, nagging, "sick to death"

Samson tells the truth "I was dedicated to God as Naririte from birth, shaved head strength leaves me" Delilah believes, lulled Samson to sleep... in this way she brought him down, his strength left him (17-19)

• Carries the name of God in vain (Indifferent to parents dedication, and God's call, 17)
• Strength left him while he was sleeping, his head in her lap, lulled to sleep (19)

...When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. (Judges 16:20)

Principle: 

Sin makes us unaware that the power of God has left us, leaving us deceived and unable to shake ourselves free.

Application: 

What sin do I tolerate and prepend not to know is wrong? Where deception have I embraced from the world, my flesh or the devil? Since Jesus paid for my sin, when will I come to him for cleansing, forgiveness and new heart that understands how to live in freedom. 

Philistines captured him, gouged his eyes, Gaza chains, forced labor, hair grows back (21-22)

3000 Philistines, drunk festival, praised their god bring Samson to amuse at pillar (2-27)

D) End of life Samson prays for personal revenge and death, yet is honored for the good years.

• Samson prayed, revenge for eyes, "let me die with Philistines", killed more in death than life (28-30)
• Samson buried with family, known for the good 20 years (Judges 16:31, Judges 15:18-20)

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith" because it lists many Old Testament figures who demonstrated faith in God despite their human imperfections and moral failures. Samson is mentioned in verse 32: 

"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets" (Hebrews 11:32, NIV). 

It's been said that the author of Hebrews highlights Samson's faith, despite his many personal failings recorded in the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16), because his final actions demonstrated a reliance on God's strength. His inclusion serves as a reminder that God can work through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes and that redemption is available to those who turn to Him in faith. 

We see in Hebrews 12 follows that God disciplines those he loves and we follow Jesus whose blood speaks forgiveness not revenge, allulia. 

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True worship is submitting yourself to God wholeheartedly (Jer 17:11-18:17)

focus verse: 

O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! Jer 17:14

 Jer 17:11-18:17

• A) Worship the LORD with your whole self and find living water, healing, and salvation (Jer 17:11-18)
• B) Keep the Sabbath Holy and receive incalculable blessing (Jer 17:19-27)
• C) God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17)

A) Worship the LORD with your whole self and find living water, healing, and salvation (Jer 17:11-18)

11-12) WORSHIP: Wealth by unjust means is lost by fools, worship LORD instead

• Devotion to God enables visibility and employment in his kingdom (Matthew 6-7)

13) APOSTASY: all who turn away/abandoned LORD (fountain living water) are disgraced, dead

• Jesus ministers to the Samaritan woman at the well
• Jesus teaches about Living Water at Festival of Tabernacles

14) FAITH: LORD, if you heal me, I'm truly healed, save me, I'm truly saved, I praise you alone

15) People scoff, what message from LORD, predictions don't come true

16) WORK: LORD, I've not abandoned my job as shepherd, patient, in your presence, hoping in you alone

17-18) Don't terrorize me but double on them, meshame/dismay on perecuters, not me.

B) Keep the Sabbath Holy and receive incalculable blessing (Jer 17:19-27)

19-23) LORD says: stop carrying your trade on Sabbath day, make it holy, pay attention, accept discipline 

• Love will slow you down - to your benefit
• Application: I'm here Lord

24-26) Obey me in Sabbath and city will be strong forever, blessing everyone with offering/thanksgiving to the LORD's Temple.

27) Refuse me in Sabbath and I will set fire to gates spreading to palaces

• Application: we have two choices in life, obedience or refusal

C) God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17)

1-4) Potter working his wheel, jar didn't turn out, so he crushed it into a lump and started over

5-10) As clay in potter's hand so we are in God's hands; God announces destruction but if nation renounces evil ways, I won't destroy as planned. If announces blessing but then nation turns to evil and refuses to obey, I won't bless.

11-12) Jeremiah warns about disaster instead of good, turn from evil ways, do what's right

• Does God change his mind?

13-17) LORD, "snow capped mountains, reliable cold streams? not so, people deserted, incense worthless idols, muddy path, land desolate, stupidity, scattered - LORD turned back on them, refuse their distress

Diagnostics of a depraved psychology and consequences (Romans 1:18-32)

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Apostacy is leaving the way of understanding, and losing common sense (Proverbs 21:16, Ezekiel 18:24, Heb 3:12)

Apostacy from the greek in Heb 3:12 literally means "departing from the living God." - yet the promise stands "as long as it's called today... don't harden your heart...

Proverbs 21:16 (NKJV): A man who wanders from the way of understanding, Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Proverbs 21:16 (NLT): The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.

• Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode. Psalm 49:14
• from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, Proverbs 2:13
• Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death. Proverbs 11:19
• But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die. Ezekiel 18:24
• Today we need to take heed of history (Heb 3:7-19), many didn't believe and they died.
• An erring heart and disbelieving heart will also be a hard heart (Heb 3:12), therefore we encourage one another with God's truths (Heb 3:13).
• Common Sense: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

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Parable of treasure (Israel) and the Pearl (Children of God) (Matthew 13:44-46, John 11:51-52)

Enjoying Be Loyal by Warren Wiersbe

Matthew13:1-23 starts with revealing the kingdom of heaven in the parable of the soils. Wiersbe ties these together through the definition of "parable" as "to cast alongside" - they are interrelated about the kingdom of heaven. The mystery of spiritual truth is understood by divine revelation, only to those "insiders" who learn from the Lord and obey Him. 

Jesus didn't teach parables to confuse or condemn people. He sought to excite their interest and arouse their curiosity. Parables would give light to those with trusting, searching hearts. But they would bring darkness to the unconcerned and unrepentant. 

Parables of Jesus are primarily about Salvation

Seven parables describe the spiritual course of "the kingdom of heaven" in this present age. In them, three stages of spiritual development

1. Beginning of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-9,18-23), preaching the Word of God (Heb 4:12, Rom 10:17, Matt 13:9, Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18) - "fruit" is the test of true salvation (Matt 7:16)
1. Holiness (Rom 6:22), Christian character (Gal 5:22-23), good works (Col 1:10), winning others to Christ (Rom 1:13), sharing what we have (Rom 15:25-28), praising God (Heb 13:15)
2. Persecution helps the believers to grow (like sunshine), but must be rooted in honest soil (Luke 8:15) in order not to be killed by it. 
2. Opposition to the Kingdom (Matthew 13:24-43), Satanic opposition (Matthew 13:4,19), planting imitator Christians - false growth, false doctrine (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)
1. Counterfeit Christians (2 Cor 11:15) believe the counterfeit gospel (Gal 1:6-9), counterfeit righteousness (Rom 10:1-3), counterfeit church (Rev 2:9), counterfeit Christ (2 Thes 2:1-12)
1. Tares-fales Christians (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43), musterd Seed- outward false growth (Matthew 13:31-32) as birds in it's branches could connect to Matt 13:4,19, leaven-inward development of false docrtin and false living (Matt 13:33). Leaven pictured as hypocrisy (Luke 12:1), false teaching (Matt 16:6-12), wordly compromise (Matt 22:16-21), carnality in church (1 Cor 5:6-9), false doctrine (Gal 5:9) Sin like yeast puffs up (1 Cor 4:18-19;5:2;8:1)
2. I've always seen this parable in positive terms, teaching takin to heart will permiate into all parts of life (ie the gospel). However the Lord has shown me this week that my heart is deceitful and I need Him to search my heart and examine my mind (Jer 17:9-10, Romans 8:27) I still have prominent sin (Mark 7:21-22) only God can heal me (Psalm 139:23-24) and make me new (Eph 4:22)
2. Stay awake, don't let Satan's ministers into true fellowship, and do damage (2 Peter 2; 1 John 4:1-6). Not to pull weeds but to expose lies of satan.
3. Outcome of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-50)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

 - Isreal is the treasure. Jesus died for them with Joy (Hebrews 12:1-2)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. - Matthew 13:44-46

 - Pearl is a unity, developed over time. Unlike a diamond it is not cut but shaped.

He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. - John 11:51-52

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Failing away from God, we remember the way back (Hosea 12:1-6)

 Hosea 12

Pivotal verses: "But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always." Hosea 12:6, the continued pleading from Hosea 6

“Come, let us return to the Lord...he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him" Hosea 6:1-3

God has been showing me I need to have more quiet time with the Lord, slow down - take a Sabbath rest, fast (stop eating). Only in these times can my crooked ways be straightened. A little intervention goes a long way. 

12:1) Ephram feeds on wind, multiplies lies, violence, allies with Assyria, Egypt

 - MSG: obsessed with god-fantasies, chases ghosts and phantoms. He tells lies nonstop, soul-destroying lies.

 - False prophets introduce destructive heresies, ignoring facts of wrath (2 Peter 2)

 2) Judah and Israel being charged by God, held accountable to their deeds

 - Was watching sin, transgression, iniquity from BibleProject showing deference in these terms, clarifying what's wrong in the world. Sin is against God, transgression is breaking trust. The video shows a thief stealing from you is one thing but when a neighbor does it (whom you should have trust), it's transgression. Iniquity (AVON) is allowing the consequences of our lives to fall upon us (wickedness, guilt, bent/crooked). 

 - To punish: visit someone's AVON (Iniquity) upon them.

3-5) Jacob struggled with his brother and God, wrestled, brought to knees, wept in repentance, sought favor, and was found by God in Bethel

 - the Lord God Almighty (God of hosts, God of the Angel Armies), the Lord is his name (God-Revealed, God-Known)!

6) What are you waiting for? Return to your God! Commit yourself in love, in justice! Wait for your God, and don’t give up on him—ever!

 - Redemption and the "To Be" list

 - Live like your approaching eternity today: Joshua recounts history and covenant to the Lord before death (Joshua 22-24)

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Family of God must honor the Lord or perish (Hosea 5)

 Hosea 5

Key verses:

“The arrogance ...load of guilt...When they come to offer sacrifices to the Lord, they will not find him, because he has withdrawn from them. They have betrayed the honor of the Lord, bearing children that are not his. Now their false religion will devour them along with their wealth" - Hosea 5:5-7

Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me.” Hosea 5:15

A) Leaders pointing to anything other than God lead others into a trap

5:1) Priests, leaders of Israel, royal family - judgment againt you, led people into idol worship snare at Mizpah and Tabor

 - Mizpah - Means watchtower where God watches covenant (Genesis 31:49), Where pray and fasting occur (1 Samuel 7:5-6), here I raise my Ebenezer "the stone of help" (1 Sam 7:12, Jehovahjireh Lord will provide  Gen 22:14)

2-3) dug deep pit-trap, you can't hide - left Lord as prostitute leaves husband, defiled

B) These leaders don't know the LORD and will perish

4) Deeds won't let you return to God, prostitute - you don't know the LORD

 - Knowledge that is experienced leads to understanding, surrender, love, and obedience

Geysers, planters and pruners: How people are born into and matured in the Faith

5-7) arrogance testifies, stumble under load of guilt - going to sacrifice to the LORD, has withdrawn from them, false converts

8-9) Sound alarm, raise battle cry "Beth-aven", warriors of Benjamin

10-12) Leaders become like thieves, so anger/crushed/broken by God's judgment because they are determined to worship idols - weak as rotten wood

13-14) Seeing self sick turned to Assyria, couldn't help or cure. lion of Judah carries them off no one will be left to rescue them

C) God will stay away until people admit guilt and earnestly search for him

15) Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me.”

Thank you Father for guiding me in truth of your word and warning me. Let me take this warning to heart as I lead. Forgive me Lord for my arrogance and pride. Lead me into your way of everlasting. Yes Lord your word is truth. 

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Forgive yourself, because God has forgiven you

Alpha this past week had Who is Jesus (God, Man, Resurrection) and Why did Jesus die (Love, Forgiveness). My new friends Daniel and Jeremiah said it was easier to forgive others, but hard to forgive ourselves because we know better. We talked about what it means to forgive as being able to love someone inspire of their wrongdoing, to care for them. We agreed this was easy to see in forgiving our children. Yet more difficult when someone breaks our trust and to forgive means losing face. 

Then Sunday, pastor Troy had this great message on the series Adrift. Past series have been on THE CURRENT John 8:1-11, THE STORM Matthew 7:1-6, THE CALL Genesis 19:1-28, THE SWORD Matthew 10:34-39, THE ENEMY 2 Timothy 4:3-4

My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. - James 5:19‭-‬20 NLT

Revival, not salvation. Salvation, justification happens once, sanctification occurs over time. 

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6 NLT

Encouragement for those who pursue the sinner. Not the sinner. 

God expects us to know why people wander from the truth.

- misguided compassion 

 - persecution for faith 

 - trials is evidence of God at work in you. Construction not destruction 

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Cultivating a negative attitude toward the will of God is the first step toward disappointment and defeat

I love Warren Wiersbe, in the book "This is the Life" he writes how Christians fall into worldliness:

"Most Christians don’t suddenly dive into worldliness; instead, they gradually drift back into the old lifestyle and sometimes don’t even know what’s happening. They first get friendly with the world (James 4:4) and then little by little begin to be “spotted” (defiled) here and there by the world (1:27). If they don’t repent and return to the Lord, they start loving the world (1 John 2:15) and becoming conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2). 

Compromisers don’t take seriously God’s words of warning in Scripture or His chastening (Heb. 12:1–11), and the day comes when they find themselves condemned with the world (1 Cor. 11:32). Scripture records the tragic endings of believers who were “saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:13–15). Lot and his family come to mind (Gen. 13:11–13; 19:1–29; 2 Pet. 2:7–8), and so does the family of Korah (Num. 16), along with Samson (Judg. 13–15), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), and Demas (2 Tim. 4:10). "

He goes on... "Cultivating a negative attitude toward the will of God is the first step toward disappointment and defeat. God’s will is not chains (Ps. 2:3) but cords of love (Hos. 11:4). His will is not a bit and bridle (Ps. 32:8–9) but the secret of joyful freedom. “And I will walk at liberty, for I seek your precepts” (119:45). God wants us to know His will (Acts 22:14), obey His will from the heart (Eph. 6:6), understand His will (5:17), and delight in His will (Ps. 40:8). God’s will is not a buffet dinner where we choose only what pleases us. His will is a rich and nutritious meal prepared especially for us, and we must accept all of it. “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work,” said Jesus (John 4:34). God’s will is not punishment but nourishment. The will of God is the expression of the love of God to each of His children, the invitation to a rich and fruitful life. “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11). His will comes from His heart.

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We are apt to forget, and slow to learn and remember, the things of God (1 Timothy 4:7)

I was thinking about Jesus taught to live life with God on purpose (Matt 16:25-27, Job 27:8). Jesus told his disciples to be careful, on guard against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Reminding them about their little faith. The way forward is shown in 1 Timothy 4:7, "train yourself (exercise) to be godly"
Matthew Henry puts it like this:
Observe, Those are good ministers of Jesus Christ who are diligent in their work; not that study to advance new notions, but that put the brethren in remembrance of those things which they have received and heard.

• Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you knew them, 2 Peter 1:12. 
• I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance, 2 Peter 3:1. \
• I will therefore put you in remembrance, Jude 5. 

You see that the apostles and apostolical men reckoned it a main part of their work to put their hearers in remembrance; for we are apt to forget, and slow to learn and remember, the things of God.—Nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. Observe, 1. Even ministers themselves have need to be growing and increasing in the knowledge of Christ and his doctrine: they must be nourished up in the words of faith. 2. The best way for ministers to grow in knowledge and faith is to put the brethren in remembrance; while we teach others, we teach ourselves. 3. Those whom ministers teach are brethren, and are to be treated like brethren

Practical religion is exercising godly living, we must not only cease to do evil, but we must learn to do well (Isaiah 1:16, 17)

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Saul anointed, confirmed, then rejected as king (1 Samuel 9-15)

AIM: Rebellion is the only alternative to obedience to God's voice (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
 - Giving more (Offerings) won't cut it
 - Taking less (Sacrifices) won't either
The message: Do you think all God wants are sacrifices-empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.

 - Just obey because the alternative is equal to divination\witchcraft
 - Just obey because insubordination/stubbornness/presumption/arrogance equals iniquity (planning of sin) and idolatry (putting someone/something in place of God).

Saul came from humble beginnings and was given everything by God, his downfall was that he didn't listen to God until he couldn't hear his voice anymore. This is a great story contrasting trusting in God versus ourselves and it's consequences.  When we reject the written word of God, we lose the ability to hear the God speak in our hearts. I think a God hardened heart is simply the absence of God, pushed away by the person who chooses rebellion rather than obedience. No offerings or sacrifices can replace simple obedience to God.

Saul was humble (1 Sam 9:21)...Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. - 1 Samuel 10:9

Don't turn from following the LORD, serve the LORD with all your heart (1 Sam 12:20)
Fear the LORD, serve Him in truth with all your heart; consider great things He has done for you (1 Sam 12:24). Saul is 30 years old and ruled for 40 years (1 Sam 13:1).

 - They wanted a different king than God (1 Sam 12:12-13), so blessings OR curses:
If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God.
If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the command of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers. Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes. 1 Samuel 12:14-16

The people were terrified as they followed and fled their king, in a panic Saul attempted what only Samuel (the spiritual leader) could do (1 Sam 13:2-12). Samuel pronounced judgment: "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you (1 Sam 13:13)." Curses were pronounced, yet Saul continued with only a 1/3 of his men, no weapons and a half-baked plan (1 Sam 13:14-14:5).

Meanwhile, Jonathan (Saul's son)  thought "perhaps the LORD will work for us" as he remembered, "the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few (1 Sam 14:6)". I think God put a plan in his heart and the armor bearer was witness to him "do ALL that is in your heart, and here I am with you according to your desire (1 Sam 14:7)."
 - God uses others to confirm his will in our lives, like John the Baptist and Jesus, like Ananias and Paul
 - Service and spoken encouragement goes from both directions of authority

Jonathan put into a play a plan with defined milestones and success criteria:
 - crossover to men, reveal ourselves. If they say wait, we'll wait. If they say come, we will go up because the LORD has delivered them into our hands. "This shall be the sign to us (1 Sam 14:10)."
 - Jonathan crawled up to them, killed twenty and the earth quaked, causing fear in the camp (1 Sam 14:11-15). Philistines in confusion killing each other, the LORD delivered Israel that day (16-23).
 - When we see God at work, we can go "all in"

Saul speaks a heavy burden of fasting on his people for his own glory (1 Sam 14:24), Jonathan unknowingly defies his father and speaks mutiny against Saul (25-30). They struck Philistines, rushed greedily and ate animals with the blood, Saul built an altar to the Lord to atone for sins (31-35).

Saul's plan starts with himself (1 Sam 14:36), "do whatever seems good to you... Let us draw near to God here."
 - The LORD didn't answer Saul, so he asked others to seek him, escalates to putting someone to death even his own son (1 Sam 14:37- 42). People went along "what-evs".
 - When it came down to killing Jonathan, people protest and rescued Jonathan (43-46).
 - Saul had a family, fought Philistines all his days, rewarded valiant men with staff positions (47-52)

Saul is anointed king, given instructions to completely destroy the enemy of God, yet he spares what he thinks is good (1 Sam 15:1-9). He did this in order to "sacrifice to the LORD your God (1 Sam 15:15)"
 - God "regrets" Saul as king because "he has turned back from following Me and not carried out My commands." Samuel distressed and cried all night to the LORD (1 Sam 15:11).
 - Turned his back is, akin to backsliding (Heb 6:4-6), regret is akin to grieving the Spirit (Eph 4:30), by moving away from Christ
 - Application: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5), confess your sin (1 John 1:9), Return and be healed of faithlessness (Jeremiah 3:12,22). Righteous rise when they fall down (Proverbs 24:16). Let me help you back into fellowship (James 5:19) away from temptation (Galatians 6:1). If we confess our sins to one another, the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective (James 5:15,16). Pray, and don't lose heart (Luke 18:1).
Saul defends his behavior, then blames the people for his disobedience (1 Sam 15:12-21)
 - Key truth from 1 Samuel 15:22-23: Obeying the voice of the LORD is better than offerings/sacrifice because rebellion is the only alternative.

Saul tries to bargain with Samuel, tearing at him - but Samuel points to the offended party "you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you (1 Sam 15:26)." Saul knows he sinned but wants honor before people, that he may worship the LORD your God - again seeking the approval of others, even Samuel - but the result was Saul worshiped the LORD (if even briefly (24-31). Samuel grieved over Saul, LORD regretted that He made Saul king over Israel (32-35).

1 Samuel 9-15
A) Saul was anointed as king of Israel (1 Samuel 9-10)
9:15-20) Lord tells Samuel the day before he met Saul, he'll meet this guy to be anointed as ruler/king
 - God gives specific instructions
21-24) Saul, the smallest tribe, least in Benjamin
9:25-10:8) Samuel anointed Saul with oil, king over Israel (6) Spirit of Lord upon you, prophesy, changed into another man
10:17-19) God didn't think it was a good idea to give them a king, because God is our true king
 - our wants are not always good for us
 - God is our best king because he's the owner of all, good and can be trusted, loves people

B) Saul was confirmed as king (1 Samuel 11-12)
12:6-11) Samuel reminds the people of Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Moab
• How did Samuel cause the people to remember how good God had been to Israel?
• How would life be different if you honestly trusted in Jesus and asked God’s forgiveness?
Principle: God forgives sin.

C) Saul was rejected as king (1 Samuel 13-15)
• How was Jonathan different from his father, Saul?
• How is God calling you to complete obedience today?
Principle: God is serious about our obedience to His Word.

How do I avoid grieving the Holy Spirit?
Three Surprising Ways to Grieve the Holy Spirit

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God's judgment and grace displayed in Jericho, AI and Gibeon (Joshua 5:13-9:27)

Joshua 5:13-9:27
AIM: God's word and his people bring clarity to our personal journey

A) God’s Judgment of Jericho – Joshua 5:13-6:27
5:13-15) Joshua sees the captain of the host of the LORD, fell face down, "remove sandals this place is holy"
 - Lifted up his eyes:  Abraham (Gen 18:1-2), Jacob (Gen 28:16,32:24,30), Balaam (Numbers 22:31), Daniel 8:3, 10:5, Acts 1:10
 - Remove sandals: He washed their feet and opened their minds
6:1-14) Siege of Jericho
 - “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands." - past tense
15-27) Fall of Jericho
 - Joshua commanded, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” The soldiers shouted with all their might, and “by faith, the walls of Jericho fell.” Heb 11:30

B. God’s Deliverance of Ai – Joshua 7-8
7:1) Achan's sin of apostasy.
From BSF notes,

As so often happens in our lives, trouble followed the triumph. “The Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things.” One man disregarded God’s command to devote everything in Jericho to the Lord. Achan, of the tribe of Judah, took some things for himself. Sin always has unforeseen, uncontrollable consequences. The ripple effect of Achan’s sin affected the entire community: “The Lord’s anger burned against Israel.”  

2-5) Defeated at AI because of self-confidence 36 men died
6-9) Joshua distraught, facedown prayer till evening - brought question and doubts to God
 - Principle: We can be transparent with God, he knows us completely but when we are open with him, he reveals truths to us that were previously hidden from our view.

Personal testimony part 1/Appliction: during this lesson, I was thanking God for his faithfulness in keeping me away from "sin that so easily entangles" Hebrews 12:1-3. Having endured harsh yet loving discipline from the Lord, I was making stickers for MNTC Alpha group members (The Lord disciplines those he loves - Heb 12). 

10-26) Deliverance from Achan's sin, Lord said: "Stand UP!, you've violated my covenant, destroy sin I'll show you"

Personal testimony part 2: During this time of personal worship, the Lord brought to mind that I had carried out of my past music equipment that I used in the worship of false gods. I had recently taken this out of storage and began playing with it again. I even purchased a pocket operator drum machine and was visiting Guitar Center often. 

8:1-29) Victory over AI

Personal testimony part 3: I let this thought percolate for a week and then threw away this gear. Literally that morning I received notice of a job interview, then another, then another. I had been trying to find a good fit of work for 9+ months, now the floodgates opened. From mid-September till mid-October, I interviewed almost daily and was in the running for 5 great jobs. I accepted the best offer on October 30 and start Nov 12. 

30-35) The Altar - remembering God, and His law
 - Burnt offerings expressed God's forgiveness for worshippers sin and worshipper's full dedication to God; flames consumed the entire sacrifice.
 - Fellowship offerings expressed thankfulness to God for fellowship with Him and with one another, worshippers consumed much of the sacrifice.

Personal testimony part 4: What an awesome year in BSF, MNTC Alpha and EMAW - I'm excited to see God at work in 2019!

C. God’s Grace to Gibeon against division even of a bad treaty – Joshua 9
9:1-6) Gibeon's strategy - look poor, desperate and from far away
7-21) Israel's error, didn't inquire of the Lord but took things at face value
22-27) After they found out, came to win-win, Gibeonites serve Israel, Israel protects them

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Satan deceives by questioning God's Word, denying it and substituted his own lie

listening to The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him. He uses Eve as the example of one being deceived. She took away from God's word omitting the word "freely" (Gen 3:2, 2:16 ESV). She added to God's command "or touch it" and she changed God's Word, "lest you die" from "For in the day that you eat from it you will surely die"
 - Once we treat God's word in this fashion, we are wide open to the devil's final trick. He merely permits Eve to consider the tree apart from the God's Word. "Get a good look, see it as it really is" - good for food, a delight to the eyes,desirable to make one wise. Gen 3:6

Satan is the Deceiver, we see this with Eve. His target is your mind, his weapon is lies. His purpose is to make you ignorant of God's will. Our defense is the inspired Word of God.
 - He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44
 - And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world Rev 12:9
 - But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Cor 11:3
 - For many deceivers have gone out into the world 2 John 1:7
 - Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. Gen 3:1-7

Satan attacks your mind because your mind is the part of the image of God where God communicates with you and reveals his will to you. The Bible emphasizes the minds importance.
 - Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him Col 3:9-10
 - So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Eph 4:17-24
 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
 - Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. John 17:17

Satan attacks your mind because when you believe a lie, he can work in your life to lead you to sin. Don't dwell on lies rather:
 - Whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute, excellence, worthy of praise, dwell on these things Phil 4:8
 - As he things within himself, so he is Proverbs 23:7
 - Steadfast mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trust in You Isaiah 26:3
 - The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

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