“Those who aren’t following Jesus aren’t his followers. It’s that simple. Followers follow, and those who don’t follow aren’t followers. To follow Jesus means to follow Jesus into a society where justice rules, where love shapes everything. To follow Jesus means to take up his dream and work for it.” (Scot McKnight, One Life: Jesus…
causing others to sin
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labour. [Joshua 16:10] This short chapter describes the allotment of land for the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. Remember that since Levi did not get any…
reading the bible with Jesus
Jesus is in town, and I have a chance with a few others to spend some time with Him. We’re sitting by the lake, in a comfortable shaded spot, and we pull out our bibles. The reading for the day is Joshua 15… uggh, a boring list of land allotments. I would rather deal with Psalm 23,…
in/with/like/for
A disciple is someone who is determined to live in/with/like/for Jesus. IN JESUS The phrase “in Christ” is repeated often by Paul to describe our new identity and status before God. Jesus is God’s perfect Son, and by entrusting ourselves to Him, everything that is true about Him becomes true about us. His death becomes…
no short cuts to success
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, clan by clan. [Joshua 15:20] As I think about Judah’s inheritance, I think of Jesus, the messiah promised from the tribe of Judah [Genesis 49:9-10]. He would be the heir (ruler) over all the land. But how would He receive that land? By the sword,…
basic elements of being a disciple
If someone were to ask me what it means to be a disciple, I would suggest the following. A disciple is someone who is devoted to Jesus as God’s Messiah and His kingdom mission. This devotion expresses itself in three ways, three movements. First, a disciple lives in daily, interactive fellowship with God and Jesus….
oh, to be like Caleb at 85
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’ [Joshua 14:9] Wow, what an inspiring guy. Eighty five years old and still vigorous for the Lord. Caleb…
discipleship?
So what do you think… If you are not a disciple, you are not a christian! “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) A disciple is a student, a learner, an apprentice, one who is determined to be like their master. How good of a student are you, how eager to learn…
wary of compromise
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day. [Joshua 13:13] Here we find the first clue that things will not work out in Canaan quite as planned. The people of Geshur and Maacah are allowed to remain….
lists of names
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon, including all the eastern side of the Arabah. [Joshua 12:1] This chapter is a list of the defeated kings, identified by name. Joshua is…