2019 looks at the history of Old Testament Israel showing that the failures and successes of the Israelites led to the coming of Jesus, the Savior who redeems us from sin and empowers us by His Spirit to bear spiritual fruit in obedience to Him.
January 2019 (October 25, 2024 - January 23, 2025) - Joshua 1-14 - How the Lord brought Israelites into Canaan
February 2019 (January 24, 2025 - July 6, 2025) - Joshua 15 to Judges 11 - God calls his people to finish driving out the inhabitants of Canaan, but they fail. God disciplines them and saves them from destruction.
Territory for Judah (Joshua 15) - Joshua describes to Judah boundary lines for property for the clan of the tribe of Judah, providing over 100 cities in this region.
Dividing the Remaining Land (Joshua 16, 17, 18, 19) - Land continues to be divided among the many tribes of Israel. 3 1/2 tribes thus far, and in this section of scripture, the remaining 8 1/2 tribes.
Designating Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20) - Cities of refuge are now designated in Canaan as a refuge for those individuals that unintentionally take another person's life.
Our Promise-Keeping Lord (Joshua 21) - God keeps his promises and comes through on all promises. He never fails and provides land for all the tribes of Israel, culminating here in cities given from each tribe to tribe of Levi.
The Unity of God's People Under True Worship (Joshua 22) - Arriving home, the 2 1/2 tribes build an altar, first misunderstood its purpose, then understood as a witness between them and the Lord, on the other side of the Jordan.
An Exhortation to Faithfulness (Joshua 23) - Joshua tells the people as he is aging that they need to cling to the Lord and not serve other gods. God will keep fighting for us as we do this.
Joshua's Farewell (Joshua 24) - We are not live for God half-hearted but completely. All other forms of faith are basically the same but we are to serve the Lord our God.
Trouble in Canaan (Judges 1) - Judah takes over now after the death of Joshua and lands continue to be inhabited. The goal was taking over these lands but often people remained as Israel let obstacles stay rather than trusting in God for their conquest.
A Tragic Cycle (Judges 2) - The Lord's plan was the destruction of the Canaanites, but the people after Joshua let them remain and God agreed and kept them around, challenging the people to serve the Lord and not alternate gods or desires.
The Model Judge (Judges 3:1-11) - God tests Israel to prove they are a people relying and depending on Him. They serve other Gods and Othniel delivers and judges them and the land has rest for 40 years.
Ehud and Eglon (Judges 3:12-30) - For 18 years, God disciplines Israel under the hand of Eglon. After crying to the Lord, the Lord delivers Israel through Ehud and they have peace for 80 years.
Deborah and Barak (Judges 4:1-16, 5:1-5,21) - Once again, Israel does evil in the sight of the Lord. After being sold over to the king of Canaan, Deborah and Barak team up to deliver Israel from that king.
The Glory of Jael (Judges 4:17-24; 5:24-31) - God worked through Jael to destroy an enemy of the Lord.
The Lord Calls Gideon (Judges 6:1-32) - The people are recorded once again as doing evil in the sight of God. God disciplines then and then provides Gideon to correct them though Gideon is stubborn in His trust of God.
Gideon and the Fleece (Judges 6:33-40) - Gideon needs God once again to confirm Himself to him. He requests again confirmation that He will do what He has said He will do.
Gideon Defeats Midian (Judges 7) - God defeats Midian through Gideon by reducing the army to 300 men so there will be no temptation to boast and God will get the victory and praise for the defeat.
Gideon's Short-Lived Revival (Judges 8) - Gideon continues through Midian and takes down two more kings, and yet their are signs of idolatry. The people have restoration for 40 years, then Gideon dies, and the people go back to worshipping idols.
Danger from Within (Judges 9) - After the death of Gideon, his son Abimelech basically erects himself as king, slaying the his siblings, though one son Jotham remains, but discord erupts and Abimelech and the people of Shechem eventually period because of their sin.
Jephthah Rises to Lead Israel (Judges 10-11) - Israel declares they have sinned and Jephthah rises to lead Israel. He makes a vow to the Lord and honors it by his only child and daughter being barren, a curse somewhat among the people to not have any offspring.
The Disappearance of Honor - Showing respect or having great esteem is honor. Lord, we are concerned that honor is not held in high value today. It seems that it is attacked from every side, in the world and at home. Help men show honor to their wives, parents to their children and children to their parents, employees to their employers, citizens to their leaders. But not simply people, we have a tendency to dishonor the importance of church and institutions. We are prone to questioning rather than accepting, thinking the worst rather than the best. Make dishonor present in our hearts, homes, and churches O God, honoring You every day, every moment.
What is Honor - Lord, I am reminded in wedding vows, it states to honor our spouse as we are to honor you God. In addition, in the Bible I learn to honor father and mother (Ex. 20:12), the elderly (Lev. 19:32), rulers (I Peter 2:17), church leaders (I Tim. 5:17) and others who serve Christ faithfully (Phil. 2:29). We also honor the Sabbath Day (Is. 58:13) and marriage (Heb. 13:4). [We also honor our country every time we pledge allegiance to it or sing the national anthem. Men returning from war count this as a great act as they fight each day for their country.] We believe in honor God so we control our bodies in such a way as to honor You God. Help me to honor, to esteem and treat others with respect because of who they are and what they have done. I am to place high value, price, and quality and enhance reputations. It is the wise and righteous who will receive honor (Prov. 3:35, 11:16) and honor is not fitting for a fool (Prov. 26:1). When I was in college, church had a special honor. College freshman would wake up each morning and not go to church, but dress like they did go to church because they knew church was important, even if they didn't attend [We can fake honor; we must have our heart in it for it to be true]. People dress up and put on their best clothes to show their honor toward something, like attending church, going to a dance, being at a wedding. We take time to prepare ourselves in the best possible way. [At a wedding is that commitment to honor your spouse, to set them apart as important. You don't simply do this when two people live together. We come together today in front of witnesses to make a commitment to one another, that will last. That each of you will do everything in your power to make sure this stays whole. You will work hard for each other, but also as necessary in the community, earning money. You will be a team, committed to each other. You will understand that God is your creator and you commit your days to follow Him. And you will work hard to clear out anything in your path that might get in the way of this. It is not simply making some things important. It is also making some things not important. In reading my Bible each day, I am not only doing it for myself, but to say, my focus comes from God. Romans 12:10 says, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor." We are to outdo one another in showing honor. There is no one that will do a better job in this world of showing honor and love to each of you than each of you. This is not about feelings.] This purpose in honoring others in turn honors God. He made us in His image. By honoring others and honor God we proclaim His name above all other name in our world.
Honor and Its Decline - George Grant - Shakespeare's writings encompass honor. Has the notion of honor declined in our thinking, as a virtue in our lives? Honorable people with honorable intentions seem to be under attack. Epistemology or the theory of knowledge or defining knowledge, what it is, how we acquire it and justify it; distinguishing between belief or opinion. Epistemology danger is separating truth into upper and lower stories or Platonic universals vs Aristotle particulars (universals are the abstract, eternal, and perfect Forms or Ideas that exist independently of the physical world. These Forms are the ultimate reality, and physical objects are merely imperfect copies or participations in these Forms). Examples: Roe v Wade - the universal scientific fact of human life (lower story) separated from the rights and protections of personhood (upper story). Obergefell v Hodges - the historical definition of marriage between man and woman (lower) set aside for a newly social construct (upper). Honor is universal. Unchanging standards have now changed.
The Fifth Commandment Root of Honor - Rev. Kevin D. Gardner - In Romans 1:18-32 is a list of offenses by those who do not acknowledge God any longer and in that list in verse 30 is "disobedient to parents." The 5th commandment is the first commandment regarding our duties to our fellow man. Our first authority is God and then our second are those authorities he sets up. And the first authority is the family. This is where we learn to obey all other authorities. [In not respecting government leaders, is this partly a breakdown of the family and learning authority.] Author looks at different Westminster Shorter Catechism words that look at our duties in our various relationships - sometimes inferior, sometimes superior, sometimes equal. For our Superiors we show others the honor due to them - reverence, prayer, obedience, imitation of godly virtues, maintaining their dignity (WLC 127). For those inferior - love, prayer, instruction, rewards, correction and protection (WLC 129). To equals - recognition of their dignity, deference, and rejoicing in their advancement (WLC 131). By showing honor to each other we show honor to God. Help me honor people in this way God.
Experiencing Honor and Dishonor - Matthias Lohmann - I immediately think of my brother when reading this lesson as he is very good at giving God the praise and glory anytime someone appreciates the words that come out of his mouth. When a complement comes his way he voices, "Praise God." He is giving honor where honor is due. That's the point of this article. We should be proud to accept praise when we do things well, not dismissing it because then we are dismissing the good work that God is doing in our lives. He is using me as His vessel. But we also need to be careful that we are not being praised for sinful behavior. Love honor and live for it, giving praise to God always for the great work He continues to do through us.
Honoring One Another Online - Matt Smethurst - “Honor everyone” (I Peter 2:17). 1. Take (typed) words seriously. Lots in Proverbs and elsewhere about our words (“fountain of life”). This includes typed words that sometimes words we hide behind. 2. Humanize the other tribe. People with their words are still people. It seems one of the hardest parts of life is dealing with differences in one another. And whether those differences are perceived mistakes and then how to relate to people. 3. Give the Benefit of the Doubt. The temptation to slander others, other human beings, is perhaps one of our biggest dangers and most common place sins that we experience in life. We must remember every person has dignity and worth. 4. Encourage Liberally - "Outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10). Assume the best, seeing the best, and identify the best in others.
The Blessing of Honor - Thomas Brewer - People don't treat one another well. There is lack of respect. Employees toward their employers is not honorable. Treat people the way they should be treated; esteem them appropriately. We honor God because He is God. As image bearers of God, all men and women deserve honor. Honor can be lost and gained (Job 14:21; Prov. 3:35). Honor brings blessings as in honoring our father and mother brings long life (Ex. 20:12). Honor is associated with riches, life, and wisdom (Prov. 21:21). Treat people well, esteem them, and we will be quicker to get a promotion. We are to outdo each other in showing honor (Romans 12:10).
Honoring Marriage - Harry L. Reeder III - "Let marriage be held in honor among all" (Heb 13:4). God first spoke of it Genesis 2:24 (thus it is a creation mandate) thus we are to promote marriage. It is covenantal. He describes the church as His bride and Christ as the bridegroom.
Honoring Parents - Grant R. Castleberry - Honor in Hebrew, kabod, means heaviness or weight - a person is to be heavy in one's life. The first relational 10 commandment is to honor our parents. Cursing our parents was death (Ex. 21:17). Honor parents, even through disagreements. Honor them after they have passed away. We honor our parents by valuing what they deem important.
What is Honor is Lost Altogether? - R. Albert Mohler Jr. - History consistently speaks of honor (Augustine, John Calvin, Berger). A world without honor has no virtue.
Jesus Dishonored and Honored - Anthony L. Carter - The focus of civil rights is human dignity. This is essential in honor. In crucifying Jesus, we did not show Him honor. And his dishonor resulted in His exaltation. Honor is Jesus Christ the Lord. Jesus is Lord. He is in ultimate honor (Acts 5:31).
Honoring God - David W. Hall - When we honor someone we treat that person more important ourselves. Honor God with our income (Pr. 3:9), our bodies (1 Cor 6:20), and with humility (Pr. 15:33). The result of losing honor is recited in Romans 1.
Honoring God in the Pulpit - John MacArthur - Honor God by preaching the word (2 Tim. 4:2). Just like today, the gospel message was rejected and people opposed the message - often violently. He had meet fierce resistance (2 Tim. 3:11), stoned (Acts 14:19), attacked, beaten and jailed (16:22-23). He spoke boldly and without apology. The message triggered antagonism. If a riot started, he moved on. He said God commands repentance (Acts 17:30-31). Don't downplay or deviate. Honor God with the Gospel.
Amen to the Glory of God - I Corinthians 1:15-20. Paul defends his ministry - he is to preach the gospel, of the cross. The wisdom of this world is foolishness. 2 Corinthians 1:15-20. Paul faced criticisms. He assures his people that he comes to them to encourage them, by the gospel being preached and they also being involved in his ministry. The message of the gospel is not ambiguous, but emphatic. Any religion is it seems filled with 'yes' but also 'no.' [I was thinking of this yesterday that as we examine scripture, there are challenging texts in which we continue to try to understand and comprehend their meaning. From the outside looking in, it seems these myriads of faiths are coming up with their conclusions and standing by them. And yet staying close to the original gospel. This seems okay to me. There are differences. People are seeking understanding, making conclusions and living by them. And yet there is only one true meaning of these words - and so many are claiming 'yes' but it may be 'no.'] The problem results when the true meaning of the gospel is compromised by raising up the notion that faith alone is insufficient for God's acceptance. We must be careful of those faith systems that compromise this true meaning by raising up the traditions of men, at times elevating man's interpretations. Thus, choose faith alone, Christ alone, grace alone - seek the "Amen."
Dealing with Controversy - Titus 3:9: “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” “Boy, that Facebook debate really changed my mind. Said no one ever.” How does a Christian handle controversies or prolonged disagreements? I need to beware of foolish controversies and things that are not about the Gospel, jawing with others about things that really don't matter. Keep me away from the temptation of me thinking I can reason well, that I am cool, even logical in ways towards things that don't matter in regards to spiritual things. My words and those of others can sometimes simply be noise - free me God from this noise so that my conversations are about good things. I need to choose Christlikeness. Help me to bring it back to the gospel, to things that matter most. Make me a wise person O God.
Doers not Hearers Only - James wrote his letter to Diaspora Jews who had become Christians (1:1). They were a people that began to believe that merely listening to the reading of the Law was enough for them - at first to be a proper substitute for temple sacrifices but eventually enough to remain God's people. But to not practice what they are hearing is therefore a form of deception. The Word causes people to bear fruit. Thus, be a doer and go forward with what you are hearing. It is like someone that looks in a mirror to see how they look and then walk away and forget what they have seen. May I learn to practice what I hear.
Weaponize your Quiet Time - We need to eat and drink of scripture every day. Squeeze everything you can out of it. God's truth is not meant to be hoarded in our lives. To weaponize is to give away the truth God teaches us in our personal study of the Word. Pass it on to my sons and daughter. Pass it on to fellow Christians. Hand others truth.
Knowing God in All Your Ways - Live "before the face of God." "In all your ways, acknowledge the Lord" (Prov. 3:6). God in us needs to transform us.
Giving Time, Talents and Treasures - "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Give by caring for fellow church members. Invest our time in others. Where our time goes, there our hearts will be also. Deacons of weddings, hospitality, college ministry, sound, childcare, and more. Take our possessions and earnings and give them bountifully to others.
Our Witness on Sundays - We are inundated with temptations to engage in other activities on the Lord's day.
What is Baptism?
