Old Testament

The Book of Zechariah

Mourning for the Good Shepherd – Part Five

Zechariah 12:1-14Theme: End times.This week’s lessons remind us that today is the day of salvation.
LessonPerception of these truths will come about by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, for it is only as God pours out “a spirit of grace and supplication” that the repentance and turning depicted here occur.

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The Book of Malachi

God, Divorce, and Apostasy – Part One

If you are married, it is likely that the most solemn, official commitment you have made in your entire life was when you stood before a minister of the gospel and promised to take your spouse as husband or wife in plenty or in want, in joy or in sorrow, in sickness or in health as long you both shall live.

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The Book of Malachi

God, Divorce, and Apostasy – Part Two

The teaching of Malachi 2:10-16 contains some of the most forceful teaching in the Bible on divorce and remarriage. This is why so many contemporary books on marriage, which want to move the church to a more permissive attitude in this area, ignore the passage.

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The Book of Malachi

God, Divorce, and Apostasy – Part Four

The marriage of Olivia L. Langdon to the American writer Mark Twain is a tragic case in point. Olivia Langdon had been raised in a Christian home by devout parents and she professed Christianity. But when Twain, an open critic of religion, came calling, she eventually accepted his proposal, no doubt secretly cherishing the hope that he might in time be converted to Christ by her example.

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The Book of Psalms

Thursday: Let God Be Exalted

Theme: Using Our Trials to Pray for Others
In this week’s lessons the psalmist teaches us to pray in desperate circumstances.
Scripture: Psalm 70:1-5
Yesterday we looked at the first two of David’s prayers in Psalm 70. The first was for himself (that he might experience a quick deliverance). And the second was for his enemies (that they might be ashamed and confused). Today we’ll look at the third prayer.

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The Book of Joshua

Joshua Then and Now

Theme: The Importance of the Book of Joshua
This week’s lessons show why Joshua should be studied today, and what things God considers necessary for godly leadership.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:1-9
 
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead.

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The Book of Joshua

The Word of God

Theme: The Importance of the Written Word of God
This week’s lessons show why Joshua should be studied today, and what things God considers necessary for godly leadership.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:1-9
 
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead.

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The Book of Joshua

Joshua’s Commission – Part One

Theme: The Nature of God’s Commissioning of Joshua
This week’s lessons show why Joshua should be studied today, and what things God considers necessary for godly leadership.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:1-9
 
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead.

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The Book of Joshua

Joshua’s Commission – Part Two

Theme: The Nature of God’s Commissioning of Joshua
This week’s lessons show why Joshua should be studied today, and what things God considers necessary for godly leadership.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:1-9
 
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead.

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The Book of Joshua

In Command – Part Two

Theme: From Faithful Past to Present Commissioning
This week’s lessons describe how Joshua got to be the faithful and courageous leader for God that he was.

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The Book of Joshua

Rahab Contra Mundum – Part One

Theme: Rahab’s Story and Our Own
This week’s lessons describe how by faith Rahab became an unexpected recipient of the grace of God.  
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 2:1-24 
 

And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

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The Book of Joshua

Rahab Contra Mundum – Part Two

Theme: Rahab and Her Encounter with the Spies 
This week’s lessons describe how by faith Rahab became an unexpected recipient of the grace of God.  
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 2:1-24
 
And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

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The Book of Joshua

Rahab Contra Mundum – Part Three

Theme: Mercy Even to Rahab 
This week’s lessons describe how by faith Rahab became an unexpected recipient of the grace of God.  
 
SCRIPTURE 
Joshua 2:1-24
 

And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

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The Book of Joshua

Rahab Contra Mundum – Part Four

Theme: Rahab’s Faith 
This week’s lessons describe how by faith Rahab became an unexpected recipient of the grace of God.  
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 2:1-24
 

And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

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The Book of Joshua

Rahab Contra Mundum – Part Five

Theme: Rahab’s Salvation and Ours 
This week’s lessons describe how by faith Rahab became an unexpected recipient of the grace of God.    
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 2:1-24
 

And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

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The Book of Joshua

Over the Jordan at Last – Part One

Theme: God’s Promise Fulfilled
This week’s lessons teach us about the character of God, as seen in the ark of the covenant which went before the Israelites through the Jordan.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 3:1-17
 

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

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The Book of Joshua

Over the Jordan at Last – Part Two

Theme: God’s Providence
This week’s lessons teach us about the character of God, as seen in the ark of the covenant which went before the Israelites through the Jordan.               
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 3:1-17
 

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

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The Book of Joshua

Over the Jordan at Last – Part Three

Theme: God’s Power and Holiness
This week’s lessons teach us about the character of God, as seen in the ark of the covenant which went before the Israelites through the Jordan.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 3:1-17
 

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

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The Book of Joshua

Over the Jordan at Last – Part Four

Theme: God’s Justice and Mercy
This week’s lessons teach us about the character of God, as seen in the ark of the covenant which went before the Israelites through the Jordan.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 3:1-17
 

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

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The Book of Joshua

Over the Jordan at Last – Part Five

Theme: God with Us Always
This week’s lessons teach us about the character of God, as seen in the ark of the covenant which went before the Israelites through the Jordan.
 
SCRIPTURE 
Joshua 3:1-17
 

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

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The Book of Joshua

Lest We Forget – Part One

Theme: The Crossing of the Jordan Continued
This week’s lessons tell about the importance of God’s memorial as they crossed the Jordan and into the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE 
Joshua 4:1-24
 

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan

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The Book of Joshua

Lest We Forget – Part Two

Theme: Following the Lord
This week’s lessons tell about the importance of God’s memorial as they crossed the Jordan and into the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 4:1-24
 

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place wh

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The Book of Joshua

Lest We Forget – Part Three

Theme: The Need for Careful Bible Study
This week’s lessons tell about the importance of God’s memorial as they crossed the Jordan and into the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 4:1-24
 

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the

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The Book of Joshua

Lest We Forget – Part Four

Theme: The Crossing of the Jordan Continued
This week’s lessons tell about the importance of God’s memorial as they crossed the Jordan and into the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 4:1-24
 

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan,

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The Book of Joshua

Lest We Forget – Part Five

Theme: The Crossing of the Jordan Continued
This week’s lessons tell about the importance of God’s memorial as they crossed the Jordan and into the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 4:1-24
 

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan,

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The Book of Joshua

The Covenant People and the Covenant Sign – Part One

Theme: The Final Aspect of the Crossing of the Jordan
This week’s lessons teach the importance of Israel’s consecration before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:1-12
 

As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they

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The Book of Joshua

The Covenant People and the Covenant Sign – Part Two

Theme: The Circumcision of the Next Generation
This week’s lessons teach the importance of Israel’s consecration before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:1-12
 

As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had cro

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The Book of Joshua

The Covenant People and the Covenant Sign – Part Three

Theme: Circumcision and Faith
This week’s lessons teach the importance of Israel’s consecration before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:1-12
 

As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, their

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The Book of Joshua

The Covenant People and the Covenant Sign – Part Four

Theme: The Meaning of Circumcision and the Passover
This week’s lessons teach the importance of Israel’s consecration before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:1-12
 

As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they ha

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The Book of Joshua

The Covenant People and the Covenant Sign – Part Five

Theme: Covenant Consecration
This week’s lessons teach the importance of Israel’s consecration before they began their conquest of the Promised Land.
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:1-12 
 

As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, t

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The Book of Joshua

The Commander’s Commander – Part One

Theme: Three Changeless Factors
This week’s lessons describe the mysterious encounter Joshua has with a man who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army. 
 
SCRIPTURE 
Joshua 5:13-15
 
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand.

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The Book of Joshua

The Commander’s Commander – Part Two

Theme: The Divine Leader
This week’s lessons describe the mysterious encounter Joshua has with a man who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army. 
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:13-15
 
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand.

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The Book of Joshua

The Commander’s Commander – Part Three

Theme: The Army of the Lord
This week’s lessons describe the mysterious encounter Joshua has with a man who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army. 
 
SCRIPTURE 
Joshua 5:13-15
 
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand.

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The Book of Joshua

The Commander’s Commander – Part Four

Theme: Who is the Commander Fighting for?
This week’s lessons describe the mysterious encounter Joshua has with a man who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army. 
 
SCRIPTURE 
Joshua 5:13-15
 
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand.

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The Book of Joshua

The Commander’s Commander – Part Five

Theme: A Larger View of God
This week’s lessons describe the mysterious encounter Joshua has with a man who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army. 
 
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 5:13-15
 
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand.

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The Book of Joshua

Time to Shout – Part 3

Theme: Silence and Obedience
This week’s lessons teach us how Israel was going to achieve their victory over Jericho, and what things God wants from us as well. 
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 6:11-16

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The Book of Joshua

Time to Shout – Part 5

Theme: Spiritual Battles and Promised Victory
This week’s lessons teach us how Israel was going to achieve their victory over Jericho, and what things God wants from us as well. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 6:23-27

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The Book of Joshua

Time to Shout – Part 4

Theme: Total Obedience to the End
This week’s lessons teach us how Israel was going to achieve their victory over Jericho, and what things God wants from us as well. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 6:1-27

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The Book of Joshua

The Cup of Judgment Full – Part One

THEME: God’s Command of Destruction

This week’s lessons show the importance of repentance in view of the certainty of a coming judgment, which in God’s mercy is being delayed.
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 6:24-27

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The Book of Joshua

Time to Shout – Part 1

Theme: The Challenge before Them
This week’s lessons teach us how Israel was going to achieve their victory over Jericho, and what things God wants from us as well. 
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 6:1-5

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The Book of Joshua

Time to Shout – Part 2

Theme: The Importance of Preparation
This week’s lessons teach us how Israel was going to achieve their victory over Jericho, and what things God wants from us as well.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 6:6-10

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The Book of Joshua

The Cup of Judgment Full – Part Four

THEME: Mercy in the Midst of Judgment
This week’s lessons show the importance of repentance in view of the certainty of a coming judgment, which in God’s mercy is being delayed.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 6:24-27

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The Book of Joshua

Sin in the Camp – Part One

Theme: Victory and DefeatThis week’s lessons show the consequences of Achan’s sin upon the nation of Israel, and how in the midst of God’s judgment, grace and blessing are offered.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 7:1-8:29

LESSON:

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The Book of Joshua

Sin in the Camp – Part Two

THEME: How Sin ProgressesThis week’s lessons show the consequences of Achan’s sin upon the nation of Israel, and how in the midst of God’s judgment, grace and blessing are offered.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 7:1-8:29

LESSON:

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The Book of Joshua

Sin in the Camp – Part Three

THEME: How Sin Progresses (continued)This week’s lessons show the consequences of Achan’s sin upon the nation of Israel, and how in the midst of God’s judgment, grace and blessing are offered.
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 7:1-8:29

LESSON:

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The Book of Joshua

Sin in the Camp – Part Four

THEME: The Sin Uncovered
This week’s lessons show the consequences of Achan’s sin upon the nation of Israel, and how in the midst of God’s judgment, grace and blessing are offered.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 7:1-8:29

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The Book of Joshua

Sin in the Camp – Part Five

THEME: The Promise of Hope
This week’s lessons show the consequences of Achan’s sin upon the nation of Israel, and how in the midst of God’s judgment, grace and blessing are offered.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 7:1-8:29

LESSON:

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The Book of Joshua

Ai, the Second Victory – Part Four

Let me also point out that it’s not merely that God operates in different ways in different people. God also operates in different ways in our own lives, entirely apart from other people. At one point in your life, you have a particularly thrilling experience.

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The Book of Joshua

Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim – Part One

It’s agreed by most Old Testament scholars that the heart of the Old Testament law is the book of Deuteronomy, and that the heart of Deuteronomy is the list of blessings and curses that are found in chapters 27 through 30 of that important book. Deuteronomy presupposes an eternal covenant established by God with His people.

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The Book of Joshua

The Longest Day – Part One

THEME: Preparing for the Attack
This week’s lessons remind us of the unlimited power and ability of God to work for the good of all those who trust in him.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:1-15

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The Book of Joshua

The Longest Day – Part Two

THEME: Nothing Is Impossible with God
This week’s lessons remind us of the unlimited power and ability of God to work for the good of all those who trust in him.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:1-15

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The Book of Joshua

The Longest Day – Part Three

THEME: Trying to Explain the Miraculous
This week’s lessons remind us of the unlimited power and ability of God to work for the good of all those who trust in him.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:1-15

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The Book of Joshua

The Longest Day – Part Four

THEME: Worshipping a Big God
This week’s lessons remind us of the unlimited power and ability of God to work for the good of all those who trust in him.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:1-15

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The Book of Joshua

The Longest Day – Part Five

THEME: Faith in Action
This week’s lessons remind us of the unlimited power and ability of God to work for the good of all those who trust in him.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:1-15

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The Book of Joshua

The Southern Campaign – Part One

THEME: A Change in the Story
This week’s lessons describe another part of the conquest of Canaan, and teach us important qualities of leadership from the life of Joshua.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:16-43

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The Book of Joshua

The Southern Campaign – Part Two

THEME: Victory in the South
This week’s lessons describe another part of the conquest of Canaan, and teach us important qualities of leadership from the life of Joshua. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:16-43

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The Book of Joshua

The Southern Campaign – Part Three

THEME: Focusing on the Long-term Goal
This week’s lessons describe another part of the conquest of Canaan, and teach us important qualities of leadership from the life of Joshua.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:16-43

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The Book of Joshua

The Southern Campaign – Part Four

THEME: Living the Christian Life
This week’s lessons describe another part of the conquest of Canaan, and teach us important qualities of leadership from the life of Joshua.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:16-43

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The Book of Joshua

The Southern Campaign – Part Five

THEME: The Need for Obedience and Faith
This week’s lessons describe another part of the conquest of Canaan, and teach us important qualities of leadership from the life of Joshua.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 10:16-43

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The Book of Joshua

The Northern Campaign – Part One

THEME: The Northern Coalition
This week’s lessons conclude the account of the southern and northern campaigns, and show us the necessity of committed obedience to God in all things.  
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 11:1-12:24

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The Book of Joshua

The Northern Campaign – Part Two

THEME: Joshua’s Leadership Characteristics
This week’s lessons conclude the account of the southern and northern campaigns, and show us the necessity of committed obedience to God in all things.  
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 11:1-12:24

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The Book of Joshua

The Northern Campaign – Part Three

THEME: The Need for Obedience
This week’s lessons conclude the account of the southern and northern campaigns, and show us the necessity of committed obedience to God in all things.  
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 11:1-12:24

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The Book of Joshua

The Northern Campaign – Part Four

THEME: Ways to Leave Nothing Undone
This week’s lessons conclude the account of the southern and northern campaigns, and show us the necessity of committed obedience to God in all things.  
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 11:1-12:24

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The Book of Joshua

The Northern Campaign – Part Five

THEME: Pleasing God
This week’s lessons conclude the account of the southern and northern campaigns, and show us the necessity of committed obedience to God in all things.  
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 11:1-12:24

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The Book of Joshua

Dividing the Land – Part One

THEME: The Faithful God
This week’s lessons teach us about God’s faithfulness in settling each of Israel’s tribes in their territories, and what our response needs to be toward his directing of our lives.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 13:1-19:51

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The Book of Joshua

Dividing the Land – Part Two

THEME: The Sovereign God
This week’s lessons teach us about God’s faithfulness in settling each of Israel’s tribes in their territories, and what our response needs to be toward his directing of our lives.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 13:1-19:51

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The Book of Joshua

Dividing the Land – Part Three

THEME: The Division Completed
This week’s lessons teach us about God’s faithfulness in settling each of Israel’s tribes in their territories, and what our response needs to be toward his directing of our lives.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 13:1-19:51

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The Book of Joshua

Dividing the Land – Part Four

THEME: God’s Faithfulness and Ours
This week’s lessons teach us about God’s faithfulness in settling each of Israel’s tribes in their territories, and what our response needs to be toward his directing of our lives.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 13:1-19:51

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The Book of Joshua

Dividing the Land – Part Five

THEME: Living in the Kingdom
This week’s lessons teach us about God’s faithfulness in settling each of Israel’s tribes in their territories, and what our response needs to be toward his directing of our lives.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 13:1-19:51

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The Book of Joshua

That Magnificent Old Man – Part Two

THEME: Observations and Lessons from Hebron  
This week’s lessons teach us about Joshua’s companion in the conquest of Canaan, and what it was that made Caleb a great man.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 14:6-15

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The Book of Joshua

The Cities of Refuge – Part One

THEME: An Ordained Safety
This week’s lessons teach about the priestly cities of refuge, and how they point the way to our own refuge found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 20:1-3

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The Book of Joshua

The Cities of Refuge – Part Two

THEME: The Need for Justice
This week’s lessons teach about the priestly cities of refuge, and how they point the way to our own refuge found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 20:1-3

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The Book of Joshua

The Cities of Refuge – Part Three

THEME: The Divine Source of True Justice
This week’s lessons teach about the priestly cities of refuge, and how they point the way to our own refuge found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 20:1-3

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The Book of Joshua

The Cities of Refuge – Part Four

THEME: Christ Alone and Always
This week’s lessons teach about the priestly cities of refuge, and how they point the way to our own refuge found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 20:1-3

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The Book of Joshua

The Cities of Refuge – Part Five

THEME: Salvation Is for All Who Will Come
This week’s lessons teach about the priestly cities of refuge, and how they point the way to our own refuge found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 20:1-3

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The Book of Joshua

Grace Abounding – Part One

THEME: The Book of Joshua in Review
This week’s lessons review our study in Joshua, and demonstrate how the grace of God is seen even through His judgment against sin.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 21:1-45

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The Book of Joshua

Grace Abounding – Part Two

THEME: Christ Our Refuge
This week’s lessons review our study in Joshua, and demonstrate how the grace of God is seen even through His judgment against sin.   
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 21:1-45

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The Book of Joshua

Grace Abounding – Part Three

THEME: The History behind the Cities
This week’s lessons review our study in Joshua, and demonstrate how the grace of God is seen even through His judgment against sin.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 21:1-45

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The Book of Joshua

Grace Abounding – Part Four

THEME: A Great Prophecy
This week’s lessons review our study in Joshua, and demonstrate how the grace of God is seen even through His judgment against sin.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 21:1-45

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The Book of Joshua

Grace Abounding – Part Five

THEME: Blessing out of Judgment
This week’s lessons review our study in Joshua, and demonstrate how the grace of God is seen even through His judgment against sin.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 21:1-45

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The Book of Joshua

Farewell to Arms – Part Two

THEME: Loving the Lord with All Your Heart and Soul
This week’s lessons remind us of the need to live for God in all the circumstances of life.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 22:1-34

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The Book of Joshua

Farewell to Arms – Part Five

THEME: How to Have a Happy Ending
This week’s lessons remind us of the need to live for God in all the circumstances of life.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 22:1-34

Why did it turn out that way? Why was the ending a happy ending rather than an unfortunate one? Schaeffer says it’s because the people knew how to demonstrate the love of God and a concern for the holiness of God simultaneously, not one without the other. This is how he explains it:

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The Book of Joshua

Passing the Torch – Part One

THEME: Joshua’s Charge
This week’s lessons recount Joshua’s charge to Israel’s leaders, which teaches us how we should respond to God in light of what he has done for us in the past, as well as what he promises to do in the future. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 23:1-16

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The Book of Joshua

Passing the Torch – Part Two

THEME: Remembering and Forgetting
This week’s lessons recount Joshua’s charge to Israel’s leaders, which teaches us how we should respond to God in light of what he has done for us in the past, as well as what he promises to do in the future. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 23:1-16

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The Book of Joshua

Passing the Torch – Part Three

THEME: The Obligation of Obedience
This week’s lessons recount Joshua’s charge to Israel’s leaders, which teaches us how we should respond to God in light of what he has done for us in the past, as well as what he promises to do in the future. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 23:1-16

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The Book of Joshua

Passing the Torch – Part Four

THEME: Loving God and His People
This week’s lessons recount Joshua’s charge to Israel’s leaders, which teaches us how we should respond to God in light of what he has done for us in the past, as well as what he promises to do in the future. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 23:1-16

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The Book of Joshua

The Captain’s Last Sermon – Part One

THEME: Joshua’s Final Message to the People
This week’s lessons describe Joshua’s last address to the Israelites, which emphasizes their need to determine to choose each and every day to serve the Lord.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 24:1-33

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The Book of Joshua

The Captain’s Last Sermon – Part Two

THEME: Who God Is and Who We Are
This week’s lessons describe Joshua’s last address to the Israelites, which emphasizes their need to determine to choose each and every day to serve the Lord.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 24:1-33

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The Book of Joshua

The Captain’s Last Sermon – Part Four

THEME: The Need to Make the Right Choice
This week’s lessons describe Joshua’s last address to the Israelites, which emphasizes their need to determine to choose each and every day to serve the Lord.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 24:1-33

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The Book of Joshua

The Captain’s Last Sermon – Part Five

THEME: Remaining Faithful to the End
This week’s lessons describe Joshua’s last address to the Israelites, which emphasizes their need to determine to choose each and every day to serve the Lord.
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 24:1-33

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The Book of Genesis

Surprised By Grace – Part 1

Theme: Recovering the Amazing Nature of Grace
This week’s lessons show us how grace came unexpectedly to Adam and Eve when they sinned, and that this same grace is given through Jesus Christ to all who will come to him for salvation.
Scripture: Genesis 3:21

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The Book of Genesis

Surprised By Grace – Part 2

Theme: Where Grace Begins
This week’s lessons show us how grace came unexpectedly to Adam and Eve when they sinned, and that this same grace is given through Jesus Christ to all who will come to him for salvation.
Scripture: Genesis 3:21

So where do we begin? If grace is as important as I have been suggesting, it will not surprise you if I begin at the beginning, that is, with the early chapters of the book of Genesis.

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The Book of Genesis

Surprised By Grace – Part 3

Theme: The Need for Grace
This week’s lessons show us how grace came unexpectedly to Adam and Eve when they sinned, and that this same grace is given through Jesus Christ to all who will come to him for salvation.
Scripture: Genesis 3:21

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The Book of Genesis

Surprised By Grace – Part 4

Theme: A Time for Judgment
This week’s lessons show us how grace came unexpectedly to Adam and Eve when they sinned, and that this same grace is given through Jesus Christ to all who will come to him for salvation.
Scripture: Genesis 3:21

God doesn’t take the blame, however. He places it where it is belongs. And he judges it too, as he did in the case of our first parents. In this case he began with the serpent: “Because you have done this,

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The Book of Genesis

Surprised By Grace – Part 5

Theme: Amazed by Grace
This week’s lessons show us how grace came unexpectedly to Adam and Eve when they sinned, and that this same grace is given through Jesus Christ to all who will come to him for salvation.
Scripture: Genesis 3:21

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The Book of Isaiah

Common Grace – Part 1

Theme: Good people or bad people?
This week’s lessons teach the doctrine of common grace, and how it should lead everyone to the praise of God and, through saving grace, to faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:10

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The Book of Isaiah

Common Grace – Part 2

Theme: Good Things Do Happen
This week’s lessons teach the doctrine of common grace, and how it should lead people to the praise of God and, through saving grace, to faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:10

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The Book of Isaiah

Common Grace – Part 3

Theme: Common Grace on Mars Hill
This week’s lessons teach the doctrine of common grace, and how it should lead people to the praise of God and, through saving grace, to faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:10

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The Book of Isaiah

Common Grace – Part 4

Theme: Even Bad Things Can Be Good Things
This week’s lessons teach the doctrine of common grace, and how it should lead people to the praise of God and, through saving grace, to faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:10

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The Book of Isaiah

Common Grace – Part 5

Theme: When Bad People Misuse Good Things
This week’s lessons teach the doctrine of common grace, and how it should lead people to the praise of God and, through saving grace, to faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:10

This brings us to the final text I want to consider in this study of common grace. It is Isaiah 26:10:
Though grace is shown to the wicked,they do not learn righteousness;even in a land of uprightness they go on doing eviland regard not the majesty of the Lord.

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The Book of Isaiah

The Suffering Servant, Part 1

Theme: A Prophecy Fulfilled
 
This week’s lessons explain how Isaiah 53 clearly points to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant who would accomplish salvation for his people.
 
Scripture: Isaiah 53
 
I do not know of any chapter of the Word of God that gives greater proof of the blindness of the human heart to God’s truth than Isaiah 53. This is very evident in regard to Jewish people.

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The Book of Isaiah

The Suffering Servant, Part 2

Theme: Jesus’ Humble Origins
 
This week’s lessons explain how Isaiah 53 clearly points to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant who would accomplish salvation for his people.
 
Scripture: Isaiah 53
 
Many of the phrases in verses 1–3 speak of the Messiah’s humble origins, but the one that strikes me particularly is in verse 2: “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.” That is an unusua

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The Book of Isaiah

The Suffering Servant, Part 3

Theme: Jesus’ Vicarious Suffering
 
This week’s lessons explain how Isaiah 53 clearly points to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant who would accomplish salvation for his people.
 
Scripture: Isaiah 53
 
Beginning with verse 4, we have the Messiah’s vicarious suffering.

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The Book of Isaiah

The Suffering Servant, Part 4

Theme: Jesus’ Exemplary Life and Divine Commissioning
 
This week’s lessons explain how Isaiah 53 clearly points to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant who would accomplish salvation for his people.
 
Scripture: Isaiah 53
 
The third section deals with the Messiah’s exemplary life.

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The Book of Isaiah

The Suffering Servant, Part 5

Theme: Jesus’ Glorious Victory
 
This week’s lessons explain how Isaiah 53 clearly points to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant who would accomplish salvation for his people.
 
Scripture: Isaiah 53
 
That is the point to which we come in the last verses, for these speak of the Messiah’s glorious victory. His death was not without effect. Jesus accomplished everything He came to accomplish.

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The Book of Psalms

God My Shepherd, Section 1

Theme: Practical Discipleship
 
This week’s lessons focus on how God acts as a shepherd toward his sheep, and what we are to do in response to him.
 
Scripture: Psalm 23
 
Psalm 23 is probably the best known and most popular chapter of the Word of God. It is no surprise that this is so, since everyone enjoys the theme of the shepherd who cares for his sheep. In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Christ describes Himself as the shepherd.

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The Book of Psalms

God My Shepherd, Section 2

Theme: Resting in God
 
This week’s lessons focus on how God acts as a shepherd toward his sheep, and what we are to do in response to him.
 
Scripture: Psalm 23
 
Let us consider some of these aspects. First of all, this matter of rest: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” It is very significant that the psalm starts with resting in God, because that is how the Christian life begins. We are so restless.

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The Book of Psalms

God My Shepherd, Section 3

Theme: Our Faithful Guide
 
This week’s lessons focus on how God acts as a shepherd toward his sheep, and what we are to do in response to him.
 
Scripture: Psalm 23
 
I said earlier that the Christian life also has activity, and that is what comes next. The next portion of the psalm stresses guidance: “He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

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The Book of Psalms

God My Shepherd, Section 4

Theme: Safety in Shadow
 
This week’s lessons focus on how God acts as a shepherd toward his sheep, and what we are to do in response to him.
 
Scripture: Psalm 23
 
Verse 4 deals with safety. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” What is this valley of the shadow of death?

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The Book of Psalms

God My Shepherd, Section 5

Theme: A Table and Place Prepared
 
This week’s lessons focus on how God acts as a shepherd toward his sheep, and what we are to do in response to him.
 
Scripture: Psalm 23
 
Verse 5 deals with provision. We will not lack provision because “you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” David had real enemies. They wanted to kill him. So if God was able to provide for David in a situation like that, He is able to provide for you.

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The Book of Psalms

The Two Ways, Day 1

Theme: Christ Our Example
 
In these lessons we see that our growth in holiness is dependent upon our being grounded in the Word of God, which points us to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation and sanctification.
 
Scripture: Psalm 1
 
It is appropriate that one of our series on the great chapters of the Bible should be the first psalm, because this psalm sets before us the doctrine of the two ways and encourages us to walk in the way of the godly.

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The Book of Psalms

The Two Ways, Day 2

Theme: The Way of the Wicked
 
In these lessons we see that our growth in holiness is dependent upon our being grounded in the Word of God, which points us to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation and sanctification.
 
Scripture: Psalm 1
 
The psalmist says two important things about the man who walks according to his sinful dispositions. 
 
First, the course of the wicked man is always downhill.

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The Book of Psalms

The Two Ways, Day 3

Theme: The Way of the Righteous
 
In these lessons we see that our growth in holiness is dependent upon our being grounded in the Word of God, which points us to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation and sanctification.
 
Scripture: Psalm 1
 
Over against the way of the ungodly, the psalmist sets the way of the righteous. And everything that is said to be lacking in the case of the one is present in the other.

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The Book of Psalms

The Two Ways, Day 5

Theme: Becoming Strong
 
In these lessons we see that our growth in holiness is dependent upon our being grounded in the Word of God, which points us to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation and sanctification.
 
Scripture: Psalm 1
 
The last point I want to make is that the Word of God makes Christians strong, strong enough to resist the idols of their culture and go God’s way. I do not think we have a very strong church in the United States today.

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The Book of Joshua

Passing the Torch – Part Five

THEME: Determining to Follow God
This week’s lessons recount Joshua’s charge to Israel’s leaders, which teaches us how we should respond to God in light of what he has done for us in the past, as well as what he promises to do in the future. 
SCRIPTURE:Joshua 23:1-16

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The Book of 1 Chronicles

How to Give Thanks Well, Part 1

Theme: Why We Don’t Give Thanks Well
 
This week’s lessons help us to properly celebrate Thanksgiving by impressing upon us the importance of continually expressing genuine thanks to the Lord for all his blessings.
 
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
 
You’ve probably noticed, if you’ve reflected at all on your friends and people you work with, that some people do everything well.

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The Book of 1 Chronicles

How to Give Thanks Well, Part 2

Theme: Declaring God’s Goodness to the Nations 
 
This week’s lessons help us to properly celebrate Thanksgiving by impressing upon us the importance of continually expressing genuine thanks to the Lord for all his blessings.
 
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
 
The second thing he says is also in verse eight: “Call on his name.” Now this is simple, too, but our problem is we don’t do it either. What this is saying is that we should pray.

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The Book of 1 Chronicles

How to Give Thanks Well, Part 3

Theme: Singing Praise to God
 
This week’s lessons help us to properly celebrate Thanksgiving by impressing upon us the importance of continually expressing genuine thanks to the Lord for all his blessings.
 
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
 
Verse nine introduces a new idea. It tells us that the fourth way to give thanks is to sing praises to God.

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The Book of 1 Chronicles

How to Give Thanks Well, Part 4

Theme: Recounting God’s Goodness to Others
 
This week’s lessons help us to properly celebrate Thanksgiving by impressing upon us the importance of continually expressing genuine thanks to the Lord for all his blessings.
 
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
 
This past Tuesday night we had our regular session meeting of the board of elders. We begin with a half hour of prayer.

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The Book of 1 Chronicles

How to Give Thanks Well, Part 5

Theme: Living Out Our New Nature
 
This week’s lessons help us to properly celebrate Thanksgiving by impressing upon us the importance of continually expressing genuine thanks to the Lord for all his blessings.
 
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
 
The seventh is rejoice. At the very end of verse ten we read, “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” How does that differ from glorying? Well, glory has to do with God’s attributes.

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The Book of Psalms

The Fast Lane or the Right Path, Section 1

Theme: The Doctrine of the Two Ways
 
In this week’s studies we learn how the doctrine of the two ways is described, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who perfectly fits the description of the righteous man of Psalm 1. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6
 
The doctrine of the two ways is a very common concept.

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The Book of Psalms

The Fast Lane or the Right Path, Section 2

Theme: The Way of the Wicked
 
In this week’s studies we learn how the doctrine of the two ways is described, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who perfectly fits the description of the righteous man of Psalm 1. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6  
 
The first verse of Psalm 1 and therefore also the very first verse of the Psalter, begins with the word “blessed.” This is important certainly, for it is a way of saying that the psalms (as well as all Scr

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The Book of Psalms

The Fast Lane or the Right Path, Section 3

Theme: The Way of the Righteous
 
In this week’s studies we learn how the doctrine of the two ways is described, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who perfectly fits the description of the righteous man of Psalm 1. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6
 
What about the other way, the way of the righteous?

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The Book of Psalms

The Fast Lane or the Right Path, Section 4

Theme: Flourishing or Fruitless
 
In this week’s studies we learn how the doctrine of the two ways is described, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who perfectly fits the description of the righteous man of Psalm 1. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6
 
When most people think of the results of upright or godly living they think of rewards.

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The Book of Psalms

The Fast Lane or the Right Path, Section 5

Theme: The Two Final Ends
 
In this week’s studies we learn how the doctrine of the two ways is described, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who perfectly fits the description of the righteous man of Psalm 1. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6
 
Verse 6 is a fitting end to the psalm and a proper thematic statement from which to proceed into the Psalter.

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The Book of Psalms

The Wrong Path and Its Consequences, Scene 1

Theme: A Messianic Psalm
 
In this week’s studies we are reminded of the sinful folly and the tragic results that await all those who live in rebellion against God, and of the need to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ in grateful submission. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12
 
There is a debate among Old Testament scholars as to whether Psalm 2 can be considered messianic. That is, does it speak specifically of Jesus Christ?

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The Book of Psalms

The Wrong Path and Its Consequences, Scene 2

Theme: Rebellion against the Lord
 
In this week’s studies we are reminded of the sinful folly and the tragic results that await all those who live in rebellion against God, and of the need to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ in grateful submission. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12
 
The outline of Psalm 2 is straightforward. It divides into four nearly equal parts, each uttered by a different speaker or speakers.

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The Book of Psalms

New Day Dawning: A Morning Psalm, Day 1

Theme: What a Morning!
 
In this week’s studies we learn how David overcame his adversaries by committing himself into the Lord’s protection.
 
Scripture: Psalm 3:1-8
 
After Psalms 1 and 2, which are foundational psalms—the first stressing the importance of the law of God in one’s life, and the second the ultimate triumph of the Messiah—there are a number of psalms dealing with various circumstances that come into the godly man’s life in which he

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The Book of Psalms

The Wrong Path and Its Consequences, Scene 3

Theme: God the Father’s Response
 
In this week’s studies we are reminded of the sinful folly and the tragic results that await all those who live in rebellion against God, and of the need to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ in grateful submission. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12
 
In the second section of the psalm, verses 4-6, the speaker is God the Father, though the narrator sets up his words just as in the opening section he set up the arrogant words of the rebelli

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The Book of Psalms

New Day Dawning: A Morning Psalm, Day 2

Theme: A World of Foes
 
In this week’s studies we learn how David overcame his adversaries by committing himself into the Lord’s protection.
 
Scripture: Psalm 3:1-8
 
A second reason for taking the title of the psalm literally is that the images of the psalm are military, which fits the situation in 2 Samuel well.4 Both the examples of military language as well as the general correspondence between the psalm and the condition of David described in 2 Samuel

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The Book of Psalms

The Wrong Path and Its Consequences, Scene 4

Theme: God the Son Speaks
 
In this week’s studies we are reminded of the sinful folly and the tragic results that await all those who live in rebellion against God, and of the need to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ in grateful submission. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12
 
The third section of the psalm, verses 7-9, contains the words of God’s Anointed, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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The Book of Psalms

The Wrong Path and Its Consequences, Scene 5

Theme: A Warning to Submit
 
In this week’s studies we are reminded of the sinful folly and the tragic results that await all those who live in rebellion against God, and of the need to bow before the Lord Jesus Christ in grateful submission. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12
 
In the final section of this psalm, verses 10-12, the narrator speaks again, uttering words of warning and entreaty to those who have not yet bowed before God’s Son.

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The Book of Psalms

New Day Dawning: A Morning Psalm, Day 3

Theme: The Psalmist’s Confidence in God
 
In this week’s studies we learn how David overcame his adversaries by committing himself into the Lord’s protection.
 
Scripture: Psalm 3:1-8 
 
Much happens in this psalm in the space between the first two stanzas, marked out by selah. The first stanza is an expression of the crisis that has come into the psalmist’s life because of the enemies who have risen up against him.

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The Book of Psalms

New Day Dawning: A Morning Psalm, Day 4

Theme: “Though This World with Devils Filled”
 
In this week’s studies we learn how David overcame his adversaries by committing himself into the Lord’s protection.
 
Scripture: Psalm 3:1-8
 
To many people the most appealing part of this psalm is the third stanza, the part in which David tells how he was able to lie down and sleep even in the midst of the sudden great danger occasioned by Absalom’s rebellion (vv. 5-6).

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The Book of Psalms

New Day Dawning: A Morning Psalm, Day 5

Theme: A Confident Cry for Deliverance
 
In this week’s studies we learn how David overcame his adversaries by committing himself into the Lord’s protection.
 
Scripture: Psalm 3:1-8
 
The last section of the psalm is a confident cry for God’s deliverance, because the psalmist knows that God has heard him and will provide deliverance. 
 
David’s words are actually a war cry, as I suggested earlier.

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The Book of Psalms

A Prayer for Coming to God’s House, Section 1

Theme: A Life of Prayer
 
In this week’s studies David prays that the Lord would show his justice against all who do evil, even as he asks that the Lord’s blessing would rest upon the righteous.
 
Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12
 
I have called this psalm “A Prayer for Coming to God’s House” because of verse 7: “But I, by your great mercy will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.” But we must not think of it as rest

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The Book of Psalms

A Prayer for Coming to God’s House, Section 2

Theme: An Appeal for God to Listen
 
In this week’s studies David prays that the Lord would show his justice against all who do evil, even as he asks that the Lord’s blessing would rest upon the righteous.
 
Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12
 
The first three verses are an appeal for God to listen to the psalmist’s prayer. Many psalms begin in this way, such as Psalm 4, which we just studied last week.

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The Book of Psalms

A Prayer for Coming to God’s House, Section 3

Theme: God Does Not Listen to the Wicked
 
In this week’s studies David prays that the Lord would show his justice against all who do evil, even as he asks that the Lord’s blessing would rest upon the righteous.
 
Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12
 
The second stanza (verses 4-6) is a reflection on the wicked, growing out of the psalmist’s approach to God in verses 1-3. Each of the preceding psalms has spoken of the wicked, though differently in each psalm.

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The Book of Psalms

A Prayer for Coming to God’s House, Section 4

Theme: “’Tis Mercy All”
 
In this week’s studies David prays that the Lord would show his justice against all who do evil, even as he asks that the Lord’s blessing would rest upon the righteous.
 
Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12
 
One of the complaints unbelievers make against Christians is that their understanding of sin causes them to think of themselves as better than other people. But that is not actually the case. In fact, it is the opposite.

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The Book of Psalms

A Prayer for Coming to God’s House, Section 5

Theme: Rejection of the Wicked and Blessings of the Righteous
 
In this week’s studies David prays that the Lord would show his justice against all who do evil, even as he asks that the Lord’s blessing would rest upon the righteous.
 
Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12
 
At this point David turns to the wicked again. Earlier he had spoken of them as “those who tell lies” (v. 6), but this was only one descriptive phrase among many. In these verses (vv.

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The Book of Psalms

A Psalm of Repentance, Scene 1

Theme: “The Dark Night of the Soul”
 
In this week’s studies we learn about David’s great affliction, and how his confidence and hope in the Lord were restored through prayer. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10
 
Psalm 6 is the first of the penitential psalms, that is, psalms in which the author confesses his sin and asks God for his mercy and forgiveness.

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The Book of Psalms

A Psalm of Repentance, Scene 2

Theme: God’s Wrath
 
In this week’s studies we learn about David’s great affliction, and how his confidence and hope in the Lord were restored through prayer. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10
 
In the New International Version the psalm is divided into four stanzas, which is right. But in terms of its content the psalm is best considered in two sections. In the first (vv. 1-7) David is in great distress. His whole person–body, soul and spirit–is in anguish.

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The Book of Psalms

A Psalm of Repentance, Scene 3

Theme: The Psalmist’s Distress
 
In this week’s studies we learn about David’s great affliction, and how his confidence and hope in the Lord were restored through prayer. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10
 
Yesterday we looked at the first feature of verses 1-7.  Today we look at the other three.
 
2. A loss of a sense of God’s presence.

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The Book of Psalms

A Psalm of Repentance, Scene 4

Theme: The Psalmist’s Hope and Prayer
 
In this week’s studies we learn about David’s great affliction, and how his confidence and hope in the Lord were restored through prayer. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10
 
Yet, in spite of the extremely black picture I am painting, the situation was not quite as hopeless as even the psalmist thought. Nor is it as hopeless as you might think. It may be that David felt under God’s fierce disapproval and wrath.

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The Book of Psalms

A Psalm of Repentance, Scene 5

Theme: The Psalmist’s Answer
 
In this week’s studies we learn about David’s great affliction, and how his confidence and hope in the Lord were restored through prayer. 
 
Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10
 
The second half of the psalm, which begins with verse 8, contains such a radical change of mood that many commentators seem to be without any adequate explanation.

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The Book of Psalms

Cry Justice! Day 1

Theme: David’s Growing Intensity
 
In this week’s lessons we see how David dealt with the anguish of being unjustly accused, and learn the need to leave our own mistreatment with the Lord, trusting him to act justly.
 
Scripture: Psalm 7:1-17
 
If you have been paying close attention to the psalms preceding Psalm 7 and have been comparing them, you may have noticed a growth in the intensity of feeling on David’s part.

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The Book of Psalms

Cry Justice! Day 2

Theme: False Accusations
 
In this week’s lessons we see how David dealt with the anguish of being unjustly accused, and learn the need to leave our own mistreatment with the Lord, trusting him to act justly.
 
Scripture: Psalm 7:1-17
 
David does not report the accusation against him in detail.

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The Book of Psalms

Cry Justice! Day 3

Theme: Is Anyone Ever Innocent?
 
In this week’s lessons we see how David dealt with the anguish of being unjustly accused, and learn the need to leave our own mistreatment with the Lord, trusting him to act justly.
 
Scripture: Psalm 7:1-17
 
Yesterday we concluded by considering the issue of false accusations, and said that there are two surprising features which can create problems for us.

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The Book of Psalms

Cry Justice! Day 4

Theme: Justice or Mercy?
 
In this week’s lessons we see how David dealt with the anguish of being unjustly accused, and learn the need to leave our own mistreatment with the Lord, trusting him to act justly.
 
Scripture: Psalm 7:1-17
 
Distinguished in this way, between heavenly and earthly justice, Christians naturally embrace the heavenly conception. But Lewis rightly asks us to yearn for earthly justice as well, and to work for it.

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The Book of Psalms

Cry Justice! Day 5

Theme: Confidence in God
 
In this week’s lessons we see how David dealt with the anguish of being unjustly accused, and learn the need to leave our own mistreatment with the Lord, trusting him to act justly.
 
Scripture: Psalm 7:1-17
 
The second half of Psalm 7 is an expression of David’s deep confidence in God, a section not much different from what he has said in the preceding psalms and will say many more times in what follows (vv.

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The Book of Psalms

Our God, Our Glory, Part 1

Theme: The Majesty of God
 
In this week’s lessons we look at how mankind is described in relationship to God, and note how the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills this psalm.
 
Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9
 
It would be difficult to say anything negative about any one of the psalms, since each is a part of sacred Scripture and is given to us by God for our benefit. Yet we cannot escape feeling that some of them stand out above others.

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The Book of Psalms

Our God, Our Glory, Part 2

Theme: What Is Man?
 
In this week’s lessons we look at how mankind is described in relationship to God, and note how the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills this psalm.
 
Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9
 
Psalm 8 is quoted a number of times in the New Testament, on one occasion by Jesus. He had entered Jerusalem in triumph on what we call Palm Sunday.

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The Book of Psalms

Our God, Our Glory, Part 3

Theme: A Mediating Position
 
In this week’s lessons we look at how mankind is described in relationship to God, and note how the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills this psalm.
 
Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9
 
Yesterday we concluded by making the observation that it is quite astonishing that the God who created this vast universe should actually care for us. Yet that is what he does. And not only that. Not only does God think of us and care for us, which is what verse 4 asserts.

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The Book of Psalms

Our God, Our Glory, Part 4

Theme: Looking Up or Looking Down
 
In this week’s lessons we look at how mankind is described in relationship to God, and note how the Lord Jesus Christ fulfills this psalm.
 
Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9 
 
But here is the interesting thing.

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Alliance of Confessional Evangelicals

About the Alliance

The Alliance is a coalition of believers who hold to the historic creeds and confessions of the Reformed faith and proclaim biblical doctrine in order to foster a Reformed awakening in today’s Church.

Canadian Donors

Canadian Committee of The Bible Study Hour
PO Box 24087, RPO Josephine
North Bay, ON, P1B 0C7