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Joshua's Four Miracles (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Joshua stands as a remarkable example of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. As recorded in Joshua 11:15, he meticulously followed the instructions given by the Lord through Moses, leaving nothing undone of all that was commanded. His dedication is further highlighted in Joshua 24:29-31, where it is noted that Israel served the Lord throughout Joshua's lifetime and during the days of the elders who outlived him, reflecting the profound influence of his leadership and commitment. Despite his exemplary obedience, Joshua's humanity is evident in his error with the Gibeonites, as described in Joshua 9. He and the leaders of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonite ambassadors, failing to consult God before making a treaty with them. This mistake underscores the fallibility of human leadership, revealing that even the most faithful servants can err when they rely on outward appearances or neglect to seek divine guidance. However, this single misstep did not disqualify Joshua from his role as a faithful servant. God did not cast him aside but allowed him to live with the consequences, demonstrating that a momentary lapse does not erase a lifetime of obedience. Joshua's life teaches that leaders must strive to consult God in all significant matters, avoiding hasty decisions based on incomplete information. His record, marked by a wealth of faithful accomplishments, far outweighs his errors, showing that steadfast obedience to God's will remains the hallmark of true leadership. Like Joshua, we are called to press forward in our journey, leaving nothing undone of what the Lord commands, trusting that He will guide and sustain us through every challenge.

Joshua's Four Miracles (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Joshua obeyed the commands given through Moses by doing everything and leaving nothing undone. He remained strong and courageous without turning aside, following what was written and showing no fear while completing all that God directed. This obedience set the pattern for the new generation that crossed the Jordan, which served the Lord more faithfully than the earlier group and received commendation for its actions. The people followed Joshua's instructions without complaint during the crossing of the Jordan and the events at Jericho. They marched exactly as directed, maintained silence until the appointed time, and shouted only on command, after which the defenses collapsed. Joshua's leadership highlighted the requirement to obey the voice of the Lord precisely, as the instructions were repeated and the people carried them out without deviation. This approach allowed God to remove obstacles and deliver the victory, demonstrating that careful adherence to directions brings the promised outcome while any addition of personal action risks interference.

Joshua and the Gibeonites

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The Gibeonites' pretense of coming from a distant land resulted in their slavery. Yet, through their influence, they contributed to Israel's destruction.

Did Israel Offer the Wavesheaf in Joshua 5?

Article by David C. Grabbe

For decades, the church of God has struggled with counting Pentecost, especially in years when Passover falls on a Sabbath. Does Joshua 5 hold the key or not?

We Will Serve the Lord!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Joshua's deeds were demonstrations of God's power. Joshua charged the leaders to remain courageous, love God and His Law, and serving Him with all their heart and soul.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Joshua exemplified complete obedience to God by following every instruction given through Moses without deviation. God directly commanded him to observe the law exactly, turning neither to the right nor the left, and promised success and divine presence in return. The people responded with full submission, pledging to obey Joshua as they had Moses and even threatening death to any who rebelled against his commands. They revered him throughout his life, magnifying him in their sight as God had promised. At the end of his days Joshua continued to urge Israel to serve the Lord in sincerity, rejecting all other gods, and the people affirmed their commitment under his leadership. His sole recorded lapse occurred when he accepted the elders' counsel without seeking God regarding the Gibeonites, yet even then he remained a man who served God with all his heart. This pattern of fidelity explains why no wave-sheaf offering occurred after the Passover in Joshua 5. Israel had entered the land only days earlier, possessed no produce from seed they had sown, and lacked an officially designated central sanctuary. Deuteronomy 12 had already forbidden offerings anywhere except the place God would choose once the land was at rest; therefore Joshua refused to violate the explicit restriction. His obedience illustrates the sermon's central point that true conversion produces practical submission to the plain statements of Scripture rather than elaborate human reasoning that adds to or subtracts from what God has written.

The Cursed Redeemer

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Hanging on a tree was designated the punishment for the worst kind of sin. Jesus was hung on a tree, having fulfilled the curse of the law for us.