Despite Israel's continued sin and idolatry, their Covenant Lord is faithful to raise up another servant to deliver His people.

The lack of apparent conflict on the outside does not mean the absence of conflict on the inside. Israel continues to battle indwelling sin, encroaching enemies, even in times of peace, as God drives them toward repentance and the longing for the Great King.

Abimelech, the anti-judge, the faux-king, is a demonstration of God's perfect, divine justice. This justice ultimately points to Judgment Day in both God's wrath against sin at the cross of Jesus, and the last day when God will render to each one according to their deeds.

The tragic downfall of Gideon, the faux king, in contrast to the One to come, the true and ultimate king the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gideon is a living example of how God's power is made perfect in our weakness.

What does Soli Deo Gloria have to do with the local church-

So often in our day Gideon is seen as a mighty man, a conquering warrior, and an example to follow. But as God commissions him for the work of deliverance, a man weak in faith appears instead. Gideon then serves as a story about one man's struggle to believe God, and yet God's longsuffering patience toward His children.

Faith alone and how it relates to apostasy, and local church practice.

Fellowship, love, peace, and the local church.

What does Sola Fide -Faith Alone- have to do with the local church- Here is our 3rd lesson exploring this question. Specifically, today we focus on the biblical truth that faith is a gift from God.