Crosswalk

How long will God wait before bringing judgment?

As the walls of Jericho fall in Joshua 6, Pastor Steve Winnery examines one of the Bible’s most difficult pictures of divine judgment. Long before Israel entered Canaan, God had patiently allowed time for repentance. But eventually, the time for judgment came.

In the middle of Jericho’s destruction, however, Rahab and her family are rescued because she turned to the Lord in faith. Pastor Steve also explores the striking parallels between Jericho and the book of Revelation—the silence, the trumpets, and the judgment that follows.

God is patient and merciful, but His patience should never be mistaken for indifference. The story of Jericho reminds us that judgment is real, repentance matters, and God is willing to save those who turn to Him.

Who really fought the battle of Jericho?

In Joshua 6, Pastor Steve Winnery looks at Israel’s first major battle in the Promised Land and the unusual strategy God gave Joshua. Before the walls ever fell, God had already declared the victory. Joshua’s responsibility was simply to listen, trust, and obey.

Along the way, Pastor Steve examines Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s army, what it means to approach God with humility, and how the battle of Jericho pictures the Christian’s struggle against the flesh.

God gives the battle plan. Our part is to get on His side, follow His Word, and trust Him with the victory.

What does it really mean to die to yourself?

In Joshua 5, Israel has entered the Promised Land, but before moving forward in conquest, God calls His people to consecrate themselves. Pastor Steve Winnery examines the meaning behind circumcision as a picture of cutting away the flesh and connects it to the New Testament call for believers to leave their old life behind.

Through passages in Romans and Colossians, we see that following Jesus means more than outward religion. It means surrendering our bodies, desires, and old ways of living to God.

To take up your cross is to die to self—and to let Christ rule in your place.

What responsibilities do Christians have in the world around them?

In this special Crosswalk Q&A episode, Pastor Steve Winnery answers listener questions on the Ten Commandments, what it means for a believing spouse and their children to be “sanctified,” and the relationship between Christians, government, and civic responsibility.

Drawing from passages including 1 Corinthians 7 and 1 Peter 2, Pastor Steve discusses the influence of a Christian home, the difference between sanctification and salvation, and what it means to faithfully represent Christ in every area of life—including our responsibilities as citizens.

Following Jesus doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world. It means honoring Christ in every responsibility God has given us.

Before Israel could begin conquering the Promised Land, God stopped them to take care of something more important—their relationship with Him.

In Joshua 5, Pastor Steve Winnery looks at Israel’s first days across the Jordan and the unexpected command God gave Joshua before the battle for Jericho. Through their example, we see that God’s priorities often look very different from ours. Victory doesn’t begin with strategy, strength, or perfect timing. It begins with obedience, worship, and a life set apart for Him.

Before conquest comes consecration. Before everything else, God comes first.