In this study, we look at one of the ordinances of the church, commonly called The Lord's Supper. 

The last judge in Judges has an origin story unlike any of the others.

The story of Jephthah is both touching and tragic.

Samson takes a bride from among the Philistines.  On his way down, he encounters a lion that he slays.  He revisits the scene of the incident some time later and finds a bee hive with honey in the carcass of the lion.  This becomes the basis for a riddle he will share at the wedding feast. Unbeknownst to him, this will set in motion a chain of events that will put him at war with the Philistines.  Ultimately, God is in control and sovereign over all of these events! 

The same night Gideon is commissioned by the Angel of the LORD, he is given further instructions.  Next, he must tear down the altar of Baal and the Asherah that belong to his father.  Then, and only then, can he set up an altar to the LORD in its stead.   This action will mean that Gideon has crossed a point of no return.  Though he is afraid, his obedience will bring about a surprising turn of events.  

Another cycle of disobedience begins in the book of Judges.  This time, God delivers Israel into the hands of Midian for 7 years.  Israel cries out to God.  God sends a prophet to explain why this is happening.  In His marvelous grace, He calls a man named Gideon to lead Israel in battle.  We will see that this man has many flaws and fears.  This is encouraging, because God has chosen the foolish things to confound the wise!  God wants to use ordinary people, just like you and me!! 

In today's episode, we see Abraham and Sarah repeating the same sin that got them into trouble in Genesis 12.  The scenery and the characters have changed, but the deception has managed to survive the last 24 years for them.  This time, the very birth of Isaac and the promised Seed is at stake.  Thankfully, God is committed to keeping His covenant promises even when we are unfaithful. 

We come to the conclusion of our messages about Lot.  We have followed him as a pilgrim from Ur of the Chaldees all the way to Sodom, where he now sits in the gate of the city! Two angelic messengers arrive with an ominous message of judgment.   The men of Sodom demonstrate why the city must be destroyed.  In God's mercy, He provides a way of escape for Lot and his family.  Will they heed the warning?  How about you?  Have you trusted Christ to save you from the wrath to come?  Join us with an open Bible! 

This chapter records "The Dead Sea War".  Four kings defeat the 5 kings of the Jordan plain.  Lot, now a resident of Sodom, is captured and all of his belongings.  Abram receives the news and prepares his armed servants (318 of them!) for battle.  Facing overwhelming odds, Abram not only defeats the 4 kings, but he recovers all (including Lot!!).  After this miraculous victory, Abram is met by two kings.  And they could not be more different! 

Abram returns to the place of the altar after his failure(s) in Egypt.  A new test will arise as he and Lot have more wealth than they have real estate.  A strife arises between their herdsmen.  Abram proposes a separation and gives Lot first choice of the Land.  Lot chooses the plain of Jordan and moves his tent as far as Sodom.  After this separation, the LORD speaks to Abram and confirms that he is the rightful owner of all the land he can see.