Israel was about to cross over the Jordan and what did the Lord expect from them? Consecration, trust, as they will see and experience the wonders of God's works among them.

This chapter is one of the most scandalous chapters in all the Bible, leaving the moralist confused and the lawless with (false) license. But, in actuality, what we see here is God's complete picture of redemption for all nations in its seed form. God is reversing the curse!

Joshua was, in a way, a minister of God as we consider this section, and throughout the book, how Joshua delegated leadership, transmitted God's word to God's people, and his people responded with faith.

There is a pattern to the Lord's Commission to his people which involves his promises, his commands, and his presence.

As we begin the book of Joshua, we recognize this as a transitional book in a transitional time for Israel. We will consider the death of the old man, the rising up of the new man (with an old plan), and how Joshua points forward to the greater Joshua to come ...

What can we learn from the fellowship of the ministers, whom Paul worked with for the Gospel? We learn there was a concern for encouragement, a concern for maturity, a concern to fulfill the ministry.

What does it mean to be a witness for Christ? Some may not like that term but it is a biblical concept. Paul speaks to it in Colossians 4.2-6 as he alludes to the way Daniel was a light to the nations when he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

In this text, we will also consider the misinterpretations of texts such as Leviticus 25, in dealing with the topic of slavery, as well as address the true context of Paul's instructions and how they apply to us today.

This week we will consider how we put on Christ in the home, wives and husbands, parents and children and consider some of the misconceptions of what this means that are out there in the world.

What is the context of putting on Christ in this portion of Colossians? It is in the church and her worship, which flows out into day to day life. The gathering is essential for the Christian life. It should produce love, peace, unity, and gratefulness.