After triumphs at Jordan and Jericho, the awful defeat at Ai followed, arising from covetousness and complacency. The Israelites had to come to genuine repentance and renew covenant with their God. Only then could they pursue the Lord's work with the method that He set out for them. The Lord's work was to be done The Lord's way.

The kindest invitation, summons and promise ever given- Given, by the One who we have offended. The Lord Jesus tenderly offers to all who are burdened and weighed down by the weight of trying to keep His laws, rest for our souls. Why would we refuse such an invitation-

The Gospel is to go to all the ends of the earth. But before this can be happen the historic prejudice and barriers between Jews and Gentiles must be removed. The conversion of a Roman Centurion, called Cornelius, marks the final step in the Divine plan to remove this pride and prejudice. The church of Christ today must also remove all barriers and take the Gospel to all within society.

The slogan today is -We only have one Planet-. Individually we only have one life. How will we invest the resources that the Lord our Creator has given to us- Are we investing for time, where moth, rust and thieves will ruin, or for eternity, where no one can spoil our everlasting riches.

Peter heals paralysed Aeneas and gives new life from the dead to Dorcas. Two Miracles of Grace in his ministry which both show us the transforming miracle of the new birth as well as the new life which all, who are in Christ, will receive on the great day of resurrection when Christ returns.

The sin of Achan stands out as particularly terrible. But Joshua teaches us this was actually a sin of all Israel. Sin is serious, especially when in the church. There will be no power and no blessing until the sin of covetousness, self-confidence and self-rule are identified and confronted. But then in the Valley of Achor, following hidden sin being dealt with, there is renewed communion with God and hope.

Where do we turn to in time of need- Isaiah tells us of a time when the Assyrian army were coming and instead of turning to God who would willingly help, they turned to Egypt, relying on horses, chariots and horsemen instead of looking unto the Holy One of Israel and seeking the help of Almighty God. We do just the same when it comes to our spiritual lives.

After Saul's encounter with the living Christ, the Lord humbles His chosen vessel. He is to prepare him for service in the years ahead. An extraordinary change, from Lion to Lamb, proud tyrant to humble servant occurs. His choice servant is then prepared and commences his mission to the Gentiles.