Topeka Bible Church Audio Archive

Sometimes our greatest triumphs are followed by great defeats. That’s one theme of this week’s sermon from Joshua, where Pastor Jim tackles the story of the Israelites’ defeat at Ai. After seeing God’s power on full display at the battle of Jericho, Joshua faces a terrible setback because of one person’s disobedience. Yet, God can turn even our valleys of trouble into doorways of hope when we repent of our sins and commit to doing things His way.

Through a study of the unconventional "battle" at Jericho, Connor explores the reality of spiritual warfare and why our daily struggles are often part of unseen forces at work in the spiritual realm around us. Learn how God has already secured victory over Satan and his forces and how you can fight life's battles with confidence, knowing the ultimate outcome is already determined.

The crossing of the Jordan introduced a new era for the people of Israel. This week, Pastor Connor continues our series in Joshua, discussing how God accomplished this miracle and how He instructed His people to memorialize it. We learn about the importance of expecting God to do great things, as well as some practical suggestions for reminding ourselves how far He’s brought us.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” This was written to Christians in the first century, but what if we find ourselves with similar struggles today? This week, Pastor Jeremy talks about our culture’s unhealthy relationship with smart phones and social media. Too often, we allow these technologies to consume our lives and drown out the silent moments that God uses to help us grow spiritually. What would it look like to resist that influence? How might our lives be different if we refused to be conformed to this world’s habits and rhythms? He concludes his message with a list of practical steps to take if you find yourself struggling in this area.

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The story of Rahab isn't just about a quick-thinking woman who hid two spies on her rooftop. In Joshua 2, we meet a pagan prostitute living inside Jericho's walls who risked everything to protect God's people. But what's remarkable isn't just her bravery – her powerful declaration of faith that reminds both the spies – and us – that God goes before us, preparing the way. And he is with us always. Through this unlikely hero, whom society would have cast aside, God didn't just save a family – He established a link in the very lineage of Jesus Christ. God uses imperfect people like Rahab, and like us, to fulfill His perfect plan.

Have you ever felt like you were in an impossible situation? This week, we begin a new series on the book of Joshua, which starts with the people of Israel in the desert. They’ve just lost their great leader, Moses, and their promised land is full of strong, well-fortified enemies. But God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Join Pastor Connor as he discusses God’s calling, Joshua’s response, and what it means for us today.

Can God use somebody who struggles with fear and bad decisions? This week Pastor Connor wraps up our Picture Perfect sermon series with a look at the apostle Peter. Though Peter was quick to respond to the truth of Jesus, he also had moments of fear and failure, sinking into a stormy sea and even denying Christ. Like Peter, we often focus on our overwhelming circumstances instead of God’s power. But no matter our background or our struggles, God still wants us to be part of His perfect plan.  

God only uses perfect people in His plans, right? Wrong! This week, we kick off our Picture Perfect sermon series with a message on King David. He was a man after God’s own heart, a warrior-poet who fought Israel’s foes and wrote most of the Psalms. He was also a liar, a murderer, and an adulterer whose sins had terrible consequences for him, his family, and his nation. Join Pastor Connor as he unpacks this messy story and discusses how God uses imperfect people in His perfect plans.