Judges
A Testament to the Church
13 Judges: Israel's War with Benjamin
November 26, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 21, 1 Corinthians 10:6
In the final sermon from the Book of Judges, the focus was on Israel's problem, their self-confidence, and the solution. Drawing parallels between Israel's historical need for salvation and a king, and our present reliance on Jesus as our King, the message emphasized the essential need for the Word of God in our lives today. As recipients of mercy, we must extend the same grace to others - our call to live out the gospel.
12 Judges: The Apostasy of Gibeah
November 19, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 19, Judges 20, John 6
In Judges 19 and 20, the haunting narrative of the apostasy in Gibeah unfolds. The absence of a central judge or savior in the last five chapters underscores the pervasive problem of sin and the urgent need for salvation. Taking place concurrently with Judges 2, these chapters vividly depict the depravity of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, followed by the repentance of Israel, the impenitence of the tribe of Benjamin, and the discipline by Yahweh. As the chilling story unravels, it offers a poignant warning and crucial instruction for All Saints Church, and the broader Church. We are urged to cherish the law of God, actively call others to repentance, and recognize that in the presence of sin lies death, bondage, and misery. The timeless call to repent and place faith in Jesus resonates as a lifeline amid the tumult, offering hope and redemption in the face of spiritual darkness.
11 Judges: Apostasy of the Tribe of Dan
November 12, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 17, Judges 18
This week Pastor Kasey unpacks the narrative in Judges 17-18, where the shadows of apostasy and generational sin loom large. This poignant message serves as a powerful reminder that cultural renewal begins with revival in the church, a revival rooted in personal repentance, and ultimately the need for a savior - King Jesus. About this series: After receiving the Decalogue on Mount Sinai, the covenant people of God were to take possession of the promised land (Exodus 3:8). However, their lack of faith at Kadesh Barnea resulted in God’s judgment, in which the people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14). No one from that unbelieving generation would be permitted into the land of Canaan, except for Joshua and Caleb. The book of Judges marks the history of God’s covenant people living in the promised land from the time of Joshua’s death to the rise of a monarchy. During this time, God’s people broke the covenant he established at Mount Sinai, characterizing this era as a spiritual and political downward spiral. However, amid the people’s infidelity, God always remained faithful to his covenant promises. Not only did he bring judgement against sin, but he also brought deliverance by raising up tribal leaders and governors, commonly referred to as Judges. The period of the Judges displayed the need for God’s rule and kingdom. This would be partially realized by King David under the administration of the Davidic Covenant, but later fully actualized in the rule and kingdom of King Jesus under the administration of the New Covenant. As New Testament Saints seeking the realization of God’s rule and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, the book of Judges serves as a testimony for the Church, in which we are instructed and warned. Join us as we consider the historical events of Judges, as well as the immediate implications for the Church.
10 Judges: Samson, part 2
November 5, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 16, Psalm 2, Judges 15
In this sermon, we continue our exploration of Samson's time as Judge, which mirrors Yahweh's deliverance of the Israelites. Samson's life, marked by many victories and defeats draws parallels to the Exodus from Egypt while pointing to Christ. Through Samson, we glimpse Christ as the ultimate deliverer, emphasizing that Samson's victory is but a shadow of Christ's complete triumph. The sermon also offers practical guidance for Christians - do not reject the peace Yahweh offers, do not fear man, and take heart in the efficacy of Christ's work on the cross.
09 Judges: Samson, part 1
October 29, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 13
Using the narrative of Samson and his parents, Pastor Kasey points to Christ and reflects on God's faithfulness in the midst of our own inadequacies. About this series: After receiving the Decalogue on Mount Sinai, the covenant people of God were to take possession of the promised land (Exodus 3:8). However, their lack of faith at Kadesh Barnea resulted in God’s judgment, in which the people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14). No one from that unbelieving generation would be permitted into the land of Canaan, except for Joshua and Caleb. The book of Judges marks the history of God’s covenant people living in the promised land from the time of Joshua’s death to the rise of a monarchy. During this time, God’s people broke the covenant he established at Mount Sinai, characterizing this era as a spiritual and political downward spiral. However, amid the people’s infidelity, God always remained faithful to his covenant promises. Not only did he bring judgement against sin, but he also brought deliverance by raising up tribal leaders and governors, commonly referred to as Judges. The period of the Judges displayed the need for God’s rule and kingdom. This would be partially realized by King David under the administration of the Davidic Covenant, but later fully actualized in the rule and kingdom of King Jesus under the administration of the New Covenant. As New Testament Saints seeking the realization of God’s rule and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, the book of Judges serves as a testimony for the Church, in which we are instructed and warned. Join us as we consider the historical events of Judges, as well as the immediate implications for the Church.
08 Judges: Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
October 22, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 10:6—12:15, Judges 10, Judges 11, Judges 12
In this episode of Judges, we learn about how Israel's severe apostasy is met with severe discipline. The story leads us to a need for a king that Yahweh would set on the throne. This narrative also features the first recorded instance of Israel's confession and repentance, as well as the much debated story of Jephthah and his daughter. Finally, we are given instruction, warning, and encouragement from the text and pointed to our king - Jesus. About this series: After receiving the Decalogue on Mount Sinai, the covenant people of God were to take possession of the promised land (Exodus 3:8). However, their lack of faith at Kadesh Barnea resulted in God’s judgment, in which the people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14). No one from that unbelieving generation would be permitted into the land of Canaan, except for Joshua and Caleb. The book of Judges marks the history of God’s covenant people living in the promised land from the time of Joshua’s death to the rise of a monarchy. During this time, God’s people broke the covenant he established at Mount Sinai, characterizing this era as a spiritual and political downward spiral. However, amid the people’s infidelity, God always remained faithful to his covenant promises. Not only did he bring judgement against sin, but he also brought deliverance by raising up tribal leaders and governors, commonly referred to as Judges. The period of the Judges displayed the need for God’s rule and kingdom. This would be partially realized by King David under the administration of the Davidic Covenant, but later fully actualized in the rule and kingdom of King Jesus under the administration of the New Covenant. As New Testament Saints seeking the realization of God’s rule and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, the book of Judges serves as a testimony for the Church, in which we are instructed and warned. Join us as we consider the historical events of Judges, as well as the immediate implications for the Church.
07 Judges: Abimelech, Tola, Jair
October 15, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 9, Judges 10, Deuteronomy 6
In this next installment of the book of Judges, Pastor Kasey continues to analyze the story by looking at Israel's depravity, Yahweh's discipline, and Yahweh's deliverance. We learn about how Gideon's successes at war were contrasted by failures in his personal life. Gideon's son, Abimelech, rises to power, and God uses this wicked Judge to judge the Israelites for their own disobedience. God then pours out his own judgement on the wicked Abimelech, using an "unnamed woman," pointing us to Jesus, the ultimate "skull-crusher", and reminding us that ultimately only God saves. Pastor Kasey parallels this narrative with the modern church, and our own need to make sure we are not just catechizing our children, but actually ministering to their hearts and raising them in fear and admonition of the Lord.
06 Judges: Gideon (part 2)
October 8, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Isaiah 59:12, Judges 7
In this sermon, Pastor Kasey completed a two-part exposition on the episode of Gideon, found in Judges chapters 6-8. As Christians seeking the realization of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, Pastor Kasey highlighted three points of application for the Church: 1.) When Christians are afraid, we need to trust in the LORD. We must not put our faith in princes, chariots, or horses. More importantly, when we are afraid, we must not trust in ourselves. 2.) The success of the Christian Church is about the glory of God and not our personal achievements. We must be careful not to seek our own glory in the advancement of the Kingdom. 3.) Human saviors are never perfect and always leave us wanting. However, the LORD has given us a perfect deliverer, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. About this series: After receiving the Decalogue on Mount Sinai, the covenant people of God were to take possession of the promised land (Exodus 3:8). However, their lack of faith at Kadesh Barnea resulted in God’s judgment, in which the people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14). No one from that unbelieving generation would be permitted into the land of Canaan, except for Joshua and Caleb. The book of Judges marks the history of God’s covenant people living in the promised land from the time of Joshua’s death to the rise of a monarchy. During this time, God’s people broke the covenant he established at Mount Sinai, characterizing this era as a spiritual and political downward spiral. However, amid the people’s infidelity, God always remained faithful to his covenant promises. Not only did he bring judgement against sin, but he also brought deliverance by raising up tribal leaders and governors, commonly referred to as Judges. The period of the Judges displayed the need for God’s rule and kingdom. This would be partially realized by King David under the administration of the Davidic Covenant, but later fully actualized in the rule and kingdom of King Jesus under the administration of the New Covenant. As New Testament Saints seeking the realization of God’s rule and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, the book of Judges serves as a testimony for the Church, in which we are instructed and warned. Join us as we consider the historical events of Judges, as well as the immediate implications for the Church.
04 Judges: Deborah, Barak, and Jael
September 24, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 4
Pastor Kasey exposits Judges 4 with the main characters of Deborah, Barak, and Jael. He examines the chapter with these points - the depravity of Israel, the discipline of Yahweh, and the deliverance of Yahweh. This chapter reminds us that Christ is the hero of the church, not us. Yahweh is mighty to save and our only hope.
01 Judges: The Prologue
September 3, 2023 • Kasey Horvath • Judges 1, Judges 2:1–5
This Prologue, an introduction to the book of Judges, explores the circumstances that necessitated the book of Judges, as well as the warnings we should heed personally and corporately from this book. The time of the Judges was one of spiritual and political downward style, but amid infidelity, God always remained faithful to his promises through judgement and deliverance. Judges serves as a testimony to the church in which we are encouraged and warned.
About This Series
Judges: A Testament for the Church After receiving the Decalogue on Mount Sinai, the covenant people of God were to take possession of the promised land (Exodus 3:8). However, their lack of faith at Kadesh Barnea resulted in God’s judgment, in which the people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14). No one from that unbelieving generation would be permitted into the land of Canaan, except for Joshua and Caleb. The book of Judges marks the history of God’s covenant people living in the promised land from the time of Joshua’s death to the rise of a monarchy. During this time, God’s people broke the covenant he established at Mount Sinai, characterizing this era as a spiritual and political downward spiral. However, amid the people’s infidelity, God always remained faithful to his covenant promises. Not only did he bring judgement against sin, but he also brought deliverance by raising up tribal leaders and governors, commonly referred to as Judges. The period of the Judges displayed the need for God’s rule and kingdom. This would be partially realized by King David under the administration of the Davidic Covenant, but later fully actualized in the rule and kingdom of King Jesus under the administration of the New Covenant. As New Testament Saints seeking the realization of God’s rule and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, the book of Judges serves as a testimony for the Church, in which we are instructed and warned. Join us as we consider the historical events of Judges, as well as the immediate implications for the Church.