Last week Dr. Crane told the story of Joshua’s speech to the leaders of Israel, where he reminded them of their history with the Lord, and exhorted them to continue to obey the Lord. As we wrap up our series on Joshua, with this next speech we get a glimpse at a more systematic approach from Joshua as compared to his pastoral approach in chapter 23.
Passing the Torch
November 19, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 23
Dr. Crane reviews the story of Joshua’s speech to the leaders of Israel, where he reminded them of their history with the Lord, and exhorted them to continue to obey the Lord. It's a great reminder of the importance of being strong, being careful to obey, and loving God.
The Rumor Mill
November 12, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 22
Dr. Crane shares a story about a misunderstanding that almost led to disaster. fortunately, the truth prevailed, and God's people were able to reconcile before harm was done. We can learn to avoid leaping to false conclusions, believing the best about others, dealing with issues immediately, directly, and constructively, and seeking and celebrating moments of reconciliation.
A Landless Inheritance
November 5, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 21, Joshua 20
The Archives Speak
October 29, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 19, Joshua 13
This week we’re looking at the allotment of land given to each tribe, including stories of faithful service, the tribes working for their inheritance, and dealing with the complaints of one tribe.
Unfinished Business
October 22, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 11, Joshua 12
Dr. Crane tells the story of Joshua taking on another groups of kings aligned against the Israelites. The Lord encouraged Joshua, and he was successful against them. Nonetheless, some Anikim survived, and years later their descendants would cause great problems for Israel.
The Longest Day
October 8, 2023 • Jakob King, Gabe Hetherington • Joshua 10:1–15
Jakob King tells the story of how God helped the Israelites defeat their enemies through supernatural events. It is a story of miracles from God, a bold prayer, and how incredible it is that the Creator of the universe listens to us.
The Ruse
October 1, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 9
Dr. Crane tell the story of how some Gibeonites deceived the Israelites. The leaders of Israel failed to consult God about the situation, and made promises they shouldn’t have made. They ended up living with an awkward alliance, and the anger of the people. God, however, used the mistake for his glory.
Avoiding Spiritual Defeat
September 24, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 7, Joshua 8
Devoted to Destruction
September 17, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane, Jakob King • Joshua 6:17–25
Steve and Jakob take us through a particularly challenging portion of Scripture. God is merciful, yet He is also completely just. God’s judgment can be difficult to understand and accept at times. Through this passage, we hope that we can have a deeper understanding of how God extends mercy even in the midst of His judgment.
A God of Strange Strategies
September 10, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 5:13–15, Joshua 6
Dr. Crane takes us through the incredible story of the walls of Jericho collapsing. As we read through this story, we can reflect on how following God’s instructions can impact our lives today. Sometimes following God is inconvenient, yet He will sustain us when we carry out his will.
An Unusual Battle Plan
September 3, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 5:1–12
Dr. Crane relates the story of how once the Israelites had crossed the Jordan river on dry land, they paused before going into battle to circumcise the men, and to celebrate Passover. Sometimes, God's timing is different from ours, and we need to be careful not to rush into something without consulting God first. It is more important to have God in our hearts than a sword in our hands.
A Rock-Solid Reminder
August 27, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 4
Dr. Crane tells the story of the crossing of the Jordan river. The Lord had the people build two stone memorials, to serve as a remembrance of what God had done this day, and as a proclamation to their children, and to others of the glory of God. Today Christians participate in communion as a remembrance of what Jesus did on the cross, and as a proclamation to others.
Crossing Over
August 20, 2023 • Dr. Steve Crane • Joshua 3
Dr. Crane tells the story of how God, through the leadership of Joshua, led the people of Israel to cross the Jordan river. The people had to be physically and spiritually ready to follow the guidance of God into a place they had never been before. We are reminded to keep our eyes on God, not on the crowd.
