What does it really mean to “Be strong and courageous” as Christians today? This week, we’ll dive deep into the ancient world of Joshua, Judges, and 1 Samuel to explore the incredible value placed on courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Through the lens of ancient warfare, we’ll unpack rarely preached texts that reveal how martial merit shaped the lives of biblical heroes like Caleb, Gideon, and Deborah.

Courage isn’t just for the battlefield—it’s essential for our daily battles. Whether it’s standing alone in faith, overcoming fear, or persevering in tough situations, we’ll discover how to cash in on courage today. Don’t miss this transformative message!

Additional Resources:

Thread podcast episode on Joshua. The episode unlocks profound insights into Israel’s journey from Moses to Joshua with our special guest, Dr. Michael Burns, as we navigate the crossing of the Jordan River. It dissects Deuteronomy 31:16-19, revealing God’s haunting warning to Israel and the significance of the phrase “on that day.” By connecting these ancient texts to themes of divine judgment and covenantal faithfulness, the guest Dr. Michael Burns brings a unique perspective grounded in his deep expertise in Christian education and the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament.

Journey through the pivotal moments in the Book of Joshua with us, where we spotlight the crucial transition from Moses to Joshua and the spiritual principles embedded within their stories. From the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the unconventional victory at Jericho, we draw unexpected parallels to the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing obedience to God even when it defies worldly logic. The cautionary tale of Ai underscores the perils of overconfidence and the unceasing need for reliance on divine guidance.

Topics Discussed:

• Introduction of special guest Dr. Michael Burns and his background in Christian education and cultural backgrounds of the New Testament
• Examination of Deuteronomy 31:16-19, focusing on God’s warning to Israel and the technical use of the phrase “on that day” throughout the Old Testament
• The critical transition from Moses to Joshua, highlighting Joshua’s role as the new Moses and drawing parallels between their actions
• The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the spiritual principles emphasized in the story of the Battle of Jericho
• The connection between the Battle of Jericho and the Sermon on the Mount illustrating how obedience to God often defies worldly logic
• The cautionary tale of Ai, emphasizing the dangers of overconfidence and the necessity of reliance on divine guidance –Interpreting violent passages in the Old Testament and their impact on Christianity’s reputation
• The term “harem” and its implications suggest a translation of “remove from use” rather than “annihilate.”
• Jesus’ teachings on power and violence and how these New Testament principles can help navigate Old Testament passages
• Preview of the next episode focusing on the Book of Judges