Wayside Bible Chapel

Joshua's last words to the new nation of Israel reminded them of all God had done for them. Then he told them what their response should be. It is the same for us today. God has sent His Son to die the death we deserved that we might have life. How should we respond to such love? And what should He do if we turn our backs to that love and serve other gods? That challenge and warning Joshua gives a...

In one of Joshua's last messages to the nation, he told them how important it is for them to cling to God (23:8). We first find that word in the Bible when Adam is told to cling to his wife so that they are one flesh (Gen 2:24). The relationship of God with His people was always meant to be a love relationship. It is no wonder then that Paul describes the relationship of marriage as a picture of C...

In today’s passage, we will discover just how heinous Israel’s depravity was and just how far God was willing to go to purify those who could still be saved. Indeed, it was so bad that another prophet of the time of Hosea wrote, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah.” If God prepared with long-suffering the kingdom of Israel...

Jesus' resurrection means that those who place their faith in the fact that He died for our sins and offers us forgiveness will also be raised. But that is just part of what that means to us. It has everything to do with how we live our life today. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us from the moment we accept what He did for us. That power frees us from enslavement to sin an...

What is happening to our country is very similar to what happened to the new nation of Israel. In this sermon, we see how their intentions were very sincere and their dedication was unquestionable, but there was a failure to convince the next generation. It is a challenge for every sincere believer to be sure to communicate with their children the great things God has done out of His love for us.

The Levites did not inherit tribal land because the Lord was their inheritance. Since we are priests to the world introducing them to our Savior, our inheritance is not created things, but the Creator Himself. This sermon also challenges us with the life of Caleb who wholly followed the Lord and conquered giants at the age of 85!

After conquering the southern coalition that came against Israel, Joshua reminded the nation there was much land yet to be taken. It reminds us that in our spiritual life we cannot settle for the initial victories. God has good works prepared in advance for us to do. He will enable and empower us, but we must be willing and cooperate. We can stay in the land we have already conquered, but God has...

The king of Jerusalem's name meant the Lord of Retribution. He gathered a coalition against Gibeon to punish them for capitulating to Israel. The Lord promised Joshua that He would give them into his hand. God gave him the victory by throwing the kings into confusion and raining hail upon them. After the victory, Joshua told the people to be strong and courageous, for there was still much land to...

While God was patiently faithful to Israel, they were not faithful to Him. It is a refreshing break from the chapters surrounding it because it demonstrates God’s desire for their restoration. He earnestly sought after them, but they gave him only lies and treachery in return. “How better describe a half-fed people, a half-cultured society, a half-lived religion, a half-hearted policy, than by a h...

Joshua needed one more lesson on looking to God instead of trusting in how things appear. This time it was in the form of an elaborate deception. But God has a way of turning things around and using them for His glory. The story is one of failure turned into a blessing. It is one of many examples of God's grace and mercy upon our lives, as well as His desire that all be saved.

Once we have dealt with sin in our lives, then God can direct us to fulfill His purposes through us. This sermon gives us Israel's path to getting back on the right track and mirrors our own spiritual journey. The promises and curses in God's Word need to be remembered on a regular basis.

Can one man’s sin affect an entire nation? The account of Achan’s theft and violation of Israel’s covenant with God did. He tried to hide what he did, but our sins always find us out. God is ruthless with sin because He is holy, and He loves us. Sin is destructive to us. Its earned wages are death. But in mercy and love, Jesus took the punishment we deserved.

What do you do when it seems like God has abandoned you when His promises don't seem to come to pass? What should we think? The defeat of Israel by the little town of Ai gives us some insight into what we should do and what we must be careful not to do.

The Bible gives us a clear description of mankind's problem but also tells us the solution. It isn't about being good enough for God, as no one can be holy as He is holy. There is a dilemma presented to us in Scripture. God must be just and judge us for our sins, yet He loves us and is full of grace and mercy. Centuries before Christ the answer was given through the prophet Isaiah. This sermon add...