Wednesday, August 12, 2015


Church of the Living God
Bible Study Lesson
Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait


Date:   Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Series: The Power of Prayer
Reference Scripture:  Joshua 7:1-12
Focus Verses: Joshua 7:12     

Today’s Discussion:    “Triple Jeopardy”

 
The lesson aim is to warn the chosen vessels of God of the danger of taking of the accursed things.  More importantly, there are spiritual implications for our actions that can and will determine our fate and eternal resting place. (Reference: Romans 14:10-13) 

 
Joshua has been selected by God as the defense attorney for a high profile trial against the children of Israel and God is the prosecutor. (Reference: Duet. 31:23; Joshua 1:1) Interestingly, we have an opportunity to see an OT encounter where God extends grace and mercy to the entire nation of Israel.  According to the text, God is imparting divine instructions to Joshua on how to deal/resolve the issue at hand.  Subsequently, God‘s instructions are very specific and concise. (Reference: II Samuel 22:17-20; Psalms 46:1) Joshua, whose name means Jehovah saves, must carry out the command from God if he hopes to fulfill his divine purpose.  (Reference: Joshua 1:8)  Under the current circumstances, Joshua is experiencing a temporary setback that could render him and the nation helpless and hopeless for the reminder of their lives. 

 

Conversely, the ultimatum that God issues to Joshua shouldn’t be viewed or described as a threat. 

 

Points to Consider: Heavenly decisions with earthly consequences (Ref: Math 6:10)

 

Josh 7:12

“Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, (except) ye destroy the accursed from among you. (KJV)

 

Josh 7:12

“That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer (unless) you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” (NLT)

 

Josh 7:12

“The People of Israel can no longer look their enemies in the eye — they themselves are plunder. I can't continue with you (if you don't) rid yourselves of the cursed things.” (MSG)

 

Destroy - OT:8045

(shaw-mad'); a primitive root; to desolate: (to deprive of inhabitants; depopulate)

 

 

Wednesday, August 5, 2015


Church of the Living God
Bible Study Lesson
Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Series: The Power of Prayer
Reference Scripture:  Joshua 7:6-9
Focus Verses: Joshua 7:5       

Today’s Discussion:    “Heart Condition”

The lesson aim is to uncover the root causes of a broken heart.  More importantly, the spiritual condition of a person’s heart contributes to his/her choice of actions and behaviors. (Reference: Matthew 102:34; Hebrews 4:12) 

Joshua represents the modern day church.  God has anointed and appointed him to lead HIS people into a place of promise.  Similarly, we have been chosen to lead God’s people into a right relationship with HIS son, Jesus Christ. (Reference: Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18-19) Joshua’s heart has been broken as result of the defeat at Ai.  The defeat is not a result of military incompetence, but is manifested because of disobedience.  Our actions will either help or hurt us.  Subsequently, the works of our hands depend on the condition of our hearts.  A broken heart awakens any negative spirit/feelings that are hiding in our hearts from past or present encounters.  As a result of this encounter Joshua’s focus was distracted because he experiences disappointment.  In addition Joshua’s faith is diluted because he becomes discouraged by the unexpected defeat at Ai.

 

What are the symptoms of a broken heart?

 

 

 

What is the impact of a broken heart?

 

  • Your connection to God is disrupted/disconnected

 

  • Your connection to people is disunited

 

  • Your faith and confidence in God’s ability and will is dispirited.


The believer has to learn to trust God through every situation.  The Apostle Paul’s message to the church at Philippi is a great example of how we should live in this day and time.  (Reference: Philippians 4:11