The Sword of the LORD

                                                                                                Aside from being an historical account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, the book of Joshua is also a beautiful allegory of the victory that is possible to Christians who learn to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and believe His promises.  Many have mistakenly taken the account to be a type and shadow of heaven itself and the final kingdom that will be ours when we leave this life.  This cannot be true, however, because we will certainly not have to battle giants, walled cities, and hostile armies in the Kingdom of Heaven.  In this life, however, there are a host of things that we must overcome in God’s strength: things like pride, lust, greed, anger, and so much more that defines the fleshly, carnal nature.  Just as Joshua led his people to victory over a host of nations who inhabited the Promised Land, Jesus now leads His people to victory over sin, the flesh, and the devil.  As we

(part 4 of a 4 part series) “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. ” (1 Corinthians 14:12). “ Let all things be done unto edifying .” (1 Corinthians 14:26). In assembling together, the main goal of the Body of Christ is that all members may receive strength, encouragement, hope, healing, forgiveness, knowledge, and all other things that will build them up spiritually and equip them to fight the good fight of faith.  Whether it is 2 or 3 meeting together or several thousand, it is a time for the Holy Spirit, Who is the Life-force of the Body, to flow in and through the various members, anointing first this one, and then that one with something life-giving, so that all may be edified.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” (Romans 15:2).   Can you imagine what would be possible, and what God could accomplish, in a group where every soul came

(part 3 of a 4 part series) “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).  The Body of Christ is not a physical organization any more than the Kingdom of God is a physical kingdom.  Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. ” (Luke 17:20, 21).  You cannot point to anything in this world and say, “This is the Kingdom of God.”  It is invisible to the eyes of man, but very real in the hearts of believers.  The Jews of Jesus’ day thought that their earthly nation was the Kingdom of God and that when Messiah was come He would overthrow the oppression and occupation of the Romans forever.  They also thought that the temple in Jerusalem was the ultimate house of God.  They were wrong on both