Paul “(made) it (his) aim to please (God)” because “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This is why, “knowing the fear of the Lord,” Paul “persuaded others,” i.e., shared the… Read More A Bit of Perspective — Jon Mitchell, Editor (Editorial: May/June, 2022)
When we think of a Christian apologist, several images might spring to mind. An accomplished debater, a storied theologian, a university professor, a philosopher, or a public speaker with rapid-fire responses. The common denominator between these different portrayals is simple: someone who is not just your typical Christian. That is one of the most common… Read More Why Christians Must Be Apologists — Dewayne Bryant, Ph.D.
The period of the Judges is filled with intrigue. Many stories stir the emotion and inflame the heart hearing how God’s people overcame their enemies. But there is one incident in the book of Judges that is rather dark. It is the story of the Levite and his concubine found in Judges 19-21. This passage… Read More Judges: The Dark Times — Chance Blackmer
Micah was a wicked Judge who served over the Israelites prior to the establishment of a king. Micah’s name means “Who is like Yahweh?” This seems ironic given his evil behaviors, his idolatry, and the characteristics that are revealed about him in Judges chapters seventeen and eighteen. When one examines the biblical text linked with… Read More Judges: Learning From Micah — Johnny Trail
The story of Samson from his pre-birth to his death encompasses Judges 13-16. As with Jesus, Samson’s early life is rather obscure. Though Samson judged Israel twenty years, three of the four chapters seem to focus upon the conclusion of his life. As one reads through the few reported instances of his life there are… Read More Judges: Learning From Samson — Roy Knight
“Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot…” (Judg. 11:1, NKJV). Thus, the reader of the Scriptures is introduced to this man who served as a judge over Israel for a period of six years. The fact that Jephthah was the son of a harlot… Read More Judges: Learning From Jephthah — Michael Grooms
Abimelech was the son of Gideon (aka Jerubbaal), by a concubine (Judg. 6:28-32; 7:1; 8:31). Gideon had been chosen by the Lord to judge Israel (Judg. 6:11-14), and of whom “The angel of the Lord…said…The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior” (Judg. 6:12). Gideon is listed among those who “by faith conquered kingdoms,” etc.… Read More Judges: Learning From Abimelech — Roger Leonard
In the time of Gideon, the Midianites are said to have come “as numerous as locusts” against Israel, evoking the image for near eastern readers of a locust plague (Judg. 6:5, ESV). Israel was left “overpowered” (v. 2), with “no sustenance” (v. 4), and “greatly impoverished” (v. 6). How can you beat a locust plague?… Read More Judges: Learning From Gideon — Patrick Swayne
We are introduced to Deborah in Judges 4:4. She was a prophetess, a wife, and a judge. The order of those roles may be an indication of her priorities, for as a prophetess she had a responsibility to God, as a wife she had a responsibility to her husband, and as a judge she had… Read More Judges: Learning From Deborah — Bill Boyd
The book of Joshua is, in most respects, a book of victories. While it is true that it does record at least one setback (remember what happened at Ai, Josh. 7:1ff), the book of Joshua is mostly characterized by victory as Joshua led the people of God into the land of Canaan. We read, “So… Read More Judges: Going From Good to Bad — Chase Green
Carolina Messenger 