Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 6:12-25. Every conquest begins with a first battle. Israel's first battle would happen at Jericho, a formidable city defended by strong walls. A traditional army would seek siege weapons to gradually weaken those walls. God told Joshua to march around the city for seven days without words, with the priests blowing rams' horns. God assured them that the walls would fall when the people shouted on the seventh day. The people followed Joshua's instructions. They did their part and God did His part. The walls fell down and they took the city. God's instructions brought justice to the irredeemable wicked ways of a Godless culture, dooming them to destruction. Yet in the midst of justice, God showed a promised mercy to Rahab and all of her family that entered the house of salvation marked by the crimson ribbon. Even today, we know that God judges and punishes unrepentant sinners, while offering mercy to the humble who turn from sin and place their faith and hope in God like Rahab did.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 3:14-4:9. God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt and had sustained them 40 years through the wilderness journey. Now Joshua and the Israelites stood at the banks of the Jordan river with many a battle ahead. How could they be assured that God would be with this new generation? God stopped the flow of the Jordan River and allowed easy passage through the flooded riverbank, parallel to how He provided safe passage through the Red Sea under Moses. The same God was with Joshua. Not only would Israel learn God's trustworthiness, but they would assemble 12 large stones to commemorate God's faithfulness to Israel throughout all generations.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 2:4-21. A surprising heroine of faith emerges from our story. Her occupation is one of ill repute. Her nationality is non-Jewish. Her loyalty is seemingly misplaced. Yet Rahab is convinced that only the God of the Hebrews brings victory. Her decision to give total allegiance to the Lord God and His servants changes more than the prospects of the looming battle. Her decision to trust in God while facing destruction leads to the salvation of her entire family and presents a vivid picture of the eternal salvation found though faith in Jesus Christ.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18. Moses, Israel's beloved leader, has died. Joshua steps in to be the new leader. What huge shoes to fill! After all the travails of 40 years in the wilderness, what's next for the Israelites? Will they finally possess the promised land? Yes, God said, and Joshua would be the one to lead them to victory. But receiving the promised victory was a conditional promise. Joshua needed to carefully follow God's commands with faith, or this generation might also miss out on the promised land. While God offers abundant mercy, and while all men stand in need of forgiveness (even Moses!), the full blessings of success are reserved for the obedient and faithful.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 27:27-31,45-54. Betrayed by Judas at night into the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus was now in the custody of Pilate's Roman soldiers awaiting crucifixion. How is it that Jesus willingly endured mistreatment and deadly torture on the darkest of all days? And how did the manner of Jesus' death provide powerful signs of eternal hope for all who believe?

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 26:17-30. Jesus came as the ultimate Passover lamb. His final Passover meal with the disciples prior to the crucifixion approached. How would they prepare for this special meal? How would prophecy be fulfilled through betrayal? What observance would Jesus provide so that His Messianic purpose might be proclaimed throughout the generations? Matthew provides the answers to all of these questions just before Jesus is handed over to His enemies as part of God's redemptive plan.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 24:36-51. What would you do if you knew a burglar would try to rob your house tonight at 2am? If you know your boss was planning a surprise inspection on Tuesday? If the pastor was coming to your house for dinner today? Jesus taught the disciples to remain ready for His return at all times. He was purposely vague about when He would return. He left that up to the Father. If Jesus didn't know, and Paul didn't know, and Peter didn't know the hour of the Lord's return, then rest assured that no one does. And we don't need to. Our focus should be having a constant attitude of readiness, knowing that we have been saved through faith ("now is the day of salvation"), expecting His eventual and imminent return, and serving faithfully until either the day He returns or the day He calls us home.

Scott Allen leads today's double session over Matthew 21:23-32 & 22:15-22,34-40. What does it mean to honor God's authority? Are we bound by the edicts of religious leaders when they conflict with God's truth? How can we effectively respond to those who try to improperly frame the discussion. Jesus already modelled for us how to redirect misguided critics and insincere questions. Our task is to align with God's requirements, balance civic and spiritual priorities, and always act out of love for God first, then truth-filled love for our neighbors. In the end, our behavior as good citizens must be rooted in godly love.