James Gilbert

ID 53673Jul 1, 2001

The grace of God is the remedy for humanity's sin and frailty, as illustrated by the wise woman of Tekoa's words to King David in 2 Samuel 14:14. The sermon emphasizes that death is a certainty and life is like water spilled on the ground, impossible to gather up again, reflecting our inherent frailty. However, God, who is no respecter of persons, devises a means for the banished to return to Him through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This divine remedy offers salvation to all who repent and place their faith in Christ, regardless of their background.

ID 53672May 27, 2001

God's name is presented as an eternal memorial, as revealed to Moses with the declaration "I AM THAT I AM." This divine memorial is further illustrated through the story of the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River's bed and placed on the bank, symbolizing Israel's passage through the floodwaters and their deliverance from God's wrath, mirroring Christ's sacrifice. Mary's anointing of Jesus for his burial, an act of profound love and devotion, is also highlighted as a memorial that will be proclaimed throughout the world. Finally, the Lord's Supper is established as a memorial of Christ's death, a practice that believers observe to remember his sacrifice and love until his return.

ID 53671Dec 6, 1987

The doctrine of Balaam, which is characterized by corruption and an ungodly union with the world, drawing parallels between Balaam's attempts to curse Israel and the spiritual dangers faced by the church in Pergamos. Using Balaam's prophecies from Mount Pisgah and Mount Peor, the sermon highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His perspective on His people, seeing them through the lens of Christ's sacrifice rather than their iniquities. It emphasizes that God's view of Israel, free from perceived iniquity and perverseness due to the blood of the cross, serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today, while also pointing to the prophetic vision of a coming star and scepter, ultimately signifying the reign of Jesus Christ.

ID 53549Dec 4, 1988

Expounds on the Old Testament cities of refuge as a divine provision for accidental manslayers, illustrating God's mercy and justice. It details the purpose, location, and names of these six cities, emphasizing their accessibility and role as sanctuaries from the 'avenger of blood.' The message connects this Old Testament provision to the New Testament concept of Jesus Christ as the ultimate refuge, highlighting that fleeing to Christ offers complete safety and eternal hope, analogous to the ancient manslayer finding security until the death of the high priest.

ID 53548Sep 29, 1988

The greatest miracle in the Old Testament occurred when Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still, halting the day to allow Israel to defeat their enemies. This event, detailed in Joshua 10, demonstrates God's power over creation and his intervention on behalf of his people. The sermon contrasts the five Amorite kings, led by Adonai Zedek (meaning 'Lord of Righteousness'), who attacked Gibeon for siding with Israel, with Melchizedek, the true king of Salem who blessed Abraham. The miraculous halting of the sun and moon served as a divine sign against the sun and moon-worshipping Amorites, affirming God's sovereignty. The sermon concludes by urging believers to recognize God's ultimate control and seek his wisdom in their lives.

ID 53547Aug 3, 1988

The conquest of Ai demonstrates that God's victory is achieved through obedience and humility, not military might. After a previous defeat due to disobedience, Joshua is instructed to set an ambush and flee strategically, drawing the enemy out of the city. The sermon emphasizes that true victory comes from trusting God's plan, exemplified by Joshua's humble participation with the fleeing troops rather than the victorious ambush, and by his subsequent obedience in building an altar of whole stones on Mount Ebal, inscribing God's law upon it. This act signifies remembrance of God's commands and the choice between blessing and curse, ultimately pointing to Christ's redemptive work that transforms judgment into a door of hope.

ID 53546Aug 3, 1988

Sin, even when seemingly small, can render God's people ineffective and incur His wrath, as demonstrated by the Israelites' defeat at Ai after the victory at Jericho. The narrative highlights Achan's coveting and concealment of the accursed spoils from Jericho, which led to Israel's downfall and required severe judgment. The core lesson is that God sees all sin, and His people must be vigilant in confessing and purging it from their lives, just as Joshua and the elders humbled themselves before God. The message concludes by urging listeners to examine their hearts, ensure their allegiance is to God rather than worldly temptations symbolized by Babylon, and to seek salvation through Christ.

ID 53545Apr 17, 1988

The importance of spiritual strength and obedience, drawing parallels between Joshua's commission to lead Israel into the Promised Land and the Christian's spiritual warfare. It highlights God's promises of presence and guidance, as exemplified in Joshua 1:5 and Ephesians 6:10, urging believers to meditate on God's word and make straight paths in their spiritual journey. The message contrasts the Israelites' preparation for physical conquest with the believer's need for spiritual readiness, cautioning against the complacency seen in the two and a half tribes who settled east of the Jordan. Ultimately, it calls for unwavering commitment to God's will and reliance on His power for victory in spiritual battles.

ID 53543Apr 17, 1988

God's command to Joshua to possess the promised land, as recorded in Joshua 1:9, is a powerful reminder that divine promises require active faith and obedience. The sermon draws parallels between Israel's journey into Canaan and the spiritual blessings believers receive in Christ, as highlighted in Ephesians 1:3. Just as Israel had to physically step into the land to claim it, Christians must actively lay hold of their spiritual inheritance through faith. The core lesson emphasizes that God's promises are only beneficial when we actively engage with them, urging listeners to be strong, courageous, and meditate on God's Word to experience true success and possess their spiritual blessings.