Rev. David Holwick  ZK
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
October 18, 1998                                          
                                                         Joshua 9:3-16

                           HALF A LOAF
                           ===========

  I. If you were really desperate, what could you do?
      A. Local con artist.
          1) "Ron" in Newark.
              a) Waiting for paycheck, shelter is violent,
                    supporting his daughter.
              b) Needed money-gram sent, and fast.
              c) Authorities find out he is milking dozens of
                    churches to support a drug habit.

      B. We would never sink as low as Ron.
          1) We wouldn't be that cunning.
          2) But maybe we should be - for God.

 II. Half and half.
      A. Jews get down to worship before next phase of conquest.

      B. Altar on Mount Ebal.                                        8:30
          1) They dedicate the effort to God with sacrifices.
          2) Amazingly, this altar may have been found.

             In 1984 Israeli archaeologists found the earliest and
                most complete ancient altar in the country at Mt. Ebal.
             The pottery at the site dated to the early Iron Age.
             The ten-foot high altar was made of large uncut field
                stones, just as the Bible describes.
             Burned animal bones were found in layers, and were
                the ones listed in Leviticus as sacrificial animals.

             Almost all Near Eastern altars are ascended by stairs,
                but the archaeologists uncovered a narrow ramp leading
                   to the top of the altar.
             This indicates a strict adherence to the law in Exodus
                20:26 that prohibits steps.
             The date, place, and nature of the Mount Ebal altar all
                point to this as the site where God's covenant once
                   thundered down on the hills of Canaan.
                                                                    #4379
      C. Reading of the Law.                                         8:32
          1) Society needs a moral foundation.
              a) Prepared stones most like had Ten Commandments on
                    them.
              b) Aliens and citizens - morality is not just for
                    believers, but everyone.                         8:33
          2) Blessings and curses.
              a) Great responsibility, and danger, in following God.
              b) Blessings are not automatic.

III. Half a loaf of guidance.
      A. Everyone is not as they seem.
          1) Jews now face united opposition.
              a) One group decides if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
              b) The Gibeonites concoct an elaborate ruse.           9:4
          2) Stories I've heard as a pastor.
              a) Request for help this week.
                  1> Needs money, I check out with Gail Gruen at welfare.
                  2> Help is available, but he only wants cash.
          3) Watch out for deception.
              a) Christians should have generous hearts, so we are
                    easy marks for con artists.
              b) Jesus says, "Be as harmless as doves, but as
                    shrewd as snakes."                         Matt 10:16

      B. Human wisdom has its limits.
          1) The Jews are suspicious.
              a) They suspect the Gibeonites might live nearby.      9:7
              b) They ask for more details.                          9:8
              c) They check out the moldy provisions.                9:14
          2) Our wisdom is superficial.
              a) We tend to look on outward appearances.
              b) Do you look at life that way?
                   "There is a way that seems right to a man,
                       but in the end it leads to death."      Prov 14:12
      C. They should have sought God.                                9:14

 IV. How does God guide?
      A. Urim and Thummin.
          1) Joshua as Moses' assistant would have been present many
                times when Urim and Thummin were used.
          2) Similar to casting lots, like casting dice.
          3) Atlantic City doesn't count.

      B. Prayer and meditation.
          1) Pray for important decisions in your life.
          2) It should be your first resort, not your last.   D.K.Campbell
          3) Ask with pure motives.                           James 4:2-3

      C. Witness of Bible.
          1) Seek its principles on the issue.
          2) Don't stab inside in a superstitious way.
              a) "Judas went out and hung himself."
              b) "Go thou and do likewise."
              c) "What thou doest, do quickly."

      D. Confirmation from respected believers.
          1) What do godly friends think?

      E. Circumstances and irresistible impulses.

  V. Promises, promises.
      A. Once made, the treaty is binding.
          1) Jews are furious when they discover they've been duped.
          2) But oath is made to God, not to the Gibeonites.

      B. All our promises should be sacred.
          1) Even when it hurts.
          2) Ohio church member and second marriage.
              a) She is lovey lovey until ceremony, then becomes grump.
              b) Divorce is not an option.

 VI. The other half of the loaf.
      A. Their scheme results in salvation.
          1) Verse 9 is key - "We have come because of the FAME of the
                Lord your God."
              a) FAME = shem = NAME.
          2) Joel 2:32, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
                will be saved."

      B. From curse to blessing.                                     9:23
          1) When they say, "We are your servants," they are offering to
                become vassals of the Jews.
              a) They have heard reports on what God has done.
              b) Their motivation is fear.
              c) (They don't mention recent acts that really scared them)
          2) As servants in the tabernacle they will learn the faith.
              a) For a time, the tabernacle will stay in their city.
              b) In end, they become full citizens of Israel.

VII. Admire their shrewdness.
      A. Key is their eagerness to be saved, more than the deception.
          1) They wanted it bad.
          2) Even though their motives were questionable, the All-Powerful
                God worked it out for his glory.

      B. Jesus and parable of Shrewd Manager.                 Luke 16:1-9
          1) People are "forcing" their way into God's Kingdom.
          2) Ethnic church growth in New Jersey, while suburban
                churches stagnate.

      C. How much smarts do you apply to your faith?
          1) Reading "Mere Christianity" as junior in high school.
          2) Follow in commentary during devotions.
          3) Researching other Christian traditions.
              a) Gibeonites made an effort.

 VIII. Don't settle for the wrong half of the loaf.
      A. Many are satisfied with being a so-so Christian.
      B. Do what it takes to find God and trust Him completely.

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SOURCE FOR ILLUSTRATION USED IN THIS SERMON:

#4379, Christianity Today, "Archaeology Update," by Steven Mosley,
          page 27, October 4, 1985.

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