Titus – Living in Light of the Cross – 2011 – Canberra, AUS

The life of faith is a spiritual journey beginning at the moment of new birth (regeneration) through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and continuing onward and upward from spiritual infancy—through the stages of spiritual growth— into maturity and beyond. I refer to it as the journey “from the cross to the crown.”

The little book of Titus, one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles,” provides a short-course on the life of faith. As we explore the great and timeless truth contained in this epistle, we will refer again and again to the “life of faith” and the journey “from the cross to the crown,” and to the many promises and provisions supplied by God in His matchless grace for those who choose to live in the light of the cross.

This was the subject of the Spring 2011 Conference in Canberra, Australia.

Gene Cunningham - November 28, 2003

Joshua # 11

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How do people who had been vested with divine privilege, chosen by God for a life of victory, and set apart to God, end up scattered in the wilderness, destroyed and living worthless, aimless lives (1Co 10:1-11)? The exodus generation is an example to us. Those sanctified in the beginning ended in cursing. They didn't lose eternal life. Sanctification is a setting apart to God; it takes a commitment. When you take advantage of God's Grace, to whom much is given, much is expected. Joshua meets the Commander of the Lord's Armies (Jos 6:1-11). Joshua is told to take the Ark of the Covenant around Jericho.

The Ark is an Old Testament picture of Christ our mediator (1Ti 2:5). The Ark was made of wood, picturing humanity. It was covered with gold representing Deity. Its contents represented sins of Israel: the broken tablets, Aaron's rod that budded, and the bowl of manna; these represented sins of the mind, tongue and overt action respectively. Blood of the sacrifice was routinely sprinkled onto the ark's mercy seat between the cherubim and sin. Jericho falls because Israel was obedient (Jos 6:12-21). They were eager; Joshua got up early (Jos 6:12, Rom 1:15, Jos 3.1, Jos 7:16, Jos 8:10). There was strict obedience to God's word. There was swift action (when the walls fell).

The consequences of choice (Jos 6:22-27; Jos 7:1-26). Rahab a Canaanite is saved. Achan was sanctified; God wanted him to share in the blessings, but he gets destroyed. Both were believers. Rahab shared the message of salvation to her family (Jos 6:25). God made warnings ahead of time (Jos 6:18). At Ai, the Israelites lose because Achan stole what had been sanctified (Jos 7:12-13). Taking something already devoted to God and using it for another purpose, changes it to cursing (Heb 10:10, 1Co 6:19, Heb 10:16-17, Heb 10:25-31). Christ has redeemed us. He opened the door of access. He stands ready to restore us at any time. Those who succeed keep seeking Him. Everything Achan stole (gold, silver, garment) was burned with fire (Heb 6:4, 2Pe 3:11).

Scripture References: Hebrews 10:25-31, Joshua 6:1-11, Joshua 6:22-27, Hebrews 10:16-17, Joshua 8:10, Hebrews 10:10, Joshua 7:16, Joshua 7:12-13, Romans 1:15, Joshua 6:18, Joshua 6:12, Joshua 6:25, Hebrews 6:4, Joshua 6:12-21, Joshua 7:1-26