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Joshua made Israelites to confirm their loyalty to the Most High by promising their strict observance of the law and renew their covenant with God and wrote everything in the book of law: Jos 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. Jos 24:26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. Being a creature of God, I ought to pledge my loyalty to Him, my Creator. Being a believer of Christ and His Father, I also make my promise to serve the Most High alone and observe His commandments and His laws. I serve the Most High through my daily duty in the society wherever I live. I observe His commandments in my best at all time. I love my neighbours as myself but it does not mean I have to embrace their pagan ways and gods. God’s law is the law of the Spirit and it set me free, as Paul has said: Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. And John has also confirmed of that freedom, the defeat of the devil: 1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1Jn 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Christian Churches have deceived the entire world by suppressing God’s commandments and His laws from their daily observance. They preach a deceitful doctrine, they have kept people under the power of Satan, so people continue to offend God but believing they are saved by grace alone and by professing the name of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church is the WOLF under the skin of the LAMB, and so are her multitude Christian Daughters. Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. I have listened to God’s call: Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For the judgement of Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, is coming as Christ has announced: Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Christians are very much relaxing in living in a multicultural society because they do not observe the first four commandments of God (especially the Roman Catholic Church): You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make idols. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. For thousands of years Christians have already adopted pagan traditions starting from the Roman Catholic Church. So the last step for Christian Churches to do in the period of End Time, is to accept and recognise all pagan gods and their beliefs. They have organised the ecumenical movement just for that purpose. I cannot see any difficulty for Christians to amalgamate themselves with other pagan followers. Loving sinners must not be used as a reason for loving pagan gods and their ways. False Christian teachers and ministers often use the theme “Loving Sinners” as a good reason to defend their spiritual fornication. They can convince people of the world but they cannot change God’s curse and condemnation to those who deceive the ignorant people. Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The false gods to be thrown out are the pagan gods that pagans are worshipping. They are Baal, Buddha, Krishna, Allah, Ashtoreth, Apollo, etc and their traditions are included. Joshua reminded the Israelites to keep God’s commandments and His laws and do not stray into the pagan ways and their beliefs: Jos 23:6 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; They must conform themselves to the first commandment of God: Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Deu 5:8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Joshua was very clear that Israelites must stay away and do not learn or copy anything from the pagans: Jos 23:7 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: Jos 23:8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. It is a misconception to put man’s passions as a kind of foreign gods. While allowing the worldly passions taking over one’s life, man will fall into sin for violating God’s commandments and His laws. God has condemned the spiritual fornication of Christian Churches that they are doing through their ecumenical movement and welcoming pagan beliefs and their gods as legitimate companions with the Most High. Christian Churches are following the Roman Catholic Church to offend the Most High and challenging His almighty authority: Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Rev 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Rev 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Rev 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Rev 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Rev 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Inter-religious marriages between Christians and pagans are very prone, thus Christians put themselves to the risk of accepting pagan gods, their teaching and traditions. Solomon was an example: 1Ki 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; 1Ki 11:2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 1Ki 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1Ki 11:5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 1Ki 11:6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. 1Ki 11:7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 1Ki 11:8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And he had provoked God’s anger: 1Ki 11:9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, 1Ki 11:10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. 1Ki 11:11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Therefore, Christian Churches should not be surprised when Christ rejects them upon his return: Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Christians who denied God’s commandments and His laws can never be “holy”. They have never truly repented from their sins; their faith are not built on the “rock” (God’s Word) and they are not living under God’s grace. Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. How can Christians purify themselves if they know not God’s commandments and His laws? (2 Corinthians 7:1) The reason for Christians continue to sin is because they do not abide to God’s commandments and His laws. If Christians are observing God’s law then they will not fall into the law of sin as Paul has said: Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. As long as Christians continue to deny God’s law, then they cannot be better than the Israelites who broke God’s law and they have had suffered the consequences of the curse of God (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) until the present time. The Christian world will certainly suffer and be condemned as Christ has said: Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Unbelievers and proud people often think the success depends on their effort and good planning. The believers know that God will bless the work of those who work hard and help them to achieve the desire success. Anyone who have faith in God will always remember the following verses: Pro 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God never support or work for anyone who does not listen to His command and does not abide to His commandments and His laws. Christ has also given us the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The conclusion of the above mentioned parable shows that God even removes His blessing from lazy people: Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Mat 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Therefore no one can expect that God will prepare a ready meal for them to eat. Christian Churches should not expect blessings and support from God if they have denied God’s commandments and His laws.

Acsah is the daughter of a faithful man of God, hence she inherits the characters, the education of her parents, and the most important one is being faithful to God by keeping His commandments and His law. That is the most beautiful character of God’s saints. In the Old Testament, I know the story of Ruth, the Queen Esther, Rahab in Joshua, and in the New Testament there are Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist, Mary the mother of Christ, Mary Magdalena and her sister Martha, and Priscilla wife of Aquila. They are all the women who has given good examples as faithful servants of God. Note: God’s saints are not the same as the beatified dead people in the Roman Catholic Church. In the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Churches, “saint” is a title.

We know that along the history of Israel, the keeping God’s commandments and His laws faithfully is the primary condition for selecting a leader. God only blesses and supports the faithful men and help them to be wise and successful. Caleb is a wise father, so he has used his daughter as a prize for a successful man, which certainly should be a faithful man of God. His daughter future will be in the hands of a blessed man and he also have a good son in law to share the load of his work. We can see in Joshua 15:15-17 and Judges 3:9-11, another saint of God of Israel added to the line of Joshua and Caleb. Jdg 3:10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. As per the above verse, we know that the Holy Spirit has come upon Othneil and filled him with wisdom and strength to conquer Chushanrishathaim.

Before we can talk about Caleb boasting on his faith in God, we need to bring back the reason for the distribution of the conquered land to the 12 tribes: Jos 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. Jos 14:5 As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land. We can see the conquering of the Promised Land was not finished yet, and Joshua was old. There was a need for strong and faithful men to complete the work. Hebron was an important city and being occupied by the Anakims. Caleb was a man of faith, he knew that God was with him and kept him strong for fighting though he was quite advance in age. Being the leader of a large tribe of Israel, it was right for Caleb to volunteer himself for that important task. Caleb was not boastful about himself, but about the promise, the blessing of God and his strong faith that God will help him to complete the work. For this reason Joshua blessed him and granted his request without hesitation: Jos 14:13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. It is not right for us to judge the saints of God in the Bible. They are faithful men and they walk with God through their lives. They are men who observe God’s commandments and His law faithfully. Christian leaders are often proud of themselves and boastful about their success in building big churches, gathering large number of followers and especially the large sum of money in their bank accounts. Certainly they have been blessed with excellent interpersonal skills to attract many followers, and their ambition to conquer the world in the name of Jesus Christ is great. In this world, God confides many talents to every person; it is up to every individual to invest those talents. But the final judgement of man’s life is not about his riches, his status, his success and his fame in the world. He will be judge according to his faithfulness to God. For this reason Christ has said: Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Indeed, Christians should rather question about their faithfulness to God, before boasting about their faith.

Following the Lord, God of Israel, “wholly” or “wholeheartedly” means to walk with Him faithfully, abide to His commandments and His laws in obedience, with all our hearts and all our souls, so that is having faith in Him as our Father, Creator, and Saviour. This definition brings us to the word of Christ: Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. The metaphor that Christ gave above implies the meaning of “following the Lord wholly, or wholeheartedly”. The majority of Christians have failed in following God of Israel because they have discredited God’s commandments and His laws. Therefore they are not following Him; they are professing a false faith in God, a faith that is built on sand, as Christ has said: Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Christian do hear the Word of God, but they do not abide to His commandments and His laws, therefore their faith does not have the rock to stand on. Caleb and Joshua differ from the rest of the house of Israel in the following prerequisite condition: Deu 30:10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Jos 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Claiming to have faith in God is not a statement pronounced on our lips. It must be a living faith, a faith that is expressed through our thought, our words, and our actions. It requires a daily practice. So it is not simply a faith expressed in prayers and songs on Sunday worship service. Fear comes from doubt, because the person does not have a strong support in spirit. The Israelites have given us ample of examples of fear and doubt and unfaithfulness in their observance of God’s commandments and His laws. Their unfaithfulness has brought them destructions and made them scattered around the world and become an unknown people as it was said: Deu 32:26 I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: God has been angry with Israelites not in this single account of the conquest of the Promised Land, but their faithless attitude and unfaithfulness are also the reasons for Him to send Christ into the world as the last resort. Psa 78:10 They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; Psa 78:11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

I was a Roman Catholic, hence I was very familiar with the mystic style stories. I no longer need the kind of imaginary spiritual writing since I read the Holy Bible and try my best to walk with God. The book of Bob Munger may help and please many people, but not me in particular. How come someone believing in Christ and the teaching of the Bible could write the following statement: “’As for the pictures on the walls, you will have difficulty controlling these images, but I have something that will help’. He gave me a full-size portrait of Himself. ‘Hang this centrally,’ He said, ‘on the wall of the mind.’” Christ and the Father are one, he cannot contradict his Father’s commandment: Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Christ, himself, has said: Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. There is a good reason for the Holy Bible not giving any descriptive details of Christ and his disciples. The Holy Scripture also does not record Christ’s date of birth and his deceased date. That is a trap for the false prophets and false teachers to fall in. I don’t believe in any sanctification process that has been taught by theologians of the Roman Catholic Church and her numerous daughters, Protestant denominations and non-denominations. Anyone who wants to walk with the Most High should live by His commandments and His laws. God’s Holy Spirit will guide him/her and His grace will keep them safe as He has protected and helped Joshua and the Israelite army to conquer the Promise Land. Today, the Roman Catholic Church and her numerous daughters are joining together in the ecumenical movement for creating the One World Religion with all other pagan religions. Thus they will fulfill the prophecies of the book of Revelation: Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Rev 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Rev 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Rev 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Rev 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Rev 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Christ is calling the people who are sincerely and faithfully following him and worship his Father: Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. A sincere repentance and a life abiding in God’s commandments and His laws will set free anyone who believes in the Son of God, who has offered himself as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, and has been resurrected to new life to give hope to those who trust in his promise of salvation. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Dan 9:13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Mal 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Firstly, we need to acknowledge that God expects the Israelites to obey Him and follow His commandments exactly as He has given unto them: Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Secondly, the Israelites have to conquer the Promise Land and exterminate the pagans as per God’s command, and God has warned them about the consequence: Deu 20:16 But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: Deu 20:17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee: Deu 20:18 That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God. We cannot assume that Christ is like the army of Israelites, by saying he has done the hard work for us and we are to complete whatever he has not done. The Israelites did not follow God’s commands many times and they had suffered the consequence of their disobedience. The first word that Christ has preached to Israelites of his time was: Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Christ meant a hearty, sincere and thorough repentance. His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin is meant to end the bloody sacrifice of animals that was the precursor of the sacrifice of the true Lamb of God, which is the only sacrifice that can please God. Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Christ does not break our bonds with Satan if we do not have a sincere heart to repent and turn away from sin. We are the conquering soldiers and we must obey God’s commandments and His laws as do the Israelites. Christian Churches is erroneous in its teaching. They have deceived Christians by making them think that they are saved by just professing the name of Jesus. What did Christ say about those who profess his name? Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. This is the proof that the sacrifice of Christ is not for breaking our bonds with Satan: Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Christian should not think that the baptism is a magic ritual to give them new life: Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Christ did not do an incomplete work for us. We are the conquering soldiers of our own lives, but because we also do dodgy works and often disobey God’s commandments, like the Israelites, hence we need to make an offering of sacrifice unto God for the forgiveness of our sin. There is no other sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin that can please God than the one of Christ. Believing in Christ is not a free pass to enter the Kingdom of God. Christians must thoroughly cleanse the paganism from their lives in sincere repentance, and submit themselves to God in truthful obedience. Keeping God’s commandments and His laws is the only way for Christians to express their sincere obedience unto God, so to do His will.

The reason for God telling Israelites to drive out the Canaanites completely because He can foresee the consequence of those pagans to come back and infect the children of Israel with their pagan beliefs. While reading the story of Joshua’s conquest, we, Christians, should learn that our repentance is not complete. Christian churches are still embracing many pagan beliefs and traditions. They are infecting and weakening Christian lives in many ways. The proof can be seen in the number of Christian divorce, practicing contraception, pedophilia, sodomy, New Age movement, ecumenical movement, mysticism and spiritualism, etc. Pagan traditions that Christians are very fond of are: Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Birthday, solar/lunar New Year, Sunday worship, worship of the dead, worship of idols, etc. The long term result of not driving out the Canaanites completely from the Promise Land, is the corruption of Israel nation. The children of Israel had abandoned God’s covenant, the pagan nations had conquered their land and taken them into slavery, and the temple of Jerusalem was destroyed twice and never rebuilt until the present time. The long term consequence for Christianity for not driving out completely its pagan roots can also be seen in the corruption of Christian nations. But that will show the Word of God is true, and its prophecies are fulfilled to the dot, and Christ will return to destroy the corrupted world once again before recreating a new heaven and new earth. (Rev 21:1-2)

It is fascinating to read the account of Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land, and to know how God helped the Israelites when they obeyed and kept His commandments and His laws. God is not like the earthly parents who spoil their children by bringing all the good food to them and serving them at the table. He only helps the Israelites if they obey Him and keep His commandments and His laws. There was a lot of killings in Joshua 10, the Amorites were slaughtered and exterminated as per God’s command. We can learn that the Israelite army did not boast of their strength and courage, neither did Joshua boast of his smartness in leading Israel. They fought the battles but they had simply fulfilled God’s will, and the success of the conquest was for God’s glory. God had shown His power through the conquest of Joshua and the people in the entire land were fearful because they knew the Most High was with the Israelites. The following verses show the works of God in the conquest of the Promised Land: Jos 10:8 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. Jos 10:9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. Jos 10:10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah. Jos 10:11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. Jos 10:12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. Jos 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. Jos 10:14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. Further in Joshua 10 we learn that Joshua had conquered in a short period of time many more cities than those of the five kings: Adonizedek king of Jerusalem, Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon. Joshua 10:28-41 gives us the list of the conquered cities and their kings: Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, Debir, all the country of the hills, and of the south, from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. The above victories of Joshua’s conquest can demonstrate that God had fulfilled His promise: "no one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life" (Joshua 1:5). The lesson that we can learn from Joshua 10 is: we can expect God to help us in our conquest of this life if we also repent, submit ourselves to God, keep His commandments and His laws as Joshua did.

Consulting God is one of the key things for the success of Joshua’s leadership. Not consulting God means the man is confident of himself and that may lead him to be proud of himself. God does not help anyone who is after pride. Joshua’s failures are lessons for us to meditate that we need God in our daily life, because we are also called to serve God’s cause in this world. Joshua was chosen to serve God’s will and to lead Israel to conquer the Promise Land. It was not Joshua’s ambition that made him the leader of Israelites. His success was to glorify God, not himself. We should remember always the primary condition of Joshua’s leadership is: Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Jesus did not only constantly in communication with his Father, he also submit himself to God’s commandments, His laws, and to do His will: Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Mat 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Mar 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Jesus taught us to keep God’s commandments: Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Jesus has affirmed that God’s commandments stay until the end of the world, and he also is to fulfil them: Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Consulting God and submitting ourselves to God’s will is something to be learnt. It must start from the very first day of life through the examples of our parents. If Christian families today have experienced the disintegration of morality, and troubles in the order of its society, it is because God’s commandments and His laws are not respected. Everyone has been taught about self-esteem, self-confidence and the individual rights. All people have agreed with those values because the profound reason is the desecration of God’s statuses. Indeed, Christians are fulfilling the will of Lucifer, the Prince of the earth. God has predicted the disintegration of human society through the children of Israel: Deu 31:29 For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands. Hos 4:1 Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Hos 4:2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Hos 4:3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away. Hos 4:4 Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. Hos 4:5 Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother. Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hos 4:7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. The following verses describe perfectly our Christian world today: 2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2Ti 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 2Ti 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. For conclusion, there is no use to consult God, if the people who believe in Christ do not repent and submit themselves to God’s commandments and His laws, in sincere obedience.

Christians have used the Bible in court, and obliged the witness to swear that they will tell the truth. How often have we heard false statements made by witnesses in court? Since the first, the second and the fourth commandments of God are not respected, so neither do the third commandments. Today, with the new trend of multicultural, Christian nations have abolished the teaching of God’s Ten Commandments. Thus the prophecy of the book of Revelation 18:3 has been fulfilled. Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Breaking oath or promise, and making a false statement or lying have been the norm of our societies. The entire Christian world has been corrupted because God’s commandments and His law are not the conditions for living Christian faith. Base on which law can anyone be judge for taking the promises lightly? Base on which criteria can Christian reflect God’s characters? 1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1Jn 2:7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

The sins of one may affect the whole nation in the context of the conquering of the Promised Land is true because God has commanded as such (Joshua 6:18). Not all individual sins can affect the entire community, or nation. The example of the sick man that Jesus healed, can tell us that his suffering was the consequence of his personal sin: Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. There are many more cases in the New Testament that show Jesus gave pardon to individual person. This means personal sins do not always affect the community, for example: Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Mat 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Luk 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Certainly there are personal sins that have consequences spilling out over everyone and anyone that comes into contact with us because of another principle called "association." This means that those around you can be blessed or hurt by association with you and the choices and actions you make, both privately and publicly. This is a case that Jesus has condemned: Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. The recent scandals involving famous paedophilia of evangelical leaders, match perfectly to the case that Jesus has condemned above (Mat 18:6). They have serious effects on others of “private” sins. Once they are discovered, families, friends, congregations, and the Christian community at large will be harmed. Worse still, the cause of Christ will be damaged as unbelievers scoff and sneer at Christians and blaspheme God’s name. It may seem that people sin without visible consequences, but what is secret will one day be made manifest. Luk 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Can we honestly say that there is no one that would then be affected by our secret sins if they should become known? In the Old Testament we have learnt that the Israelites broke God’s covenant several times. They disobeyed God’s commandments and broke His laws so they have to suffer the curse that God has warned them in Deuteronomy 16-68. Since the Christian churches also have rejected God’s commandments and His laws, I cannot see any reason for God not to release His wrath upon the earth. Thus the prophecies of the Bible must come to pass as we are witnessing the degradation of the human world its environment today. There is no use of confessing sins on behalf of a congregation, or a denomination, or a nation. The examples given by the Popes of Rome were purely for political reasons. Their confession and plea of forgiveness were to appease the anger and hatred of the people against the cruelty and greediness of the Roman Church. They have done that because of their political plan to promote the ecumenical movement for the establishment of the One World Religion and the New World Order. Christ has named the entire Christian world as “Babylon the Great” (Revelation 17) and He has promised its judgement in Revelation 18:21. Christ has instructed the sensible people who want to stay faithful to God as follows: Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

If we believe that the Almighty God of Israel is the Creator of all and the giver of life, then we have no right to make any judgement on his order to Israelites to exterminate the people in Jericho and other inhabitants in the Promise Land. Paul has told us about God’s authority: Romans 9: 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? The first time that God has wiped out the entire earth was the great flood (Genesis 6:9-9:17). Did he spare any innocent children? Or He chose to save only eight people of Noah’s family? What was the reason for God to destroy all living creatures of the earth? Genesis 6: 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. Why did God choose to save Noah and his family? Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Gen 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. For the same reasons God had instructed the Israelites to exterminated the people in the Promised Land, and He was very clear in His instructions with a penalty if any Israelite took the opportunity to plunder or covet for themselves the good of Jericho: Jos 6:18 And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. We can see the consequence in the Joshua 7: Jos 7:15 And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. How about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? And that is not all, God has promised to destroy the earth with fire (Luke 17:29-30) and make a new one (Revelation 21:1). God’s LOVE and TRUTH are defined by His JUSTICE. Psa 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. How can we show our devotion to God? Here are the instructions: Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. In regards of the verses 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. We cannot devote our lives (body and spirit) to God if we are not walking with Him. If we walk with God, we can trust in Him to provide everything that we need for the journey. Luk 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. If we want to walk with God, we must repent from our old ways of life. Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. To be crucified with Christ means to shred away our old ways of life, so we can walk with Him. (Living by the faith of the Son of God is to have the same faith as the Son of God) Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. What does it mean “To walk with God”? Psalms 1: 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. What is the faith of the Son of God? Jesus has declared it: Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And for us, to have the same faith of the Son of God is: Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Joshua was the precursor of Christ; he was chosen to do God’s will too: Jos 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

When I read the Word of God, I would take it as it is. I do not make up any imagination, or hypothesis, or theory, or looking for scientific, or archaeological evidences to confirm it. If I have confirmed my faith in God, and accepting Him as the Creator of all and the Giver of life, then all of His works are true as they have been recorded. Should I rely on scientific research to confirm that God has definitely created Adam and Eve? Christian churches, today, believe in the scientific evolution theory. The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church (the Mother Church of Christianity) has said: “When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so. He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfilment. Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve.” According to his statement, probably God has initially created the human molecules some billion years ago and then they follow the course of the evolution to become the modern human kinds as we know today. In consequence, the creation of Adam and Eve is simply a kind of mystical story for us to imagine. If that is so, how it is useful to read the Bible? Do we need to wait for some archaeologists to confirm the cause of the fall of Jericho?

God’s protection and his heavenly host have never been given to those who reject his commandments and his laws. Lev 26:27 And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; Lev 26:28 Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. Anyone who is sensible can perceive that the heavenly host is not defending or protecting Christian churches. If it happens otherwise, then the book of Revelation is false. The reason is clear, because Christian churches are walking against the Almighty God. Therefore, I cannot expect to see the heavenly host to fight for me if I do not keep God’s commandments and his laws

God the Father has never appeared to anyone on earth or speak with his own voice: Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Joh 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. God is a Spirit: Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Christ was the only physical appearance of God on earth: Joh 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: A theophany (Def: a manifestation or appearance of God or a god to a person), or an angel has always been used for the communication between God and the chosen servants of God on earth. Joshua had seen an angel of God as it was said: Exo 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Exo 23:21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. If we truly want to submit ourselves to God then just obey to his will: keep his commandments and his law. Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. The thing we should not do is to follow the steps of the Pharisees: Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Like a man who used to walk with the help of crutches, if now he can walk without them, how much joy will he has in his heart? The Israelites had been leaving with mana for all of the years travelling in the wilderness, now upon their arrival into the Promised Land, shouldn’t they rejoice the produce of the land? The mana had ceased after their first celebration of the first Passover in the Promised Land, this is a milestone in the history of Israel. A new page was opened as per God’s plan; from that time on the children of Israel were able to build their nation and lived with the true fruits of the land and of their hard labour; that was a great event for them. The Spirit of God always guides anyone who truly worships Him in his heart and endeavour to do His will. I do not assimilate the mana with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Bible is a book of history of the children of Israel and the works of the Almighty God for his chosen people. The Christian churches have twisted the Word of God and invented too many spiritual arguments to exalt themselves and make them holy, while they have broken God’s commandments and his laws entirely. I cannot see anywhere in the Bible that God will not judge the Christian churches and the nations of the earth for their idolatry and spiritual fornication. Rev 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: Rev 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Rev 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Isaiah 66: 15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. 17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. 18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory

Joshua instructed the 12 tribes of Israelites to nominated 12 representatives to carry the stones taken from the Jordan to build a commemoration monument of God’s work in helping them entering the Promised Land. This is an act of gratitude towards God and for the memory of many future generations. Joshua had done the right thing to remind the children of Israel that they should never forget the goodness of their God. The Christian world has built many memorial monuments but mostly to show off its pride and the glory of their idols. This is a Babylonian-Christian empire, it is not the church of God of the Bible. Christ has named it Babylon the Great in the book of Revelation, chapter 17. Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Christ has also called it the Mother of Harlots, this means there is a main church and from her many other churches were born. This prophecy of the Bible has been fulfilled; the Roman Church has extended its empire to the entire world of the earth. She has spread the Gospel but in the meantime, she also leads astray the children of the earth into idolatry. The book of Revelation has also predicted the judgement of that rebellious empire: Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Rev 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. Christ has given a warning to the sensible people who are genuinely faithful to God: Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Since the last destruction of the temple of Jerusalem, and God has scattered the children of Israel into the four corners of the earth. There is not one memorial monument that was built in commemoration of the goodness of God. The entire human world has gone into perdition and is now awaiting the judgement of God and the return of Christ to restore the Kingdom of God with the remnant children of Israel who have been faithful to God in keeping his commandments and his law. Amo 9:9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. Amo 9:10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. Amo 9:11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: Amo 9:12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. Eze 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Eze 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. And the Kingdom of God will be restored with the 12 tribes of Israel: Rev 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel

Joshua was the chosen messenger of God for leading the Israelites, he instructed the people as God has told him. He was not a fortune teller nor did he predict the miracle that God would perform. Joshua pleased God because he was abiding by God’s commandments and his laws. It was God who exalted Joshua, not Joshua himself: Jos 3:7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. Joshua’s faith was in his obedience, it was not because he believed and trust in God alone, but he strictly obeyed to God’s commandments and his laws. Joshua knew that God does not tolerate the rebellious people. But after all, Joshua was God’s chosen leader for the succession of Moses. Num 27: 18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. 22 And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: 23 And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. Joshua was God’s chosen precursor of Jesus Christ, in whom the Spirit of God resided. Joshua was faithful to God in every task that he was assigned to. The first time we read of him is in Exodus 17:9-13, when Moses instructing him to lead Israel in their battle with the nation of Amalek. Joshua did this, and Israel got the victory. Apparently, God is pleased with the work of Joshua in this case. The LORD insists in Exodus 17:14 that Joshua be present to hear Moses rehearse the promise when the LORD declares that He will wipe the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. The main characteristics of God’s chosen leader are: Obedient and humble: Pro 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Have steadfast faith in God: 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Seek God direction at all time: Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. Peace maker: Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Fair and just: Pro 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. Honest and truthful: Pro 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. Able to listen and learn from the wise: Pro 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Pro 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Pro 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Sensible, kind and gentil: Pro 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. Pro 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. And the most important of all is always seeking to do God’s will: Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Joshua instructed the Israelites to sanctify / consecrate themselves in the preparation for the crossing of the Jordan River. It was a great event for the inauguration of the nation of Israel, the entrance into their promised land. A similar sanctification / consecration can be seen in pagan traditions, for example the preparation for the New Year. The sanctification / consecration must be done according to certain rules that was recognised by a higher authority in the society. Here, we are looking at the sanctification of Israelite people, so we should examine their book of laws. The Israelites were sanctified / consecrated themselves according to God’s laws that were given to them. Now, in regards of Christian churches, those that said God’s laws are no longer applied to them, then how can they sanctify / consecrate themselves to God? Is it valid to sanctify / consecrate ourselves according to the rules invented by the Pastors / Priests / Ministers / Popes? If we want to follow the Almighty God of Israel, which laws should we use to sanctify / consecrate ourselves?

When I read the Holy Bible, I see it as a book of history of Israel people. Of course, it reveals the relationship and prophecies of God concerning his chosen people, but it is not a book for us to imagine and make up spiritual implication unto our lives. By stopping at Joshua 3:1 and not reading the next three verses, we may miss out the connection and understanding the reason for the Israelites to stop at the bank of the Jordan River before crossing. This is the crossing of an entire nation that biblical scholars have estimated about 600,000 fighters and the total can be up to 2.5 million people, including women and children. For that reason, they have to stop at the bank, allowing the people to recover after the march from Shittim, prepare themselves and be ready for the next stage. Under the governance of Joshua, the Israelites were not a disorganised people as we have seen his preparation in the first chapter. Jos 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, Jos 1:11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. Now, if we want to make a reflection about breaking our old way of life to follow God, we should understand that is a repentance; this means a painful process. We should first admit that our current way of life is wrong, before we can make a resolution to abide to God’s commandments and his law. We should recall here that no one can claim to have faith in God and not abiding to his commandments and laws. Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Abiding to God’s commandments and his laws is an absolute condition that God has expected from the Israelites, so it is the same for the gentiles who are grafted into the rootstock of Israel. Rom 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; God’s blessings and protection are not given to the Israelites when they break his laws, so it would be the same for the gentiles who want to be accepted into God’s people. 1Ki 14:15 For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger. The story of Ruth is a perfect example of a gentile who was integrated into God’s people. Rth 4:11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: Therefore, the question that we should ask ourselves when we want to follow the God of Israel is: “Do I really want to accept his commandments and his laws as my own rules of life?” That is the only preparation we should make ourselves ready.