Mike Dickinson

4. What kind of leader has Gideon's father Joash been up to this point? (6:25b) Gideon

An 'Oxymoron'? I hope it's not contagious, after all, I am a disciple and I also admit that at times I am disobedient! Hmm . . . Your silent reply is so loud I can't hear a thing Seriously, of course Gideon had the choice to obey God or to pledge his allegiance to his father and the community. Just as Joshua before him gave the people of Israel the ultimatum "Choose for yourselves whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Gideon made the wisest decision. As Christian disciples we don't always prove our complete allegiance to God, especially when difficult decisions are required of us involving our family or loved ones. Being an obedient Christian within one's own family must be the hardest obstacle to overcome. They do after all know us better than most, warts and all. Even Jesus said "Only in his home town and in his own house is a prophet without honour" (Matthew 13:57) However we may take great assurance from Jesus' promise that those who do forsake ALL in favour of the Gospel will be rewarded a hundred fold (Mark 10:29) Peter didn

In Matthew 10:35-37 we can read Jesus

Joseph and Mary, in obedience to God's law took Jesus to the Temple for His consecration. In Judaism today this ceremony is known as 'Barmitzvah'. Generally attended when the boy is twelve years old and when he is acknowledged as being responsible for his own actions. I believe as Christian parents we should take to heart the wisdom of Solomon: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6) However, for anyone who has attended the dedication and acceptance of a new infant into the family of God at their church, you may recall, we are all called upon to accept responsibility for the newest addition to the family of God. Above all, as Christian peers, we must lead by example.

Hi There, I have recently joined the Joyful Heart Bible Studies and I am encouraged to see someone as yourself making regular contributions to the forums. Though I only began the study with the onset of the Gideon project I was looking back at the previous study and answers. The only issue I would like to offer you advice on is from one of your statements for question 1. I think that Jesus is the new true temple where all the believers should come in prayer and adoration. Jesus is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10; 6:20) We the 'Church' are the New 'Earthly ' Temple (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16) This is not to be confused with God's Heavenly Temple mentioned in Revelation11:19. Hope this helps. Every Blessing Mike D

God tells Gideon to tear down the altar and Asherah pole to the false gods because He wants His children to have, not only the very best but, that which is truthful. However, He never asks us to give up anything that is harmful in our lives without replacing it with that which is good and wholesome. Gideon

God saw Gideon as a

Gideon believes that contrary to God

Gideon believes that contrary to God

Hi all, my name is Mike and I originally hail from the Isle of Man UK. I now live in Preston Lancashire England. I'm so indisciplined when it comes to Bible study and yet when I get into it I get so blessed. I'm looking forward to sharing in God's Word through the Joyful Heart Studies and encouraging one another as we grow in God's grace. Thanks for having me along and every blessing to you all.