Mid Tree Church

A single question threads through ancient battlefields and modern routines: who are we choosing today? We walk through Joshua 5–8 to trace a pattern that feels uncannily current—kneel before the Lord, experience the joy of obedience, face the wreckage of hidden sin, and return to renewal. Along the way, we hear Jesus’s clear, present-tense call from Luke 9: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow. The contrasts are vivid: Joshua meets the commander of the Lord’s army and discovers that the point isn’t “Whose side is God on?” but “Are we aligned with Him?” Jericho’s walls fall through trust, not tactics. Achan’s secrecy shows how private choices fracture a public community. And on Mount Ebal, the whole nation—women, children, and sojourners—gathers to remember and recommit under God’s Word.We connect these scenes to everyday discipleship. True assurance doesn’t rest on a dusty memory of a card or aisle; it shows up in today’s footsteps. Time, difficulty, and change test roots. When the wind rises,

Joshua 5 demonstrates God's perfect timing as Israel pauses for a week in enemy territory after crossing the Jordan River, showing that weakness doesn't necessitate timidity and that God's people can find peace even in opposition.• Israel enters the Promised Land and immediately sets up camp at Gilgal while surrounded by enemies• Joshua circumcises all the men, making them temporarily vulnerable but recommitting them to God's covenant• The celebration of Passover reminds the people of God's promises and faithfulness• God stops the manna after 40 years, teaching that His provision may change while His faithfulness never does• Joshua encounters the commander of God's army who teaches him that God doesn't take sides—He takes over• When facing challenges, our strength isn't in our strategies but in our worship and surrenderThe primary question isn't "Is God on our side?" but rather "Are we on His side?" Take off your shoes and worship Him—He doesn&a

The story of Achan in Joshua 7 reveals how one person's hidden sin affected an entire community and teaches us that while we can commit sin, we can never contain its consequences.• One person's disobedience caused defeat for Israel at Ai and the death of 36 soldiers• The Valley of Achor (meaning "trouble") shows the severity of sin's consequences• We often misdiagnose difficulties in our lives instead of examining hidden sin• Joshua's response of tearing his clothes and falling to the ground in repentance• God's surprising command to "get up" and address the real problem• The process of revealing Achan's sin among two million people demonstrates God's sovereignty• Nothing hidden will remain hidden - God already knows the sin no one else sees• When we sin, other people must clean up our messes and face consequences• The Valley of Trouble (Achor) later becomes a "gateway of hope" through God's grace• We cannot fully comprehend our sin's

We explore the powerful story of Jericho's fall in Joshua 6, uncovering surprising insights about faith, silence, and God's redemptive work that often get overlooked in this familiar biblical narrative.• Understanding Jericho's true scale – a city of only 6-7 acres that would take about 15 minutes to walk around• God's approach to victory involves both His sovereignty (100%) and our obedience (100%)• The unusual "parade" formation before battle demonstrates worshipping before seeing results• Silence as the unsung hero of the story – Joshua commands complete silence for seven days• The psychological warfare of trumpets blowing each morning like an alarm that couldn't be silenced• Rahab's story as a model of God's mercy – one section of wall left standing amid total destruction• The walls we build to protect ourselves often become the prisons that hold us captive• God always preserves a pathway to redemption for those who trust HimDon't leave with walls built ar

Asaph's raw journey through spiritual doubt and rediscovered faith in Psalm 77 reveals how we can navigate times when God feels distant yet remains faithful.• Moving from crying out to God in deep distress to finding comfort in remembering His character• Running to God even when our cries are ugly and our pain feels overwhelming • Learning that our theology should shape how we suffer rather than letting suffering shape our theology• Recognizing that our seemingly impossible situations become the stage for God's power to be displayed• Understanding that remembering God's past faithfulness gives us courage to face present struggles• Finding hope in Christ's work on the cross—the ultimate display of God's faithfulness• Standing on unshakable hope even during long, sleepless nights and heavy burdens"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great

What's the most important thing you've ever forgotten? Maybe it was an anniversary, a doctor's appointment, or your car keys. We are people prone to forget, which is why God established memorials throughout Scripture to help His people remember His mighty works.In Joshua 4, we find the Israelites standing at a pivotal moment in their history. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, they've finally crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land—on dry ground, no less. God commands Joshua to take twelve stones from the middle of the riverbed and set them up as a memorial at Gilgal. These stones weren't just souvenirs; they were conversation starters for future generations who would ask, "What do these stones mean?"The answer reveals the dual purpose of this memorial: "that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and that you may fear the LORD your God forever." The stones pointed outward as a testimony to surrounding nat

What rivers of impossibility are you facing right now? The story of Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan offers a surprising message of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges.This powerful exploration of Joshua 3 reveals that beneath the dramatic miracle of waters parting lies something even more remarkable - the unseen currents of God's faithfulness flowing through history. Like children playing with beach toys, we often focus on what's happening above the surface while missing the stronger forces moving underneath.God deliberately chose flood season - the worst possible time - for Israel to cross the Jordan. Why? Because our moments of greatest difficulty often become the stage for God's most dramatic displays of power. When waters rise around you, it might not be evidence of God's absence but the setup for His most magnificent work.The beauty of this story lies in how little faith was required. The priests carrying the ark weren't asked to wade into deep w

What if your greatest shame became your greatest testimony? The story of Rahab challenges everything we think we know about who belongs in God's family.Joshua 2 takes us to an unexpected location—the house of a prostitute in Jericho—where two Israelite spies find refuge as they scout the Promised Land. But this isn't just any woman; Rahab is a foreigner who demonstrates extraordinary faith despite her background. With soldiers searching the city for these men, she hides them and makes a stunning declaration: "I know that the Lord has given you the land...for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath."The beauty of this narrative lies in its contrasts. Rahab likely learned about God through conversations overheard from clients—her very brokenness positioned her to hear about God's mighty works. When she lets the spies down from her window with a scarlet cord, she becomes the means of salvation not just for herself but for her entire family. This cord, reminiscen

The journey from the wilderness to the Promised Land represents one of Scripture's most pivotal transitions—and in this illuminating exploration of Joshua 1:1-9, we discover how God orchestrates leadership transitions that advance His unchanging mission.When Moses dies, God doesn't pause to mourn or reassess. Instead, He immediately commands Joshua: "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go." This remarkable moment teaches us that while leaders may change, God's purposes never falter. Four times in this passage, God commands Joshua to "be strong and courageous"—a refrain that echoes through the ages to every believer facing uncertainty.The backstory makes this moment even more profound. Forty years earlier, twelve spies explored Canaan, but only Joshua and Caleb trusted God's promise despite seeing formidable obstacles. That failure of national faith resulted in an entire generation missing their inheritance. Now, Joshua leads a younger generation (everyone un

The paradox at the heart of Christian life can feel impossible to resolve: how can we strive diligently for holiness while simultaneously experiencing deep peace? In this final sermon on 2 Peter, we explore the apostle's parting wisdom to believers awaiting Christ's return and a world "in which righteousness dwells."Peter challenges us with seemingly contradictory instructions: "Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace." This tension between extreme effort and complete rest captures the unique essence of Christian spirituality. While acknowledging that some spiritual truths are "hard to understand," Peter warns against both abandoning Scripture as too difficult and manipulating it to fit our preconceptions.The solution emerges in Peter's final charge: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." Grace isn't simply a one-time gift but a dynamic reality we continuously grow into. As we mature spirit

Have you ever made Kool-Aid and noticed how the sugary goodness settles to the bottom if left unstirred? That's exactly what happens to our spiritual lives when we forget the urgency of Christ's return. In this powerful message from 2 Peter 3:8-13, we explore how easily Christians can become "settled" rather than "stirred" in their faith.Peter writes specifically to believers—not unbelievers—warning about scoffers who mock the promise of Christ's return by saying "all things continue as they were from the beginning." These "doubt evangelists" deliberately overlook God's past judgment through the flood and His promised future judgment through fire. When we adopt their thinking, even subtly, our spiritual fervor settles to the bottom of our lives.What feels like God's slowness is actually His extraordinary patience. With stunning imagery, God is depicted as still "inhaling" before the exhale of judgment, giving time for repentance. This

What happens when knowledge becomes more important than faith? In this penetrating exploration of 2 Peter 2, we confront the uncomfortable reality of false teaching and its destructive influence in our lives.The sermon begins with a fishing story that captures our relationship with Scripture. Sometimes we throw out a perfect cast net that catches nothing, while a tangled mess somehow brings in fish. Similarly, our approach to God's word shouldn't depend on our expertise but on our willingness to swim under whatever net the Holy Spirit casts.At its heart, this message examines how false teachers operate—secretly introducing destructive ideas that appeal to our desires for comfort, success, and sensuality. They promise freedom while being enslaved themselves. The metaphor is striking: false teachers hand you a spoon to dig out of your prison while Christ stands nearby holding the key. Most dangerously, their deception doesn't explode like a short-fused firework; it slowly leads you down a path un

At the end of life, what truly matters? In this profound exploration of 2 Peter 1:16-21, we discover that Peter—facing his own mortality—chose not to impart new knowledge but to remind believers of timeless truths they already knew.Against our culture's obsession with novelty and innovation, Peter presents a radical alternative: the gospel never grows old, no matter how familiar it becomes. He recounts his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, where he witnessed Christ's glory firsthand and heard the voice of God proclaim, "This is my beloved Son." Yet remarkably, Peter suggests that Scripture provides even greater certainty than this supernatural encounter.The sermon unpacks three foundations for unwavering faith: standing on what the apostles' eyes saw, what their lives proved through decades of persecution, and ultimately, the same thing they stood on—God's unchanging Word. As Charles Colson observed about the apostles' testimony: "Twelve of the world's mo

We explore the revolutionary concept that every Christian stands on equal footing with the apostles themselves, not through our own merit, but through the righteousness of Christ.• God has granted believers "all things that pertain to life and godliness" through knowing Christ• Many Christians experience a "false start" by trying to earn God's approval rather than beginning with faith• Faith must come first, followed by supplements like virtue, knowledge, self-control and love• Our relationship with Christ isn't about striving but about taking what He freely gives• The Christian life includes "becoming partakers of the divine nature" - uniquely receiving rather than just giving• When we build properly on the foundation of faith, God promises we "will never fall"• God desires not just to admit us to heaven, but to "richly provide" our entrance into His kingdom"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, throu

Ever felt like your spiritual growth has hit a plateau? In this exploration of 2 Peter, we discover the apostle's urgent final message written from prison as he faces execution under Nero's persecution. Peter, the disciple who once denied Jesus but ultimately gave his life for the gospel, reminds us that true spiritual growth doesn't require new revelations or secret knowledge—it demands remembering and applying the transformative truths we already possess.The letter opens with an astounding declaration: everyday believers share "equal standing" with the apostles themselves. This radical equality exists not because of our spiritual achievements but through "the righteousness of our God and Savior." Peter then outlines qualities that should mark a growing believer's life: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These characteristics aren't optional add-ons but evidence of genuine faith.Most striking is Peter's f

Frustration, bitterness, resentment, anger—emotions we rarely associate with our spiritual lives, yet ones that inevitably surface when our expectations collide with reality. What do we do when God feels distant or his timing seems unbearably slow?This episode explores the forgotten art of biblical lament—a practice modeled throughout Scripture that offers us a way forward when we're struggling with difficult emotions toward God. Drawing from Jonah's selfish complaint and David's honest lament in Psalm 13, we discover a crucial distinction that changes everything: while both men brought their complaints to God, only one ended with hope and praise.The biblical pattern of lament includes four essential elements: directly addressing God, honestly expressing our complaints, petitioning for divine intervention, and concluding with an expression of trust. This final component distinguishes true lament from mere complaint, offering us a pathway through our darkest moments."The same storms that te

The journey from complete brokenness to divine purpose unfolds powerfully in this moving episode opening with Darin Sharpe's raw testimony of redemption. His story begins in rural Georgia, tracks through a devastating divorce that led him to homelessness in New York City's Central Park, and continues through the tragedy of 9/11, imprisonment, and a 12-year battle with meth addiction. The turning point arrives when Darin answers the call to care for his dying parents, gradually softening his heart toward the God he'd been angry with for decades.Surrender comes in October 2020 when, kneeling on an old mattress in his mother's garage, Darin finally gives himself completely to God. What follows is both simple and profound – a divine instruction to "walk" transforms his life, freeing him from addiction and bringing unexpected blessings including marriage and meaningful work. His testimony illuminates how God uses our deepest pain to bring us to our knees, only to lift us toward purpos

What does it mean to truly possess wisdom in a world that often confuses it with mere knowledge? Through an engaging exploration of three biblical figures—Adam, Solomon, and Jesus—we discover a profound progression in the pursuit of wisdom that transforms not just our thinking, but our very relationships.Adam stands as a sobering warning. In the perfection of Eden, he had everything yet reached for the one thing God withheld, believing it would make him wise. His story reveals the devastating consequences of seeking wisdom apart from God: broken relationships, fear, and spiritual death. As Thomas aptly puts it, "Adam is a man trying to build a structure with no help, no wisdom, no guidance," and the results were catastrophic.Solomon offers a refreshing contrast. When given the opportunity to ask for anything, he requested wisdom not for personal gain but to govern God's people well. His prayer for "an understanding mind to discern between good and evil" pleased God so much that he rec

What happens when a "perfect" relationship hits its first major conflict? In this powerful examination of Song of Solomon chapter 5, we explore the moment when everything goes wrong between two people who deeply love each other. The passage takes us right to the heart of relationship breakdown – he arrives home late, she's prepared for an intimate evening but chooses resentment over reconciliation, and what could have been resolved with a few steps to the door becomes a painful journey through the city streets seeking restoration. It's a story that feels uncomfortably familiar to anyone who has ever chosen pride over forgiveness.Through this ancient text, we uncover six relationship problems that still plague us today: prioritizing work over presence, questioning if someone deserves our kindness, the painful irony of longing for space until we get it, pursuing reconnection when someone is unavailable, experiencing unexpected trauma, and watching private struggles become public pain. But mo

Passion isn't something to hide from or be embarrassed about—it's woven into the very fabric of our design by a God who celebrates intimacy. But what if everything our culture tells us about desire, sex, and fulfillment is backward?When the young woman in Song of Solomon compares herself to a magnificent procession, wondering if she'll captivate her beloved's attention, she reveals a universal anxiety: Am I enough? Her beloved responds with a literary love letter, repeatedly affirming not just her general beauty but specific qualities that belong uniquely to her. The emphasis on "your" eyes, "your" lips, "your" beauty reveals something profound about God's design—true passion isn't found in endless options but in focused devotion.Our cultural narrative insists that monogamy is the funeral procession of passion, that commitment chokes chemistry. Yet research consistently confirms what Scripture has always taught: those who wait for marriage and remain