Jephthah: The consequences of degenerate religion
Preacher: Paul Ortlinghaus Series: Judges: Fallen & Messy People; Faithful and Merciful God Topic: Book Scripture: Judges 10:6–12:7
Commentator Barry Webb summarizes well the story of Jephthah:
At its deepest level the story of Jephthah is about the tragic consequences that follow when religion degenerates into bargaining with God. It shows us how deeply the Israelites of Jephthah’s day, including Jephthah himself, had begun to misconstrue their relationship with God. Indeed it was only because of the Lord’s great mercies that they were not left to the fate they so richly deserved.
And Lamentations 3:21-23 give a great summary of the Lord's great mercies:
21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:21-23
other sermons in this series
Jun 7
2015
We Need a Savior-King
Preacher: Paul Ortlinghaus Scripture: Judges 21:25 Series: Judges: Fallen & Messy People; Faithful and Merciful God
May 31
2015
The Consequences of Doing Religion My Way
Preacher: Paul Ortlinghaus Scripture: Judges 17:1–18:31 Series: Judges: Fallen & Messy People; Faithful and Merciful God
May 24
2015
Samson: God is faithful in spite of our faithlessness
Preacher: Paul Ortlinghaus Scripture: Judges 16:1–16:31 Series: Judges: Fallen & Messy People; Faithful and Merciful God