Summons of God to Action

Joshua 7:10-15 Achan, The Sin of (Joshua 7)

In 'Summons of God to Action,' Pastor Albert N. Martin expounds Joshua 7:10-15, detailing God's command to Israel to sanctify themselves and purge Achan's sin. He argues that corporate sin requires corporate responsibility and discipline, drawing parallels to New Testament church discipline passages like Matthew 18, 2 Thessalonians 3, and 1 Corinthians 5. Martin emphasizes that God's method of inquisition reveals His sovereignty, omniscience, and gracious offer of space for repentance, urging both believers to deal with hidden sin and unbelievers to heed the call to salvation before judgment.

2 illustrations in this sermon

Directives of the Summons: Pattern for Inquisition

auto_stories story

Emergency Appendectomy

The point: Establish proper priorities, rising early to pray and deal with God, rather than scheming and planning, or offering weary sighs at the end of the day.

The story of Mr. Fisher's ruptured appendix illustrates that grave issues warrant no delay, just as God's command to Israel to purge sin was urgent.

They must recognize from the moment they awake that tomorrow is no ordinary day. In the morning, God is making it evident that the issues at stake were so grave as to warrant no delay. When Mr. Fisher had his intense stomach pains and the doctor made the analysis, that he had an appendix about to rupture, there was only one thing that mattered.

36:52 - 37:19 Read in full sermon

Purpose of the Inquisition: God's Sovereignty, Omniscience, and Mercy

compare analogy

White Owl Ad

Driving home: And then the third reason for God dealing this way is a gracious one. God was granting space for repentance.

The 'Sooner or later we're going to get you' slogan from a white owl ad is used to illustrate God's certainty in bringing judgment, even while extending mercy.

We've all seen and laughed at that white owl ad. Sooner or later we're going to get you.

43:13 - 43:18 Read in full sermon

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