Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 2:4-21. A surprising heroine of faith emerges from our story. Her occupation is one of ill repute. Her nationality is non-Jewish. Her loyalty is seemingly misplaced. Yet Rahab is convinced that only the God of the Hebrews brings victory. Her decision to give total allegiance to the Lord God and His servants changes more than the prospects of the looming battle. Her decision to trust in God while facing destruction leads to the salvation of her entire family and presents a vivid picture of the eternal salvation found though faith in Jesus Christ.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18. Moses, Israel's beloved leader, has died. Joshua steps in to be the new leader. What huge shoes to fill! After all the travails of 40 years in the wilderness, what's next for the Israelites? Will they finally possess the promised land? Yes, God said, and Joshua would be the one to lead them to victory. But receiving the promised victory was a conditional promise. Joshua needed to carefully follow God's commands with faith, or this generation might also miss out on the promised land. While God offers abundant mercy, and while all men stand in need of forgiveness (even Moses!), the full blessings of success are reserved for the obedient and faithful.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 27:27-31,45-54. Betrayed by Judas at night into the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus was now in the custody of Pilate's Roman soldiers awaiting crucifixion. How is it that Jesus willingly endured mistreatment and deadly torture on the darkest of all days? And how did the manner of Jesus' death provide powerful signs of eternal hope for all who believe?