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What does it really mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery uses Israel’s pursuit of its enemies as a picture of the Christian’s battle against the flesh. Scripture doesn’t call believers to manage sin, excuse it, or become comfortable with it. The old nature is to be crucified—put to death rather than continually given another opportunity to take control. Pastor Steve also looks at how easily repeated exposure to ungodliness can dull our sensitivity to it, why we should examine our own hearts before criticizing someone else, and why spiritual victory in one area doesn’t mean the battle is finished. God continues exposing deeper areas of our lives so we can grow, depend on Him, and experience His power to change us. Don’t make the flesh comfortable. Put it on the cross and leave it there.

What does Israel’s victory over five enemy kings teach us about the battles Christians face today? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery first addresses the Book of Jasher and explains why an ancient book being mentioned in Scripture does not automatically make that book Scripture. He then returns to the battle, where Joshua refuses to be distracted by the captured kings and continues pursuing the enemy until the fight is finished. When the five kings are finally brought before Israel, Joshua uses their defeat to encourage his commanders: be strong and courageous, because the Lord is fighting for His people. Pastor Steve connects that picture to the Christian’s spiritual battle against the flesh and the temptation to tolerate sin rather than put it to death. Don’t make peace with the sin God has called you to defeat.

What would it take for the sun to appear to stand still—and is Joshua the only place Scripture describes extraordinary changes in the heavens? Continuing the study of Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery explores possible physical mechanisms behind Joshua’s long day, including changes in planetary motion and gravitational interactions. He then turns to passages in Habakkuk and Isaiah that describe the earth shaking, the heavens being disturbed, and the sun and moon behaving in extraordinary ways. These scientific models remain proposed explanations rather than conclusions Scripture itself gives. But the biblical theme is clear: the universe is not beyond God’s authority. The same God who fought for Israel in Joshua’s day is the God Scripture says will one day intervene in creation again. The heavens are not beyond His reach. Creation still answers to its Creator.

Could the changing alliances and conflicts in the Middle East be preparing the way for the events described in Ezekiel 38? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery examines Ezekiel’s prophecy of a future coalition coming against Israel and discusses how he sees current relationships involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, Israel, and other nations potentially fitting that prophetic picture. He also considers the significance of peace and security, shifting alliances, natural resources, and growing opposition toward Israel—while recognizing that Scripture gives the prophecy, not a detailed timetable for today’s headlines. The episode closes with a question about resurrection: when will Old Testament believers receive their glorified bodies? Pastor Steve compares Daniel 12, the rapture of the church, the resurrection of tribulation saints, and the second coming while acknowledging that the exact timing of the Old Testament saints’ resurrection is not stated with absolute clarity. Watch the world carefully—but let Scripture, not the headlines, set the framework.

Is there evidence outside the Bible that something unusual happened when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines historical traditions from cultures around the world that describe unusually long days or nights. He also explores ancient calendars, changes in the length of the year, and several astronomical theories that have been proposed to explain what might have happened. None of these theories can tell us with certainty how God performed the miracle, and Scripture does not give us the mechanism. But they raise intriguing questions about whether the biblical account should be dismissed as myth simply because the event was extraordinary. We may not be able to reconstruct the miracle—but we can take seriously what Scripture says happened.

Is Joshua’s claim that the sun stood still hopelessly at odds with science? Continuing through Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines one of the Bible’s most challenged miracles. He begins with the everyday language of sunrise and sunset, showing why Joshua describing the sun as standing still is perfectly natural from the perspective of someone standing on the earth. From there, Pastor Steve explores several possible ways the event might have occurred, along with ancient traditions of unusually long days and nights, historical calendars, and theories involving the motions of the solar system. Scripture does not tell us the physical mechanism, so these ideas remain possibilities—but the larger question is whether the God who created the universe is capable of intervening within it. We may not know how God did it. Joshua 10 asks whether we believe He could.

What happens when Joshua finally stops acting without prayer and starts asking God for help? In Joshua 10, Pastor Steve Whinery follows the consequences of Israel’s earlier decision to make a covenant with the Gibeonites without first seeking the Lord. When five Amorite kings attack Gibeon, Joshua is bound by his word to come to their defense—but this time, God speaks, Joshua listens, and the Lord fights for Israel. The battle leads to one of Scripture’s most remarkable events: Joshua asks for the sun and moon to stand still so Israel can finish the fight. Pastor Steve examines the passage, the questions it raises, and why Christians should be prepared to give thoughtful answers when people challenge the miraculous claims of Scripture. Prayerlessness made the battle harder. Prayer brought Joshua back to the God who fights for His people.

What keeps us in a relationship with God—our faithfulness or His grace? Continuing through Romans 11, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at Paul’s assurance that God has not abandoned Israel. From Paul’s own conversion to the 7,000 who remained faithful in Elijah’s day, Scripture shows that even in seasons of widespread rebellion, God preserves a remnant. But that remnant exists by grace, not works. Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned by religious performance or obedience to the law. Pastor Steve contrasts grace, mercy, and justice while showing how self-righteousness can eventually leave a person spiritually blind to what God is doing. Our hope is not that we have earned God’s favor. Our hope is that God is gracious.

How do you show grace to a teenager without allowing grace to become an excuse for disrespect and disobedience? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery offers biblical counsel for parents dealing with difficult teenage behavior. He discusses the importance of discipline, honoring father and mother, examining the influences surrounding a teenager, and bringing godly men into a young man’s life who can reinforce those biblical principles. The conversation also addresses why David was not executed after his adultery with Bathsheba, how the Bible deals with polygamy, and the relationship between salvation and good works. Good works do not earn salvation—they are the natural fruit of a life that has already been saved by grace through faith in Christ. Grace does not erase obedience, and good works do not purchase grace.

Has God finished with Israel? As Pastor Steve Whinery begins Romans 11, Paul answers that question emphatically: certainly not. Israel rejected the Messiah, but their rejection is not the end of the story. God has preserved a remnant, and His promises and purposes for His people have not been abandoned. Along the way, Pastor Steve looks at the purpose of the law, the responsibility each person has to respond when God opens their eyes to the truth, and Paul’s own dramatic conversion as evidence of God’s continuing work among the Jewish people. Human beings may reject God, but God remains faithful to His promises. Israel’s story is not over.

What actually has the power to change someone’s heart? Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery explains why sharing the gospel is about more than repeating the right phrases or coming up with a compelling presentation. Faith comes through hearing God’s Word, and it is Scripture—not our cleverness—that God uses to open eyes and transform lives. Pastor Steve shares examples from evangelism and ministry while emphasizing the importance of knowing Scripture well enough to bring God’s truth into everyday conversations. He also returns to Israel’s response to God: they had heard His Word, but repeatedly refused to listen, even as God continued reaching out to them. Our words may be forgotten. God’s Word has the power to change a life.

It is possible to hear the Bible over and over—and eventually stop listening. In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines Paul’s statement that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Biblical hearing means more than simply being present when Scripture is read. It means listening with an open heart and being willing to respond when God speaks. Pastor Steve warns about the danger of becoming so familiar with Scripture that we begin tuning it out, especially for those who have spent years around church. He also explains why God sends believers to share the gospel and why His Word—not our cleverness, stories, or arguments—is what has the power to reach and transform a life. Don’t just hear the Word. Listen to it—and let God change you through it.

How can people believe in Jesus if no one tells them about Him? Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at the open invitation of the gospel: whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. God has done the work of salvation, but each person must respond to Him in faith. Paul then turns the question toward those who already believe: how will people hear without someone telling them? Pastor Steve examines the Christian’s responsibility to share the gospel, live as salt and light, and recognize the people and places God has specifically put within our reach. Evangelism isn’t only the job of an evangelist. God has placed each of us somewhere—and sent us to someone.

How do you know when a doctrinal disagreement is simply a difference between Christians—and when it becomes something dangerous? In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery distinguishes between unbelievers who need to be reached, believers who need correction, and false teachers who claim Christ while spreading doctrine that damages the faith of others. He discusses Romans 16 and the importance of recognizing the difference between essential biblical truths and secondary issues where Christians can disagree without attacking one another. The conversation also addresses what Scripture tells us—and doesn’t tell us—about babies in heaven before turning to questions about Israel, Muslims, and God’s covenant promises to Abraham. Christian unity does not mean ignoring false teaching, and biblical discernment does not mean attacking everyone who disagrees with you.

What does it actually mean to believe in Jesus? In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at the simplicity of the gospel: confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Salvation is not something we earn through religion, good works, or trying to impress God. God has already done the work through Christ. But biblical faith is more than knowing facts about Jesus. It means trusting the real Jesus revealed in Scripture, recognizing Him as Lord, believing in His resurrection, and personally responding to what God has done. God has made the way of salvation clear. The question is whether we will believe Him and trust Christ.