-
Sin Of Achan
Contributed by John Bright on Oct 3, 2025 (message contributor)
We struggle with someone suffering for the actions of another. In that day, they were not so individualistic as we are in this Western World. Whenever I share the Sin of Achan from the book of Joshua, modern folks like to protest. Here’s the story: The Israelites are given a great victory over the large city of Jericho. God instructs them not to take anything from the city. There is a smaller city, Ai, nearby, so they sent about 3,000 troops. Here’s what happened: Joshua 7:5 “5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.”
The Lord tells Joshua they lost because someone sinned by taking items from Jericho. So, they found out it is Achan. Here’s what comes next: Joshua 7:24-26 “24 Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 Then they raised over him a great heap of stones, still there to this day. So the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.”
We don’t think it’s fair that the soldiers had to die because Achan sinned. We don’t think it’s fair that the whole family had to die because Achan sinned. God’s judgment is always righteous, so we need to accept it and learn from it. There is no private sin. Sin always has consequences that go beyond the person who is sinning. Are you sure, PJ? Have you considered the spiritual consequences for the whole Body of Christ that result from your choices and actions? We tend only to consider the consequences of sin in the physical realm.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
It Is In The Hours Of Loneliness That God Does ...
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
It is in the hours of loneliness that God does some of His greatest works. It was in the lonely dejection of Elijah that he heard God’s voice. It was in the wearying lonely path of faith that God came again to Abraham. It was in the lonely hours following failure that Peter found God. It ...read more
-
Child-Training PRO
Contributed by Herman Abrahams on Oct 2, 2004
PROVERBS 22:6 “The Hebrew word for train (h\aµnak_) means to dedicate…. H\aµnak_ seems to include the idea of setting aside, narrowing, or hedging in. The word is sometimes used in the sense of “start.” Child-training involves “narrowing” a child’s conduct away from evil and toward godliness and ...read more
-
Hans Christian Andersen's Tale Of "The Ugly ... PRO
Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Ugly Duckling” illustrates the truth that what you know and believe to be truth determines your behavior. Although hatched in the same nest as the other eggs, this “duckling” looked different. He was big and ugly, not soft and yellow like the other ...read more
-
A Roman Catholic Priest […] Was Making His Way ... PRO
Contributed by John Shearhart on Feb 8, 2007
“A Roman Catholic priest […] was making his way down [an] alley to his parked car, [when] a man suddenly emerged from the shadows, thrusting the muzzle of a revolver into his ribs demanding, ‘Hand me your wallet!’ Offering no word of protest, the priest immediately began to comply. As he reached ...read more
-
1997------- From Time To Time We Hear Statistics ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Mcnair on Nov 4, 2004
1997------- From time to time we hear statistics about how people first came into church membership. These figures trace back to the Institute for American Church Growth, which asked 10,000 people about their pilgrimage. What led them in? Answers were: Special need, 2 percent; Walk-in, 3 percent; ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Power Of Obedience
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 25, 2017
Obedience is inherit in the relationship of man (as a created being) with God, the Creator. The New Covenant does not do away with the need for obedience to God. In fact, it supply the strength to live that way. Heaven will be a place of obedience to God.
-
CÓmo Romper Las Maldiciones Generacionales
Contributed by James Dina on Jan 25, 2021
Una maldición generacional viene a través de la línea de sangre, y sólo puede ser cancelada por la sangre la sangre de Jesús.
-
Identity Series
Contributed by Matt Smith on Jan 3, 2013
From what do you get your identity? Is it in your career? Your Spouse? Your Looks? Maybe it is even something such as Your Ministry or how much you Read The Bible. In this message Pastor Matt Smith shows us through scripture that our primary identity
-
Come See A Man
Contributed by Vernon Price on Apr 12, 2012
. WHEN WE DRINK FROM THE WORLD, WE ALWAYS THIRST AGAIN A. Temporary satisfaction is the norm - We live in a world full of temporary things! (groceries) - Temporary doesn't mean "bad" (Jesus gets tired, thirsty, hungry; vv.6-8) - The world offer
-
You Are Holy - Set Apart For A Purpose
Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 10, 2015
How do we become Holy? The Hebrew word translated Holy is Qodesh it means a sacred place or object set apart consecrated and dedicated to God. Beloved there is a vast difference between Holy and Purity.