After spending some time writing to the church concerning trials and temptations, James writes about the role of works in the believer’s life, citing specific works such as caring for orphans & widows in their distress and avoiding favoritism. It is not one’s work that earns him salvation, rather, good works are the evidence that one is a true disciple. Faith without works is a dead faith. He calls man’s tongue a “restless evil, full of deadly poison,” and points to self-centered passions as the cause for conflict amongst brothers. He chastises the rich who withhold wages from the poor and calls out businessmen who plan presumptuously. Finally, he calls the church to humility, encouraging them to trust in the Lord.

James 1 - 1:09 .

James 2 - 5:33 .

James 3 - 10:58 .

James 4 - 14:07 .

James 5 - 17:08 .

Psalm 50 - 21:04 .

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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In our final reading of the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord tells Moses that Israel will indeed rebel against Him after Moses dies. The song of Moses recorded here prophesies the coming wrath of God for Israel’s rebellion, focusing on God’s power over the worthless idols that Israel has turned to worship. After this warning, the Lord tells Moses that it is time to ascend Mount Nebo, where he will see the Promised Land before he dies. Moses has a final word for the people of Israel before he departs: a pronouncement of blessings on each tribe of Israel.

Deuteronomy 32 – 1:12 .

Deuteronomy 33 – 12:35 .

Deuteronomy 34 – 19:44 .

Psalm 49 – 22:22 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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Moses continues to explain to Israel that they will be blessed if follow the Lord and cursed if they follow other gods. He calls out that thought which is so common to mankind: I am the exception to the rules, and as Moses puts it, “I will have peace even though I follow my own stubborn heart.” Contrary to what much of western society teaches, we are not called to pursue out heart’s desires, we are instead called to position the Lord as our heart’s desire and follow hard after him. By making the Lord the center of their affections and their delight, Israel could expect lavish provision from the Lord. Sadly, as Moses nears death, the Lord tells him that they will soon abandon God and His ways.

Deuteronomy 29 – 1:10 .

Deuteronomy 30 – 7:36 .

Deuteronomy 31 – 12:51 .

Psalm 48 – 19:37 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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In our reading today, Moses outlines the blessings and the curses that will fall upon Israel if they fail to keep the covenant of the Lord. Keep in mind that the covenant and the statutes include the prescribed ways that Israel can repent of sin and execute justice. To reject the statutes and ordinances is to reject a good God who loves His people and to deny that His ways lead to prosperity. Israel will serve as a witness to the nations about the Lord and His power. If they obey Him, the nations will see God’s kindness and provision. If they reject Him, the nations will witness the devastation and ruin of those who turn from His goodness and grace.

Deuteronomy 26 – 1:20 .

Deuteronomy 27 – 5:16 .

Deuteronomy 28 – 11:00 .

Psalm 47 – 22:22 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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Our reading today contains some statutes that seem harsh, some that seem odd, and others that could easily be incorporated into daily interactions today. A few things to remember: first, the covenant with Israel was one in which the entire community had to remain holy because the Lord is holy and lived among them; sometimes this means being set apart and pure in simple daily routines as a reminder that they are to be distinct among the nations. Second, it’s clear that the Lord hates injustice, which is why he sent His Son in our place, so that justice could be executed on the cross. Third, nobody likes a mooch, man! Go home and eat your own grapes!

Deuteronomy 21 - 1:17 .

Deuteronomy 22 - 5:38 .

Deuteronomy 23 - 11:56 .

Deuteronomy 24 - 16:59 .

Deuteronomy 25 - 21:11 .

Psalm 46 - 23:33 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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Moses continues to speak to the Israelites before his impending death, reminding this new generation about the laws and statutes that have been put in place. Many of the structures given here for a system of justice continue to provide a template for our judicial systems in the west today, including concepts such as the testimony of multiple witnesses, a hierarchy of courts, and varying degrees of manslaughter. We’ll see a foretelling of King Solomon’s fall as Moses forewarns them about the dangers of a king who acquires too many wives and horses. We’ll also see a foreshadow of Christ in today’s passage; He is the prophet raised from among Israel’s brothers who will tell them everything God commands Him.

Deuteronomy 16 - 1:12 .

Deuteronomy 17 - 6:12 .

Deuteronomy 18 - 10:33 .

Deuteronomy 19 - 15:16 .

Deuteronomy 20 - 19:11 .

Psalm 45 - 23:30 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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There is a beautiful picture on display in the act of bringing a tenth of your produce to the Lord as an offering. The instructions given to Israel are that they should bring the tenth to where the Lord resides and have a feast in the presence of God. So get this: God provides all the food as a gift, the Israelite brings some of it back to supply the party, and then in a way the Israelite and God feast together at the same table. Who would turn aside from this God? And friends, one day, we, too, will feast with our heavenly Father.

Deuteronomy 12 - 1:10 .

Deuteronomy 13 - 8:30 .

Deuteronomy 14 - 12:23 .

Deuteronomy 15 - 17:37 .

Psalm 44 - 22:09 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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As Moses continues his prelude to a recounting of the Law to Israel’s next generation, he warns them against both idolatry and self-righteousness, which in both cases is a means of robbing God of the glory that is due Him and Him alone. He urges them to remember that the land they are entering has been given to them, not because of their righteousness, but because of the wickedness of the nations they are entering. When they become satisfied with the good of the land, they are not forget to worship God, love Him, and keep his commands. If they turn from the Lord, they will receive a curse from the Lord, rather than a blessing.

Deuteronomy 8 - 1:09 .

Deuteronomy 9 - 4:40 .

Deuteronomy 10 - 12:11 .

Deuteronomy 11 - 17:22 .

Psalm 42 - 22:56 .

Psalm 43 - 25:04 .

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible

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