ḥerem and ḥesed — Saul, Amalek, and the Cost of Partial Obedience. Few chapters in Scripture confront religious self-deception as sharply as 1 Samuel 15. Saul defends his actions using the language of worship, sacrifice, and devotion, yet God rejects him. The dividing line between obedience and rebellion is drawn not in motives or emotions, but in submission to the word of the Lord.

The Fall of Jericho: God’s Victory by Faith and Obedience. Fresh from crossing the Jordan, Israel faces Jericho—a walled city famous for its massive defenses. By human strategy, it was impossible to conquer. Yet God shows that victory is His work, accomplished through faith and obedience, not siege engines.

Faith That Obeys: Biblical Obedience. The modern church is eager to talk about grace, freedom, and identity—but becomes oddly silent when it comes to obedience. Yet the Scriptures are unambiguous: true faith is always obedient. In a culture of self-expression and autonomy, “obey” sounds offensive. But to the early church, obedience was a defining mark of faith.