By Doug Carroll
GCU News Bureau
Chapel speaker Tyler Johnson made an unusual choice in Bible characters for the subject of his message Monday in GCU Arena.
In proving the point that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, Johnson told the story of the prostitute Rahab from the second chapter of Joshua in the Old Testament.
Johnson, a pastor at Redemption Church in metro Phoenix, recounted how Rahab hid two spies sent by Joshua to size up Jericho and its military strength. She then helped the men escape from her brothel, and they promised in turn to spare her and her family after the Israelites took the city (which they did, and the promise was honored).
Rahab is listed in the so-called "Faith Hall of Fame" in Hebrews 11 in the New Testament and also as part of the lengthy genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. Her journey from prostitute to princess was guided by God, and her story is praised by Bible scholars as an example of living by faith.
"She became a follower of God for the rest of her life," Johnson said. "She had a share in the royal line (of David). God works through broken, sinful people. He can change the course of your entire life, if you submit to His Word and apply it."
Johnson said the story stands as a perfect illustration of how the human and the divine can intersect in unusual ways.
"Life is both natural and supernatural," he said. "God works through very ordinary people and means.... The faith that truly saves is the faith that's alive."
Next week's Chapel speaker will be recording artist Amanda Noelle. Chapel meets at 11:15 a.m. Mondays in GCU Arena.
Contact Doug Carroll at 639.8011 or [email protected].
For a list of remaining Chapel dates and speakers, click here.
