Bethel Community Church Orlando

JOSHUA - WEEK 6 // JERICHO

Joshua and the Battle of Jericho is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. However, the real battle of Jericho was not with an Israelite enemy. It was in the hearts of the people. Would they believe what God had said? Would they do the absurd and risk public humiliation if the walls didn’t come down? Ultimately, we'll see that the walls fell because of the faith of the people. 

JOSHUA - WEEK 5 // NO MORE MANNA

An underlying message throughout the book of Joshua is God's faithfulness. One way God was faithful to the Israelites was sending a food called manna from heaven every day. As they wandered through the wilderness for 40 years, God provided manna each day. Until one day, when God stopped the manna in order to ensure their desire for God was greater than their need, and so that the Israelites would have a new demand on their faith and a new delight in their heart.

JOSHUA - WEEK 4 // GILGAL

After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites came to Gilgal. God taught them not to be diverted by obstacles, not to be discouraged by opposition, and not to be disheartened by obedience. As the Israelites proceed to the Promise Land, we will see that God is faithful, God is present, and that God will fight for them. The same God who was faithful to fulfill the promises given to the nation of Israel is also faithful to us today. 

JOSHUA - WEEK 3 // CROSSING THE JORDAN

Joshua chapter 3 tells the story of the crossing of the Jordan River, and it emphasizes that God’s work must be done God’s way in order to receive God’s blessing. Joshua had to give up his own plans. The priests needed the courage to step into an overflowing river. The people had to walk across the river to get to the Promised Land. God may lead us out of our comfort zone, but we won't have to go alone. He was with Joshua, the priests, and the Israelites; and He will be with us. 

JOSHUA - WEEK 2 //RAHAB

Although Rahab was a pagan Gentile woman who was known as a prostitute, she became a woman of faith. It's incredible that she is mentioned in Hebrews 11, often referred to as "The Hall of Faith." How could a woman guilty of repeated sexual sins be a candidate for God's redeeming love? We can see that God does not use our past to determine our future, and no one is beyond the reach of God's grace!

JOSHUA - WEEK 1 // NEXT UP

Moses has died, Joshua is to be the next man to lead the Israelites, but the future is uncertain. The people of Israel are wondering if God will be with Joshua like He was with Moses. God tells Joshua three times to be strong and courageous, and then reassures Joshua that He will be with Joshua wherever he goes. Moses may be gone, but God is alive and will be with Joshua as he leads the Israelites in the future. 

PSALMS - Week 7//A Heart for God

Psalm 84 explains the goodness and blessings for those who love God and long to be in His presence. They receive His generous grace and glory. They spend time with God, pursue the purpose He has for our lives, and grow in their trust of a faithful God. A heart for God dwells with God and finds hope in God. 

PSALMS - Week 6//When Giving Thanks is Hard to Do

Psalm 137 is a hymn expressing the yearnings of the Jewish people during their Babylonian exile. They longed for Zion. It’s easy to praise God when nothing is going wrong. The Israelites were in a place where they didn’t feel like praising God. However, Psalm 136 reminds us that "His steadfast love endures forever." When giving thanks is hard to do, think about what God has already done. So, even if everything isn't going well for you, you’ve got a reason to give thanks: because His love endures forever.

PSALMS - Week 5//Who is God?

Psalm 93 focuses particularly on God as Creator and Sustainer of the world. The first verse declares, “The Lord reigns!” and the rest of the psalm proclaims the majesty and strength of God that has established the world for all eternity. The five verses show us how He reigns gloriously, powerfully, and righteously. 

PSALMS - Week 4//Will Life Get Better?

Psalms 88 and 89 seem to be a deliberate pair. The Psalmist of Psalm 88 wrote about sorrow and despair; it is a song of lament. However, Psalm 89 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. Psalm 88 shows Christians that not all prayers are answered quickly and not all suffering is stopped. Not every story has a happy ending. Then Psalm 89 comes and reminds those Christians that God's steadfast love is forever. So pray, honestly, Psalm 88 to God, and then preach Psalm 89 to yourself.