Bethel Community Church Orlando

JOSHUA - WEEK 12 // SERVE THE LORD

In the last chapter of Joshua, we see that Joshua is nearing death and leaves his last words of wisdom with the Israelites. After all the fighting and wars in the land of Canaan in order to take the land God had promised, Joshua urges the people to continue serving the Lord. He essentially tells them to make their choice; choose their god/God. If they chose not to choose, then they had already made their choice; and it wasn't the one true God. Joshua chose to serve the Lord, and he wanted the Israelites to as well. 

 

JOSHUA - WEEK 11 // FAILURE

In Joshua 16-17, Joshua continues to divide up the Promise Land among the tribes. Ephraim and half of Manasseh are assigned their plots and given land in Canaan. Immediately there are problems. These tribes did not completely drive out their enemies like God had told them. Once again, the people of Israel didn't fully trust that God would bring them the victory. We, too, are in a spiritual battle with the world. We cannot get fatigued in fighting against the evil of today. We must not compromise our calling or beliefs and take the easy way out.

JOSHUA - WEEK 10 // CALEB

We first meet Caleb when he is about 40 years old, and a recognized leader of his tribe, the tribe of Judah. The Israelites are encamped at Kadesh Barnea. Out of 12 spies sent to preview the promise land, Caleb, along with Joshua, return to give a good report. The other 10 spies, however, were afraid. This led to them wandering in the desert for 40 years. Now, over 40 years later, only Caleb and Joshua are still living. In all that time, through all the battles, and despite the ups and downs, Caleb wholeheartedly served the Lord. As Craig Groeschel says, "If you're not dead, you're not done." Caleb certainly exemplified that statement.

JOSHUA - WEEK 9 // SUN STOOD STILL

There is a unique story in Joshua chapter 10 where Joshua, as leader of the Israelite army, asks God to cause the moon and the sun to stand still so that they could continue to fight by daylight. Joshua had the boldness to pray a God-sized prayer. Where did he get that courage? Joshua knew that God had promised him the victory. Joshua didn't have a passive faith either. He wasn't waiting around and hoping for success; he walked in faith as he and the Israelites fought and won the battle.

JOSHUA - WEEK 8 // GIBEON

Joshua chapter 9 describes how the people of Gibeon deceived the people of Israel. They wanted the Israelites to believe they lived far away from the land of Canaan and were not a threat to Israel. The Israelites were deceived because they depended on their own observations and did not “ask counsel from the Lord.” This can happen to us today as well. Based on what we believe, we draw a conclusion, quickly make a decision, but forget to ask God’s guidance. Eventually, the Israelites learned the truth, but kept their promise to spare the Gibeonites. By God's grace, many people of Gibeon learned who God was and began to serve him alongside the Israelites. 

JOSHUA - WEEK 7 // AI, ACHAN, AND HIDDEN SIN

Previously, the Israelites encountered the large city of Jericho, but it was a small battle with God on their side. In contrast, Ai was a small city but a massive defeat without God on their side. Achan, one of the Israelites, chose to sin and hide it. He, his whole family, along with the Israelites suffered consequences due to Achan's sin. When Joshua and Israel repented of their sins, they were able to recover God’s plan - to move forward into the Promised Land and accomplish all that God had for them.

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.