Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
What is it that you know about Joshua, the man and the Old Testament book named after him? Most of us remember him as the special man of God who led the Israelites to march around the ancient city of Jericho. ‘Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls came a tumblin’ down!’ And many of us can recall the Lord’s command to him to “Be strong and courageous” found in 1:6. And then there are those truly inspiring words uttered by Joshua at the end of the book in 24:15–“choose this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
But why is this book in the Bible? What is its significance and place? What does this very old book have to do with us? A book that is filled with war, conquests, and bloodshed on top of that!
Well, as you might remember, we have been on a journey through the Scriptures, and we have been looking at those great events that string together the larger story of the 39 books that are called the ‘Old Testament.’ For there is one Grand Story being told in each of these books, and incredibly, it is one that directly leads us to the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Now, this is something that you may have never really considered before. But the truth is that all of the Word of God–from Genesis, the book of beginnings, to Malachi, the last of the Old Testament books, and on to Matthew and then to the final book of the Bible, Revelation–is about our Lord Jesus and His saving work! And if this is the case, then the Book of Joshua is profoundly important for us! It is an essential component of the larger story of Redemption, for this is the message of the Word of God and why we have made Joshua the next stop on our journey through the Scriptures!
This Lord’s Day we will consider the opening lines of Joshua 1:1-9 and get more familiar with the background and setting of the inspired record that tells both his story and His Story!
Announcements
Sunday School Begins Again This Sunday at 9:15 AM
As always, there are classes for all ages. The Adults will be meeting in the Worship Center to continue our study of Pleasing God, by Dr. R. C. Sproul. This week we will cover Chapter Eight on ‘Fear and Guilt.’
Youth Bible Study Is This Sunday Night From 4:30-6:30 PM at the Church House
All Middle and High School Students are invited to our Bi-monthly Bible Study and Fellowship led by Ken Burnett. Below is the schedule for the spring studies:
January 10, 31
February 7, 28
March 6, 13
April 10, 17
May 1
Coming in February . . . ‘Practical Parenting for the Glory of God’
On each of the four Wednesday nights in February (3, 10, 17, 24) we will be having a special time of teaching and fellowship for all parents and parents-to-be (and grandparents!). We will be studying what the Bible says about raising our children for the glory of God. We will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 PM each of the four nights at the Church. There will be childcare and teaching for children as well.
For the children, Ashley Turnbull will lead a catechism class for ages 4 years through 5th grade. This is a great opportunity for the children to study the first five catechism questions through Bible lessons, songs, and activities. It will be both interactive and exciting for the kids! She will need several non-parent adult volunteers to serve alongside her. Please email Ashley to be involved. A Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers (ages 2-3). Please RSVP to Ashley with your family’s name if you plan to attend or volunteer.
I love you all dearly, and you are always on my heart and in my prayers,
Mike