Joshua: Be CourageousBack to Basics: Joshua 8:30-35March 23, 2014Michael’s Personal Goal: To cling all the more to Jesus, the path to all blessingWhy an altar of uncut stones? God wants altars that give Him glory and not man. (ref. Deuteronomy 27:1-7)“…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9App: What is it you think you need to do before you can come to God?Burnt offerings: animal sacrifices that represented a total consecration of self to God“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy (In light of what Christ did for us), to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1Fellowship offerings: animal sacrifices to be shared with gratitude, fellowship and commitment App: God invites all to partake in the sacrifice of His SonV 32: Back to Basics“7Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:7-8Tablets of Stone: External Law condemnsTablets of Heart: Internal Law blesses“The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says: 16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." 17Then He adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." 18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.” Hebrews 10:15-18App: The stones at Mt. Ebal remind us that victory is in surrender to the Lord Jesus allowing the Holy Spirit to rule on the thrones of our lives8:32-34: Blessing Vs Cursing (ref. Deuteronomy 27:15-19)What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?