Our text this week reminds us of the importance of worship in the life of a believer. It follows the battles of Jericho and Ai but may have been placed here in the book for theological rather than chronological reasons. Notice that all the people are present and last we heard, the women and children were on the other side of the Jordan. Notice also it takes place in an area that had not yet been conquered by Israel's army. It is significant in that the author wants to make his point that worship was to be at the heart of all that God was doing through his people.

Joshua sets up an altar following the instructions of Moses from Deuteronomy 27 and 28. He follows the directions perfectly as an illustration of the importance of following the law. The people are rallied together to be reminded of their identity. In a rather spectacular scene they are spread out in a valley between two mountains that form a natural amphitheater. Even today visitors to that area remark at the quality of the natural acoustics of the area.

They are reminded of their national identity as the People of God as they worship and pay attention to the words of the law. The text illustrates for us the role of worship in the community of faith today. It aligns us with the Lord and reminds us of our true identity. Something that we need regularly. For we too live in a foreign land. We too are surrounded by this century's version of the Canaanites. We too are tempted to wander into their ways of thinking and behaving. Worship anchors us and at the same time infuses us with the strength to be the kind of people who will not be strangers in the Kingdom that is to come.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. How does worship fit into your life? Is it merely something you have to do or does it serve a purpose? When do you not feel like worshipping? Why?

2. Slide 8-12. Why does the author put this story here in the text? What is he trying to teach the reader about Israel and the Lord? What must Israel learn if they are to be successful in their conquest of Canaan? Why is everyone involved in the event?

3. Slide 13. Discuss times when worship has centered you. What was that like?

4. Slide 14. Why are offerings such an important part of worship?

5. Slide 15. How has the Word of God strengthen you during community worship? What might you do to enhance the experience and meaning of worship?

This week we are looking at the story of Achan, and the failed attempt to conquer the city of Ai. Israel has just come away with an amazing victory in Jericho where everything seemed to go according to plan. However, despite the great success of their initial conquest, there was "sin in the camp." Achan, presumably one of the fighting men, had taken treasures for himself despite strict instructions to leave all of the "devoted things," items meant for destruction. He is found out after a miserable failed attempt to take Ai where 36 Israelites are killed. When Joshua finally inquires of the Lord, the reason for the failure is revealed: "There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand until you remove them." Once Achan's actions come to light through a gradual process of revelation, he and all that belonged to him were destroyed.

This is an intense story where we see the seriousness of the covenant regulations between God and Israel. Today we as the Church live under a new covenant through Christ where such harsh punishment and community responsibility aren't imposed. However we can gain insight into the troubles that can come to us when sin is left unconfessed. The issue is not whether we will sin, but the issue is whether we can learn to deal with it well and move forward. This is only possible through a proper understanding of the forgiveness and healing available to us through Christ. Because He took our punishment upon himself, we can be free from accusation and guilt; if we walk in the light, confessing our sin to God and each other.

Questions for Discussion:

1. What feelings do you have in reading of Achan's punishment?

2. Do you see yourself in this story somewhere? Where?

3. What thoughts and feelings rise in you when you are encouraged to confess your sin to another person? To God?

4. Do you have a story to share where you found relief and victory once you had come clean regarding something wrong you had done?

5. Read Isaiah 53:4-6. What feelings or thoughts do you have when you read about Christ taking your punishment on himself?

6. Do you have a person or group of people whom you are committed to confessing to and/or receiving confession from? If not, what steps will you take towards this?

This week we are looking at the story of Achan, and the failed attempt to conquer the city of Ai. Israel has just come away with an amazing victory in Jericho where everything seemed to go according to plan. However, despite the great success of their initial conquest, there was "sin in the camp." Achan, presumably one of the fighting men, had taken treasures for himself despite strict instructions to leave all of the "devoted things," items meant for destruction. He is found out after a miserable failed attempt to take Ai where 36 Israelites are killed. When Joshua finally inquires of the Lord, the reason for the failure is revealed: "There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand until you remove them." Once Achan's actions come to light through a gradual process of revelation, he and all that belonged to him were destroyed.

This is an intense story where we see the seriousness of the covenant regulations between God and Israel. Today we as the Church live under a new covenant through Christ where such harsh punishment and community responsibility aren't imposed. However we can gain insight into the troubles that can come to us when sin is left unconfessed. The issue is not whether we will sin, but the issue is whether we can learn to deal with it well and move forward. This is only possible through a proper understanding of the forgiveness and healing available to us through Christ. Because He took our punishment upon himself, we can be free from accusation and guilt; if we walk in the light, confessing our sin to God and each other.

Questions for Discussion:

1. What feelings do you have in reading of Achan's punishment?

2. Do you see yourself in this story somewhere? Where?

3. What thoughts and feelings rise in you when you are encouraged to confess your sin to another person? To God?

4. Do you have a story to share where you found relief and victory once you had come clean regarding something wrong you had done?

5. Read Isaiah 53:4-6. What feelings or thoughts do you have when you read about Christ taking your punishment on himself?

6. Do you have a person or group of people whom you are committed to confessing to and/or receiving confession from? If not, what steps will you take towards this?

After crossing the Jordon River the first obstacle the Israelites face is the walled city of Jericho. Archeological digs have revealed quite a few details that substantiate the Biblical narrative. There was a Mid-Bronze age city with fortified walls that were destroyed and the city burned. The evidence for Jericho stands as one of the great archeological finds that authenticates the Joshua account of the conquest of Canaan. What is somewhat surprising is that the city was only about six square acres and probably only had a population of about 1,500 people. No wonder they "locked up" the city when they saw the Israelites approach with 40,000 armed men.

The battle for Jericho is an object lesson given now at the beginning of the conquest to indicate what was necessary to be successful in God's plan. The story unfolds like a religious event rather than a military campaign. The obedience of the people and the success of the battle mark a high point in Israel's history. One would think that they have learned their lesson and that the murmuring, grumbling and disobedience of the past are behind them. But just read the next chapter.

I need to comment on the extermination of the inhabitants of Canaan. It seems harsh and severe that even the children were not spared. My understanding of this is not completely satisfactory but here are a few thoughts. 1. Canaan had for many years tried God's patience and they had failed to repent. Their time of judgment had come. (See Deut. 9:1-6 and Lev. 18:24-30); 2. It was usual during this age that warfare resulted in the death of both civilians and soldiers. Israel's conduct was not more harsh than normal warfare during this age; 3. Civilization was not very civil during the Bronze Age. We should be careful not to impose our modern humanitarian ideals upon a rather primitive culture; 4. The danger of Israel being contaminated by the objects and people of Canaan was very real. Their idolatry and perverted religions were a constant source of temptation for Israel. These were not "nice pagans." Their religious practices were radically evil. Without the purifying and redemptively invasive presence of the Holy Spirit that we have today the danger to the people of God was very real and potentially pathological.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 9-10. Review the story of Rahab and her protection of the Israelite spies. Where was her home located? Why might that be significant? Read Hebrews 11:31. How did Rahab demonstrate her faith? Note in Josh. 6:23 she has to remain outside the camp until she had fully converted to the Lord.

2. Slide 11. Compare this scene with the Commander of the LORD's army with Moses' encounter at the burning bush. What are the similarities? (Ex. 3:1-14)

3. Slide 12. Picture the march around Jericho from the perspective of the people inside the city. From the perspective of those in the march. What might you be thinking?

4. Slide 13. How might the march be a metaphor for work in the Kingdom of God?

5. Slide 14. What does the consecration of the city tell us about gifts we receive from the Lord?

6. Slide 15-16. At what times in your life have you seen judgment and grace together? How does this foreshadow the Second Coming?

After crossing the Jordon River the first obstacle the Israelites face is the walled city of Jericho. Archeological digs have revealed quite a few details that substantiate the Biblical narrative. There was a Mid-Bronze age city with fortified walls that were destroyed and the city burned. The evidence for Jericho stands as one of the great archeological finds that authenticates the Joshua account of the conquest of Canaan. What is somewhat surprising is that the city was only about six square acres and probably only had a population of about 1,500 people. No wonder they "locked up" the city when they saw the Israelites approach with 40,000 armed men.

The battle for Jericho is an object lesson given now at the beginning of the conquest to indicate what was necessary to be successful in God's plan. The story unfolds like a religious event rather than a military campaign. The obedience of the people and the success of the battle mark a high point in Israel's history. One would think that they have learned their lesson and that the murmuring, grumbling and disobedience of the past are behind them. But just read the next chapter.

I need to comment on the extermination of the inhabitants of Canaan. It seems harsh and severe that even the children were not spared. My understanding of this is not completely satisfactory but here are a few thoughts. 1. Canaan had for many years tried God's patience and they had failed to repent. Their time of judgment had come. (See Deut. 9:1-6 and Lev. 18:24-30); 2. It was usual during this age that warfare resulted in the death of both civilians and soldiers. Israel's conduct was not more harsh than normal warfare during this age; 3. Civilization was not very civil during the Bronze Age. We should be careful not to impose our modern humanitarian ideals upon a rather primitive culture; 4. The danger of Israel being contaminated by the objects and people of Canaan was very real. Their idolatry and perverted religions were a constant source of temptation for Israel. These were not "nice pagans." Their religious practices were radically evil. Without the purifying and redemptively invasive presence of the Holy Spirit that we have today the danger to the people of God was very real and potentially pathological.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 9-10. Review the story of Rahab and her protection of the Israelite spies. Where was her home located? Why might that be significant? Read Hebrews 11:31. How did Rahab demonstrate her faith? Note in Josh. 6:23 she has to remain outside the camp until she had fully converted to the Lord.

2. Slide 11. Compare this scene with the Commander of the LORD's army with Moses' encounter at the burning bush. What are the similarities? (Ex. 3:1-14)

3. Slide 12. Picture the march around Jericho from the perspective of the people inside the city. From the perspective of those in the march. What might you be thinking?

4. Slide 13. How might the march be a metaphor for work in the Kingdom of God?

5. Slide 14. What does the consecration of the city tell us about gifts we receive from the Lord?

6. Slide 15-16. At what times in your life have you seen judgment and grace together? How does this foreshadow the Second Coming?

This week we begin a new series on the life of Joshua. Our theme for the series is: "If God is for us, who can be against us," from Romans 8:31. Over the next several weeks we will be looking at the account of the conquest of Canaan. This story took place about 1,400 BC. Moses has died and Joshua is instructed by the Lord to lead the Children of Israel across the Jordon River into the Promised Land. This is a fulfillment of a 500 year old promise to Abraham and its much anticipated achievement will not be accomplished without a significant amount of intrigue and struggle. Just like in our lives, God accomplishes his purposes in the midst of hard work and everyday life. In fact, sometimes his will is messy. While we look for grand and deep principles to ponder, he leads us around Jericho.

This week our text introduces the book. Moses has just died; he was the "Servant of the Lord." Joshua is the new commander and chief; he is called "Moses' Aide." In fact, not until the last chapter after his death, is Joshua called "the Servant of the Lord." The text begins with promises to Joshua regarding the Lord's intent to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. It includes a duplication of the promise to Abraham made some 500 years earlier (Gen. 15:7) repeated to Jacob (Gen. 28:13) and Moses (Deut. 11:24-25). It also contains warnings and promises to Joshua to insure a successful campaign. In particular it repeats the phrase "be strong and courageous" three times. A foreshadowing that this adventure would be far from easy. These people (1:6) had not proven to be the most malleable bunch. Moses could testify to the challenges of being the servant of the Lord keeping watch over this flock.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Review the timeline from Abraham to Joshua. How did the Children of Israel get into Egypt in the first place? Why has it taken so long for the Lord to fulfill his promise?

2. Slide 8-10. The phrase "you will lead these people" may foreshadow problems. What kinds of problems had "these people" given Moses? What must Joshua be thinking? What does this tell us about the challenges of leadership? Why doesn't being in the center of God's will mean life is easy? What must Joshua learn in order to be (like Moses) the Servant of the Lord?

3. Slide 11-13. How do we keep the Word in mind? What does it mean to meditate on it day and night? Why is this, such a difficult challenge? Why is it so important? How do we bring the Word into our everyday decisions?

4. Slide 14-15. Have you ever experienced spiritual attack in terms of fear and discouragement? How have you overcome the enemy? What promises are helpful in this battle? In what ways does God's character as "The Lord" help us in resisting the emotional battle with fear and discouragement? Why is it so important to see Him as the Lord Our God?

This week we begin a new series on the life of Joshua. Our theme for the series is: "If God is for us, who can be against us," from Romans 8:31. Over the next several weeks we will be looking at the account of the conquest of Canaan. This story took place about 1,400 BC. Moses has died and Joshua is instructed by the Lord to lead the Children of Israel across the Jordon River into the Promised Land. This is a fulfillment of a 500 year old promise to Abraham and its much anticipated achievement will not be accomplished without a significant amount of intrigue and struggle. Just like in our lives, God accomplishes his purposes in the midst of hard work and everyday life. In fact, sometimes his will is messy. While we look for grand and deep principles to ponder, he leads us around Jericho.

This week our text introduces the book. Moses has just died; he was the "Servant of the Lord." Joshua is the new commander and chief; he is called "Moses' Aide." In fact, not until the last chapter after his death, is Joshua called "the Servant of the Lord." The text begins with promises to Joshua regarding the Lord's intent to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. It includes a duplication of the promise to Abraham made some 500 years earlier (Gen. 15:7) repeated to Jacob (Gen. 28:13) and Moses (Deut. 11:24-25). It also contains warnings and promises to Joshua to insure a successful campaign. In particular it repeats the phrase "be strong and courageous" three times. A foreshadowing that this adventure would be far from easy. These people (1:6) had not proven to be the most malleable bunch. Moses could testify to the challenges of being the servant of the Lord keeping watch over this flock.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. Review the timeline from Abraham to Joshua. How did the Children of Israel get into Egypt in the first place? Why has it taken so long for the Lord to fulfill his promise?

2. Slide 8-10. The phrase "you will lead these people" may foreshadow problems. What kinds of problems had "these people" given Moses? What must Joshua be thinking? What does this tell us about the challenges of leadership? Why doesn't being in the center of God's will mean life is easy? What must Joshua learn in order to be (like Moses) the Servant of the Lord?

3. Slide 11-13. How do we keep the Word in mind? What does it mean to meditate on it day and night? Why is this, such a difficult challenge? Why is it so important? How do we bring the Word into our everyday decisions?

4. Slide 14-15. Have you ever experienced spiritual attack in terms of fear and discouragement? How have you overcome the enemy? What promises are helpful in this battle? In what ways does God's character as "The Lord" help us in resisting the emotional battle with fear and discouragement? Why is it so important to see Him as the Lord Our God?

As we wrap up our current series: "Questions God Asks," we focus on Luke 6:37-42. This is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and He is teaching His listeners that living life in the Kingdom of God requires counter-cultural living. It's all about our relationship with God – loving God and loving people. His sermon covers several principles for counter-cultural living – in our text we touch on three of these principles: (a) The priority of forgiveness, (b) the call to live generously, and (c) the value of discernment & authenticity. Jesus asks the question "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye?" Here, he is challenging hypocritical living. Authentic living requires an honest appraisal of the issues in our life, and as we deal with these issues then we are able to help our friends with the 'speck of sawdust' in their eyes.

The Holy Spirit needs to bring about the personal application for each of these principles. Our challenge is to prayerfully consider three questions:

(a) Who in my life do I need to forgive?

(b) How is my financial giving?

(c) What log is in my eye?

Questions for discussion:

1. Read the text Luke 6:37-42

2. What type of judging is Jesus referring to in vs. 37?

3. Is it ever right to judge someone? Explain?

4. What is the difference between judging which leads to condemnation and judging that moves towards forgiveness?

5. Define forgiveness? Why is this so important?

6. In vs. 38 Jesus gives us His 'generosity theology.' Explain this in your own words.

7. Discuss the prosperity and poverty theologies. What are they? In what ways do they miss the mark?

8. In vs. 39-42 Jesus gives two parables detailing the need for discernment and authenticity. Discuss each parable and answer the following:

a. Who am I following? What criteria should I use in discerning who to follow?

b. Who is following me? (i.e. kids)

c. What is Jesus' definition of a hypocrite?

d. Am I a hypocrite? How?

9. Challenge for the week: Prayerfully consider . . .

a. Who do I need to forgive?

b. How is my financial giving?

c. What 'log' is in my eye?

As we wrap up our current series: "Questions God Asks," we focus on Luke 6:37-42. This is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and He is teaching His listeners that living life in the Kingdom of God requires counter-cultural living. It's all about our relationship with God – loving God and loving people. His sermon covers several principles for counter-cultural living – in our text we touch on three of these principles: (a) The priority of forgiveness, (b) the call to live generously, and (c) the value of discernment & authenticity. Jesus asks the question "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye?" Here, he is challenging hypocritical living. Authentic living requires an honest appraisal of the issues in our life, and as we deal with these issues then we are able to help our friends with the 'speck of sawdust' in their eyes.

The Holy Spirit needs to bring about the personal application for each of these principles. Our challenge is to prayerfully consider three questions:

(a) Who in my life do I need to forgive?

(b) How is my financial giving?

(c) What log is in my eye?

Questions for discussion:

1. Read the text Luke 6:37-42

2. What type of judging is Jesus referring to in vs. 37?

3. Is it ever right to judge someone? Explain?

4. What is the difference between judging which leads to condemnation and judging that moves towards forgiveness?

5. Define forgiveness? Why is this so important?

6. In vs. 38 Jesus gives us His 'generosity theology.' Explain this in your own words.

7. Discuss the prosperity and poverty theologies. What are they? In what ways do they miss the mark?

8. In vs. 39-42 Jesus gives two parables detailing the need for discernment and authenticity. Discuss each parable and answer the following:

a. Who am I following? What criteria should I use in discerning who to follow?

b. Who is following me? (i.e. kids)

c. What is Jesus' definition of a hypocrite?

d. Am I a hypocrite? How?

9. Challenge for the week: Prayerfully consider . . .

a. Who do I need to forgive?

b. How is my financial giving?

c. What 'log' is in my eye?

Out text this week is full of surprises. The context of the conversation is quite startling. In Mark's Gospel it comes right after Jesus' third prediction of his death. The disciples are astonished and the rest of the followers are afraid (Mk. 10:32) as they near Jerusalem. In the midst of the heightened tension two of the disciples make this ambitious request of Jesus: "Let one of us sit on your right and the other at your left in your glory." Matthew's Gospel (20:20) tells us that their mother actually makes the request while the brothers are right there hoping for the right answer. The question seems out of place and the motivation seems quite remarkable given the context and impending trip into Jerusalem to face all the events of leading up to the crucifixion.

The reader of the Gospel hears another story as the scene unfolds. The reader knows that James would be martyred and that Jesus would die between two thieves. This insider information makes the conversation somewhat surreal. The reader interprets the cup and the baptism that Jesus refers to as his suffering and death. We know the two disciples are unaware of the significance of the conversation and its prophetic nature. While they are talking in earthly terms we read far more significance into the dialogue.

Jesus uses the tension between the other ten disciples and the brothers as an opportunity to discuss the meaning of greatness in the Kingdom of God. This will become a key text for the church down through the centuries as every generation struggles to understand the role of leadership in the Kingdom. He turns the disciples' perception of leadership on its ear and uses his own life as an example of true Kingdom leadership. One of the major themes of Mark's Gospel, which is written to a persecuted church, is that suffering is to be expected in Kingdom life. Jesus is seen as the "Suffering Servant." In our text this week, the themes of suffering and leadership are drawn together, at least for the reader. While we are not quite certain if the disciples get the message. Perhaps only later do they grasp the full meaning of Jesus' words.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Slide 2. What do you think the twelve and the other followers were thinking as they neared Jerusalem? Does the question of James and John surprise you? What does it tell you of their maturity?

2. Slide 8-10. Discuss Matthew 20:20. What do we know of the brothers' background that would prompt this question? What does the question reveal about their motivations and misunderstandings?

3. Slide 11-13. As Mark writes the story for us, what insights does he want us to gather from the conversation? What do we learn that the characters in the story do not yet grasp? Why is this theme of suffering so hard for us to hear?

4. Slide 14-15. Are money, sex and power still the three great temptations? This story deals with power. In what ways does a Kingdom view of power disarm at least one of the big three destructive compulsions? Discuss servant leadership. What does that look like in the workplace and in the church?