Gen 22, Mar 1:35

v. 1 Joshua rose early

What would you do with an extra 30 minutes?

Ark of the Covenant – visual reminder of God’s presence

Consecrate means set apart (holy)

Send priests out into river.

Water stopped when they stepped

Waiting for God?

Step out in obedience!

1 Thess 4:3, 5:18

Eph 1:13-14

2 Cor 3:17-18

“God is on high; and yet the higher a man lifts himself up, the farther he is from God;

Jordan river stopped at Adam (16 miles upstream)

God gave them all (2-3 mil) safe crossing into the Promised Land

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

Are you reading God’s Word every day?

Are there things in your life that don’t belong?

Are you waiting for something to happen?

Two spies sent into Land

“I know the Lord has given you this land.”

Tie scarlet cord in your window for protection.

Spies hid for 3 days and safely returned to Shittim.

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

God prepared Joshua for leadership

God says “no one can stand against you”

What has God called YOU to do?

Just be strong & very courageous

Faith in action. Let’s go!

Faith in action. Let’s go!

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

Are you willing to stand up for Christ and do the right thing?

Author: Joshua

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

NOTE: There are some comments in the video we don’t fully support. Always listen with discernment.

Hoshea born a slave in Egypt (Num 13:8)

General of Army (Ex 17)

God’s promise to Abraham

Jesus gives new life (Jn 10:10)

God keeps His promises

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?

Not good to be alone.

Alone we may be vulnerable and easily broken.

Together there is protection and power.

“The church is the only cooperative society in the world that exists for the benefit of its non-members.”

Believers challenge and inspire each other.

We encourage others to keep growing and keep going.

Purpose (Mission) of First Baptist Church

Choose to belong, to show up, to pour into others.

Building intentional relationships.

“The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.”

We are part of something bigger.

G   God created us to be with Him

O   Our sins separate us from God

S   Sins cannot be removed by good deeds

P   Paying the price for our sin, Jesus died and rose again

E   Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life

L   Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever

Acrostic from Dare2Share.com.

James Woodward is a retired police investigator from the Rochester, NY Police Department (1988-2020). He is a chaplain with the Flower City Chaplain Corps, which is a ministry to law enforcement in the Rochester area. He is available to active and retired police officers for conversations and chaplain ministry. Jim is also a chaplain with the West Webster Fire Department, is an itinerant speaker for churches in New York State, and is available to local funeral homes to preside over services.

Jim enjoys outdoor activities (biking, hiking, swimming, grilling, backyard campfires), writing, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. Jim is looking forward to the Buffalo Bills winning the Super Bowl in the upcoming season.

Individual soul liberty – everyone has freedom to choose & worship God.

Romans 14:11–12

Romans 13:1–7

1. Be subject or obey – because God instituted government and in His providence appoints authorities.

1 Peter 2:12–17

Be subject/obey the government

Constantine established Christianity as the official state church.

John Leland (Baptist Minister) met with James Madison about religious freedom and contributed to the first amendment of the Constitution.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

“make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,”

1. Forceful or coercive powers of the state must not be used to enforce matters that should be left to an individual’s conscience before God.

Luke 3:12–14

Christians can serve as soldiers, police officers, government employees, public school teachers, and more.

Do you support religious freedom for ALL people?

If you serve in public what is your testimony like?

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

Are you sharing the good news?

Pastor means “shepherd”

He teaches, cares for & leads the flock.

Acts 20:17, 28

Elder (presbyter) means “older or mature”

Overseer (episkopos) means pay attention & manage

1 Timothy 5:17

Are there two kinds of pastors/elders? Leaders & preachers?

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Qualifications: A man, strong character, husband of one wife, self controlled, able to teach, not a new believer, etc.

1 Peter 5:1–5

Pastors lead as servant examples, not harshly or overbearing.

Acts 6:1-6

Problem – certain widows not cared for

1 Timothy 3:8–13

Many of same spiritual qualifications as pastors.

Heb 13:17 – obey & submit to church leaders

From Thom Rainer’s book, I am a Church Member, we ask all new members to sign a pledge to do the following.

Are you bringing Jesus Christ glory in His local church? What is something you can do this week to show Christ’s love to your fellow members.

If you have never trusted Him as your Lord and Savior, come talk to me after the service. That’s the first step!

Biblical Authority

The church started in Jerusalem at Pentecost.

People were saved, baptized, then joined the church.

Mk 16:16 – baptism is not salvation

A solemn agreement, a promise that church members voluntarily and willingly make to one another.

Next to the Bible, the covenant is the most important document that the church possesses.

1. Covenant represents agreement to be a church.

Jesus commanded the church to make disciples.

Matthew 28:18-20

Sharing the gospel, baptizing new believers, and teaching to obey God’s Word.

Matt 18:15-17

1. Go directly to your brother.

Matthew 18:18–20

The church members will agree within God’s will.

What’s keeping you from membership?

Members, who are you discipling?

Have you been baptized as a believer?

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?

Are you living in unconfessed sin? Who or what has become an idol?