Joshua waged war for a long time as he was faithful to God's commands. From the northern conquest, we see that it's not the knowledge of God that transforms but the spirit of God. God is the one who saves, and with Christ at the center, we can face anything that He has for us.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Joshua is on a military campaign where he bifurcates the land and conquers the southern half of the promised land. From Joshua, we see that our past does not define us, and we must walk faithfully with God after our failures. From the Gibeonites, we see God's character toward reconciled enemies. And in the battle, we see the power of God on display. Speaker: Brad Bell

Yet again, Joshua is overconfident because of the season of victory that God allowed him to have. So when the Gibeonites deceive Joshua, he does not consult God and relies on his senses. But what the Gibeonites meant for evil, God uses for His good. Speaker: Mike Slayden

The Christian walk is not a linear upward trajectory. So how do we handle spiritual failure? The Israelites experienced spiritual failure when they were defeated at Ai. Before they try again, they first turn to God, obey God, and go back to God's word. Speaker: Brad Bell

In contrast with their victory at Jericho, we see an implicit and explicit reason for Israel's defeat at Ai. Israel is defeated explicitly because of the hidden sin in the camp, and it is implied that they are defeated because of Joshua's arrogance in leading without consulting God.  Speaker: Brad Bell

When God gives the battle plans for defeating Jericho, He is clearly in control. The victory at Jericho shows us that the Lord is always accomplishing His purposes through the simple obedience of His people, even when it doesn't make sense. Speaker: Brad Bell

Before we move on to chapter 6 of Joshua this week, we pause to examine biblical genocide. How do we reconcile God's command to "utterly destroy" in the Old Testament with the New Testament command to love others? Mike walks us through the three most common schools of thought. Speaker: Mike Slayden

When God calls for the circumcision of the Israelites, we see that He is more concerned with their hearts than with the conquest and victory of the land. Instead of training and preparing for battle, God's instructions are to make rock altars and get circumcised. Like the Israelites, God's main concern is for our hearts to be in Christ instead of battling the worldly circumstances surrounding us. Speaker: Brad Bell

After the Lord safely brings the Israelites across The Jordan, He instructs them to use twelve stones to build an altar. Like communion today, these memorials were meant for the next generations to remember and not forget the goodness and provision of God. Speaker: Mike Slayden

God displays His power and presence when leading the Israelites across The Jordan during flood season. When we don't see Red Sea partings and Jordan River crossings in our life, it is easy to wonder if God is with us still. But let us not forget that He is not only with us but in us through the Holy Spirit. Trying to live without the Holy Spirit today is like Joshua and the Israelites trying to cross the Jordan without God going before them. Speaker: Brad Bell