HOW DO WE GO FORWARD FROM HERE?

(Joshua 3)

...I always hire a professional _guide__ when I travel with a group to the Holy Lands.

...2004 will always be remembered as the year our Lord raised up Grace Community Church as a testimony of

    His mercy.

            -“Grace” is central, because it is by God’s grace that any of us are here. Grace is the common _thread_ that runs through everything we do here.

            -“Community” is also significant. It suggests both genuine fellowship within our church family and

             an _open__ door to those around us.

            -“Church” is _not_ our word, it is God’s for it defines who we are. We are an assembly of people

             called by His name.

...There was another day, a day of new beginnings with God’s people. We do well to follow their _example__

    as we now travel a road we have never been on before.

FOUR TRUTHS GUIDING US INTO THE UNKNOWN TERRITORY BEFORE US.

I.    IT IS THE LORD HIMSELF WHO   _LEADS__   US.  (VV 1-4)

       A.  As soon as Joshua received the spies’ report, he immediately moved in obedience.

            ...He did not ask for more _time__, another route; nor did he appoint a committee.

       B. The Ark of the Covenant represented the _presence_ of God.

            1. The Ark was in the _midst__ of the people.

            2. The people were told to keep their eye upon the Ark, (v 11) not upon _Joshua_ or the army.

            3. The ark would lead them into the unknown. (vv 3-4)

       C. However, the people were to stay 1/2 mile from it. Why?

            1. So that all could _see_ that it was God who was leading them.

            2. Also, God is _holy__, they were not. “Stay back.”

II.   OUR GREATEST NEED IS NOT PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS, RATHER IT IS  _SPIRITUAL_. (VS 5)

“Consecrate yourselves!”

        A. It would have made good military sense if Joshua had ordered them to prepare _swords__ and

            shields... for many enemies lay ahead.

        B. Rather, spiritual examination and personal righteousness are the pressing _need__ for the journey.

            ...A _clean__ heart is our great need!

III.  WE ARE TO STEP FORWARD BY  _FAITH__,   WHICH IS TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD. (VV6-13)

        A. “Take up the Ark.” (v 6) “Move out.”  Where? The Jordan River was at flood stage and was _impossible_

            to pass over.  But God said... “Go!”

        B. “Go stand in the river” (v 8)  ...What?  I don’t _understand__ this.

        C. We are to be marked by a simple _obedience_ to God’s Word.

                ...Remember, all of their parents were buried in the wilderness due to _unbelief__.

IV.   NEVER FORGET THAT OUR GOD IS THE GOD OF THE   _IMPOSSIBLE__.  (VV 14-17)

        A. The river stopped flowing, at just the right moment, and 2 million Israelites crossed over. God did it!!

            ... _Timing__ is the backbone of Bible interpretation.

        B. God is able to do amazing things among us as we wait upon Him.  _Rest_ in Him!!