ryan peterson
Lead Pastor
Nothing will happen in our city until you lead the way because we are the priesthood today.
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Sermon Summary:
We are continuing the City Renewal Series that we started as a family back in September. We are not just talking about cities being renewed; we are seeing the drip of revival, the glimpses of heaven on earth, the parts of promises answered, of prayers being fulfilled, and life being restored. This week we are in chapters 2-4 as we continue to read the book of Joshua for life transformation. The first scene is when two spies enter Jericho, and one woman—out of everyone living there—has the ability to discern that the atmosphere has shifted and risks everything to invite God’s favored people into her home. This invitation ultimately saves her and her family. She operates in the same spirit Caleb and Joshua did in the past. The same spirit is needed today. In chapter 3, the much-anticipated crossing of the Jordan occurs, and we see the priests lead the way. Nothing will happen in our city until you lead the way because we are the priesthood today. In Chapter 4, all of Israel crosses. This promise is for the entire family. Monuments will stoke our remembrance of God’s presence, and we will experience the promises of God, and the fear of the LORD will rest in our hearts.
Scripture References from the Sermon
- Joshua 2:9-11
- Romans 12:1-2
- Numbers 14:24
- Joshua 2
- Joshua 3:1-6
- 1 Peter 2:9-10
- Joshua 3:13
- Joshua 4:14
- Joshua 4:23-24
Discussion Questions
- Joshua 2 takes a lot of time telling the story of Rahab, an unlikely hero to the story of the Israelites. Why do you think that is?
- Why is it important to operate in discernment through a relationship with the Holy Spirit?
- What’s the difference between operating with discernment and being conformed? (Romans 12:1-2; Joshua 2:9-11)
- Read Numbers 14:24 and discuss: “Discernment is designed to give you a different spirit.”
- Why did Moses, Israel, and Jericho die and only Rahab, (and family) Caleb, and Joshua enter the promised land?
- Read 2 Peter 2:9-10, and discuss the characteristics of a priest today.
- Can you identify and share your Jordan, and then discuss the difference between the Red Sea and your Jordan?
- Read Joshua 4:23-24 and discuss how and why the Fear of the Lord is to rest in your heart after the crossing of the Jordan.