The Baptist Bible Hour now comes to you under the direction of Elder Lasser Bradley Jr. Mm-hmm. Dozen tumblers seem My great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my god and king, the triumphs of this race. This is Lisa Bradley Jr. inviting you to stay tuned for another message of God's sovereign grace.
We walk with the Lord in the light of His Word. What a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey, Trust and obey. For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but He smiles greatly.
Drives it away. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, can remain when we trust and obey. Trust and obey. For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay.
Not a grief or a loss, not a Crown o'er a cross, but it's best if we trust and obey, trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Then, in fellowships meet, we will sit at his feet, or we'll walk by his side in the way. What he says we will do, where he sends we will go. Never fear, only trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
Today we continue our messages from the book of Joshua. Over the past months, I have brought 17 messages from the book of Joshua. We've continued the detailed accounts examining the blessings of God on his people and his judgments on the wicked. Been able to draw, I feel, a great many rich and practical lessons from this Old Testament book.
Now sometimes the question is raised whether this ancient history is relevant and really beneficial to us today. But that question can be quickly answered by looking at the book of Romans chapter 15 verse 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
So just as the New Testament is written By men divinely inspired. The Old Testament is written by men moved upon by the Holy Spirit of God. And they are for our learning. As we read the Old Testament, we're not just reading to get the historical account, we're learning something. There's information.
There. Prophecies, there are types, the shadows, all pertaining to the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and very practical lessons that can be applied to our godly walk as we seek to serve Jesus Christ. And he speaks of through patience. He's talking about perseverance. By looking at the scriptures, we're encouraged to have patience and persevere and continue on course.
We receive comfort from them and that you might have hope. And so if we're looking at these Old Testament accounts as we ought. We will come away with our hope. stronger. Our faith increased.
The book begins With a word of encouragement, simply be strong and of a good courage.
So in that first message, we talked about facing discouragement, which is a reality in life, and certainly that was true in the experience of God's people in those olden times. but then went on to talk about finding encouragement. and concluded by encouraging all of us to be an encourager. Then the subject, trust and obey, was found in chapter 1, verse 8, observe to do all that is written. This was expected.
This was a requirement. If they were going to enjoy success, if they were going to win the victory as they went to conquer the land, there must be obedience. Then We brought a message entitled The Scarlet Lion. Here, in an account of a battle against a wicked people, we find a beautiful display of the grace of God. Who could ever have imagined when those spies went into Jericho that they would be befriended by a woman with a terrible reputation?
Rahab the harmon. secures them and protects them. And God had touched her heart so that she embraced the God of Israel. And After her life was spared, when the city was destroyed, she became a member of that clan. Yes, God's grace is marvelous.
in the most unexpected places, under most unusual circumstances, a person that you would never have singled out as being the greatest prospect to become a part of the kingdom of God. God rescues and changes this woman. in a positive way to his glory. And then in chapter 3, verse 4, It says, ye have not passed this way before. The title of our message was A New Way.
And I preached that message several months ago. never could have imagined how we would be traveling so much a new way at this present time. many new circumstances and situations that we're encountering. But just as God was with his people in those olden times when they were traveling in unfamiliar territory, traveling in a new way. God has promised to be with us.
In chapter four, they set up a memorial. This was frequently done. I think at least five times memorials have been set up. But this one was the 12 stones that were put up on the banks of Jordan. And it was said that then when the children would come along in later years and ask the meaning, what's the meaning of this monument?
They'd be able to say, God brought us as strangers and pilgrims through the wilderness wanderings and into this land, rolling back the waters of Jordan so that we were able to come here. And it was something that they would use in instructing their children because one of their great responsibilities was to see to it that their children were informed. And then We see Jericho conquered. What a victory that was, marching around the city until the walls fell down flat.
Well, after that victory, It was assumed that it wasn't necessary for the whole army to go up to AI. This was a smaller city. They ought to be able to take it without difficulty. But they met with defeat. There were two problems.
One was They lifted up somewhat. Feeling self-sufficient that because they had recently had a victory, they didn't need everybody to participate.
So there were some bad decisions made. But The greatest problem was that there was sin in the camp. Achan had violated the commandment of God and taken of the forbidden spoil. And so they met with defeat. But then when we get to chapter eight We read of blessings restored.
Joshua chapter 8 verse 1. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, Neither be thou dismayed. Take all the people of the war with thee, and arise, and go up to Ai, and see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his land. And so this time they had victory. There was a strategy employed.
To draw the people out of the city, and as they came out, then those that were in ambush went in and set the city on fire, and they won the victory. And then when the battle was won, they built an altar in chapter 8. Sacrifices were offered on the Mount of Cursing. And this was pointing to the fact that Jesus Christ one day would be the perfect sacrifice to remove the curse from us. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.
So there is a gospel lesson in this Old Testament book as they offered a sacrifice pointing to the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God. And then the last message was entitled The Sun Stood Still, found in chapter 10. Joshua was leading the army at this time to defend the Gibeonites. who had deceived them, claiming that they were from a distance, but because Joshua had agreed to spare them, he stood good to his promise. And so when the Gibeonites were being attacked by others, they call for Joshua's help, and he comes to their rescue.
So as he continues the battle, the day is coming to an end and Joshua needs more time.
So he calls on the sun to stand still and it did. What an amazing thing that God intervened on behalf of his servant.
So We see then that There was great victory. We also had the extended amount of time and then for Those that were not killed by the Israelite army, God sent great hailstones and killed more by this method than even the army fighting against the enemy.
So We continue today in Joshua chapter 10. And I titled my message, The Fight Goes On. After reviewing some of those things in the early part of the book, And recalling in your minds the things that you have read and heard and know something about those fierce battles. We might think, is it not time to rest? Doesn't Joshua get some relief?
Could he not step aside? Say I've done enough, but the fight goes on. And in verse 42 of chapter 10, It says, and all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. Here's the reason they had success. The Lord God fought for Israel.
And certainly if we expect to have success in our lives individually, in our church, in the kingdom of God, we must have the Lord to fight for us. And if he's going to fight for us, we have to do it his way. We have to proclaim his truth. We have to live in a godly, honorable manner. And so we're going to Think about three things.
Promises made. Obedience required. and victory. Enjoyed. Yes, promises.
were made frequently. To Joshua. And certainly he needed them. When you begin to think about the many challenges that he faced, Here he is commissioned to lead a people who have been wilderness wanderers for forty years to come into a land and conquer it. Tremendous challenge indeed.
When they're ready to come into the land, they face the River Jordan, which is at flood stage. How are they going to move this large band of people across the river? And of course God rolled back the waters and provided a path for them to travel. And then they come to the walled city of Jericho. That looks like an impossible situation.
How can these wanderers coming in from the wilderness expect to take a wall-defended, well-fortified city? Great challenge. And then he had to deal with the defeat that occurred at AI. And then being involved in launching a second attack. and dealing with his own mistake, because he was deceived by the Gibeonites.
and really didn't take time to consult the Lord about the decision that was made. And then he's called on to defend Gibeon when there are five kings that have united. And decided that because Gibeon has aligned itself with the Israelites, They must immediately be dealt with. And so he's facing these five kings.
So just as Joshua faced many challenges. We are facing challenges today. or those trials that we regularly face in life. Those difficulties don't go away just because we've got a big trial to deal with. They're still there.
But because of COVID-19, We're facing difficulties that we never could have imagined. Nobody could have believed it if you'd said a few months ago. The country could basically be shut down. People can't go to church and can't go to work. Yes, we are facing challenges to say the least.
There's that concern about Being infected with the virus, don't want to catch that, and concern that you want to protect others. All right. Go to the post office and Everybody there is wearing a mask and it's uh designated where you can stand so that you're sure to be keeping six feet apart from everybody else there. I think what a strange time it is, something that we could never have envisioned. And then Concern for losing family members.
Want to be sure that you're using every precaution. That not only do you not want to be infected by it, but you don't want to be a carrier and pass it on to somebody else. And they're just that general concern about the future. What's going to happen out there?
So much uncertainty. And Then You hear the top health experts expressing their view and that's all over the ballpark. There's not perfect agreement.
So we say, what what's what's going to happen to us anyway? And then it is alarming. When you know that our Help and hope is in God. To hear one governor say, when his State made some progress, It wasn't because of God and it wasn't because of faith. You know the humanistic thinking that's prevalent in our world today.
displays itself rather frequently nowadays. professor at a well-known university. wrote an article saying that she was concerned now because children were having to stay at home. And it's very unhealthy for them to be under the care of their parents. The parents will prejudice them by teaching their point of view.
and that they are powerful and the children are not, and they shouldn't be able to be in that uncomfortable position. In other words, the idea is the government schools can do much better than parents can do. But God has given the responsibility to parents to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
So we hear some of these ridiculous comments and can't help but be troubled by them. Jobs are lost, people standing in food lines. And then just the daily frustrations, the stress of staying at home when you're used to being on the go and going places, trips canceled, weddings postponed, classes having to be taken online instead of being with friends and in front of a professor, graduation delayed. And Some concern indeed we must have about what the response to this current crisis is uh producing, what what it's going to mean in the future as far as our individual freedoms, even our religious liberty is concerned.
So We face a lot of challenges as Joshua faced challenges. But Joshua rested on the promises of God. You read Joshua's experience and you just wonder how did the man keep going? How did he have the stamina, the physical strength? How could he keep going under such difficult circumstances?
Well The promises of God. were repeated. on his behalf over and over again. From day one, He believed those promises. In chapter 1 of verse 3, it said, Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, That have I given you, as I said unto Moses.
So Joshua knew he wasn't embarking on some career to advance his name, something that he just Decided ought to be done. He was following the direction of God. He was relying on the promise of God. God says, I have given you this land.
So in verse 5 he says, Be strong and of good courage, for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land. And then we go to chapter 6, verse 2. And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given unto thy hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. God is reassuring his servant. No matter how formidable the enemy might appear to be, how great the battle is going to become, God is assuring Joshua, I am with you.
I'm going to give you the victory. Chapter 8, verse 1. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be dismayed. Chapter 10, verse 8. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not.
Notice how often He's reminded that he should not fear. And that's a theme that permeates the Bible. All the way through the Old Testament and on into the New Testament, we were told repeatedly not to fear. There's a tendency in our human nature to fear, particularly when there are circumstances that are new to us and unknown and we can't chart the future. We tend to fear, but God repeatedly tells us we're not to fear.
Fear not, for I have delivered them into thine hand, and there shall not a man of them stand before thee. See how frequently those promises are brought to Joshua. And let it impress itself upon our mind. that we need to regularly involve ourselves in the reading of the promises of God. As soon as we forget that, You look at the daily news, you apt to be depressed and frustrated and maybe even angry.
You look at some of the circumstances around you and there's many things that will dishearten you, but you go back to the promises of God over and over again. We need to review them, meditate on them, memorize them, bring them up in our minds as we so desperately need the Lord's help.
So just as Joshua was resting on the promises of God, so we need to rest on them. That passage we read from Romans tells us that these Old Testament passages will give us hope. And certainly that's something that we need desperately, is hope. Psalm 42 verse 5 says, Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou cast down? And why art thou disquieted within me?
Here the psalmist is admitting I am I am cast down, I'm troubled, I'm disquieted, and why why why why is this? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Yes, when I need hope. Where am I going to find it? Hope thou in God.
The Apostle Paul said, in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began. That's reassuring. To know that when you read a promise that God has made, it's as good as done because God cannot lie. He is holy, he is perfect, you can depend upon his promise. And so, Solvas questions himself.
and sees the necessity of finding his hope in God. God. We Cain hope. as we see God giving victory. To his people over their enemies.
That's one of the benefits of the studies in the book of Joshua. We see many enemies coming from many different directions under a variety of circumstances, but God was continuing to be with His people and blessed them and promised not to forsake them.
So We can rejoice. even in these difficult times, to know that we have hope in our God. 1 Timothy 1, verse 1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and our Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope. The Lord Jesus Christ is our hope.
So no matter how perplexing the situation may be, no matter how dark it may appear at sometimes, no matter how difficult for us to cope with it all, we are not without hope. Jesus Christ is our hope. He's our hope for today. He's our hope for tomorrow. He's our hope for the future.
He's our hope forever. And then we desperately need peace. It can become Troubled. they can become full of fear and anxiety.
Now this passage in John 14, 27 I think I've referred to maybe every week here of late, but it's so appropriate and so needful. I read it again. These are the words of Jesus. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you.
Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Let not your heart be troubled. Why? Because he says, I'm going to give you peace.
You need not fear. You need not be afraid, because I am with you. I give you a peace that passes understanding. And then we need strength. Just as we look at Joshua and stand amazed that he could have the endurance he had, sometimes traveling all night to go on the battlefield early the next day and we say, How did how did he keep going?
Well, obviously God gave him strength. and you may sometimes feel weak Um I'm not gonna Keep going. How am I going to make it through these difficult times?
Well, here's a promise. Isaiah chapter 40 verse 29. He giveth power to the faint. Feel like you can't make it. Feel like you're about to faint?
going to collapse, just can't keep going. He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might. He increaseth strength.
So don't just come to the Lord and say, Lord, I'm just running a little short. I need a boost to get over the next rough spot to those that have no might. Lord, I come acknowledging. I don't have any strength about them. I need help.
Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. What a promise. Yes, it says the young men. They are strong and they've been able to make it for a time, but even they become weary. But he says, I'm going to bless you.
so that you mount up with wings like the powerful eagle that soars into the sky and moves rapidly on. You're going to be able to run and not be weary and walk and not faint. This is something that God has promised. to give you physical strength when necessary. Spiritual strength.
that you can press on in his service. Oh my god! I'm glad you've been with us for today's broadcast and pray the message will be a blessing to you. If you want us to continue on your local station, it's vital that we hear from you. Our address is Baptist Bible Hour box 17037 Cincinnati, Ohio.
Yeah, yeah. Or you can make a donation by going to our website at BaptistBibleHour.org. Until we reach it this same time next week. May the Lord richly bless you all. Leave me strong.
Amen. The shadows where we all lies in the sea. The Baptist Bible Hour has come to you under the direction of Elder Lessere Bradley Jr. Address all mail to the Baptist Bible Hour, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45217. That's the Baptist Bible Hour, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45217.
Close to thee, close to thee, close to thee, in the gate of wide eternal may I live with thee.
