My Favorite Story: The Sin of Achan | Alfredo Zuniga

[music] [music] >> Buenos dias, Fellowship West Little >> Buenos dias, Fellowship West Little >> Buenos dias, Fellowship West Little Rock. Como estan? Rock. Como estan? Rock. Como estan? Okay, okay. Like the first service, you Okay, okay. Like the first service, you Okay, okay. Like the first service, you know, know, know, did a little bit better. Let's try did a little bit better. Let's try did a little bit better. Let's try again. again. again. Buenos dias, Fellowship West Little Buenos dias, Fellowship West Little Buenos dias, Fellowship West Little Rock. Rock. Rock. Let's go to those who are watching on Let's go to those who are watching on Let's go to those who are watching on the chapel or watching us online. I'm so the chapel or watching us online. I'm so the chapel or watching us online. I'm so glad that you guys are joining in. And glad that you guys are joining in. And glad that you guys are joining in. And for those who don't know me, my name is for those who don't know me, my name is for those who don't know me, my name is Alfredo Zuniga and I'm the Espanol Alfredo Zuniga and I'm the Espanol Alfredo Zuniga and I'm the Espanol campus pastor. And I'm so glad to be campus pastor. And I'm so glad to be campus pastor. And I'm so glad to be here. here. here. I love when the teaching pastors I love when the teaching pastors I love when the teaching pastors coordinate all these to help us go coordinate all these to help us go coordinate all these to help us go around all the campuses. And And the around all the campuses. And And the around all the campuses. And And the beautiful thing about that is like beautiful thing about that is like beautiful thing about that is like normally we're assigning one of the normally we're assigning one of the normally we're assigning one of the campuses, but when you go around, you're campuses, but when you go around, you're campuses, but when you go around, you're reminded how the Lord is working things reminded how the Lord is working things reminded how the Lord is working things beyond what we can see at times. The beyond what we can see at times. The beyond what we can see at times. The Lord is working all over Central Lord is working all over Central Lord is working all over Central Arkansas, all over the world, and it Arkansas, all over the world, and it Arkansas, all over the world, and it allows Fellowship to be part of what allows Fellowship to be part of what allows Fellowship to be part of what he's doing here and the world. So, he's doing here and the world. So, he's doing here and the world. So, in this series, we continue talking in this series, we continue talking in this series, we continue talking about our favorite story. And my about our favorite story. And my about our favorite story. And my favorite story is in the book of Joshua.

favorite story is in the book of Joshua. favorite story is in the book of Joshua. But before that, one of the thing that I But before that, one of the thing that I But before that, one of the thing that I also love about our Espanol campus, you also love about our Espanol campus, you also love about our Espanol campus, you know, I'm reminded yesterday we got our know, I'm reminded yesterday we got our know, I'm reminded yesterday we got our team back from Honduras that was down team back from Honduras that was down team back from Honduras that was down there in a short mission trip and was there in a short mission trip and was there in a short mission trip and was encouraging the churches down there. And encouraging the churches down there. And encouraging the churches down there. And one of the good things of sending an one of the good things of sending an one of the good things of sending an Espanol mission trip is that they didn't Espanol mission trip is that they didn't Espanol mission trip is that they didn't need much translation. need much translation. need much translation. That's awesome. That's awesome. That's awesome. And the ones who needed they just had And the ones who needed they just had And the ones who needed they just had one in the team that was going to help one in the team that was going to help one in the team that was going to help them. So, praise the Lord for all those them. So, praise the Lord for all those them. So, praise the Lord for all those short mission trips that are going short mission trips that are going short mission trips that are going around and also receive a great report. around and also receive a great report. around and also receive a great report. I love when the pastors on these I love when the pastors on these I love when the pastors on these uh you know, our mission partners called uh you know, our mission partners called uh you know, our mission partners called us and say, "Hey man, like that trip us and say, "Hey man, like that trip us and say, "Hey man, like that trip that team that you send is just full of that team that you send is just full of that team that you send is just full of joy, of love, and just with a desire to joy, of love, and just with a desire to joy, of love, and just with a desire to serve." It filled us with a lot of joy serve." It filled us with a lot of joy serve." It filled us with a lot of joy as pastors when we hear that. So, if you as pastors when we hear that. So, if you as pastors when we hear that. So, if you haven't gone in one of those mission haven't gone in one of those mission haven't gone in one of those mission trips, I encourage you to sign in one uh trips, I encourage you to sign in one uh trips, I encourage you to sign in one uh if not this year, but the one that is if not this year, but the one that is if not this year, but the one that is coming. Uh and I want to introduce you coming. Uh and I want to introduce you coming. Uh and I want to introduce you to my family. Uh you will see a picture to my family. Uh you will see a picture to my family. Uh you will see a picture in the screen of my beautiful wife from in the screen of my beautiful wife from in the screen of my beautiful wife from Cabot, Arkansas.

Cabot, Arkansas. Cabot, Arkansas. Uh Kate, and then my six children, Liam, Uh Kate, and then my six children, Liam, Uh Kate, and then my six children, Liam, Natalie, Luke, Gabe, Seth, and Vivian, Natalie, Luke, Gabe, Seth, and Vivian, Natalie, Luke, Gabe, Seth, and Vivian, and we stop there, okay? I know if you and we stop there, okay? I know if you and we stop there, okay? I know if you were wondering. were wondering. were wondering. Uh and this is what happened when you Uh and this is what happened when you Uh and this is what happened when you move to Arkansas. move to Arkansas. move to Arkansas. So, um I'm from Honduras originally, and So, um I'm from Honduras originally, and So, um I'm from Honduras originally, and you might wonder how did a Honduran end you might wonder how did a Honduran end you might wonder how did a Honduran end up with a beautiful girl from Arkansas, up with a beautiful girl from Arkansas, up with a beautiful girl from Arkansas, and it's because of Fellowship, because and it's because of Fellowship, because and it's because of Fellowship, because of the mission heart that Fellowship has of the mission heart that Fellowship has of the mission heart that Fellowship has in sending a mission trip 16 years ago in sending a mission trip 16 years ago in sending a mission trip 16 years ago to Honduras, and that's where I met her. to Honduras, and that's where I met her. to Honduras, and that's where I met her. And then, you know, the rest is history. And then, you know, the rest is history. And then, you know, the rest is history. You can ask us later. But, we're so glad You can ask us later. But, we're so glad You can ask us later. But, we're so glad to be just part of Fellowship and call to be just part of Fellowship and call to be just part of Fellowship and call Fellowship our home. Uh being here in Fellowship our home. Uh being here in Fellowship our home. Uh being here in the church since I moved from Honduras, the church since I moved from Honduras, the church since I moved from Honduras, and it's almost 10 years, and I've just and it's almost 10 years, and I've just and it's almost 10 years, and I've just seen the glory of God and His goodness seen the glory of God and His goodness seen the glory of God and His goodness to me and my family. So, where are we to me and my family. So, where are we to me and my family. So, where are we going today? As you open your Bible in going today? As you open your Bible in going today? As you open your Bible in Joshua chapter 7, why don't we bow down Joshua chapter 7, why don't we bow down Joshua chapter 7, why don't we bow down our heads and ask the heavenly Father to our heads and ask the heavenly Father to our heads and ask the heavenly Father to help us uh as we hear His word.

help us uh as we hear His word. help us uh as we hear His word. Heavenly Father, thank you for this Heavenly Father, thank you for this Heavenly Father, thank you for this morning. morning. morning. Thank you for your goodness to us, just Thank you for your goodness to us, just Thank you for your goodness to us, just the air that we breathe, the air that we breathe, the air that we breathe, the opportunity to gather together, the opportunity to gather together, the opportunity to gather together, and knowing that there's other fellow and knowing that there's other fellow and knowing that there's other fellow brothers and sisters worshipping you in brothers and sisters worshipping you in brothers and sisters worshipping you in many other campuses and all over the many other campuses and all over the many other campuses and all over the world, from every tribe and tongue and world, from every tribe and tongue and world, from every tribe and tongue and nation, Lord. Thank you for the work nation, Lord. Thank you for the work nation, Lord. Thank you for the work that you are doing. that you are doing. that you are doing. And we come before you asking that you And we come before you asking that you And we come before you asking that you will touch our hearts, our minds. will touch our hearts, our minds. will touch our hearts, our minds. That you allow us to understand and hear That you allow us to understand and hear That you allow us to understand and hear what you have to say for us this what you have to say for us this what you have to say for us this morning. morning. morning. And that your word will cause And that your word will cause And that your word will cause transformation in our hearts, in our transformation in our hearts, in our transformation in our hearts, in our families, in everything we think or do. families, in everything we think or do. families, in everything we think or do. In Jesus name, we pray. In Jesus name, we pray. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, the story today is about the sin of So, the story today is about the sin of So, the story today is about the sin of Achan. Achan. Achan. And many times we experience And many times we experience And many times we experience difficulties in our lives due to difficulties in our lives due to difficulties in our lives due to situations that are beyond our control. situations that are beyond our control. situations that are beyond our control. Beyond things we can do or, you know, Beyond things we can do or, you know, Beyond things we can do or, you know, and we call that trials. Trials come to and we call that trials. Trials come to and we call that trials. Trials come to every person as we walk through this every person as we walk through this every person as we walk through this world this broken world. And we need world this broken world. And we need world this broken world. And we need God's grace to go through those. We need God's grace to go through those. We need God's grace to go through those. We need faithful people and friends to help us faithful people and friends to help us faithful people and friends to help us walk through those trials that at time walk through those trials that at time walk through those trials that at time we find ourselves.

we find ourselves. we find ourselves. But many other times we find ourselves But many other times we find ourselves But many other times we find ourselves in such predicament as a result of the in such predicament as a result of the in such predicament as a result of the consequences of sin in our lives. consequences of sin in our lives. consequences of sin in our lives. And I I believe is this last one that And I I believe is this last one that And I I believe is this last one that can easily fly under our radar. can easily fly under our radar. can easily fly under our radar. And that if we're not careful, it will And that if we're not careful, it will And that if we're not careful, it will not only bring consequences to our own not only bring consequences to our own not only bring consequences to our own self, but bring consequences to the self, but bring consequences to the self, but bring consequences to the people around us. people around us. people around us. One of the biggest lies that a lot of One of the biggest lies that a lot of One of the biggest lies that a lot of people have believed is that sin is can people have believed is that sin is can people have believed is that sin is can be private. Oh, it's just between me, be private. Oh, it's just between me, be private. Oh, it's just between me, you know, and God. Like this is not you know, and God. Like this is not you know, and God. Like this is not Who's Who is it going to hurt? And we've Who's Who is it going to hurt? And we've Who's Who is it going to hurt? And we've learned from the beginning of times that learned from the beginning of times that learned from the beginning of times that is never private. It always bring is never private. It always bring is never private. It always bring consequences not to only to us, but consequences not to only to us, but consequences not to only to us, but people around us. people around us. people around us. And I always ask when I start this And I always ask when I start this And I always ask when I start this passage in Joshua chapter 7, you know, passage in Joshua chapter 7, you know, passage in Joshua chapter 7, you know, who remembers that great battle of who remembers that great battle of who remembers that great battle of Jericho? Like who remembers how the Jericho? Like who remembers how the Jericho? Like who remembers how the Israelites went and and and you know, Israelites went and and and you know, Israelites went and and and you know, surrounded the city and the Lord surrounded the city and the Lord surrounded the city and the Lord basically gave them victory mainly basically gave them victory mainly basically gave them victory mainly without doing anything, just trusting without doing anything, just trusting without doing anything, just trusting the Lord. I remember it because in Bible the Lord. I remember it because in Bible the Lord. I remember it because in Bible school they will make me go round and school they will make me go round and school they will make me go round and round and round when I was a kid and I round and round when I was a kid and I round and round when I was a kid and I loved it. You know, my kids love that, loved it. You know, my kids love that, loved it. You know, my kids love that, too.

too. too. But when I ask, who remembers the battle But when I ask, who remembers the battle But when I ask, who remembers the battle that comes after that? I find that many that comes after that? I find that many that comes after that? I find that many of us don't remember. It's not as shiny. of us don't remember. It's not as shiny. of us don't remember. It's not as shiny. It's not as impressive. It's not as impressive. It's not as impressive. And in fact, it's actually very sad. And in fact, it's actually very sad. And in fact, it's actually very sad. But we're going to learn much from this But we're going to learn much from this But we're going to learn much from this story. story. story. And this battle is the battle of And this battle is the battle of And this battle is the battle of AI since this you know, right now AI since this you know, right now AI since this you know, right now popular, I'll use AI instead of I, but popular, I'll use AI instead of I, but popular, I'll use AI instead of I, but you can use whatever you want. you can use whatever you want. you can use whatever you want. Where are we? I like to set uh the Where are we? I like to set uh the Where are we? I like to set uh the context to help us see the that the context to help us see the that the context to help us see the that the picture of where we are. picture of where we are. picture of where we are. So, Moses have led the people of Israel So, Moses have led the people of Israel So, Moses have led the people of Israel out of Egypt for 40 years and at that out of Egypt for 40 years and at that out of Egypt for 40 years and at that point Moses is the greatest leader that point Moses is the greatest leader that point Moses is the greatest leader that Israel have known, but he die. Israel have known, but he die. Israel have known, but he die. He didn't make it into the promised He didn't make it into the promised He didn't make it into the promised land. We saw he had some anger issues land. We saw he had some anger issues land. We saw he had some anger issues and the Lord said, "No, you're not going and the Lord said, "No, you're not going and the Lord said, "No, you're not going in." in." in." Which sometimes we say, "Lord, that's Which sometimes we say, "Lord, that's Which sometimes we say, "Lord, that's hard." But he was a leader. He was hard." But he was a leader. He was hard." But he was a leader. He was teaching also a lesson. teaching also a lesson. teaching also a lesson. And he said, "Hey, you're not going in." And he said, "Hey, you're not going in." And he said, "Hey, you're not going in." So, who's going to lead the people So, who's going to lead the people So, who's going to lead the people through the conquer to the conquest through the conquer to the conquest through the conquer to the conquest inside the land? And this is a name a inside the land? And this is a name a inside the land? And this is a name a guy named Joshua.

guy named Joshua. guy named Joshua. And obviously the people of Israel are And obviously the people of Israel are And obviously the people of Israel are wondering, is Joshua going to be a wondering, is Joshua going to be a wondering, is Joshua going to be a backed up by the Lord as as Moses was? backed up by the Lord as as Moses was? backed up by the Lord as as Moses was? So, the Lord does something amazing. He So, the Lord does something amazing. He So, the Lord does something amazing. He confirmed Joshua's leadership through confirmed Joshua's leadership through confirmed Joshua's leadership through the people in the people by by crossing the people in the people by by crossing the people in the people by by crossing the Jordan in a similar way that they the Jordan in a similar way that they the Jordan in a similar way that they had crossed the sea with Moses. had crossed the sea with Moses. had crossed the sea with Moses. And this confirmed his leadership and And this confirmed his leadership and And this confirmed his leadership and the people thought, "Okay, the Lord is the people thought, "Okay, the Lord is the people thought, "Okay, the Lord is with Joshua just as he was with Moses." with Joshua just as he was with Moses." with Joshua just as he was with Moses." And remember at the beginning of that And remember at the beginning of that And remember at the beginning of that text, it start by encouraging Joshua to text, it start by encouraging Joshua to text, it start by encouraging Joshua to remain in his word and say, "Do not remain in his word and say, "Do not remain in his word and say, "Do not depart from this book of the law and the depart from this book of the law and the depart from this book of the law and the you know, and do everything that I have you know, and do everything that I have you know, and do everything that I have commanded you and everything that you do commanded you and everything that you do commanded you and everything that you do will prosper." will prosper." will prosper." And it's a great, you know, kind of like And it's a great, you know, kind of like And it's a great, you know, kind of like a start to the book. And then after a start to the book. And then after a start to the book. And then after crossing the Jordan, they send a couple crossing the Jordan, they send a couple crossing the Jordan, they send a couple of spies to check uh Jericho. of spies to check uh Jericho. of spies to check uh Jericho. And pay attention how what happened in And pay attention how what happened in And pay attention how what happened in Jericho. Jericho. Jericho. Jericho Jericho Jericho is is a fortified city and they think is is a fortified city and they think is is a fortified city and they think nobody can take them.

nobody can take them. nobody can take them. But within the city But within the city But within the city when the spies go inside to check the when the spies go inside to check the when the spies go inside to check the land, there's one person and her name is land, there's one person and her name is land, there's one person and her name is Rahab. Rahab. Rahab. Which Rahab was a prostitute. Which Rahab was a prostitute. Which Rahab was a prostitute. That in that moment trusted in the God That in that moment trusted in the God That in that moment trusted in the God of Israel, in Jehovah, Yahweh. of Israel, in Jehovah, Yahweh. of Israel, in Jehovah, Yahweh. And what happened there is that that And what happened there is that that And what happened there is that that city was devoted to destruction, but city was devoted to destruction, but city was devoted to destruction, but Rahab received forgiveness for trusting Rahab received forgiveness for trusting Rahab received forgiveness for trusting in the Lord. And her her family and all in the Lord. And her her family and all in the Lord. And her her family and all of her things were spared and she got of her things were spared and she got of her things were spared and she got out, you know, uh out, you know, uh out, you know, uh from the destruction of the city. And from the destruction of the city. And from the destruction of the city. And pay attention to that detail because pay attention to that detail because pay attention to that detail because you'll see how the next chapter ends. And this is where we find ourselves. And this is where we find ourselves. They just won the battle They just won the battle They just won the battle Jericho, Rahab was saved and now this is Jericho, Rahab was saved and now this is Jericho, Rahab was saved and now this is where we start the story. where we start the story. where we start the story. And there was one instruction that God And there was one instruction that God And there was one instruction that God gave them before they started the land gave them before they started the land gave them before they started the land to conquer the land. And it's verse 18 to conquer the land. And it's verse 18 to conquer the land. And it's verse 18 of chapter 6 and he says this, of chapter 6 and he says this, of chapter 6 and he says this, "But you "But you "But you keep yourself keep yourself keep yourself from the thing devoted to destruction, from the thing devoted to destruction, from the thing devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them, you lest when you have devoted them, you lest when you have devoted them, you take any of the devoted things and make take any of the devoted things and make take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for the camp of Israel a thing for the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it."

destruction and bring trouble upon it." destruction and bring trouble upon it." The Lord said, "When you go into into The Lord said, "When you go into into The Lord said, "When you go into into the land the land the land do not grab things that are devoted do not grab things that are devoted do not grab things that are devoted either to be burned or either to be either to be burned or either to be either to be burned or either to be brought into the treasure of the Lord. brought into the treasure of the Lord. brought into the treasure of the Lord. It doesn't belong to you. You should not It doesn't belong to you. You should not It doesn't belong to you. You should not take it. take it. take it. So, the first thing we'll we'll learn So, the first thing we'll we'll learn So, the first thing we'll we'll learn this morning is what are the symptoms this morning is what are the symptoms this morning is what are the symptoms when sin enter into the camp. What are when sin enter into the camp. What are when sin enter into the camp. What are the symptoms when sin enter into the the symptoms when sin enter into the the symptoms when sin enter into the life of a person? So, go with me life of a person? So, go with me life of a person? So, go with me to verse to verse to verse 1 1 1 all the way to 5. So, it says this. all the way to 5. So, it says this. all the way to 5. So, it says this. But the people of Israel But the people of Israel But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted broke faith in regard to the devoted broke faith in regard to the devoted things. For Achan, the son of Carmi, son things. For Achan, the son of Carmi, son things. For Achan, the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, Judah, Judah, took some of the devoted things, and the took some of the devoted things, and the took some of the devoted things, and the anger of the Lord burned against the anger of the Lord burned against the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel. people of Israel. people of Israel. Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Bethaven, east of Bethel, which is near Bethaven, east of Bethel, which is near Bethaven, east of Bethel, and said to them, and said to them, and said to them, "Go up and espy out the land."

"Go up and espy out the land." "Go up and espy out the land." And the men went up and espied out Ai. And the men went up and espied out Ai. And the men went up and espied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to And they returned to Joshua and said to And they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not have all the people go up, him, "Do not have all the people go up, him, "Do not have all the people go up, but let two or 3,000 men go up after the but let two or 3,000 men go up after the but let two or 3,000 men go up after the after and attack Ai. Do not make the after and attack Ai. Do not make the after and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for there whole people toil up there, for there whole people toil up there, for there are just a few." are just a few." are just a few." So, about 3,000 men went up there from So, about 3,000 men went up there from So, about 3,000 men went up there from the people, and they fled before the men the people, and they fled before the men the people, and they fled before the men of Ai, and the men of Ai killed about 36 of Ai, and the men of Ai killed about 36 of Ai, and the men of Ai killed about 36 of their men, of their men, of their men, and chased them before the gate as far and chased them before the gate as far and chased them before the gate as far as Shebarim, and they struck them at the as Shebarim, and they struck them at the as Shebarim, and they struck them at the descent, and the hearts of the people descent, and the hearts of the people descent, and the hearts of the people melted and became as water. So, they think this is going to be easy. So, they think this is going to be easy. We just defeated Jericho. We just defeated Jericho. We just defeated Jericho. And And And and actually Jericho was a smaller than and actually Jericho was a smaller than and actually Jericho was a smaller than Ai. Ai. Ai. And Ai the And Ai the And Ai the uh uh uh they say there are a couple of thousands they say there are a couple of thousands they say there are a couple of thousands people, so a little bit bigger. But people, so a little bit bigger. But people, so a little bit bigger. But after seeing the victory they had over after seeing the victory they had over after seeing the victory they had over Jericho, they said, "Oh, surely this is Jericho, they said, "Oh, surely this is Jericho, they said, "Oh, surely this is going to be easy. Don't even send a the going to be easy. Don't even send a the going to be easy. Don't even send a the whole army. We got this. Just send a whole army. We got this. Just send a whole army. We got this. Just send a couple of thousand of the army and we'll couple of thousand of the army and we'll couple of thousand of the army and we'll conquer the land super easy." But what conquer the land super easy." But what conquer the land super easy." But what happened?

happened? happened? It was the opposite. It was the opposite. It was the opposite. They ran before them They ran before them They ran before them and before they even know what's going and before they even know what's going and before they even know what's going on in the camp, 36 people died, lose on in the camp, 36 people died, lose on in the camp, 36 people died, lose their lives. And this is where their lives. And this is where their lives. And this is where everything starts. everything starts. everything starts. Isn't that curious? Isn't that curious? Isn't that curious? That when sin enters into the picture, That when sin enters into the picture, That when sin enters into the picture, then even the most basic things in life then even the most basic things in life then even the most basic things in life don't work out. don't work out. don't work out. And remember, I just want to clarify, And remember, I just want to clarify, And remember, I just want to clarify, I'm not talking about when people find I'm not talking about when people find I'm not talking about when people find themselves in trials. You know, it's not themselves in trials. You know, it's not themselves in trials. You know, it's not a time we're saying, "Lord, what are you a time we're saying, "Lord, what are you a time we're saying, "Lord, what are you doing to me?" I'm I'm saying about clear doing to me?" I'm I'm saying about clear doing to me?" I'm I'm saying about clear actions that somebody have taken in actions that somebody have taken in actions that somebody have taken in their life that know that are not their life that know that are not their life that know that are not pleasing to God that are bringing pleasing to God that are bringing pleasing to God that are bringing consequences in their lives. consequences in their lives. consequences in their lives. Let's keep those two separate. If not, Let's keep those two separate. If not, Let's keep those two separate. If not, we get a wrong picture of who God is. we get a wrong picture of who God is. we get a wrong picture of who God is. Sometimes he take us to trials and we Sometimes he take us to trials and we Sometimes he take us to trials and we will go out of that affliction by his will go out of that affliction by his will go out of that affliction by his grace. grace. grace. But sometimes those afflictions come But sometimes those afflictions come But sometimes those afflictions come because of consequences of sin and this because of consequences of sin and this because of consequences of sin and this is the story that we're looking at.

is the story that we're looking at. is the story that we're looking at. So, what are the first symptoms? First, So, what are the first symptoms? First, So, what are the first symptoms? First, a victory that should have been easy, a victory that should have been easy, a victory that should have been easy, they find themselves losing 36 lives. they find themselves losing 36 lives. they find themselves losing 36 lives. And if you read the Bible from Genesis And if you read the Bible from Genesis And if you read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, there's a truth that is to Revelation, there's a truth that is to Revelation, there's a truth that is very clear. very clear. very clear. For the wages of sin is death. Many times we think that that that Many times we think that that that statement is too strong, but I believe statement is too strong, but I believe statement is too strong, but I believe that times is too strong because we lose that times is too strong because we lose that times is too strong because we lose sight of the holiness of God, of how sight of the holiness of God, of how sight of the holiness of God, of how perfect it is and how wicked we are, how perfect it is and how wicked we are, how perfect it is and how wicked we are, how heavy our sin is. heavy our sin is. heavy our sin is. What is the second symptom? It calls my What is the second symptom? It calls my What is the second symptom? It calls my attention that in the first battle in attention that in the first battle in attention that in the first battle in the chapter before this, he asked the the chapter before this, he asked the the chapter before this, he asked the Lord what should they do as they go into Lord what should they do as they go into Lord what should they do as they go into Jericho. Jericho. Jericho. But in this one, you see this overly But in this one, you see this overly But in this one, you see this overly confident attitude. Oh, we got it, but confident attitude. Oh, we got it, but confident attitude. Oh, we got it, but you don't see in the picture a you don't see in the picture a you don't see in the picture a conversation with God. conversation with God. conversation with God. I wonder if the Lord would have told I wonder if the Lord would have told I wonder if the Lord would have told them even before they go into battle, them even before they go into battle, them even before they go into battle, "Hey, let me tell you something. You "Hey, let me tell you something. You "Hey, let me tell you something. You shouldn't go because there's there's a shouldn't go because there's there's a shouldn't go because there's there's a problem in the camp you need to solve problem in the camp you need to solve problem in the camp you need to solve before you go into battle."

Sometimes Sometimes a pattern that it happens when sin is a pattern that it happens when sin is a pattern that it happens when sin is hidden under the surface, either we stop hidden under the surface, either we stop hidden under the surface, either we stop listening to God's word. listening to God's word. listening to God's word. We stop seeking his direction. We stop seeking his direction. We stop seeking his direction. We think that things are going to be We think that things are going to be We think that things are going to be okay and we're almost numb to that okay and we're almost numb to that okay and we're almost numb to that situation or what whatever is happening. situation or what whatever is happening. situation or what whatever is happening. I tell them it's like those bugs that I tell them it's like those bugs that I tell them it's like those bugs that are start like, you know, sucking your are start like, you know, sucking your are start like, you know, sucking your blood, but you don't feel it because blood, but you don't feel it because blood, but you don't feel it because they numb you first. That's how sin they numb you first. That's how sin they numb you first. That's how sin works in our life. works in our life. works in our life. So, when it comes out, it's already a So, when it comes out, it's already a So, when it comes out, it's already a lot of damage caused. lot of damage caused. lot of damage caused. But they just go, they think they got But they just go, they think they got But they just go, they think they got it. But the question that Joshua has But the question that Joshua has will be interesting in the next section. will be interesting in the next section. will be interesting in the next section. But they say that their hearts melted But they say that their hearts melted But they say that their hearts melted like water. like water. like water. Of course, like you at that moment you Of course, like you at that moment you Of course, like you at that moment you don't know why things are not going don't know why things are not going don't know why things are not going right. right. right. But it's just showing you there's some But it's just showing you there's some But it's just showing you there's some symptoms. There's something that are not symptoms. There's something that are not symptoms. There's something that are not correct. So, let's learn a little bit correct. So, let's learn a little bit correct. So, let's learn a little bit from the response. We're going to let from the response. We're going to let from the response. We're going to let learn a lot of how we act, how we behave learn a lot of how we act, how we behave learn a lot of how we act, how we behave from Joshua and the leaders' response.

from Joshua and the leaders' response. from Joshua and the leaders' response. And it's in verse 6. And it's in verse 6. And it's in verse 6. It says this. It says this. It says this. Then Joshua tore his clothes and and Then Joshua tore his clothes and and Then Joshua tore his clothes and and fell to the earth on his face before the fell to the earth on his face before the fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, he ark of the Lord until the evening, he ark of the Lord until the evening, he and the elders of Israel. and the elders of Israel. and the elders of Israel. And they put dust on their heads, and And they put dust on their heads, and And they put dust on their heads, and Joshua said, Joshua said, Joshua said, "Alas, oh Lord God, why have you brought "Alas, oh Lord God, why have you brought "Alas, oh Lord God, why have you brought us brought these people over the Jordan us brought these people over the Jordan us brought these people over the Jordan at all at all at all to give us into the hands of the to give us into the hands of the to give us into the hands of the Amorites Amorites Amorites to destroy us. to destroy us. to destroy us. Would have would that have not been Would have would that have not been Would have would that have not been content to dwell beyond the Jordan? Oh content to dwell beyond the Jordan? Oh content to dwell beyond the Jordan? Oh Lord, what can I say when Israel has has Lord, what can I say when Israel has has Lord, what can I say when Israel has has turned her back before their enemies? turned her back before their enemies? turned her back before their enemies? For the Canaanites and all the For the Canaanites and all the For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it inhabitants of the land will hear of it inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our and will surround us and cut off our and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth and what will you do name from the earth and what will you do name from the earth and what will you do for your great name? for your great name? for your great name? So Joshua is like full of sadness, full So Joshua is like full of sadness, full So Joshua is like full of sadness, full of sadness, doubt, probably fear. Like of sadness, doubt, probably fear. Like of sadness, doubt, probably fear. Like Lord, like Lord, like Lord, like what are you doing? You just told me you what are you doing? You just told me you what are you doing? You just told me you were going to be with me. You just show were going to be with me. You just show were going to be with me. You just show us your miraculous power on the victory.

us your miraculous power on the victory. us your miraculous power on the victory. What is this? What is this? What is this? It's similar to many times of how Moses It's similar to many times of how Moses It's similar to many times of how Moses reacted. reacted. reacted. Instead of actually looking deeply into Instead of actually looking deeply into Instead of actually looking deeply into what was the problem in the camp, what was the problem in the camp, what was the problem in the camp, he goes to God. he goes to God. he goes to God. In a in a in a in a similar way that we In a in a in a in a similar way that we In a in a in a in a similar way that we see people through all the Old see people through all the Old see people through all the Old Testament, Testament, Testament, almost like blaming God. You have left almost like blaming God. You have left almost like blaming God. You have left us. You have abandoned us. Lord, this is us. You have abandoned us. Lord, this is us. You have abandoned us. Lord, this is not working out, but we don't see what's not working out, but we don't see what's not working out, but we don't see what's going in here. going in here. going in here. Which it tells me Which it tells me Which it tells me that in the response we can see that that in the response we can see that that in the response we can see that spiritual blindness is very common when spiritual blindness is very common when spiritual blindness is very common when sin is in the camp. sin is in the camp. sin is in the camp. We cannot see things in a way that we We cannot see things in a way that we We cannot see things in a way that we should see them. should see them. should see them. So we go and start blaming. Blaming God, So we go and start blaming. Blaming God, So we go and start blaming. Blaming God, blaming others, blaming the blaming others, blaming the blaming others, blaming the circumstances. And who were the Canaanites? Who were And who were the Canaanites? Who were the Amorites? You know, the Amorites? You know, the Amorites? You know, a lot of the time we read the Old a lot of the time we read the Old a lot of the time we read the Old Testament, you know, we just go from one Testament, you know, we just go from one Testament, you know, we just go from one place to the other and we don't see that place to the other and we don't see that place to the other and we don't see that that a lot of these stories are that a lot of these stories are that a lot of these stories are separated by hundreds of years, okay?

separated by hundreds of years, okay? separated by hundreds of years, okay? So when I Abraham is going on a journey So when I Abraham is going on a journey So when I Abraham is going on a journey down down down being led by the Lord. He goes to Canaan being led by the Lord. He goes to Canaan being led by the Lord. He goes to Canaan and the Canaanites and the Amorites and and the Canaanites and the Amorites and and the Canaanites and the Amorites and all these nations are there and it's all these nations are there and it's all these nations are there and it's interesting what God says to Abraham. He interesting what God says to Abraham. He interesting what God says to Abraham. He said, "Hey, this is the land that I said, "Hey, this is the land that I said, "Hey, this is the land that I promised you." promised you." promised you." But it will not be until the wickedness But it will not be until the wickedness But it will not be until the wickedness of the Amorites fill the cup goes to the of the Amorites fill the cup goes to the of the Amorites fill the cup goes to the top that I will bring judgment of these top that I will bring judgment of these top that I will bring judgment of these on these nations. on these nations. on these nations. You see these these cultures You see these these cultures You see these these cultures uh uh uh where utterly wicked shallow sacrifice, where utterly wicked shallow sacrifice, where utterly wicked shallow sacrifice, you know, like all kind of evils that you know, like all kind of evils that you know, like all kind of evils that they would be happening there and the they would be happening there and the they would be happening there and the Lord even with them was so patient to Lord even with them was so patient to Lord even with them was so patient to give them 400 plus years. give them 400 plus years. give them 400 plus years. So now we are in the judgment that God So now we are in the judgment that God So now we are in the judgment that God had promised had promised had promised to these people. to these people. to these people. And also you need to learn and And also you need to learn and And also you need to learn and understand that God is not impartial. understand that God is not impartial. understand that God is not impartial. It's not that he would judge these It's not that he would judge these It's not that he would judge these nations but he would not judge Israel. nations but he would not judge Israel. nations but he would not judge Israel. There were a time that Israel and we can There were a time that Israel and we can There were a time that Israel and we can see also that the the story of Israel see also that the the story of Israel see also that the the story of Israel that Israel itself was judged just like that Israel itself was judged just like that Israel itself was judged just like the story we see today.

the story we see today. the story we see today. So God is bringing judgment to the So God is bringing judgment to the So God is bringing judgment to the Canaanites but they cannot and he said, Canaanites but they cannot and he said, Canaanites but they cannot and he said, "You will not be able to have victory "You will not be able to have victory "You will not be able to have victory over your enemies until you deal with over your enemies until you deal with over your enemies until you deal with that problem." Sometimes it makes me Sometimes it makes me remember what somebody says of how sin remember what somebody says of how sin remember what somebody says of how sin works works works in our lives. in our lives. in our lives. And he he said it this way. He said, And he he said it this way. He said, And he he said it this way. He said, "Our hearts can say what our mouths "Our hearts can say what our mouths "Our hearts can say what our mouths dares not to speak." dares not to speak." dares not to speak." And our mind will think what our hands And our mind will think what our hands And our mind will think what our hands dare not to do. dare not to do. dare not to do. You see You see You see sin at this point is still in the sin at this point is still in the sin at this point is still in the background. It's still just being background. It's still just being background. It's still just being cultivated. It's still being hidden. cultivated. It's still being hidden. cultivated. It's still being hidden. And and that's how our hearts work. And and that's how our hearts work. And and that's how our hearts work. Sometimes there's things in our hearts Sometimes there's things in our hearts Sometimes there's things in our hearts but we haven't bring it up to the light but we haven't bring it up to the light but we haven't bring it up to the light in the way we speak. in the way we speak. in the way we speak. Sometimes there are things in our mind Sometimes there are things in our mind Sometimes there are things in our mind that we haven't taken it into action.

that we haven't taken it into action. that we haven't taken it into action. But it's important that we have a right But it's important that we have a right But it's important that we have a right view of of ourselves and view of of ourselves and view of of ourselves and and and it will pushes us to a really and and it will pushes us to a really and and it will pushes us to a really strong dependence on the Lord. When you strong dependence on the Lord. When you strong dependence on the Lord. When you start knowing your heart and how we start knowing your heart and how we start knowing your heart and how we we're singing how prone to wander we we're singing how prone to wander we we're singing how prone to wander we are, are, are, it should lead us to the Lord. it should lead us to the Lord. it should lead us to the Lord. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Or in popular terms, somebody said sin >> Or in popular terms, somebody said sin >> Or in popular terms, somebody said sin is like cockroaches, it thrives in the is like cockroaches, it thrives in the is like cockroaches, it thrives in the darkness. darkness. darkness. I have a lot of stories about I have a lot of stories about I have a lot of stories about cockroaches, but you can ask my kids, cockroaches, but you can ask my kids, cockroaches, but you can ask my kids, they they know them. they they know them. they they know them. I don't like them. So, the Lord will do So, the Lord will do what he normally does. what he normally does. what he normally does. He will bring those hidden things to the He will bring those hidden things to the He will bring those hidden things to the light. light. light. But first, he will point to the root of But first, he will point to the root of But first, he will point to the root of the problem. the problem. the problem. The root of the problem. Let's go to verse 10. Let's go to verse 10. He said, "The Lord said to Joshua, He said, "The Lord said to Joshua, He said, "The Lord said to Joshua, get up.

get up. get up. Why have you fallen on your face? Israel Why have you fallen on your face? Israel Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned. They have transgressed my has sinned. They have transgressed my has sinned. They have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them, and they covenant that I commanded them, and they covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of the devoted things. have taken some of the devoted things. have taken some of the devoted things. They have stolen and lied and put them They have stolen and lied and put them They have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore, among their own belongings. Therefore, among their own belongings. Therefore, the people of Israel cannot stand before the people of Israel cannot stand before the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs their enemies. They turn their backs their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies because they have before their enemies because they have before their enemies because they have become devoted for destruction. I will become devoted for destruction. I will become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more unless you destroy be with you no more unless you destroy be with you no more unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. the devoted things from among you. the devoted things from among you. Get up. Consecrate the people and say, Get up. Consecrate the people and say, Get up. Consecrate the people and say, "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow. For "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow. For "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow. For thus says the Lord, God of Israel, there thus says the Lord, God of Israel, there thus says the Lord, God of Israel, there are devoted things in your midst, O are devoted things in your midst, O are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your Israel. You cannot stand before your Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted enemies until you take away the devoted enemies until you take away the devoted things among you. You can easily see fast that there's a You can easily see fast that there's a problem. problem. problem. And the problem is not that the Lord has And the problem is not that the Lord has And the problem is not that the Lord has abandoned them. abandoned them. abandoned them. The problem is not that The problem is not that The problem is not that the Lord forgot, you know, what he was the Lord forgot, you know, what he was the Lord forgot, you know, what he was going to do.

going to do. going to do. The problem is that The problem is that The problem is that there was sin in the camp. there was sin in the camp. there was sin in the camp. Like somebody else said, the heart of Like somebody else said, the heart of Like somebody else said, the heart of the problem is a problem with the heart. the problem is a problem with the heart. the problem is a problem with the heart. That where everything lays. That where everything lays. That where everything lays. And God said, "Don't look at me. Look at And God said, "Don't look at me. Look at And God said, "Don't look at me. Look at your camp. Look Look there. Don't blame your camp. Look Look there. Don't blame your camp. Look Look there. Don't blame me." me." me." It's easy to to focus on the symptoms It's easy to to focus on the symptoms It's easy to to focus on the symptoms and never deal with the root of the and never deal with the root of the and never deal with the root of the problem. It remind me of this problem. It remind me of this problem. It remind me of this illustration that a friend used in illustration that a friend used in illustration that a friend used in talking about this subject. talking about this subject. talking about this subject. He He He used this idea when like a few He He He used this idea when like a few He He He used this idea when like a few decades ago when there was not many decades ago when there was not many decades ago when there was not many tools to determine if somebody was fit tools to determine if somebody was fit tools to determine if somebody was fit to, you know, uh to, you know, uh to, you know, uh develop themselves their life their develop themselves their life their develop themselves their life their normal lives within society. So, they normal lives within society. So, they normal lives within society. So, they will evaluate their mental capacity by will evaluate their mental capacity by will evaluate their mental capacity by putting them putting them putting them in a dark hallway. in a dark hallway. in a dark hallway. And at the end of the dark hallway, And at the end of the dark hallway, And at the end of the dark hallway, there was a light. And in that light, there was a light. And in that light, there was a light. And in that light, there was a sink that it was there was a sink that it was there was a sink that it was overflowing. overflowing. overflowing. And next to that sink, there was a mop.

And next to that sink, there was a mop. And next to that sink, there was a mop. So, if the person will walk in So, if the person will walk in So, if the person will walk in and then see what was going on, and the and then see what was going on, and the and then see what was going on, and the And depends what he will do, they will And depends what he will do, they will And depends what he will do, they will say, "Okay, you're good to go back into say, "Okay, you're good to go back into say, "Okay, you're good to go back into society." Or no, you still need some society." Or no, you still need some society." Or no, you still need some more work. more work. more work. So, a lot of the guys will go, walk, and So, a lot of the guys will go, walk, and So, a lot of the guys will go, walk, and when they see the water falling down, when they see the water falling down, when they see the water falling down, they will grab the mop and start they will grab the mop and start they will grab the mop and start mopping. mopping. mopping. You see, that's a lot of the time the You see, that's a lot of the time the You see, that's a lot of the time the way we deal with sin. way we deal with sin. way we deal with sin. Oh Lord, I'm just going to go a little Oh Lord, I'm just going to go a little Oh Lord, I'm just going to go a little bit more to church. I'm I'm going to be bit more to church. I'm I'm going to be bit more to church. I'm I'm going to be a little bit more consistent. Or I'm a little bit more consistent. Or I'm a little bit more consistent. Or I'm going to I'm going to do a little bit going to I'm going to do a little bit going to I'm going to do a little bit more Christian polls and Christian more Christian polls and Christian more Christian polls and Christian music. Oh Lord, I'm just going music. Oh Lord, I'm just going music. Oh Lord, I'm just going But we don't forsake. We don't bring to But we don't forsake. We don't bring to But we don't forsake. We don't bring to light the thing that are not right in light the thing that are not right in light the thing that are not right in our lives before him in repentance. We need to deal with the heart of the We need to deal with the heart of the problem. The root of the problem. problem. The root of the problem. problem. The root of the problem. Is that sin that is destroying our Is that sin that is destroying our Is that sin that is destroying our lives? Is that sin that is destroying lives? Is that sin that is destroying lives? Is that sin that is destroying the people around us?

the people around us? the people around us? And now in this point I I do feel like And now in this point I I do feel like And now in this point I I do feel like that is hitting home. that is hitting home. that is hitting home. Closer to our hearts. Closer to our hearts. Closer to our hearts. When I start seeing the attitudes and When I start seeing the attitudes and When I start seeing the attitudes and the thing that easily creeps into my the thing that easily creeps into my the thing that easily creeps into my life life life and it's easier to hide them under the and it's easier to hide them under the and it's easier to hide them under the tent. So what does God tells So what does God tells Joshua to do? Joshua to do? Joshua to do? We're not going to read these verses, We're not going to read these verses, We're not going to read these verses, but in in verse 14 he tells them, but in in verse 14 he tells them, but in in verse 14 he tells them, "Go and gather all the people and from "Go and gather all the people and from "Go and gather all the people and from every people every people every people you we will grab a tribe and from that you we will grab a tribe and from that you we will grab a tribe and from that tribe we will we will call a clan and tribe we will we will call a clan and tribe we will we will call a clan and from that clan we'll call a family from from that clan we'll call a family from from that clan we'll call a family from that families we call a man." that families we call a man." that families we call a man." And I ask, "Why?" And I ask, "Why?" And I ask, "Why?" Why the Lord didn't just, Why the Lord didn't just, Why the Lord didn't just, you know, told him the name so he can you know, told him the name so he can you know, told him the name so he can write it in a in a sticky note and just write it in a in a sticky note and just write it in a in a sticky note and just go and knock the door on the guy and go and knock the door on the guy and go and knock the door on the guy and say, "Hey, come out. We got you." The Lord deals with sin patiently, The Lord deals with sin patiently, church. church. church. And I believe this lengthy process in a And I believe this lengthy process in a And I believe this lengthy process in a people that some estimated be a hundreds people that some estimated be a hundreds people that some estimated be a hundreds of thousands of people would take long of thousands of people would take long of thousands of people would take long enough enough enough that Achan had the chance to say, that Achan had the chance to say, that Achan had the chance to say, "I messed it up.

"I messed it up. "I messed it up. Like I I I sinned. Lord, please forgive Like I I I sinned. Lord, please forgive Like I I I sinned. Lord, please forgive me." me." me." And if you don't pay attention to these And if you don't pay attention to these And if you don't pay attention to these details, it will be hard to understand details, it will be hard to understand details, it will be hard to understand why he still got the consequences. why he still got the consequences. why he still got the consequences. Because there is a difference Because there is a difference Because there is a difference between repentance and getting caught. It makes me remember when Adam was asked It makes me remember when Adam was asked by the Lord, "What have you done?" by the Lord, "What have you done?" by the Lord, "What have you done?" What did Adam do? Ultimately, he said, What did Adam do? Ultimately, he said, What did Adam do? Ultimately, he said, "The woman that you gave me." "The woman that you gave me." "The woman that you gave me." He blamed God. He blamed God. He blamed God. Why do God ask questions? Why does God Why do God ask questions? Why does God Why do God ask questions? Why does God gives time? gives time? gives time? Cuz he's waiting for us to come forward. Cuz he's waiting for us to come forward. Cuz he's waiting for us to come forward. For us to come confessing and For us to come confessing and For us to come confessing and recognizing, "This is wrong. I can't do recognizing, "This is wrong. I can't do recognizing, "This is wrong. I can't do anything about it, but you can." anything about it, but you can." anything about it, but you can." The sad story is that Achan didn't come The sad story is that Achan didn't come The sad story is that Achan didn't come out during the whole process. out during the whole process. out during the whole process. So, there were consequences. So, there were consequences. So, there were consequences. And And And you know, I you know, I you know, I I trust that the Lord will keep us until I trust that the Lord will keep us until I trust that the Lord will keep us until the day he comes back.

the day he comes back. the day he comes back. But there are consequences to sin. And But there are consequences to sin. And But there are consequences to sin. And you see it even in dear, dear children you see it even in dear, dear children you see it even in dear, dear children of God in the Bible that the Lord, you of God in the Bible that the Lord, you of God in the Bible that the Lord, you know, loved deeply, but there were know, loved deeply, but there were know, loved deeply, but there were consequences to their actions. And the point of the story is not And the point of the story is not whether Achan was saved or not. The whether Achan was saved or not. The whether Achan was saved or not. The point of the story is that there are point of the story is that there are point of the story is that there are consequences to sin. consequences to sin. consequences to sin. And look what what it happened verses 18 And look what what it happened verses 18 And look what what it happened verses 18 to 20 to 21. to 20 to 21. to 20 to 21. And he brought near his household man by And he brought near his household man by And he brought near his household man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zabdi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. taken. taken. Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what give praise to him. And tell me now what give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done. you have done. you have done. Do not hide it from me." Do not hide it from me." Do not hide it from me." And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly, I And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly, I And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly, I have sinned against the Lord God of have sinned against the Lord God of have sinned against the Lord God of Israel. And this is what I did. Israel. And this is what I did. Israel. And this is what I did. When I saw among the spoil a beautiful When I saw among the spoil a beautiful When I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing 50 silver and a bar of gold weighing 50 silver and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took shekels, then I coveted them and took shekels, then I coveted them and took them.

them. them. And see that they are hidden in the And see that they are hidden in the And see that they are hidden in the earth inside my tent with the silver earth inside my tent with the silver earth inside my tent with the silver underneath. Achan was caught. Achan was caught. All he has to do is basically say what All he has to do is basically say what All he has to do is basically say what the Lord already revealed to Joshua, the Lord already revealed to Joshua, the Lord already revealed to Joshua, that somebody have taken things that somebody have taken things that somebody have taken things that didn't belong to them. that didn't belong to them. that didn't belong to them. What Achan took What Achan took What Achan took was sufficient for a family to live for was sufficient for a family to live for was sufficient for a family to live for a whole year. a whole year. a whole year. And you say, "What is a big deal?" And you say, "What is a big deal?" And you say, "What is a big deal?" What Why the Lord didn't say, "Hey What Why the Lord didn't say, "Hey What Why the Lord didn't say, "Hey Achan, just just give it back, you know, Achan, just just give it back, you know, Achan, just just give it back, you know, we're all good." we're all good." we're all good." He said, "The message was so strong He said, "The message was so strong He said, "The message was so strong about what God has said he will do about what God has said he will do about what God has said he will do versus what my sin tells God what I versus what my sin tells God what I versus what my sin tells God what I believe about him." believe about him." believe about him." The Lord said, "I'm your provider. I'm The Lord said, "I'm your provider. I'm The Lord said, "I'm your provider. I'm your protector. I'll lead you through your protector. I'll lead you through your protector. I'll lead you through everything." Achan said, "No, you won't. everything." Achan said, "No, you won't. everything." Achan said, "No, you won't. I'll take things for myself. I'll take I I'll take things for myself. I'll take I I'll take things for myself. I'll take I take things on my hands." And that's how take things on my hands." And that's how take things on my hands." And that's how sin works. sin works. sin works. Sin normally presents an alternative to Sin normally presents an alternative to Sin normally presents an alternative to God's perfect plan and deceive us God's perfect plan and deceive us God's perfect plan and deceive us believing that if we just take the bait, believing that if we just take the bait, believing that if we just take the bait, then we'll be better than we if God if then we'll be better than we if God if then we'll be better than we if God if we trust God because sometimes is very we trust God because sometimes is very we trust God because sometimes is very uncertain with God.

uncertain with God. uncertain with God. So, that's how sin tricks us. So, that's how sin tricks us. So, that's how sin tricks us. And he took the bait. It's not going to be an obvious, It's not going to be an obvious, completely contradictory statement of completely contradictory statement of completely contradictory statement of who God is. It will be just like a who God is. It will be just like a who God is. It will be just like a slight alternative. It's not a big slight alternative. It's not a big slight alternative. It's not a big thing. Which by the way, we live in a thing. Which by the way, we live in a thing. Which by the way, we live in a culture that tend to minimize sin and culture that tend to minimize sin and culture that tend to minimize sin and I'm not just talking about the American I'm not just talking about the American I'm not just talking about the American culture. I'm talking about world culture. I'm talking about world culture. I'm talking about world culture. Wherever you go. What is the process that happened in What is the process that happened in Achan's life? There's three verbs that Achan's life? There's three verbs that Achan's life? There's three verbs that that important. that important. that important. And he said that first, what did he do? And he said that first, what did he do? And he said that first, what did he do? He saw. He saw. He saw. Second, Second, Second, he coveted. he coveted. he coveted. And third, And third, And third, he took. he took. he took. Exact same process that happened to Adam Exact same process that happened to Adam Exact same process that happened to Adam and Eve. They saw, they desire, and Eve. They saw, they desire, and Eve. They saw, they desire, they took. they took. they took. And let me ask you, where are your eyes And let me ask you, where are your eyes And let me ask you, where are your eyes today? today? today? And I'm not talking physical eyes And I'm not talking physical eyes And I'm not talking physical eyes because I know they are should be here, because I know they are should be here, because I know they are should be here, but but but your spiritual eyes.

your spiritual eyes. your spiritual eyes. Where is your attention? Where is your Where is your attention? Where is your Where is your attention? Where is your mind? mind? mind? Is the world grabbing a hold of your Is the world grabbing a hold of your Is the world grabbing a hold of your mind? mind? mind? Because let me tell you, it's going to Because let me tell you, it's going to Because let me tell you, it's going to develop into that desire, and let me develop into that desire, and let me develop into that desire, and let me warn you, it's going to develop into an warn you, it's going to develop into an warn you, it's going to develop into an action. We see it so clear here. What happened in these consequences? What happened in these consequences? Achan was brought out Achan was brought out Achan was brought out and the sentence was and the sentence was and the sentence was taken over him and his family taken over him and his family taken over him and his family and everything he owned. and everything he owned. and everything he owned. And you say, "Wait, wait, what Why his And you say, "Wait, wait, what Why his And you say, "Wait, wait, what Why his family?" family?" family?" You know, the sad part of this, You know, the sad part of this, You know, the sad part of this, and I didn't plan it in Father's Day, and I didn't plan it in Father's Day, and I didn't plan it in Father's Day, but there is a a weight but there is a a weight but there is a a weight on the leaders on the leaders on the leaders of a home. of a home. of a home. And this tent, as you can imagine, is And this tent, as you can imagine, is And this tent, as you can imagine, is not like a three-bedroom, two-bath or not like a three-bedroom, two-bath or not like a three-bedroom, two-bath or four-bedroom, you know, 3.5 baths, you four-bedroom, you know, 3.5 baths, you four-bedroom, you know, 3.5 baths, you know, home. You know, we are I have a know, home. You know, we are I have a know, home. You know, we are I have a little bit more space. little bit more space. little bit more space. He probably had to have people He probably had to have people He probably had to have people participating in his sin participating in his sin participating in his sin from his family that know that was from his family that know that was from his family that know that was hidden underneath and keep the same hidden underneath and keep the same hidden underneath and keep the same story.

And it should make us remember And it should make us remember the severity of sin. the severity of sin. the severity of sin. He says that at that moment they brought He says that at that moment they brought He says that at that moment they brought stones and they put it in like a stones and they put it in like a stones and they put it in like a memorial to remember how the sin of memorial to remember how the sin of memorial to remember how the sin of Achan brought trouble to the camp. He said, "Sometimes He said, "Sometimes we need to remember we need to remember we need to remember that no sin will go unpunished." So as we see the story of Achan, let me So as we see the story of Achan, let me ask you something. ask you something. ask you something. Is there anything Is there anything Is there anything hiding under your tent today? Bring it to Christ. Bring it to Christ. Bring it in confession. Bring it to the Bring it in confession. Bring it to the Bring it in confession. Bring it to the light. light. light. Do not Do not Do not Do not let it go any longer. Do not let it go any longer. Do not let it go any longer. Maybe the Lord has given you signs like, Maybe the Lord has given you signs like, Maybe the Lord has given you signs like, "Hey, it's enough." "Hey, it's enough." "Hey, it's enough." Maybe you need people around you. Maybe Maybe you need people around you. Maybe Maybe you need people around you. Maybe the Lord has placed faithful brothers or the Lord has placed faithful brothers or the Lord has placed faithful brothers or sisters around you.

sisters around you. sisters around you. Go to them. Go to them. Go to them. I always also tell people we have an I always also tell people we have an I always also tell people we have an amazing care team here in fellowship amazing care team here in fellowship amazing care team here in fellowship that can walk along those journeys of that can walk along those journeys of that can walk along those journeys of sin that at times can take a hold of a sin that at times can take a hold of a sin that at times can take a hold of a life life life that you need somebody else walking that you need somebody else walking that you need somebody else walking through you in the middle of that, through you in the middle of that, through you in the middle of that, walking with you. walking with you. walking with you. And you can send a text if that's you to And you can send a text if that's you to And you can send a text if that's you to to the email in the screen. to the email in the screen. to the email in the screen. And they will reach out to you. Church, let's do anything to get rid of Church, let's do anything to get rid of whatever is hiding there. Let's not even wait until we have taken Let's not even wait until we have taken action into what is breeding in our action into what is breeding in our action into what is breeding in our minds and hearts. Let's ask the Lord to minds and hearts. Let's ask the Lord to minds and hearts. Let's ask the Lord to give us the grace to discern and give us the grace to discern and give us the grace to discern and recognize where those things are just recognize where those things are just recognize where those things are just cultivating inside of us. Why? Why? Because today we look back Look the Because today we look back Look the Because today we look back Look the memorial not like the ones they did made memorial not like the ones they did made memorial not like the ones they did made of the stones and rocks to remember the of the stones and rocks to remember the of the stones and rocks to remember the sin. We look to a cross.

sin. We look to a cross. sin. We look to a cross. An old rugged cross where somebody was An old rugged cross where somebody was An old rugged cross where somebody was punished and died not for taking what he punished and died not for taking what he punished and died not for taking what he didn't belong to him didn't belong to him didn't belong to him but for those but for those but for those that have taken what don't belong to us. that have taken what don't belong to us. that have taken what don't belong to us. Not for his sins but because of our Not for his sins but because of our Not for his sins but because of our sins. sins. sins. And because of we can look to that And because of we can look to that And because of we can look to that memorial, we have hope memorial, we have hope memorial, we have hope that the things of this world, that sin that the things of this world, that sin that the things of this world, that sin do not worth it. do not worth it. do not worth it. By the way, there was a consequence of By the way, there was a consequence of By the way, there was a consequence of our sin, to our sin. our sin, to our sin. our sin, to our sin. But it was paid on our behalf on that But it was paid on our behalf on that But it was paid on our behalf on that beautiful cross. And that grace offered to us should be And that grace offered to us should be the fuel the fuel the fuel to walk in obedience to the Lord. It to walk in obedience to the Lord. It to walk in obedience to the Lord. It should be the fuel to say, "Lord, please should be the fuel to say, "Lord, please should be the fuel to say, "Lord, please help me. I don't want anything to do help me. I don't want anything to do help me. I don't want anything to do with the thing that put you on the with the thing that put you on the with the thing that put you on the cross." But you might be here and have never had But you might be here and have never had an encounter with Christ. an encounter with Christ. an encounter with Christ. Have never surrendered your life to him. Have never surrendered your life to him. Have never surrendered your life to him. And I want to tell you you can do it. And I want to tell you you can do it. And I want to tell you you can do it. You can do it today and and confess him You can do it today and and confess him You can do it today and and confess him as your Lord and savior. And the as your Lord and savior. And the as your Lord and savior. And the sacrifice that was paid on the cross sacrifice that was paid on the cross sacrifice that was paid on the cross will cover all your sins so that you will cover all your sins so that you will cover all your sins so that you don't perish just like Achan did.

don't perish just like Achan did. don't perish just like Achan did. So that you receive the forgiveness of So that you receive the forgiveness of So that you receive the forgiveness of sins. sins. sins. You know like who? You know like who? You know like who? Like Rahab, the prostitute. Like Rahab, the prostitute. Like Rahab, the prostitute. You see the contrast? You see the contrast? You see the contrast? A prostitute, part of a Gentile pagan A prostitute, part of a Gentile pagan A prostitute, part of a Gentile pagan culture received forgiveness. The one culture received forgiveness. The one culture received forgiveness. The one who would not who would not who would not think of somebody that would receive think of somebody that would receive think of somebody that would receive forgiveness is pardoned. And the one who forgiveness is pardoned. And the one who forgiveness is pardoned. And the one who was part of the people of Israel because was part of the people of Israel because was part of the people of Israel because of his unbelief is condemned and bring of his unbelief is condemned and bring of his unbelief is condemned and bring judgment to the camp. And by the way, Rahab is kind of part of And by the way, Rahab is kind of part of the line of Jesus. the line of Jesus. the line of Jesus. That's amazing. So why don't we take some time to pray So why don't we take some time to pray and reflect in our own lives? and reflect in our own lives? and reflect in our own lives? And as the Lord as David would would ask And as the Lord as David would would ask And as the Lord as David would would ask in Psalm 137, in Psalm 137, in Psalm 137, "Examine my heart, oh Lord. "Examine my heart, oh Lord. "Examine my heart, oh Lord. Test my thoughts." Test my thoughts." Test my thoughts." So, let's take some time to pray. Dear heavenly Father, Dear heavenly Father, we come before you.

we come before you. we come before you. We ask you We ask you We ask you that you will open our minds and our that you will open our minds and our that you will open our minds and our hearts hearts hearts to see the thing that we need to see, to see the thing that we need to see, to see the thing that we need to see, to bring the thing that we need to bring to bring the thing that we need to bring to bring the thing that we need to bring before you into the light, before you into the light, before you into the light, Lord, to Lord, to Lord, to seek the help that we need to seek. seek the help that we need to seek. seek the help that we need to seek. Thank you for that grace that was Thank you for that grace that was Thank you for that grace that was offered in the cross offered in the cross offered in the cross that we may not perish like Achan that we may not perish like Achan that we may not perish like Achan because your son, Jesus Christ, because your son, Jesus Christ, because your son, Jesus Christ, paid on our behalf. we ask you we ask you that you would bring freedom to our that you would bring freedom to our that you would bring freedom to our lives. If there's people that are lives. If there's people that are lives. If there's people that are trapped, that you will bring freedom to their that you will bring freedom to their lives. lives. lives. And if there's people that have not And if there's people that have not And if there's people that have not gotten to surrender their life to you, gotten to surrender their life to you, gotten to surrender their life to you, that today will be the day. that today will be the day. that today will be the day. In Jesus' name we pray. In Jesus' name we pray. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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