Wednesday Bible Study

Give glory [music] to God, saints. Give glory [music] to God, saints. Give glory to God. [singing] Give glory to God. [singing] Give glory to God. [singing] [music] Give glory to God, saints. [music] Give glory to God, saints. [music] Give glory to God, saints. Give [music] glory to God. Real easy. Give [music] glory to God. Real easy. Give [music] glory to God. Real easy. Come on, let's sing it. Give glory Come on, let's sing it. Give glory Come on, let's sing it. Give glory [singing] [singing] [singing] to God, saints. [music] to God, saints. [music] to God, saints. [music] Give glory to God. [singing] Give glory to God. [singing] Give glory to God. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory to God, saints. >> Give glory to God, saints. >> Give glory to God, saints. Give [singing] glory to God. Give [singing] glory to God. Give [singing] glory to God. [music] Oh, give glory to God, [singing] [music] Oh, give glory to God, [singing] [music] Oh, give glory to God, [singing] saints. saints. saints. Give [music] glory to God. Give [music] glory to God. Give [music] glory to God. Give glory [music] to God, [singing] Give glory [music] to God, [singing] Give glory [music] to God, [singing] saints. saints. saints. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Oh, he's worthy of [music] the praise Oh, he's worthy of [music] the praise Oh, he's worthy of [music] the praise saints. saints. saints. Give [singing] glory to God. Give [singing] glory to God. Give [singing] glory to God. [music] [music] [music] He's [singing] worthy of the praise He's [singing] worthy of the praise He's [singing] worthy of the praise saints. [music] Give glory to God.

saints. [music] Give glory to God. saints. [music] Give glory to God. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, he's worthy of the praise [singing] Oh, he's worthy of the praise [singing] Oh, he's worthy of the praise [singing] saints. saints. saints. [music] Give glory to God. [music] Give glory to God. [music] Give glory to God. He's [music] worthy [singing] of the He's [music] worthy [singing] of the He's [music] worthy [singing] of the praise saints. praise saints. praise saints. Give glory to God. Come on, lift your Give glory to God. Come on, lift your Give glory to God. Come on, lift your voice [music] and sing it. He's worthy voice [music] and sing it. He's worthy voice [music] and sing it. He's worthy of the praise saints. Oh, give glory of the praise saints. Oh, give glory of the praise saints. Oh, give glory [music] to God. Oh, he's worthy. He's [music] to God. Oh, he's worthy. He's [music] to God. Oh, he's worthy. He's worthy of the praise saints. [music] Oh, worthy of the praise saints. [music] Oh, worthy of the praise saints. [music] Oh, give [singing] glory to God. give [singing] glory to God. give [singing] glory to God. Oh, he's [music] worthy of the praise Oh, he's [music] worthy of the praise Oh, he's [music] worthy of the praise saints. saints. saints. Give glory to God. [music] God. He's Give glory to God. [music] God. He's Give glory to God. [music] God. He's worthy of the praise [singing] saints. worthy of the praise [singing] saints. worthy of the praise [singing] saints. [music] Give glory to God. Oh, [singing] [music] Give glory to God. Oh, [singing] [music] Give glory to God. Oh, [singing] clap [music] those hands, saints. clap [music] those hands, saints. clap [music] those hands, saints. Give glory to [music] God. Oh, clap Give glory to [music] God. Oh, clap Give glory to [music] God. Oh, clap those hands. Clap those hands, saints.

those hands. Clap those hands, saints. those hands. Clap those hands, saints. [music] Give glory. Oh, clap [singing] those hands. Clap Oh, clap [singing] those hands. Clap those hands, saints. those hands, saints. those hands, saints. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory to God. >> Give glory to God. >> Give glory to God. Oh, clap those [music and singing] Oh, clap those [music and singing] Oh, clap those [music and singing] hands, saints. hands, saints. hands, saints. Give glory to God. [music] Give glory to God. [music] Give glory to God. [music] That's it. Come on. Oh, [singing] That's it. Come on. Oh, [singing] That's it. Come on. Oh, [singing] clap those hands, saints. Oh, give glory clap those hands, saints. Oh, give glory clap those hands, saints. Oh, give glory to God. Oh, [singing] to God. Oh, [singing] to God. Oh, [singing] [music] clap those hands, saints. Give [music] clap those hands, saints. Give [music] clap those hands, saints. Give glory. glory. glory. Uhhuh. Clap those hands. Uhhuh. Clap those hands. Uhhuh. Clap those hands. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Clap those hands, saints. Clap those hands, saints. Clap those hands, saints. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Oh, clap those hands, [music] saints. Oh, clap those hands, [music] saints. Oh, clap those hands, [music] saints. Give glory to God. Oh, Give glory to God. Oh, Give glory to God. Oh, [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] shout hallelujah. shout hallelujah. shout hallelujah. Yeah. Give glory to God. [singing] Oh, Yeah. Give glory to God. [singing] Oh, Yeah. Give glory to God. [singing] Oh, shout hallelujah. [music] Give glory. Give glory to God.

Give glory. Give glory to God. Oh, Oh, Oh, shout [music] hallelujah. shout [music] hallelujah. shout [music] hallelujah. Oh, give glory to God. Oh, give glory to God. Oh, give glory to God. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Shout hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. Yes, God. Give to God. [music] Yes, God. Give to God. [music] Yes, God. Give to God. [music] Come on, saints. Let him shout Come on, saints. Let him shout Come on, saints. Let him shout hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. [music] hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. [music] hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. [music] Give glory. Give glory to God. Give glory. Give glory to God. Give glory. Give glory to God. Shout [singing] hallelujah. Shout [singing] hallelujah. Shout [singing] hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Oh, [singing] shout [music] hallelujah. Give [music] glory to God. Yeah. Give [music] glory to God. Yeah. Shout hallelujah. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. One more. Oh, give glory. Give [music] One more. Oh, give glory. Give [music] One more. Oh, give glory. Give [music] glory to God, saints. Give glory. Give glory to God, saints. Give glory. Give glory to God, saints. Give glory. Give glory to God. glory to God. glory to God. Oh, give glory [music] to God. Saints Oh, give glory [music] to God. Saints Oh, give glory [music] to God. Saints give glory.

give glory. give glory. Oh, [singing] give [music] glory. Give Oh, [singing] give [music] glory. Give Oh, [singing] give [music] glory. Give glory to God. Saints give glory. glory to God. Saints give glory. glory to God. Saints give glory. Oh, give glory. [music] Give glory Oh, give glory. [music] Give glory Oh, give glory. [music] Give glory [singing] to God. Saints give glory. [singing] to God. Saints give glory. [singing] to God. Saints give glory. One more. Let's go. Oh, give glory. One more. Let's go. Oh, give glory. One more. Let's go. Oh, give glory. [music] Give glory to God. Saints, come [music] Give glory to God. Saints, come [music] Give glory to God. Saints, come on and do it. Yes, God. on and do it. Yes, God. on and do it. Yes, God. Oh, give glory. [music] Oh, give glory. [music] Oh, give glory. [music] Give glory to God. Saints, give glory Give glory to God. Saints, give glory Give glory to God. Saints, give glory to God. [singing] to God. [singing] to God. [singing] Give glory, give [music] glory to God. Give glory, give [music] glory to God. Give glory, give [music] glory to God. Saints, give glory. Saints, give glory. Saints, give glory. Oh, [music] give glory. Give glory to Oh, [music] give glory. Give glory to Oh, [music] give glory. Give glory to God thanks. God thanks. God thanks. Give glory to God. [music and singing] Oh, come on, do that right now. Oh, come on, do that right now. Hallelujah. Bless your mighty name, Hallelujah. Bless your mighty name, Hallelujah. Bless your mighty name, Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Glory to God.

[music] Father, we give you glory. [music] Father, we give you glory. >> Yeah, we do. >> We give you praise. >> We give you praise. [music] [music] [music] We magnify your name. We magnify your name. We magnify your name. >> Amen. [music] >> Amen. [music] >> Amen. [music] >> You are a great God and greatly to be >> You are a great God and greatly to be >> You are a great God and greatly to be praised. [music] >> Now let the words of our mouth, >> Now let the words of our mouth, [music] meditations of our heart be [music] meditations of our heart be [music] meditations of our heart be acceptable in your sight. acceptable in your sight. acceptable in your sight. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Take me out of self, Lord, and fill me >> Take me out of self, Lord, and fill me >> Take me out of self, Lord, and fill me with you, Holy Spirit. [music] Empty me Empty me of me of me of me [music] and fill me with you. [music] and fill me with you. [music] and fill me with you. Speak to [music] me and through me. Speak to [music] me and through me. Speak to [music] me and through me. Use me, Lord, in your service. [music] Bless your people tonight. Bless your people tonight. [music] [music] [music] Let your word fall go forth and fall on Let your word fall go forth and fall on Let your word fall go forth and fall on suitable soil. [music] suitable soil. [music] suitable soil. [music] that it might spring up in us abundant that it might spring up in us abundant that it might spring up in us abundant life and [music] living.

life and [music] living. life and [music] living. We just want to leave here better people We just want to leave here better people We just want to leave here better people than [music] when we arrived. than [music] when we arrived. than [music] when we arrived. We thank you and praise you in Jesus We thank you and praise you in Jesus We thank you and praise you in Jesus name. name. name. For his sake [music] we pray and ask it For his sake [music] we pray and ask it For his sake [music] we pray and ask it all. all. all. Amen. [music] And thank God. All praises to God for he is worthy to All praises to God for he is worthy to be praised. As we continue in our series on As we continue in our series on manifesting miracles, tonight we want to look at Joshua tonight we want to look at Joshua chapter 6 chapter 6 chapter 6 vers 1- 20. We'll need a couple of readers tonight.

We'll need a couple of readers tonight. someone to read verses 1- 10 someone to read verses 1- 10 someone to read verses 1- 10 and then someone else who would be and then someone else who would be and then someone else who would be willing to read verses 11- 20 reader for reader for Joshua chapter Joshua chapter Joshua chapter 6 vers 1-10 6 vers 1-10 6 vers 1-10 and then verses 11- Um, I'm reading from the New Um, I'm reading from the New International Version. Now the gates of International Version. Now the gates of International Version. Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of Jericho were securely barred because of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. the Israelites. the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then No one went out and no one came in. Then No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands along delivered Jericho into your hands along delivered Jericho into your hands along with its king and its fighting men.

with its king and its fighting men. with its king and its fighting men. >> March around the city once with all with >> March around the city once with all with >> March around the city once with all with all the armed men. Do this for six days. all the armed men. Do this for six days. all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of Have seven priests carry trumpets of Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams rams's horns in front of the ark. rams rams's horns in front of the ark. rams rams's horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the On the seventh day, march around the On the seventh day, march around the city seven times with the priest blowing city seven times with the priest blowing city seven times with the priest blowing the trumpets. the trumpets. the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on When you hear them sound a long blast on When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a the trumpets, have the whole army give a the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout. Then the wall of the city loud shout. Then the wall of the city loud shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, will collapse and the army will go up, will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in. everyone straight in. everyone straight in. >> So Joshua, son of Nun, called the >> So Joshua, son of Nun, called the >> So Joshua, son of Nun, called the priests and said to them, "Take up the priests and said to them, "Take up the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and ark of the covenant of the Lord and ark of the covenant of the Lord and [clears throat] have seven priests carry [clears throat] have seven priests carry [clears throat] have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it." And he ordered trumpets in front of it." And he ordered trumpets in front of it." And he ordered the army, "Advance. march around the the army, "Advance. march around the the army, "Advance. march around the city with an armed guard going ahead of city with an armed guard going ahead of city with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord. When Joshua had the ark of the Lord. When Joshua had the ark of the Lord. When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests spoken to the people, the seven priests spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the carrying the seven trumpets before the carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their Lord went forward, blowing their Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord's trumpets, and the ark of the Lord's trumpets, and the ark of the Lord's covenant followed them. The armed guard covenant followed them. The armed guard covenant followed them. The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew marched ahead of the priests who blew marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard the trumpets, and the rear guard the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the followed the ark. All this time the followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding, trumpets were sounding, trumpets were sounding, >> but Joshua had commanded the army, "Do >> but Joshua had commanded the army, "Do >> but Joshua had commanded the army, "Do not give a war cry. Do not raise your not give a war cry. Do not raise your not give a war cry. Do not raise your voices. Do not say a word until the day voices. Do not say a word until the day voices. Do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout, then shout."

I tell you to shout, then shout." I tell you to shout, then shout." >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Mhm. [clears throat] Thank you. Verses 11- 20. Thank you. Verses 11- 20. Thank you. Verses 11- 20. Don't all y'all jump up at the same Don't all y'all jump up at the same Don't all y'all jump up at the same time? time? time? All right. Praise the Lord. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> So he had the ark of the Lord carried >> So he had the ark of the Lord carried >> So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then around the city, circling it once. Then around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the the army returned to camp and spent the the army returned to camp and spent the night there. night there. night there. >> Joshua got up early the next morning, >> Joshua got up early the next morning, >> Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took up the ark of the and the priests took up the ark of the and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. The seven priests carrying the Lord. The seven priests carrying the Lord. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching seven trumpets went forward, marching seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing before the ark of the Lord and blowing before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead the trumpets. The armed men went ahead the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the of them and the rear guard followed the of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord while the trumpets kept ark of the Lord while the trumpets kept ark of the Lord while the trumpets kept sounding. So on the second day they sounding. So on the second day they sounding. So on the second day they marched around the city once and marched around the city once and marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for returned to the camp. They did this for returned to the camp. They did this for six days. six days. six days. >> On the seventh day they got up at >> On the seventh day they got up at >> On the seventh day they got up at daybreak and marched around the city daybreak and marched around the city daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner except seven times in the same manner except seven times in the same manner except that on that day they circled the city that on that day they circled the city that on that day they circled the city seven times. the seventh time around.

seven times. the seventh time around. seven times. the seventh time around. Then the priest sounded the trumpet Then the priest sounded the trumpet Then the priest sounded the trumpet blast. Joshua commanded the army, blast. Joshua commanded the army, blast. Joshua commanded the army, "Shout, for the Lord has given you the "Shout, for the Lord has given you the "Shout, for the Lord has given you the city. The city and all that is in it are city. The city and all that is in it are city. The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. to be devoted to the Lord. to be devoted to the Lord. >> Only Rahab the prostitute, and all who >> Only Rahab the prostitute, and all who >> Only Rahab the prostitute, and all who are with her in her house shall be are with her in her house shall be are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we spared, because she hid the spies we spared, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the devoted sent. But keep away from the devoted sent. But keep away from the devoted things so that you will not bring about things so that you will not bring about things so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of your own destruction by taking any of your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise, you will make the camp them. Otherwise, you will make the camp them. Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and of Israel liable to destruction and of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. All the silver and bring trouble on it. All the silver and bring trouble on it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron gold and the articles of bronze and iron gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into are sacred to the Lord and must go into are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury. his treasury. his treasury. >> When the trumpet sounded, the army >> When the trumpet sounded, the army >> When the trumpet sounded, the army shouted. And at the sound of the shouted. And at the sound of the shouted. And at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed. So everyone charged the wall collapsed. So everyone charged the wall collapsed. So everyone charged straight in and they took the city.

straight in and they took the city. straight in and they took the city. >> Hallelujah. Amen. I want to tag this text, I want to tag this text, looking for a miracle. Yes. >> Verse two again says, "The Lord said to >> Verse two again says, "The Lord said to Joshua, Joshua, Joshua, see, I have delivered Jericho into your see, I have delivered Jericho into your see, I have delivered Jericho into your hands hands hands along with its king and its fighting along with its king and its fighting along with its king and its fighting men, men, men, [snorts] looking for [snorts] looking for [snorts] looking for a miracle." The song Expect Your Miracle, The song Expect Your Miracle, commonly known by its opening lyric, I'm commonly known by its opening lyric, I'm commonly known by its opening lyric, I'm looking for a miracle, looking for a miracle, looking for a miracle, was written by Twinkie Clark was written by Twinkie Clark was written by Twinkie Clark and released in 1980. It was released on the Clark Sisters It was released on the Clark Sisters Breakout live album entitled Is My Breakout live album entitled Is My Breakout live album entitled Is My Living in Vain?

Many of you possibly know the lyrics, Many of you possibly know the lyrics, I'm looking for a miracle. I'm looking for a miracle. I'm looking for a miracle. I expect the impossible. I expect the impossible. I expect the impossible. >> I feel the intangible. Yes, >> I feel the intangible. Yes, >> I feel the intangible. Yes, >> I see the invisible. >> I see the invisible. >> I see the invisible. The sky is the limit The sky is the limit The sky is the limit >> to what I can have. >> to what I can have. >> to what I can have. >> The sky is the limit to what I can have. >> The sky is the limit to what I can have. >> The sky is the limit to what I can have. Just believe and receive it. Just believe and receive it. Just believe and receive it. >> God will perform it today. >> God will perform it today. >> God will perform it today. Just believe and receive it. God will Just believe and receive it. God will Just believe and receive it. God will perform it today. Well, Well, I want to raise a question in light of I want to raise a question in light of I want to raise a question in light of our text tonight. What happens when God doesn't perform it What happens when God doesn't perform it today? What happens when the miracle is What happens when the miracle is promised but the manifestation promised but the manifestation promised but the manifestation is not immediate?

is not immediate? is not immediate? In other words, what happens when we In other words, what happens when we In other words, what happens when we have to wait? have to wait? have to wait? What happens when the manifestation of What happens when the manifestation of What happens when the manifestation of the miracle is dependent upon our the miracle is dependent upon our the miracle is dependent upon our obedience to the process and that obedience to the process and that obedience to the process and that process takes days, process takes days, process takes days, it takes months, it takes months, it takes months, sometimes even years. I want to argue tonight that this is the I want to argue tonight that this is the moment when faith is tested, moment when faith is tested, moment when faith is tested, courage is commanded, courage is commanded, courage is commanded, but ultimately God will give the but ultimately God will give the but ultimately God will give the victory. The problem is that victory doesn't The problem is that victory doesn't always look like we expect it. always look like we expect it. always look like we expect it. Oh yes. When God doesn't come through Oh yes. When God doesn't come through Oh yes. When God doesn't come through immediately, tension starts to grow. immediately, tension starts to grow. immediately, tension starts to grow. And the longer it takes for the miracle And the longer it takes for the miracle And the longer it takes for the miracle to manifest, the more the tension grows.

to manifest, the more the tension grows. to manifest, the more the tension grows. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Then add to it some incomprehensible Then add to it some incomprehensible Then add to it some incomprehensible instructions. instructions. instructions. In other words, the instructions In other words, the instructions In other words, the instructions don't make sense. don't make sense. don't make sense. This is where the rising tension comes This is where the rising tension comes This is where the rising tension comes to a head. to a head. to a head. This is where the conflict begins. We want to start on your outline We want to start on your outline with the pending conflict. The pending conflict. The courageous The pending conflict. The courageous Syrian preacher and martyr John Syrian preacher and martyr John Syrian preacher and martyr John Christensenome said once, said once, "You are but a poor soldier of Christ "You are but a poor soldier of Christ "You are but a poor soldier of Christ if you think you can overcome if you think you can overcome if you think you can overcome without fighting."

and suppose you have the crown and suppose you have the crown without conflict. I believe he was right. I believe he was right. For the Christian life involves For the Christian life involves For the Christian life involves conflict. conflict. conflict. It involves challenge and it involves those things whether we and it involves those things whether we like it or not. Doesn't matter whether we like it or not. Our matter whether we like it or not. Our enemies are constantly enemies are constantly enemies are constantly waging war against us. waging war against us. waging war against us. And they're trying to keep us from And they're trying to keep us from And they're trying to keep us from inheriting, inheriting, inheriting, [clears throat] excuse me, inheriting [clears throat] excuse me, inheriting [clears throat] excuse me, inheriting what is rightfully ours in Jesus Christ. what is rightfully ours in Jesus Christ. what is rightfully ours in Jesus Christ. The world, the flesh, The world, the flesh, The world, the flesh, the devil, and all of his corrupted the devil, and all of his corrupted the devil, and all of his corrupted angels angels angels are all united against Christ and his are all united against Christ and his are all united against Christ and his people.

people. people. Just like the nations of Canaan were Just like the nations of Canaan were Just like the nations of Canaan were united against Joshua and the Jewish united against Joshua and the Jewish united against Joshua and the Jewish nation. nation. nation. Joshua's first major conflict as a Joshua's first major conflict as a Joshua's first major conflict as a spiritual and military leader of Israel spiritual and military leader of Israel spiritual and military leader of Israel wasn't subtle. wasn't subtle. wasn't subtle. As a matter of fact, it was audacious As a matter of fact, it was audacious As a matter of fact, it was audacious and legendary. and legendary. and legendary. It was a story for the ages. It was a story for the ages. It was a story for the ages. Standing directly in the path of God's Standing directly in the path of God's Standing directly in the path of God's promises was the walled city of Jericho. promises was the walled city of Jericho. promises was the walled city of Jericho. Scripture tells us, "Now the gates of Scripture tells us, "Now the gates of Scripture tells us, "Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the Jericho were tightly shut because the Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. people were afraid of the Israelites. people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in." No one was allowed to go out or in." No one was allowed to go out or in." Joshua Joshua Joshua chapter 6 verse one from the New Living chapter 6 verse one from the New Living chapter 6 verse one from the New Living Translation.

Fear had sealed the city shut, Fear had sealed the city shut, but closed gates doesn't remove but closed gates doesn't remove but closed gates doesn't remove conflict. conflict. conflict. Israel couldn't go around Jericho. Israel couldn't go around Jericho. Israel couldn't go around Jericho. They had to go through it. They had to go through it. They had to go through it. They couldn't ignore it. They couldn't ignore it. They couldn't ignore it. If the promised land was going to be If the promised land was going to be If the promised land was going to be claimed, Jericho had to be conquered. claimed, Jericho had to be conquered. claimed, Jericho had to be conquered. Jericho was no ordinary city. It had one Jericho was no ordinary city. It had one Jericho was no ordinary city. It had one of the longest continuous occupational of the longest continuous occupational of the longest continuous occupational histories in the ancient world. histories in the ancient world. histories in the ancient world. Long before Joshua, back in the days of Long before Joshua, back in the days of Long before Joshua, back in the days of Abraham, Abraham, Abraham, it was already fortified with massive it was already fortified with massive it was already fortified with massive plastered barricades. plastered barricades. plastered barricades. By the time Israel arrived, Jericho had By the time Israel arrived, Jericho had By the time Israel arrived, Jericho had become a military stronghold. become a military stronghold. become a military stronghold. An inner wall surrounded by a larger An inner wall surrounded by a larger An inner wall surrounded by a larger outer wall outer wall outer wall made this city a fortress.

Both of these walls were built of solid Both of these walls were built of solid stone stone stone and they enclosed the entire city. and they enclosed the entire city. and they enclosed the entire city. Jericho wasn't just a city. As I stated Jericho wasn't just a city. As I stated Jericho wasn't just a city. As I stated before, it was a fortress, before, it was a fortress, before, it was a fortress, a statement. a statement. a statement. Jericho was a threat. Jericho was a threat. Jericho was a threat. It was designed to intimidate. It was designed to intimidate. It was designed to intimidate. It was designed It was designed It was designed to resist and to crush anyone who dared to resist and to crush anyone who dared to resist and to crush anyone who dared to challenge it. to challenge it. to challenge it. And now it stood as Israel's first And now it stood as Israel's first And now it stood as Israel's first battlefield battlefield battlefield in the land which God had promised. That's how conflict works. That's how conflict works. See, God calls us forward See, God calls us forward See, God calls us forward and almost immediately and almost immediately and almost immediately we collide with resistance.

Sometimes Sometimes they are just minor inconveniences, they are just minor inconveniences, they are just minor inconveniences, but quite often but quite often but quite often at other times they are real soulshaking at other times they are real soulshaking at other times they are real soulshaking confrontations confrontations confrontations that test both our courage and our that test both our courage and our that test both our courage and our faith. faith. faith. things like when the doctor says, things like when the doctor says, things like when the doctor says, "I'm sorry to inform you, but it's "I'm sorry to inform you, but it's "I'm sorry to inform you, but it's cancer." cancer." cancer." Or it goes even further and you hear the Or it goes even further and you hear the Or it goes even further and you hear the funeral director funeral director funeral director ask, "When would you like to view the ask, "When would you like to view the ask, "When would you like to view the body?" body?" body?" Or your teenage daughter declares, "I'm Or your teenage daughter declares, "I'm Or your teenage daughter declares, "I'm pregnant." pregnant." pregnant." or your employer says, "We're going to or your employer says, "We're going to or your employer says, "We're going to have to let you go." Or your spouse have to let you go." Or your spouse have to let you go." Or your spouse confesses, "I don't love you anymore." confesses, "I don't love you anymore." confesses, "I don't love you anymore." Or in a more direct term, "I want a Or in a more direct term, "I want a Or in a more direct term, "I want a divorce."

divorce." divorce." These are all external walls, These are all external walls, These are all external walls, walls that loom high and are seemingly walls that loom high and are seemingly walls that loom high and are seemingly unmovable. But sometimes the fiercest conflict But sometimes the fiercest conflict isn't from without, isn't from without, isn't from without, it's from within. it's from within. it's from within. It's that private war It's that private war It's that private war with temptations that won't let us go. with temptations that won't let us go. with temptations that won't let us go. It's that addiction that we thought we It's that addiction that we thought we It's that addiction that we thought we had control over. had control over. had control over. It's the bitterness and unforgiveness It's the bitterness and unforgiveness It's the bitterness and unforgiveness that we rehearse in the darkness of our that we rehearse in the darkness of our that we rehearse in the darkness of our hearts. hearts. hearts. It's the quiet doubts we're almost It's the quiet doubts we're almost It's the quiet doubts we're almost afraid to admit. afraid to admit. afraid to admit. Things like, "Is God really with us? Things like, "Is God really with us? Things like, "Is God really with us? Does he see our problems?

Does he see our problems? Does he see our problems? Does he even care? Does he even care? Does he even care? Does he really come through? It's the battle between faith and fear, It's the battle between faith and fear, between obedience and compromise. between obedience and compromise. between obedience and compromise. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] It's the battle between hope and desire. It's the battle between hope and desire. It's the battle between hope and desire. We have conflicts without We have conflicts without We have conflicts without and conflicts within. We're in a war, I tell you. We're in a war, I tell you. It's the private war with temptations It's the private war with temptations It's the private war with temptations that won't let go. It's that private war It's that private war where we struggle on the inside where we struggle on the inside where we struggle on the inside with our faith.

These are more than inconveniences. These are more than inconveniences. They are real and weighty conflicts. They are real and weighty conflicts. They are real and weighty conflicts. As a matter of fact, I like to call As a matter of fact, I like to call As a matter of fact, I like to call these the Jericho moments of our lives these the Jericho moments of our lives these the Jericho moments of our lives when the walls stand tall and thick and when the walls stand tall and thick and when the walls stand tall and thick and the gates are shut tight and the only the gates are shut tight and the only the gates are shut tight and the only way forward is to trust that God still way forward is to trust that God still way forward is to trust that God still fights for his people. I believe it would have been easy I believe it would have been easy for Joshua to look at those towering for Joshua to look at those towering for Joshua to look at those towering walls and to say, "No way, God." As a matter of fact, have you seen this As a matter of fact, have you seen this place? and yet and yet Jericho had shut its gates Jericho had shut its gates Jericho had shut its gates cuz it was afraid of the Israelites.

He could have argued with God to He could have argued with God to retreat, retreat, retreat, to delay, to delay, to delay, or even to settle back in the wilderness or even to settle back in the wilderness or even to settle back in the wilderness where at least they were f fed by mana where at least they were f fed by mana where at least they were f fed by mana from heaven. But if we are honest, But if we are honest, we can't blame or point fingers at we can't blame or point fingers at we can't blame or point fingers at Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua and the Israelites. Even if they were tempted to turn Even if they were tempted to turn Even if they were tempted to turn around, around, around, cuz quite often when we're confronted, cuz quite often when we're confronted, cuz quite often when we're confronted, we do the same. we do the same. we do the same. When conflict rises, quitting When conflict rises, quitting When conflict rises, quitting starts to sound pretty reasonable. >> Giving up feels safer than pressing >> Giving up feels safer than pressing forward. forward. forward. >> The real battle is not just the wall in >> The real battle is not just the wall in >> The real battle is not just the wall in front of us. It's the fear within us.

Secondly, Secondly, I want to talk about this pecular I want to talk about this pecular I want to talk about this pecular command. When Joshua sought the council of the When Joshua sought the council of the Lord, Lord, Lord, God gave him his battle plan. God gave him his battle plan. God gave him his battle plan. God gave him literally his marching God gave him literally his marching God gave him literally his marching orders. orders. orders. Standing in the shadow of Jericho's Standing in the shadow of Jericho's Standing in the shadow of Jericho's massive walls with armed soldiers massive walls with armed soldiers massive walls with armed soldiers waiting for a strategy worthy of siege. waiting for a strategy worthy of siege. waiting for a strategy worthy of siege. Joshua received instruction Joshua received instruction Joshua received instruction that no general would have expected. March around the city March around the city with all the armed men and do this for with all the armed men and do this for with all the armed men and do this for six days.

Have seven priests carry trumpets of Have seven priests carry trumpets of ram's horn in front of the ark. On the ram's horn in front of the ark. On the ram's horn in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven seventh day, march around the city seven seventh day, march around the city seven times with priests blowing the trumpets. times with priests blowing the trumpets. times with priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on When you hear them sound a long blast on When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a the trumpets, have the whole army give a the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout. loud shout. loud shout. Then the walls of the city will collapse Then the walls of the city will collapse Then the walls of the city will collapse and the army will go up. Everyone and the army will go up. Everyone and the army will go up. Everyone straight in. straight in. straight in. Now, come on. Now, come on. Now, come on. Let's be honest. That doesn't sound like a winning That doesn't sound like a winning strategy. No ladders to scale the walls. No ladders to scale the walls. No secret tunnels to burrow beneath the No secret tunnels to burrow beneath the No secret tunnels to burrow beneath the walls.

As a matter of fact, history's great As a matter of fact, history's great military minds would have scoffed at military minds would have scoffed at military minds would have scoffed at this plan. this plan. this plan. It didn't make sense. It didn't make sense. It didn't make sense. Alexander the Great believed that Alexander the Great believed that Alexander the Great believed that victory came from seizing the high victory came from seizing the high victory came from seizing the high ground. Son Sue Son Sue famously advised know your enemy. famously advised know your enemy. famously advised know your enemy. Both approaches make sense. Both of them Both approaches make sense. Both of them Both approaches make sense. Both of them are effective and both are logical. But God wasn't interested in logic. But God wasn't interested in logic. >> He was interested in trust. >> He was interested in trust. >> He was interested in trust. He was interested in their faith. From a human perspective, From a human perspective, God's command God's command God's command bordered on the absurd.

bordered on the absurd. bordered on the absurd. It just didn't make sense. It just didn't make sense. It just didn't make sense. marching silently around the fortified marching silently around the fortified marching silently around the fortified city day after day, blowing trumpets, city day after day, blowing trumpets, city day after day, blowing trumpets, carrying the ark. It looked more like a carrying the ark. It looked more like a carrying the ark. It looked more like a religious parade than a military religious parade than a military religious parade than a military operation. operation. operation. And that's exactly why it mattered. Over the years, some have tried to Over the years, some have tried to explain away the miracle, suggesting explain away the miracle, suggesting explain away the miracle, suggesting that synchronized marching and shouting that synchronized marching and shouting that synchronized marching and shouting created vibrations created vibrations created vibrations strong enough to collapse the walls. But the truth is, earthquakes don't But the truth is, earthquakes don't operate that way. No amount of stomping on the surface of No amount of stomping on the surface of the ground, even with thousands or the ground, even with thousands or the ground, even with thousands or millions of people, can shift the millions of people, can shift the millions of people, can shift the tectonic plates buried miles beneath the tectonic plates buried miles beneath the tectonic plates buried miles beneath the earth, which causes a shifting that earth, which causes a shifting that earth, which causes a shifting that causes earthquakes.

Jericho did not fall because Israel Jericho did not fall because Israel found a clever workaround. found a clever workaround. found a clever workaround. It fell because God acted. And that was the point. And that was the point. God wanted Joshua and the people to God wanted Joshua and the people to God wanted Joshua and the people to understand beyond any doubt that this understand beyond any doubt that this understand beyond any doubt that this victory would not come by their own victory would not come by their own victory would not come by their own strength or by their own strategy. It strength or by their own strategy. It strength or by their own strategy. It was a matter of God and his power. It wasn't a matter of human ingenuity. It wasn't a matter of human ingenuity. The walls would fall because the Lord The walls would fall because the Lord The walls would fall because the Lord himself brought them down. himself brought them down. himself brought them down. From the very beginning, God was From the very beginning, God was From the very beginning, God was teaching his people the same lesson. We teaching his people the same lesson. We teaching his people the same lesson. We cannot save ourselves. cannot save ourselves. cannot save ourselves. We cannot win the battle on our own.

Two of the greatest enemies against Two of the greatest enemies against humanity humanity humanity are sin and death. These are forces that no army can These are forces that no army can defeat. defeat. defeat. No strategy can outmaneuver No strategy can outmaneuver No strategy can outmaneuver sin. sin. sin. No strategy can outmaneuver death. No strategy can outmaneuver death. No strategy can outmaneuver death. God's solution to the problem looked God's solution to the problem looked God's solution to the problem looked just as foolish as the Israelites looked just as foolish as the Israelites looked just as foolish as the Israelites looked marching around these walls of Jericho. marching around these walls of Jericho. marching around these walls of Jericho. His solution was a crucified Christ. His solution was a crucified Christ. His solution was a crucified Christ. My my my a blood stained cross a victory My my my a blood stained cross a victory My my my a blood stained cross a victory was that was brought about through was that was brought about through was that was brought about through surrender. The Bible declares in 1 surrender. The Bible declares in 1 surrender. The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 1:18 from the Amplified Corinthians 1:18 from the Amplified Corinthians 1:18 from the Amplified Version, "For the message of the cross Version, "For the message of the cross Version, "For the message of the cross is foolishness, is foolishness, is foolishness, absurd and illogical to those who are absurd and illogical to those who are absurd and illogical to those who are perishing and spiritually dead because perishing and spiritually dead because perishing and spiritually dead because they reject it.

they reject it. they reject it. But to us But to us But to us >> who are being saved by God's grace, >> who are being saved by God's grace, >> who are being saved by God's grace, it is the manifestation it is the manifestation it is the manifestation of the power of God. of the power of God. of the power of God. Hallelujah. [clears throat] Hallelujah. [clears throat] Hallelujah. [clears throat] It doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense. At least not by human standards, At least not by human standards, At least not by human standards, judicially, judicially, judicially, philosophically, philosophically, philosophically, strategically. The cross seems strategically. The cross seems strategically. The cross seems backwards. backwards. backwards. We look for Jesus to come, the Messiah We look for Jesus to come, the Messiah We look for Jesus to come, the Messiah to come as a conquering king. Yet Yet he came, he came, he came, he lived, and he died. he lived, and he died. he lived, and he died. Good news, he didn't stay dead. Good news, he didn't stay dead. Good news, he didn't stay dead. Hallelujah.

How can death or the death of one man How can death or the death of one man atone for the sins of the world? How can atone for the sins of the world? How can atone for the sins of the world? How can weakness conquer power? How can weakness conquer power? How can weakness conquer power? How can surrender lead to victory? And yet in surrender lead to victory? And yet in surrender lead to victory? And yet in Christ it does. Christ it does. Christ it does. Christ on the cross Christ on the cross Christ on the cross fully delivered us from our sins fully delivered us from our sins fully delivered us from our sins and delivered us from the penalty of and delivered us from the penalty of and delivered us from the penalty of eternal death. That's what he's asking of Joshua. That's what he's asking of Joshua. Obedience before explanation. Obedience before explanation. Obedience before explanation. Faith before results. Faith before results. Faith before results. Step after step, lap after lap, day Step after step, lap after lap, day Step after step, lap after lap, day after day, Joshua and Israel had to after day, Joshua and Israel had to after day, Joshua and Israel had to follow the command that looked follow the command that looked follow the command that looked pointless. pointless. pointless. It even seemed humiliating in the eyes It even seemed humiliating in the eyes It even seemed humiliating in the eyes of the world.

of the world. of the world. The soldiers didn't swing any swords and The soldiers didn't swing any swords and The soldiers didn't swing any swords and the priests didn't shout battle cries. the priests didn't shout battle cries. the priests didn't shout battle cries. They walked around the wall every day They walked around the wall every day They walked around the wall every day for one time except on the seventh day. for one time except on the seventh day. for one time except on the seventh day. And then they marched seven times. And then they marched seven times. And then they marched seven times. They walked, they waited, and they They walked, they waited, and they They walked, they waited, and they trusted God. And that's often how God works in our And that's often how God works in our lives. I don't know about you, but I've had I don't know about you, but I've had some times in my life when I wanted God some times in my life when I wanted God some times in my life when I wanted God to explain himself. We want the strategy. We want the strategy. We want a timeline. God frequently calls us to move forward God frequently calls us to move forward without any answers.

without any answers. without any answers. Hallelujah. He only gives us the assurance He only gives us the assurance that he is who he is, that he is who he is, that he is who he is, all powerful and sovereign. all powerful and sovereign. all powerful and sovereign. And the assurance that he all powerful And the assurance that he all powerful And the assurance that he all powerful and sovereign is with us. and sovereign is with us. and sovereign is with us. and the assurance that he knows exactly and the assurance that he knows exactly and the assurance that he knows exactly what he's doing. what he's doing. what he's doing. Assurance that obedience, even if it Assurance that obedience, even if it Assurance that obedience, even if it feels foolish, is never wasted. Victory in God's kingdom doesn't come Victory in God's kingdom doesn't come through brilliance. through brilliance. through brilliance. It comes through faith expressed in It comes through faith expressed in It comes through faith expressed in obedience. obedience. obedience. God doesn't need the sharpest tactician God doesn't need the sharpest tactician God doesn't need the sharpest tactician or the strongest warrior. or the strongest warrior. or the strongest warrior. He's already infinite in wisdom and He's already infinite in wisdom and He's already infinite in wisdom and infinite in power.

infinite in power. infinite in power. What he seeks are men and women who will What he seeks are men and women who will What he seeks are men and women who will say yes, Lord. say yes, Lord. say yes, Lord. Even when the path doesn't make sense. Even when the path doesn't make sense. Even when the path doesn't make sense. Joshua said yes. Joshua said yes. Joshua said yes. Israel said yes. Israel said yes. Israel said yes. And when they did, the stage was set for And when they did, the stage was set for And when they did, the stage was set for the final act. the final act. the final act. The moment when faith met fulfillment, The moment when faith met fulfillment, The moment when faith met fulfillment, obedience met power, and the impossible obedience met power, and the impossible obedience met power, and the impossible gave way to the undeniable gave way to the undeniable gave way to the undeniable power of God. Next Next is the point is the point is the point the patient cooperation. and conquering the city and conquering the city required what I like to call patient required what I like to call patient required what I like to call patient participation.

This may have been one of the most This may have been one of the most difficult miracles or difficult parts of difficult miracles or difficult parts of difficult miracles or difficult parts of the miracle. the miracle. the miracle. They had to keep marching. They had to keep marching. They had to keep marching. Number one, they marched. Day one, they marched. Day one, nothing happened. nothing happened. nothing happened. Day two, Day two, Day two, nothing happened. nothing happened. nothing happened. Day three, Day three, Day three, nothing. nothing. nothing. Days four and five, nothing. Days four and five, nothing. Days four and five, nothing. Day six, nothing. Day six, nothing. Day six, nothing. Imagine Imagine Imagine being one of the Israelites on day six. >> You've walked around the same walls, >> You've walked around the same walls, the same city for almost a week and nothing has happened. and nothing has happened. No walls have budged. They're still No walls have budged. They're still No walls have budged. They're still standing.

standing. standing. The enemy is still safe inside The enemy is still safe inside The enemy is still safe inside and the promise has not been visibly and the promise has not been visibly and the promise has not been visibly manifested. manifested. manifested. But they had one thing to go on. But they had one thing to go on. But they had one thing to go on. That was the fact that God had promised, That was the fact that God had promised, That was the fact that God had promised, "I have delivered "I have delivered "I have delivered Jericho into your hands." Jericho into your hands." Jericho into your hands." Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I I I believe that this part of the text I I I believe that this part of the text I I I believe that this part of the text is tailored to teach us a few things is tailored to teach us a few things is tailored to teach us a few things at least three. One is that silent doesn't mean that God One is that silent doesn't mean that God is inactive. They had to learn They had to learn how to be quiet When I was a child, and a few of you are When I was a child, and a few of you are old enough in here to remember this, they used to tell us when it was they used to tell us when it was lightning and thundering and storming lightning and thundering and storming lightning and thundering and storming outside outside outside to sit down and be quiet.

They say, "Cuz that means God is They say, "Cuz that means God is working." as a child as a child >> to sit quietly. Well, that's why God calls us children Well, that's why God calls us children cuz we don't want to sit quietly. It's It's probably one of the most difficult probably one of the most difficult probably one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines >> cuz we often want to talk >> cuz we often want to talk when God tells us we need to be quiet. when God tells us we need to be quiet. when God tells us we need to be quiet. We want to act when God says wait. We want to act when God says wait. We want to act when God says wait. We want to rush when God says remain. That's why the Bible says in Psalm That's why the Bible says in Psalm 46:10, 46:10, 46:10, "Be still "Be still "Be still >> and know that I am God." [clears throat] Secondly, sometimes God is working Secondly, sometimes God is working behind the scenes.

behind the scenes. behind the scenes. It's kind of like a seed. It's kind of like a seed. It's kind of like a seed. You plant it in the ground You plant it in the ground You plant it in the ground and for days, weeks, and for days, weeks, and for days, weeks, nothing appears to be happening. nothing appears to be happening. nothing appears to be happening. Just the ground just sitting there. Just the ground just sitting there. Just the ground just sitting there. You can't see what's happening. You can't see what's happening. You can't see what's happening. But beneath the soil, there is something But beneath the soil, there is something But beneath the soil, there is something happening. happening. happening. The roots are developing. Life is The roots are developing. Life is The roots are developing. Life is forming. The seed is responding to forming. The seed is responding to forming. The seed is responding to conditions that we with our physical conditions that we with our physical conditions that we with our physical eyes cannot see. eyes cannot see. eyes cannot see. Eventually, what is happening beneath Eventually, what is happening beneath Eventually, what is happening beneath the surface becomes visible above the surface becomes visible above the surface becomes visible above ground. that teaches us this important principle that teaches us this important principle that manifestation that manifestation that manifestation often comes after a period of invisible often comes after a period of invisible often comes after a period of invisible preparation.

Manifestation Manifestation often comes after a period of invisible often comes after a period of invisible often comes after a period of invisible participation or preparation. Excuse me. That's why the Bible says in Galatians That's why the Bible says in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become very weary in 6:9, "Let us not become very weary in 6:9, "Let us not become very weary in welloing or in doing good." The New welloing or in doing good." The New welloing or in doing good." The New International Version says, "For at the International Version says, "For at the International Version says, "For at the proper time, proper time, proper time, in due season, in due season, in due season, we will reap a harvest if we don't give we will reap a harvest if we don't give we will reap a harvest if we don't give up. I want to admonish you to not stop I want to admonish you to not stop marching on day six. This is one of the greatest lessons of This is one of the greatest lessons of Jericho.

Jericho. Jericho. Don't quit because you don't see the Don't quit because you don't see the Don't quit because you don't see the promise of God manifested yet. The wall literally could have fallen on The wall literally could have fallen on day one. As a matter of fact, God didn't need As a matter of fact, God didn't need them to march around the wall for the them to march around the wall for the them to march around the wall for the wall to fall. He could have done it all by himself He could have done it all by himself without their participation. Quite often Quite often I believe that God I believe that God I believe that God is developing us is developing us is developing us while he's preparing the miracle. I know you want that job I know you want that job and you need a job.

And why God hadn't given you a job yet, And why God hadn't given you a job yet, I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. But I do know this. But I do know this. But I do know this. He just might be preparing you He just might be preparing you He just might be preparing you or developing you or developing you or developing you while he's preparing the job. while he's preparing the job. while he's preparing the job. He's developing you while he's preparing He's developing you while he's preparing He's developing you while he's preparing the opportunity. He's developing you the opportunity. He's developing you the opportunity. He's developing you while he's preparing the spouse. He's developing you while he's preparing He's developing you while he's preparing the cure. What's the lesson? I'm glad you asked. What's the lesson? I'm glad you asked. The lesson is simply this. Don't give The lesson is simply this. Don't give The lesson is simply this. Don't give up. Keep marching. Last but not least, there is the Last but not least, there is the promised conquest.

The final act The final act unfolds with thunderous simplicity. unfolds with thunderous simplicity. unfolds with thunderous simplicity. Listen to what the scripture says in Listen to what the scripture says in Listen to what the scripture says in verse 20. verse 20. verse 20. When the people heard the sound of the When the people heard the sound of the When the people heard the sound of the ram's horn, ram's horn, ram's horn, they shouted as loud as they could. they shouted as loud as they could. they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed and the Israelites charged straight into and the Israelites charged straight into and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. No siege engines, No siege engines, no battering rams, no battering rams, no battering rams, no ladders up the side of the walls. no ladders up the side of the walls. no ladders up the side of the walls. Just obedience, Just obedience, Just obedience, faith, and the power of God unleashed at faith, and the power of God unleashed at faith, and the power of God unleashed at the right moment and at the right time. the right moment and at the right time. the right moment and at the right time. What human hands could have never What human hands could have never What human hands could have never accomplished, what human hands could accomplished, what human hands could accomplished, what human hands could have never torn down, have never torn down, have never torn down, God brought crashing down to the ground God brought crashing down to the ground God brought crashing down to the ground in an instant.

Now just in case you think this is Now just in case you think this is mythology mythology mythology or some legend, In the 1930s, as a matter of fact, from In the 1930s, as a matter of fact, from 1930 to about 1936, famed archaeologist John Garang, famed archaeologist John Garang, G- A R S T G- A R S T G- A R S T Garstang, just in case you taking notes, one of the leading experts one of the leading experts in archaeology, in archaeology, in archaeology, excavated Jericho. He reported that the city walls He reported that the city walls fell fell fell outward.

where the attackers where the attackers could go up into the city. My my my. My my my. They climbed straight over the rubble They climbed straight over the rubble They climbed straight over the rubble and into the city. The reason that detail matters The reason that detail matters is because ancient walls don't fall is because ancient walls don't fall is because ancient walls don't fall under siege outwardly. Because of a battering ram, because of Because of a battering ram, because of some force outside, the walls would some force outside, the walls would some force outside, the walls would normally fall inward, normally fall inward, normally fall inward, but the walls of Jericho but the walls of Jericho but the walls of Jericho didn't fall inward. didn't fall inward. didn't fall inward. According to history, they fell outward.

Which means they didn't fall by human Which means they didn't fall by human force. They fell by divine intervention. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The evidence in the dirt The evidence in the dirt The evidence in the dirt confirms the testimony of the text confirms the testimony of the text confirms the testimony of the text and that is the fact that God did and that is the fact that God did and that is the fact that God did exactly what he said he would do. Now, I want to point something out. Now, I want to point something out. From the time God makes the promise From the time God makes the promise From the time God makes the promise to them that they are going to enter to them that they are going to enter to them that they are going to enter into the promised land with Abraham into the promised land with Abraham into the promised land with Abraham to the time of the falling of the to the time of the falling of the to the time of the falling of the Jericho walls Jericho walls Jericho walls was more than 400 years to the realization of the promise.

to the realization of the promise. The relaying of the promise came 400 The relaying of the promise came 400 The relaying of the promise came 400 years prior to the realization of the years prior to the realization of the years prior to the realization of the promise. promise. promise. That's a long time to wait. That's a long time to wait. That's a long time to wait. >> And you mad cuz you've been waiting six >> And you mad cuz you've been waiting six >> And you mad cuz you've been waiting six months. The ruins of Jericho The ruins of Jericho stand as a permanent monument. stand as a permanent monument. stand as a permanent monument. And the monument states to us that God And the monument states to us that God And the monument states to us that God always keeps his word. always keeps his word. always keeps his word. It might not be in our time, It might not be in our time, It might not be in our time, >> but he will always keep his word. Any battle fought under faith Any battle fought under faith and under God's command and under God's command and under God's command is never wasted.

Don't think you wasting your time Don't think you wasting your time marching around the wall. marching around the wall. marching around the wall. Don't think you wasting your time Don't think you wasting your time Don't think you wasting your time praising and worshiping God. praising and worshiping God. praising and worshiping God. Don't think you're wasting your time Don't think you're wasting your time Don't think you're wasting your time praying and reading scripture. Don't praying and reading scripture. Don't praying and reading scripture. Don't think you're wasting your time waiting think you're wasting your time waiting think you're wasting your time waiting on God because God will come through. how do the walls of our lives come how do the walls of our lives come tumbling down? tumbling down? tumbling down? I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. Turn to Hebrews chap 11 verse 38. the A portion of verse 30 in Hebrews the A portion of verse 30 in Hebrews chapter 11.

The New International Version reads it The New International Version reads it like this. like this. like this. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell. Faith is not magic. Faith is not magic. It is a power that is exercised by the It is a power that is exercised by the It is a power that is exercised by the people of God. God will ultimately come through. God will ultimately come through. >> Yes, he will. It's 7:55 and I got several points about It's 7:55 and I got several points about faith faith faith and how people of faith are supposed to and how people of faith are supposed to and how people of faith are supposed to work and act. So I got to go through them real So I got to go through them real quickly.

quickly. quickly. First of all, the person of faith seeks First of all, the person of faith seeks First of all, the person of faith seeks to discern God's will. to discern God's will. to discern God's will. And if we ultimately want to know the And if we ultimately want to know the And if we ultimately want to know the will of God, it is the word of God. will of God, it is the word of God. will of God, it is the word of God. That's God's will for our lives. Anything that God tells us, we ought to Anything that God tells us, we ought to be able to substantiate be able to substantiate be able to substantiate by his word. by his word. by his word. Secondly, the person of faith then obeys Secondly, the person of faith then obeys Secondly, the person of faith then obeys God's will. Thirdly, the person of faith reckons on Thirdly, the person of faith reckons on God's will being accomplished. In other words, we believe that God's In other words, we believe that God's going to do what God said he's going to going to do what God said he's going to going to do what God said he's going to do. And then last but not least, the person And then last but not least, the person of faith waits for God's will to be of faith waits for God's will to be of faith waits for God's will to be accomplished.

in Hebrews chapter 6 vers 12 through 15. in Hebrews chapter 6 vers 12 through 15. Write it down and read it when you get a Write it down and read it when you get a Write it down and read it when you get a chance. I'm going to read verses 12 and chance. I'm going to read verses 12 and chance. I'm going to read verses 12 and 15. 15. 15. We do not want you to become lazy, We do not want you to become lazy, We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith but to imitate those who through faith but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been and patience inherit what has been and patience inherit what has been promised. And then verse 15 says, "And And then verse 15 says, "And so after waiting patiently, so after waiting patiently, so after waiting patiently, Abraham received Abraham received Abraham received what was promised. what was promised. what was promised. If you and I wait patiently If you and I wait patiently If you and I wait patiently and obey the will and the strategies of and obey the will and the strategies of and obey the will and the strategies of God, God, God, live according to his word. That's his live according to his word. That's his live according to his word. That's his strategy. >> I guarantee you eventually your walls >> I guarantee you eventually your walls will come tumbling down.

Jericho reminds us Jericho reminds us that conflict is inevitable, that conflict is inevitable, that conflict is inevitable, obedience is essential, obedience is essential, obedience is essential, and victory belongs to the Lord. and victory belongs to the Lord. and victory belongs to the Lord. Well, I got to hurry and tell you this Well, I got to hurry and tell you this Well, I got to hurry and tell you this story. this this afternoon. I I told them I this this afternoon. I I told them I could either tell you a story or extend could either tell you a story or extend could either tell you a story or extend the invitation. They decided they wanted the story. So the decided they wanted the story. So the story stays. It's simply this. It's simply this. a guy named Austin Duncan, a minister. a guy named Austin Duncan, a minister. a guy named Austin Duncan, a minister. He's an associate pastor of the He's an associate pastor of the He's an associate pastor of the Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. He shares this as his testimony. He shares this as his testimony. This is how he got to the church in This is how he got to the church in This is how he got to the church in Brentwood, Tennessee.

He said I had just left a software He said I had just left a software development company. development company. development company. Cassie Austin's wife was working as a Cassie Austin's wife was working as a Cassie Austin's wife was working as a far pharmacy technician at Walgreens and far pharmacy technician at Walgreens and far pharmacy technician at Walgreens and they were living in Luk. He started freelancing He started freelancing doing graphic design, photography, doing graphic design, photography, doing graphic design, photography, videography, motion graphics, and all that kind of motion graphics, and all that kind of stuff. The whole time The whole time he felt the urging of God saying that he he felt the urging of God saying that he he felt the urging of God saying that he needed to work in a church. So while his wife So while his wife worked every day, he sat at home he sat at home working on his portfolio.

This is his statement. He declared, This is his statement. He declared, Austin said, "I didn't knock it out Austin said, "I didn't knock it out Austin said, "I didn't knock it out overnight. It took some time. overnight. It took some time. overnight. It took some time. I didn't even have a specific goal in I didn't even have a specific goal in I didn't even have a specific goal in mind. Just this thought that I couldn't mind. Just this thought that I couldn't mind. Just this thought that I couldn't get out of my head. I need to make a get out of my head. I need to make a get out of my head. I need to make a portfolio I can show to churches. Where in the world was he going to find Where in the world was he going to find a church a church a church other than this one that was hiring other than this one that was hiring other than this one that was hiring graphic designers? Yet every day Yet every day Cassie got up Cassie got up Cassie got up and went to work and went to work and went to work and he stayed home making graphics for and he stayed home making graphics for and he stayed home making graphics for nobody. Now, let me pause right here and say Now, let me pause right here and say Cassie is a woman of great and Cassie is a woman of great and Cassie is a woman of great and tremendous faith.

tremendous faith. tremendous faith. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. As a matter of fact, Austin stated about As a matter of fact, Austin stated about As a matter of fact, Austin stated about her, "When I tell you she has the her, "When I tell you she has the her, "When I tell you she has the patience of a saint, I mean it." Finally, the day came when he felt led Finally, the day came when he felt led to look for a church job. to look for a church job. to look for a church job. He'd been working on his portfolio all He'd been working on his portfolio all He'd been working on his portfolio all this time. this time. this time. He decides to go to churchstaffing.com. He decides to go to churchstaffing.com. He decides to go to churchstaffing.com. That is a literal site. And he had gone there. This is his first And he had gone there. This is his first time. time. time. He searched graphic designer and he He searched graphic designer and he He searched graphic designer and he found nothing. found nothing. found nothing. But what he did find was a church But what he did find was a church But what he did find was a church looking for a communications director.

looking for a communications director. looking for a communications director. He thought, "hm He thought, "hm He thought, "hm director would sound good in front of my director would sound good in front of my director would sound good in front of my name." name." name." So he clicked on the site. So he clicked on the site. So he clicked on the site. When he clicked on it, When he clicked on it, When he clicked on it, it was basically it was basically it was basically a listing for a church who was looking a listing for a church who was looking a listing for a church who was looking for exactly what he had been building for exactly what he had been building for exactly what he had been building toward. These are his words. These are his words. Would I have chosen to do a ton of work Would I have chosen to do a ton of work Would I have chosen to do a ton of work for free just because? for free just because? for free just because? No. Indeed. No. Indeed. No. Indeed. But God's ways are higher than our ways. But God's ways are higher than our ways. But God's ways are higher than our ways. He sees the whole picture when only we He sees the whole picture when only we He sees the whole picture when only we can see the next step. can see the next step. can see the next step. When God told Joshua that Jericho was When God told Joshua that Jericho was When God told Joshua that Jericho was already in his hand, Joshua didn't have already in his hand, Joshua didn't have already in his hand, Joshua didn't have a military strategy that made sense, but a military strategy that made sense, but a military strategy that made sense, but he had a word from the Lord he had a word from the Lord he had a word from the Lord and a decision to obey.

and a decision to obey. and a decision to obey. I stopped by to tell you tonight that I stopped by to tell you tonight that I stopped by to tell you tonight that all you need is a word from the Lord all you need is a word from the Lord all you need is a word from the Lord >> and a decision to obey. >> and a decision to obey. >> and a decision to obey. >> Don't stop marching. >> Don't stop marching. >> Don't stop marching. Don't stop working. Don't stop working. Don't stop working. Don't stop doing the things that you're Don't stop doing the things that you're Don't stop doing the things that you're doing in your life that adds to your doing in your life that adds to your doing in your life that adds to your life as you grow in Jesus Christ. Keep life as you grow in Jesus Christ. Keep life as you grow in Jesus Christ. Keep on worshiping. Keep on reading your on worshiping. Keep on reading your on worshiping. Keep on reading your Bible. Keep on studying the word. KEEP Bible. Keep on studying the word. KEEP Bible. Keep on studying the word. KEEP ON PRAISING and worshiping God. And ON PRAISING and worshiping God. And ON PRAISING and worshiping God. And watch God make your walls come tumbling watch God make your walls come tumbling watch God make your walls come tumbling down. I don't know about you, but I'm looking I don't know about you, but I'm looking for a miracle. for a miracle. for a miracle. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Father, we thank you Father, we thank you Father, we thank you >> for your word tonight.

>> for your word tonight. >> for your word tonight. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you that there for letting us know that that there for letting us know that that there for letting us know that there will be conflict. But we have a God But we have a God >> who is able to conquer all of our >> who is able to conquer all of our >> who is able to conquer all of our conflicts. Now Lord, we pray Now Lord, we pray that you'd move on the hearts of that you'd move on the hearts of that you'd move on the hearts of somebody tonight. somebody tonight. somebody tonight. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. Cause them Cause them Cause them to come and give their life to Jesus to come and give their life to Jesus to come and give their life to Jesus Christ that they don't know him in the Christ that they don't know him in the Christ that they don't know him in the pardon of their sins. pardon of their sins. pardon of their sins. Somebody's looking for a church home. Somebody's looking for a church home. Somebody's looking for a church home. Let them know they found the place. Let them know they found the place. Let them know they found the place. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> If somebody needs watch care, >> If somebody needs watch care, >> If somebody needs watch care, we pray asking that while they're here we pray asking that while they're here we pray asking that while they're here on temporary assignment for school or on temporary assignment for school or on temporary assignment for school or work or health concerns that they work or health concerns that they work or health concerns that they realize that they found a place who will realize that they found a place who will realize that they found a place who will watch over their souls until they move watch over their souls until they move watch over their souls until they move back home. [music] back home. [music] back home. [music] Moved by your power and by your spirit Moved by your power and by your spirit Moved by your power and by your spirit tonight is our prayer. It's in the name tonight is our prayer. It's in the name tonight is our prayer. It's in the name of Jesus, the [music] Christ of God we of Jesus, the [music] Christ of God we of Jesus, the [music] Christ of God we pray. Amen.

pray. Amen. pray. Amen. And thank God the invitation is And thank God the invitation is And thank God the invitation is extended. [music] I'm looking for a miracle. I'm looking for a miracle. [music] [music] [music] I expect the impossible. I expect the impossible. I expect the impossible. [music] I feel the intangible. [music] I feel the intangible. [music] I feel the intangible. I see the invisible. [music] I see the invisible. [music] I see the invisible. [music] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] is there looking for a miracle? is there looking for a miracle? is there looking for a miracle? I [music] expect the impossible. I [music] expect the impossible. I [music] expect the impossible. I feel [singing] the intangible [music] I feel [singing] the intangible [music] I feel [singing] the intangible [music] and I see the invisible. [music] Cuz the sky [singing] is the [music] Cuz the sky [singing] is the limit to what I can have. limit to what I can have. limit to what I can have. Oh, Oh, Oh, yes. [music] yes. [music] yes. [music] The sky [singing] is the limit to what I The sky [singing] is the limit to what I The sky [singing] is the limit to what I can have. [music] can have. [music] can have. [music] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] the sky is the limit to what I can have.

the sky is the limit to what I can have. the sky is the limit to what I can have. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, just believe and receive [music] it. Oh, just believe and receive [music] it. Oh, just believe and receive [music] it. God will [singing] perform it today. God will [singing] perform it today. God will [singing] perform it today. Hey. Hey. Just believe and receive Hey. Hey. Just believe and receive Hey. Hey. Just believe and receive [music] it. God will perform it today. [music] it. God will perform it today. [music] it. God will perform it today. Hallelujah. Give the Lord a hand of Hallelujah. Give the Lord a hand of Hallelujah. Give the Lord a hand of praise. [applause] praise. [applause] praise. [applause] >> Say, "Hey, Joshua." >> Say, "Hey, Joshua." >> Say, "Hey, Joshua." >> Hey, Joshua. >> Hey, Joshua. >> Hey, Joshua. >> We're just delighted to have you as a >> We're just delighted to have you as a >> We're just delighted to have you as a part of our church family. Man, [music] part of our church family. Man, [music] part of our church family. Man, [music] >> God sent you here for a reason, >> God sent you here for a reason, >> God sent you here for a reason, >> and we're delighted that God sent you >> and we're delighted that God sent you >> and we're delighted that God sent you this way. On behalf of our pastor and this way. On behalf of our pastor and this way. On behalf of our pastor and all of our officers and members, [music] all of our officers and members, [music] all of our officers and members, [music] we're just glad that God sent you our we're just glad that God sent you our we're just glad that God sent you our way. I believe I'm looking forward to way. I believe I'm looking forward to way. I believe I'm looking forward to what God is going to do through you and what God is going to do through you and what God is going to do through you and [music] in you and with you [music] in you and with you [music] in you and with you and for you. and for you. and for you. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> God is going to do great works. >> God is going to do great works. >> God is going to do great works. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> In your life. >> In your life. >> In your life. >> Yes, God. [music] >> Yes, God. [music] >> Yes, God. [music] >> If you would follow our deacons.

>> If you would follow our deacons. >> If you would follow our deacons. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. [music] [music] [music] [applause] >> Thank you, Lord. >> Thank you, Lord. The angels in heaven are rejoicing The angels in heaven are rejoicing The angels in heaven are rejoicing [music] [music] [music] >> cuz one came. Amen. >> cuz one came. Amen. >> cuz one came. Amen. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Amen. Tomorrow there will be services for Tomorrow there will be services for Mother Dorothy M. Smith Mother Dorothy M. Smith Mother Dorothy M. Smith here at 11:00 a.m. in the Will Avenue here at 11:00 a.m. in the Will Avenue here at 11:00 a.m. in the Will Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary. Baptist Church sanctuary. Baptist Church sanctuary. We ask for your prayers for this family. We ask for your prayers for this family. We ask for your prayers for this family. Pray for all of our bereaveved families. Pray for all of our bereaveved families. Pray for all of our bereaveved families. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] In the life of our church. Lift them up. In the life of our church. Lift them up. In the life of our church. Lift them up. Ask God to give them his comfort. Ask God to give them his comfort. Ask God to give them his comfort. And then pray for our members with And then pray for our members with And then pray for our members with health concerns. health concerns. health concerns. God is the healer. Amen. God is the healer. Amen. God is the healer. Amen. >> Yes, he will. >> Yes, he will. >> Yes, he will. >> And he will heal.

>> And he will heal. >> And he will heal. Let's stand. Let's stand. Let's stand. [music] Father, we thank you. Father, we thank you. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your word. [music] [music] [music] Thank you for blessing us tonight. Thank you for blessing us tonight. Thank you for blessing us tonight. Now, we ask [music] Now, we ask [music] Now, we ask [music] you bless our bereieved families. Give you bless our bereieved families. Give you bless our bereieved families. Give them your comfort. for you're the God of them your comfort. for you're the God of them your comfort. for you're the God of all comfort. [music] all comfort. [music] all comfort. [music] Heal their bodies Heal their bodies Heal their bodies cuz you're the healer. cuz you're the healer. cuz you're the healer. Lord, we've seen you do it before. Lord, we've seen you do it before. Lord, we've seen you do it before. Work miracles. Work miracles. Work miracles. You've done it before. Now do it again You've done it before. Now do it again You've done it before. Now do it again in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] Now it's unto you cuz you're able to Now it's unto you cuz you're able to Now it's unto you cuz you're able to keep us [music] from falling, keep us [music] from falling, keep us [music] from falling, presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God. [music] To you be power only wise God. [music] To you be power only wise God. [music] To you be power and majesty, glory and dominion now, and majesty, glory and dominion now, and majesty, glory and dominion now, henceforth and forever more. It's in the henceforth and forever more. It's in the henceforth and forever more. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ [music] of name of Jesus, the Christ [music] of name of Jesus, the Christ [music] of God, we pray. Amen. And thank God. God God, we pray. Amen. And thank God. God God, we pray. Amen. And thank God. God bless you.

bless you. bless you. [music]