Wednesday Bible Study

Praise the Lord, church family. Praise the Lord, church family. Hallelujah. Come on, it's time [music] Hallelujah. Come on, it's time [music] Hallelujah. Come on, it's time [music] to worship. Give glory to God, saints. [music] Give glory to God, saints. [music] Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. >> [singing] >> Give glory [music] >> Give glory [music] to God, saints. to God, saints. to God, saints. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. >> [singing] >> Give glory to God, saints. >> Give glory to God, saints. Give glory to God. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Give glory to God, saints. >> Give glory to God, saints. >> Give glory to God, saints. Give glory [singing] to God. [music] Give glory [singing] to God. [music] Give glory [singing] to God. [music] Come on, real easy. Sing it with me. Come on, real easy. Sing it with me. Come on, real easy. Sing it with me. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Uh-huh, that's it. >> Uh-huh, that's it. >> Uh-huh, that's it. Give glory to God. Give glory to God, Give glory to God, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> saints. Oh, give glory to God. >> saints. Oh, give glory to God. >> saints. Oh, give glory to God. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] [music] give glory to God, saints.

[music] give glory to God, saints. [music] give glory to God, saints. Give [singing] glory to God. Give [singing] glory to God. Give [singing] glory to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory [singing] to God, saints. Oh, >> Give glory [singing] to God, saints. Oh, >> Give glory [singing] to God, saints. Oh, [music] give glory to God. Oh, [music] give glory to God. Oh, [music] give glory to God. Oh, he's a worthy [music] of [singing] the he's a worthy [music] of [singing] the he's a worthy [music] of [singing] the praise, saints. praise, saints. praise, saints. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> He's a worthy of the praise, saints. >> He's a worthy of the praise, saints. >> He's a worthy of the praise, saints. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, he's a worthy of the praise, >> Oh, he's a worthy of the praise, >> Oh, he's a worthy of the praise, [singing] saints. Give glory. [music] Yeah, that's it. He's worthy. He's a Yeah, that's it. He's worthy. He's a worthy [singing] of the praise, saints. worthy [singing] of the praise, saints. worthy [singing] of the praise, saints. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Yeah, let's do it again. He's worthy. Yeah, let's do it again. He's worthy. Yeah, let's do it again. He's worthy. He's a worthy of the praise, He's a worthy of the praise, He's a worthy of the praise, [singing and music] saints. Give glory. [singing and music] saints. Give glory. [singing and music] saints. Give glory. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Oh, yes. He's a worthy of the Oh, yes. He's a worthy of the Oh, yes. He's a worthy of the [music and singing] praise, saints. Give [music and singing] praise, saints. Give [music and singing] praise, saints. Give glory glory glory to God.

to God. to God. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> He's worthy. He's a worthy [music] of >> He's worthy. He's a worthy [music] of >> He's worthy. He's a worthy [music] of the praise. the praise. the praise. Give glory. He's worthy. He's a worthy [music] of He's worthy. He's a worthy [music] of the praise, [singing] the praise, [singing] the praise, [singing] saints. Give glory to God. saints. Give glory to God. saints. Give glory to God. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go. Oh, [music and singing] clap those hands, saints. clap those hands, saints. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory. Give glory to God. [singing] >> Give glory. Give glory to God. [singing] >> Give glory. Give glory to God. [singing] Oh, clap those [music] hands. Clap those Oh, clap those [music] hands. Clap those Oh, clap those [music] hands. Clap those hands, saints. hands, saints. hands, saints. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] clap clap clap those hands. those hands. those hands. Yes, clap. Give glory to God. Yes, clap. Give glory to God. Yes, clap. Give glory to God. >> [music] >> Clap those hands. Clap those [music] >> Clap those hands. Clap those [music] Give glory [singing] to God. Come on, Give glory [singing] to God. Come on, Give glory [singing] to God. Come on, put your hands on it. Clap those put your hands on it. Clap those put your hands on it. Clap those hands, saints. hands, saints. hands, saints. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Clap those hands. [singing] >> Clap those hands. [singing] >> Clap those hands. [singing] Clap those hands.

Clap those hands. Clap those hands. Give [music] glory to God. Give [music] glory to God. Give [music] glory to God. Oh, [singing] clap Oh, [singing] clap Oh, [singing] clap >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> hands. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Give glory to God. [singing] Clap those hands. Clap those hands. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, give glory to God. give glory to God. give glory to God. Oh, Oh, Oh, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> shout hallelujah. Yes, God. Yes, God. Shout hallelujah. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory >> Give glory >> Give glory to God. Give glory Give glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to God. You got it. Come on. >> to God. You got it. Come on. >> to God. You got it. Come on. Shout hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. Shout hallelujah. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. Give glory Give glory Give glory to God.

to God. to God. Shout hallelujah. [singing] Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Shout [singing] hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory to God. >> Give glory to God. >> Give glory to God. Shout hallelujah. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. One more. One more. One more. Oh, give glory. Oh, give glory. Oh, give glory. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Give glory [music] to God. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Give glory. Give glory. Give glory. Oh, Oh, Oh, give glory to [music] God. Yes. Yes. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. Give glory to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give glory to God. >> Give glory to God. >> Give glory to God. Oh, Oh, Oh, give [music] glory. give [music] glory. give [music] glory. Give glory [singing] to God. Oh, yes.

Oh, yes. Come on, do that right now. Come on, do that right now. Come on, do that right now. Come on, give him [music] glory. Come on, give him [music] glory. Come on, give him [music] glory. Come on, give him the glory. Come on, give him the glory. Come on, give him the glory. Give him the glory. Give him the glory. Give him the glory. Hallelujah. [music and singing] Hallelujah. [music and singing] Hallelujah. [music and singing] Bless your mighty name, Jesus. Bless your mighty name, Jesus. Bless your mighty name, Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Come on, saints. [music] Hallelujah. Come on, saints. [music] Hallelujah. Come on, saints. [music] Let him hear your praises. Let him hear your praises. Let him hear your praises. Let him hear your blessings. Let him hear your blessings. Let him hear your blessings. Let him hear you magnify [music] Let him hear you magnify [music] Let him hear you magnify [music] him. him. him. Hallelujah. Oh. Oh. Yes, [music] God. Hallelujah. Yes, [music] God. Hallelujah. Yes, [music] God. Hallelujah. You know, they they have taught us that You know, they they have taught us that You know, they they have taught us that hallelujah is the highest praise that hallelujah is the highest praise that hallelujah is the highest praise that you can give God. you can give God. you can give God. I've never read that in the Bible, but I've never read that in the Bible, but I've never read that in the Bible, but if that is true, I want to give it to if that is true, I want to give it to if that is true, I want to give it to him. I want to give him the highest him. I want to give him the highest him. I want to give him the highest praise. praise. praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Bless your mighty name, Jesus. Bless your mighty name, Jesus. Bless your mighty name, Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to >> Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to >> Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. God. God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God.

Glory to God. Glory to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Glory to God. I'm sorry, go ahead. Glory to God. I'm sorry, go ahead. Glory to God. I'm sorry, go ahead. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, yes, God. >> Oh, yes, God. >> Oh, yes, God. I'll tell you every time I think about I'll tell you every time I think about I'll tell you every time I think about it, hallelujah. it, hallelujah. it, hallelujah. Yes, [music] Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes, God. Yes, God. Yes, God. Glory to God. >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Glory. Glory. Hallelujah. Glory, glory, glory. Glory, glory, glory. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Hallelujah. [music] [music] [applause] >> Now, Lord, let the words of my mouth >> Now, Lord, let the words of my mouth >> [music] be acceptable in your sight.

be acceptable in your sight. Lord, you are our strength. Lord, you are our strength. Lord, you are our strength. You are our redeemer. You are our redeemer. You are our redeemer. It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of God we pray. God we pray. God we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. >> [music] You've been on vacation, too, huh?

You've been on vacation, too, huh? >> No, I was not feeling well. >> No, I was not feeling well. >> No, I was not feeling well. >> Oh, praise the Lord, you're back. >> Oh, praise the Lord, you're back. >> Oh, praise the Lord, you're back. Glad you're feeling better. Glad you're feeling better. Glad you're feeling better. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Joshua was 6 >> Joshua was 6 1 through 20 in the New International 1 through 20 in the New International 1 through 20 in the New International Version. Now the gates of Jericho was Version. Now the gates of Jericho was Version. Now the gates of Jericho was securely barred by the Israelites. No securely barred by the Israelites. No securely barred by the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. one went out and no one came in. one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands have delivered Jericho into your hands have delivered Jericho into your hands along with the king and its fighting along with the king and its fighting along with the king and its fighting men. men. men. March around the city once with all the March around the city once with all the March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for 6 days. Have armed men. Do this for 6 days. Have armed men. Do this for 6 days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' seven priests carry trumpets of rams' seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horn in the front of the ark. horn in the front of the ark. horn in the 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 priests city seven times with the priests city seven times with the priests blowing their trumpets. blowing their trumpets. blowing their 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 walls of city will loud shout. Then the walls of city will loud shout. Then the walls of city will collapse and the army will go up collapse and the army will go up 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 the to them, "Take priests and said to the to them, "Take priests and said to the to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord up the ark of the covenant of the Lord up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in and have seven priests carry trumpets in and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it." front of it." front of it." As he ordered the army, "Advance. March As he ordered the army, "Advance. March As he ordered the army, "Advance. March around the city with an armed guard around the city with an armed guard around the city with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord." going ahead of the ark of the Lord." going ahead of the ark of the Lord." When Joshua had spoken to the people, When Joshua had spoken to the people, When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying seven the seven priests carrying seven the seven priests carrying seven trumpets before the Lord went forward trumpets before the Lord went forward trumpets before the Lord went forward blowing their trumpets and the ark of blowing their trumpets and the ark of blowing their trumpets and the ark of the Lord's covenant followed them. the Lord's covenant followed them. the Lord's covenant followed them. The armed guards marched ahead of the The armed guards marched ahead of the The armed guards marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets and the priests who blew the trumpets and the priests who blew the trumpets and the rear guards followed the ark. rear guards followed the ark. rear guards followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were All this time the trumpets were All this time the trumpets were sounding, but Joshua had commanded the sounding, but Joshua had commanded the sounding, but Joshua had commanded the army, "Do not give a war cry. Do not army, "Do not give a war cry. Do not army, "Do not give a war cry. Do not raise your voices. Do not say a word raise your voices. Do not say a word raise your voices. Do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then until the day I tell you to shout. Then until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout. shout. shout. 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 and Joshua got up early the next morning and Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. the priests took up the ark of the Lord. the priests took up the ark of the Lord. The seven priests carried the seven The seven priests carried the seven The seven priests carried the seven trumpets when fall. trumpets when fall. trumpets when fall. Marching before the ark of the Lord and Marching before the ark of the Lord and Marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. blowing the trumpets. blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the The armed men went ahead of them and the The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guards followed the ark of the Lord rear guards followed the ark of the Lord rear guards followed the ark of the Lord while the trumpets kept sounding. while the trumpets kept sounding. while the trumpets kept sounding. So, on the second day they marched So, on the second day they marched So, on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the around the city once and returned to the around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. camp. They did this for six days. camp. They did this for 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 the day that on the day that on the day on that day they circled the city seven on that day they circled the city seven on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around when the times. The seventh time around when the times. The seventh time around when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, priests sounded the trumpet blast, priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, "Shout for Joshua commanded the army, "Shout for Joshua commanded the army, "Shout for the Lord has given you the city. the Lord has given you the city. the Lord has given you the city. The city and all that is in it are to be The city and all that is in it are to be The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. devoted to the Lord. 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 the house shall be are with her in the house shall be are with her in the 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.

sent. sent. But keep away from the devoted things so But keep away from the devoted things so But keep away from the devoted things so that you will not bring about your own that you will not bring about your own that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking them. destruction by taking them. destruction by taking them. Otherwise, you will make camp of Israel Otherwise, you will make camp of Israel Otherwise, you will make camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble liable to destruction and bring trouble liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. on it. on it. All the silver and gold and the articles All the silver and gold and the articles All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the of bronze and iron are sacred to the of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasure. Lord and must go into his treasure. Lord and must go into his treasure. When the trumpets sounded, the army When the trumpets sounded, the army When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted and the sound of the trumpet shouted and the sound of the trumpet shouted and the sound of the trumpet when the men gave a loud shout, the when the men gave a loud shout, the when the men gave a loud shout, the walls collapsed. So, everyone straight walls collapsed. So, everyone straight walls collapsed. So, everyone straight in and they took the city. in and they took the city. in and they took the city. >> Hallelujah. Thank you. Thank you. >> I want to read for emphasis >> I want to read for emphasis >> I want to read for emphasis verse two. Then the Lord said to Joshua, Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, "See, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands I have delivered Jericho into your hands I have delivered Jericho into your hands along with its king and its fighting along with its king and its fighting along with its king and its fighting men."

I want to talk to you for a few moments I want to talk to you for a few moments today today today about looking for a miracle. The song expect your miracle, The song expect your miracle, commonly known by its opening lyric, commonly known by its opening lyric, commonly known by its opening lyric, "I'm looking for a miracle." "I'm looking for a miracle." "I'm looking for a miracle." was written by Twinkie Clark and was written by Twinkie Clark and was written by Twinkie Clark and released in 1980. released in 1980. released in 1980. It was released on the Clark Sisters It was released on the Clark Sisters It was released on the Clark Sisters breakout live album Is My Living in breakout live album Is My Living in breakout live album Is My Living in Vain? Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. I can tell by your response that many of I can tell by your response that many of I can tell by your response that many of you know the lyrics. 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.

I feel the intangible. I feel the intangible. 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 for 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. Just believe and receive it. Just believe and receive it. God will perform it God will perform it God will perform it today. But what happens But 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? 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 obedience obedience to the process and that process takes to the process and that process takes to the process and that process takes days, days, days, takes months, takes months, takes months, even years?

This is the moment I argue that our This is the moment I argue that our faith is tested. faith is tested. faith is tested. Our courage is commanded. Our courage is commanded. Our courage is commanded. But I want to stop by to let you know But I want to stop by to let you know But I want to stop by to let you know that ultimately the victory will come. It just doesn't come always as we expect It just doesn't come always as we expect it to come. 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, to manifest, to manifest, the more the tension grows. In other words, In other words, we find ourselves we find ourselves we find ourselves tense tense tense and locked up waiting on the Lord to and locked up waiting on the Lord to and locked up waiting on the Lord to perform a miracle.

Then add to it some incomprehensible Then add to it some incomprehensible instructions. In other words, some instructions that In other words, some instructions that don't make sense. 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 This is where the conflict This is where the conflict begins. I want to begin talking through this I want to begin talking through this text text text with the first thought, the pending with the first thought, the pending with the first thought, the pending conflict. The courageous Syrian preacher and The courageous Syrian preacher and martyr, John Chrysostom, martyr, John Chrysostom, martyr, John Chrysostom, said these words, said these words, said these words, "You are but a poor soldier of Christ if "You are but a poor soldier of Christ if "You are but a poor soldier of Christ if you think you can overcome you think you can overcome you think you can overcome without fighting.

And suppose you can have the crown And suppose you can have the crown without the conflict." He said those words and I argue that he He said those words and I argue that he was right. was right. was right. For the Christian life involves For the Christian life involves For the Christian life involves challenge and conflict whether we like challenge and conflict whether we like challenge and conflict whether we like it or not. This idea that being a child of God This idea that being a child of God means that you don't have trouble, you means that you don't have trouble, you means that you don't have trouble, you don't have trials, and you don't have don't have trials, and you don't have don't have trials, and you don't have tribulation is a myth. Our enemies are constantly waging war Our enemies are constantly waging war against us and trying to keep us from against us and trying to keep us from against us and trying to keep us from claiming our inheritance in Christ claiming our inheritance in Christ claiming our inheritance in Christ Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The world, the flesh, the devil and his The world, the flesh, the devil and his The world, the flesh, the devil and his corrupted angels are all united against corrupted angels are all united against corrupted angels are all united against Christ and against his people just as Christ and against his people just as Christ and against his people just as the nations of Canaan were united the nations of Canaan were united the nations of Canaan were united against Joshua and the people of Israel.

Joshua's first major conflict Joshua's first major conflict as a spiritual and military leader of as a spiritual and military leader of as a spiritual and military leader of Israel wasn't subtle. Israel wasn't subtle. Israel 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's a story of the ages. 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 in or out. No one was allowed to go in or out. No one was allowed to go in or out. That's the New Living Translation. That's the New Living Translation. That's the New Living Translation. Fear Fear Fear had sealed the city shut. 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, claimed, claimed, then Jericho had to be conquered. It had the longest of occupational It had the longest of occupational histories in the ancient world. histories in the ancient world. histories in the ancient world. Long before Joshua, Long before Joshua, Long before Joshua, back in the days of Abraham, it was back in the days of Abraham, it was back in the days of Abraham, it was already fortified with masterful already fortified with masterful already fortified with masterful and massive barricades. 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 An inner wall An inner wall surrounded by an even larger outer wall. surrounded by an even larger outer wall. surrounded by an even larger outer wall. Both built of solid stone enclosed the Both built of solid stone enclosed the Both built of solid stone enclosed the entire city.

Jericho didn't have just one wall. Jericho didn't have just one wall. It had two walls. It had two walls. It had two walls. My God. This wasn't just a city, it was a This wasn't just a city, it was a fortress. fortress. fortress. It was a statement. It was a threat. It was a statement. It was a threat. It was a statement. It was a threat. Jericho was designed to intimidate, Jericho was designed to intimidate, Jericho was designed to intimidate, to resist, to resist, to resist, to crush anyone who dare to challenge to crush anyone who dare to challenge to crush anyone who dare to challenge it. And now it stood as Israel's first it. And now it stood as Israel's first it. And now it stood as Israel's first battlefield battlefield battlefield in the land that God had promised. God calls us forward, and almost God calls us forward, and almost immediately we collide with resistance. Sometimes it's just minor Sometimes it's just minor inconveniences. Sometimes the inconveniences Sometimes the inconveniences are real.

are real. are real. Soul-shaking They test both our courage and our They test both our courage and our faith. faith. faith. Things like when the doctor says, "It's Things like when the doctor says, "It's Things like when the doctor says, "It's cancer." Or it reaches to the point that the Or it reaches to the point that the funeral director says, "When would you funeral director says, "When would you funeral director says, "When would you like to view the body?" Huge Huge confrontations confrontations confrontations like when your teenage daughter like when your teenage daughter like when your teenage daughter declares, "I'm pregnant." declares, "I'm pregnant." declares, "I'm 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." have to let you go." have to let you go." Or your spouse comes in and confesses, Or your spouse comes in and confesses, Or your spouse comes in and confesses, "I don't love you anymore." Or the more "I don't love you anymore." Or the more "I don't love you anymore." Or the more direct term, "I want a divorce." direct term, "I want a divorce." direct term, "I want a divorce." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> These are external walls.

>> These are external walls. >> These are external walls. Walls that loom high and that are Walls that loom high and that are Walls that loom high and that are seemingly seemingly seemingly immovable immovable immovable and irrevocable. and irrevocable. and irrevocable. But sometimes But sometimes But sometimes the fiercest conflict isn't without. the fiercest conflict isn't without. the fiercest conflict isn't without. It's within. Private war that of temptation Private war that of temptation that just won't let you go. that just won't let you go. that just won't let you go. The addiction The addiction The addiction we thought we had control over we thought we had control over we thought we had control over Finds itself beating up on us. Finds itself beating up on us. Finds itself beating up on us. The bitterness The bitterness The bitterness and unforgiveness and unforgiveness and unforgiveness that we rehearse in the dark. that we rehearse in the dark. that we rehearse in the dark. The quiet doubts we're almost afraid to The quiet doubts we're almost afraid to The quiet doubts we're almost afraid to admit. admit. 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 what's going on in my life? Does he see what's going on in my life? Does he see what's going on in my life? Does he care? Does he care? Does he care? Will he really come through? It's the battle between faith and fear. It's the battle between faith and fear. Obedience and compromise, hope and Obedience and compromise, hope and Obedience and compromise, hope and despair. despair. despair. Conflict without and conflicts within. There's nowhere to hide. There's nowhere to hide. Nowhere to retreat. Nowhere to retreat. Nowhere to retreat. These are not mere inconveniences. These are not mere inconveniences. These are not mere inconveniences. These are real weighty These are real weighty These are real weighty conflicts. These are what I like to call the These are what I like to call the Jericho moments Jericho moments Jericho moments in our lives. in our lives. in our lives. When the walls stand tall and thick. When the walls stand tall and thick. When the walls stand tall and thick. And the gates are shut tight. And the gates are shut tight. And the gates are shut tight. And the only way forward is to trust And the only way forward is to trust And the only way forward is to trust that God still fights for his people.

Now, I don't know about you, but I think Now, I don't know about you, but I think it would have been pretty easy it would have been pretty easy it would have been pretty easy for Joshua to look at the towering walls for Joshua to look at the towering walls for Joshua to look at the towering walls of Jericho of Jericho of Jericho and say, "No way, God. We don't even stand a chance. We don't even stand a chance. And there's a vast army behind those And there's a vast army behind those And there's a vast army behind those walls. He could have argued for retreat, He could have argued for retreat, for delay, for delay, for delay, or even, Lord, send us back into the or even, Lord, send us back into the or even, Lord, send us back into the wilderness where we're fed by manna each wilderness where we're fed by manna each wilderness where we're fed by manna each and every day. And if we're honest, And if we're honest, we can't blame Joshua if he had said we can't blame Joshua if he had said we can't blame Joshua if he had said that. that. that. Cuz many of us, when we are tempted, when we are tempted, do the very same thing.

When conflict rises, When conflict rises, quitting starts to sound reasonable. Giving up feels safer than moving Giving up feels safer than moving 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. front of us. front of us. It's the fear within us. Then God gives an answer to how he's Then God gives an answer to how he's going to defeat Jericho. going to defeat Jericho. going to defeat Jericho. That's the peculiar command. When Joshua sought the Lord, the Lord When Joshua sought the Lord, the Lord gave him his battle plan. He gave him marching orders He gave him marching orders in the literal sense. 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 a waiting for a strategy worthy of a waiting for a strategy worthy of a siege, Joshua received instructions siege, Joshua received instructions siege, Joshua received instructions that no general would have expected.

Verses 3 through 5 tell us march around Verses 3 through 5 tell us march around the city once with all the armed men. the city once with all the armed men. the city once with all the armed men. Do this for 6 days. Mhm. Mhm. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns carry trumpets of rams' horns in the front of the ark of the covenant. And do this one time a day And do this one time a day for 6 days. And then when you hear a long blast from And then when you hear a long blast from the trumpets the trumpets the trumpets who is supposed to be playing the whole who is supposed to be playing the whole who is supposed to be playing the whole time they're marching. Have the whole army give a loud shout. Have the whole army give a loud shout. And then the wall of the city And then the wall of the city And then the wall of the city will collapse. will collapse. will collapse. And the army will go And the army will go And the army will go straight in.

That doesn't sound like a winning That doesn't sound like a winning strategy. There are no battering rams. There are no battering rams. No ladders up the wall. History's great military minds would History's great military minds would have scoffed at the plan. Alexander the Great believed victory Alexander the Great believed victory came by seizing the high ground. came by seizing the high ground. came by seizing the high ground. God didn't even give that suggestion. God didn't even give that suggestion. God didn't even give that suggestion. Sun Tzu is the one who famously advised, "Know is the one who famously advised, "Know your enemy." Both of these approaches make sense.

Both of these approaches make sense. They're logical. They're logical. They're logical. And both have proven to be effective. And both have proven to be effective. And both have proven to be effective. But God wasn't interested in logic. 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 faith. From a human perspective, From a human perspective, God's command bordered on the absurd. God's command bordered on the absurd. God's command bordered on the absurd. It didn't make sense. Marching silently around the Marching silently around the fortified city day by day, blowing fortified city day by day, blowing fortified city day by day, blowing trumpets, and carrying the ark. It trumpets, and carrying the ark. It trumpets, and carrying the ark. It looked more like a religious parade. What in the world does God have us What in the world does God have us doing?

My God. My God. Over the years Over the years Over the years some have tried to explain away the some have tried to explain away the some have tried to explain away the miracle miracle miracle suggesting that this synchronized suggesting that this synchronized suggesting that this synchronized marching marching marching and shouting created some vibrations and shouting created some vibrations and shouting created some vibrations strong enough to collapse the walls. strong enough to collapse the walls. strong enough to collapse the walls. But the truth is earthquakes don't work But the truth is earthquakes don't work But the truth is earthquakes don't work that way. that way. that way. No amount of stomping on the surface No amount of stomping on the surface No amount of stomping on the surface even though it's thousands and millions even though it's thousands and millions even though it's thousands and millions of people, no amount of stomping on the of people, no amount of stomping on the of people, no amount of stomping on the surface of the earth can shift tectonic surface of the earth can shift tectonic surface of the earth can shift tectonic plates buried miles beneath the earth. Jerusalem did not fall because Israel Jerusalem did not fall because Israel found some clever workaround. 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 strength or victory would not come by strength or victory would not come by strength or strategy.

strategy. strategy. It was not a matter of human ingenuity. It was not a matter of human ingenuity. It was not a matter of human ingenuity. The walls would fall because God himself The walls would fall because God himself The walls would fall because God himself brought them down. brought them down. brought them down. From the very beginning God has been From the very beginning God has been From the very beginning God has been 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. I'm going to share with you right I'm going to share with you right quickly the fact that the greatest quickly the fact that the greatest quickly the fact that the greatest enemies to humanity and that we've ever enemies to humanity and that we've ever enemies to humanity and that we've ever faced or seen in death. They're not forces that an army can They're not forces that an army can defeat. defeat. defeat. I don't care what kind of strategy you I don't care what kind of strategy you I don't care what kind of strategy you have, you can't beat sin and death. You know the only answer to sin and You know the only answer to sin and death?

death? death? A crucified Messiah. A blood-stained cross. A blood-stained cross. A victory won through surrender. A victory won through surrender. A victory won through surrender. In 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 18, the In 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 18, the In 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 18, the amplified Bible reads like this, "For amplified Bible reads like this, "For amplified Bible reads like this, "For the message of the cross is foolishness, the message of the cross is foolishness, the message of the cross is foolishness, absurd and illogical absurd and illogical absurd and illogical to those who are perishing and to those who are perishing and to those who are perishing and spiritually dead because they rejected spiritually dead because they rejected spiritually dead because they rejected it. it. it. But to us But to us But to us who are being saved by the grace of God, who are being saved by the grace of God, who are being saved by the grace of God, it is the manifestation it is the manifestation it is the manifestation of the power of God." It doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense. At least not to human standards. Judicially, Judicially, philosophically, philosophically, philosophically, strategically, strategically, strategically, the cross doesn't make sense. It seems the cross doesn't make sense. It seems the cross doesn't make sense. It seems backward.

He should come in as the conquering He should come in as the conquering king, king, king, not a dying Messiah. How can the death of one man How can the death of one man atone for the sins of the world. How can weakness overpower and conquer How can weakness overpower and conquer power? How can surrender lead to victory? How can surrender lead to victory? Jesus said, "No one takes my life. I lay Jesus said, "No one takes my life. I lay Jesus said, "No one takes my life. I lay it down." My, my, my. My, my, my. God never asked his people to understand God never asked his people to understand God never asked his people to understand the crucifixion. He never asked us to understand He never asked us to understand his ways. his ways. his ways. He just asked us to trust him. 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. Step after step, Faith before results. Step after step, Faith before results. Step after step, lap after lap, day after day. Joshua and lap after lap, day after day. Joshua and lap after lap, day after day. Joshua and Israel they had to follow the command Israel they had to follow the command Israel they had to follow the command that looked pointless, that even looked that looked pointless, that even looked that looked pointless, that even looked humiliating humiliating humiliating in the eyes of the world. They had to in the eyes of the world. They had to in the eyes of the world. They had to keep marching regardless. The soldiers weren't swinging swords. The soldiers weren't swinging swords. The priests didn't shout battle cries. The priests didn't shout battle cries. The priests didn't shout battle cries. They walked. They walked. They walked. They marched. They marched. They marched. They waited and they trusted. And that's often how God works in our And that's often how God works in our lives. We want strategy.

We want strategy. We want a timeline. We want a guarantee. We want a guarantee. We want a plan. God frequently calls us to move forward God frequently calls us to move forward without answers. without answers. without answers. He only gives us assurance. He only gives us assurance. He only gives us assurance. Assurance that he is God. Assurance that he is God. Assurance that he is God. That he is sovereign. That he is sovereign. That he is sovereign. Assurance that he is with us and Assurance that he is with us and Assurance that he is with us and assurance that he knows what he's doing. assurance that he knows what he's doing. assurance that he knows what he's doing. Assurance that obedience, even when it Assurance that obedience, even when it Assurance that obedience, even when it feels foolish, is never wasted. Victory in God's kingdom doesn't come Victory in God's kingdom doesn't come with brilliance. with brilliance. with brilliance. I don't care how smart you are. It comes I don't care how smart you are. It comes I don't care how smart you are. It comes through faith, through obedience.

through faith, through obedience. through faith, through 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. He already has or the strongest warrior. He already has or the strongest warrior. He already has infinite wisdom and infinite power. What infinite wisdom and infinite power. What infinite wisdom and infinite power. What he seeks are men and women who will say, he seeks are men and women who will say, he seeks are men and women who will say, "Yes, Lord." "Yes, Lord, even when the path doesn't "Yes, Lord, even when the path doesn't make sense." Joshua said, "Yes, Lord." Joshua said, "Yes, Lord." Israel said, "Yes, Lord." Israel said, "Yes, Lord." Israel said, "Yes, Lord." And when they did, And when they did, And when they did, the stage was set for the final act. the stage was set for the final act. the stage was set for 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. I want to spend a little time on this I want to spend a little time on this third point. third point. third point. Just a little time.

This project that God gave them, This project that God gave them, these marching orders these marching orders these marching orders required patient participation. This may have been one of the most This may have been one of the most difficult parts of the miracle. They had to keep marching. They had to keep marching. Day one, Day one, Day one, nothing. nothing. nothing. Day two, Day two, Day two, nothing. nothing. nothing. Day three, nothing. Day four, nothing. Day three, nothing. Day four, nothing. Day three, nothing. Day four, nothing. Day five, guess what? Nothing. Nothing. Day six, nothing. Imagine being one of the Israelites on Imagine being one of the Israelites on day six. You've walked around the same city for a You've walked around the same city for a whole week, and the walls are still standing.

and the walls are still 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 visually and the promise has not been visually and the promise has not been visually manifested. But God said, But God said, "I have delivered "I have delivered "I have delivered Jericho into your hands." I believe that there are a few things I believe that there are a few things that this text is tailored to teach us. that this text is tailored to teach us. that this text is tailored to teach us. One, first, is that silence does not One, first, is that silence does not One, first, is that silence does not mean that God is inactive. Joshua tells them in verse 10, "Don't Joshua tells them in verse 10, "Don't raise your voices. raise your voices. raise your voices. Don't give a war cry. Don't say a word Don't give a war cry. Don't say a word Don't give a war cry. Don't say a word until I tell you to shout."

Not only did they have to march around Not only did they have to march around the wall of this massive city, they had the wall of this massive city, they had the wall of this massive city, they had to be quiet. Now, that, my friends, is a difficult Now, that, my friends, is a difficult spiritual discipline. We often want to talk We often want to talk when God tells us to be quiet. We want to act when God tells us to just We want to act when God tells us to just wait. wait. wait. We want to rush when God says, "Remain." Psalm 46 and 10 Psalm 46 and 10 says, "Be still says, "Be still says, "Be still and know and know and know that I am God." Secondly, not only does silence not mean Secondly, not only does silence not mean that God is inactive, that God is inactive, that God is inactive, we need to know secondly that sometimes we need to know secondly that sometimes we need to know secondly that sometimes God is working behind the scenes.

For days, For days, weeks even, weeks even, weeks even, nothing happens. Just nothing. Just nothing. It's like waiting on paint to dry. even though on top of the soil nothing even though on top of the soil nothing is happening. is happening. is happening. Underneath the soil a root system is Underneath the soil a root system is Underneath the soil a root system is growing growing growing and developing. and developing. and developing. Life is forming. Life is forming. Life is forming. The seed is responding The seed is responding The seed is responding to conditions to conditions to conditions that you cannot see. And watch God work And watch God work with the seed Eventually Eventually what's been happening beneath the what's been happening beneath the what's been happening beneath the surface surface surface will be visible above ground.

often comes after a period often comes after a period of invisible of invisible of invisible preparation. It is a familiar passage of to many of It is a familiar passage of to many of us. us. us. Says let us not become weary in doing Says let us not become weary in doing Says let us not become weary in doing good. good. good. King James says weary in well doing. For at the proper time For at the proper time in due season we will reap a harvest we will reap a harvest if we don't give up. Not our time. Not our time. At the proper time.

At the proper time. At the proper time. Not our schedule. Not our schedule. Not our schedule. Just the proper schedule. Just the proper schedule. Just the proper schedule. It happens in not our time, but in God's It happens in not our time, but in God's It happens in not our time, but in God's time. time. time. Not chronos. Not chronos. Not chronos. Chronological time. Chronological time. Chronological time. No need of you trying to look at your No need of you trying to look at your No need of you trying to look at your watch. watch. watch. No need of you checking the calendar. God is working in his time. God is working in his time. In kairos. In kairos. In kairos. In due time, the right time, the proper In due time, the right time, the proper In due time, the right time, the proper time. And then last but not least and then And then last but not least and then I'll move on I'll move on I'll move on uh to our last point. I uh to our last point. I uh to our last point. I >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I I I I want us to understand that not >> I I I I want us to understand that not >> I I I I want us to understand that not only is God sometimes working behind the only is God sometimes working behind the only is God sometimes working behind the scenes and that God being silent doesn't scenes and that God being silent doesn't scenes and that God being silent doesn't mean that God is inactive, but mean that God is inactive, but mean that God is inactive, but I want you to I want you to I want you to realize you can't stop on day six.

We have a tendency We have a tendency to give up just before the blessing. Tired, worn out, Tired, worn out, impatient, impatient, impatient, you got it. This is one of the greatest lessons from This is one of the greatest lessons from Jericho, I believe. Jericho, I believe. Jericho, I believe. Don't quit because you don't yet see the Don't quit because you don't yet see the Don't quit because you don't yet see the promise. Come on, y'all. Come on, y'all. It's God. He could have knocked the wall down He could have knocked the wall down without them. Now, I don't know about you, I wanted to Now, I don't know about you, I wanted to know why.

Cuz in Deuteronomy 29 and 29, the A Cuz in Deuteronomy 29 and 29, the A portion of the verse says, "The secret portion of the verse says, "The secret portion of the verse says, "The secret things belong to the Lord." Quite often, God is developing us. Quite often, God is developing us. While he's preparing the miracle. Sometimes he's developing you Sometimes he's developing you while he's preparing the job. Sometimes he's developing you while he's Sometimes he's developing you while he's preparing the opportunity. He's preparing the opportunity. He's preparing the opportunity. He's developing you while he's preparing you developing you while he's preparing you developing you while he's preparing you the right spots. He's developing you while he's preparing He's developing you while he's preparing the cure.

So, what's the lesson? So, what's the lesson? Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't stop marching. If you keep marching If you keep marching and you obey God, and you obey God, and you obey God, the last point is you get the promised the last point is you get the promised the last point is you get the promised conquest. that it was God who said, that it was God who said, "I've already "I've already "I've already delivered Jericho into your hands." delivered Jericho into your hands." delivered Jericho into your hands." Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The final act unfolds unfolds with thunderous simplicity. The scripture says, The scripture says, "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.

the walls of Jericho collapsed. the walls of Jericho collapsed. And the Israelites charged straight in And the Israelites charged straight in And the Israelites charged straight in to the town and captured it. No battering rams, No battering rams, no siege engines, no siege engines, no siege engines, no ladders against the stone walls. no ladders against the stone walls. no ladders against the stone walls. Just obedience, Just obedience, Just obedience, faith, and the power of God faith, and the power of God faith, and the power of God unleashed at precisely the right moment unleashed at precisely the right moment unleashed at precisely the right moment in time. What human hands could have never torn What human hands could have never torn down, down, down, God brought crashing down in an instant. Now, Now, just in case you think this is just in case you think this is just in case you think this is all made up famed archaeologist famed archaeologist John Garstang, John Garstang, John Garstang, g a r s t a n g, just in case you taking g a r s t a n g, just in case you taking g a r s t a n g, just in case you taking notes, notes, notes, one of the leading experts in one of the leading experts in one of the leading experts in archaeology, archaeology, archaeology, excavated Jericho.

And he reported And he reported that when the walls fell, that when the walls fell, that when the walls fell, they fell outward. so completely so completely that the Israelites could climb straight that the Israelites could climb straight that the Israelites could climb straight over the rubble into the city. Ancient walls that are sieged Ancient walls that are sieged and that are knocked down don't fall and that are knocked down don't fall and that are knocked down don't fall outward. They fall inward. They fall inward. But when God But when God But when God decides he's going to tear down the decides he's going to tear down the decides he's going to tear down the wall, the very opposite occurs. the very opposite occurs. And the walls fall outward.

The evidence in the dirt The evidence in the dirt confirms the testimony of the text, and confirms the testimony of the text, and confirms the testimony of the text, and God did exactly what he said. God did exactly what he said. God did exactly what he said. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Jericho's wall didn't fall by human Jericho's wall didn't fall by human Jericho's wall didn't fall by human force. force. force. It fell by the power of God. It fell by the power of God. It fell by the power of God. Hallelujah. From that moment on, From that moment on, fear swept through the land. Word spread quickly that the God of Word spread quickly that the God of Israel was not some tribal deity. He was not some distant idea. He was not some distant idea. He was a living, active, terrifyingly He was a living, active, terrifyingly He was a living, active, terrifyingly powerful God. Now, Now, I want to share this with you just in I want to share this with you just in I want to share this with you just in case you're waiting on your miracle.

fell after 400 fell after 400 years of waiting. 400 years of wandering. 400 years of wandering. 400 years of wondering when God was 400 years of wondering when God was 400 years of wondering when God was going to come through. going to come through. going to come through. You see, God had promised it to Abraham. You see, God had promised it to Abraham. You see, God had promised it to Abraham. 400 years 400 years 400 years before it came into manifestation. But the ruins of Jericho But the ruins of Jericho stood as a permanent monument that God stood as a permanent monument that God stood as a permanent monument that God keeps his word. And he keeps his word not just And he keeps his word not just sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, but every time. but every time. but every time. Not in our time, Not in our time, Not in our time, but in God's time. but in God's time. but in God's time. And the battle fought in faith under And the battle fought in faith under And the battle fought in faith under God's command is never wasted.

and we're going into overtime in a and we're going into overtime in a minute. minute. minute. I got 4 minutes, I got 4 minutes, I got 4 minutes, and I'm not through. So, how do we get the walls to fall in So, how do we get the walls to fall in our individual lives? I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. Hebrews 11:30 Hebrews 11:30 Hebrews 11:30 says by faith says by faith says by faith the walls of Jericho fell. the walls of Jericho fell. the walls of Jericho fell. Hello. Hello. Hello. This chapter reveals how faith works. This chapter reveals how faith works. This chapter reveals how faith works. Faith is not magic. It's the power that is exercised by the It's the power that is exercised by the people of God. First, you got to discern the will of First, you got to discern the will of God. God. God. By faith, By faith, By faith, we seek to discern God's will.

we seek to discern God's will. we seek to discern God's will. Back up to Joshua chapter 5. Now, when Joshua was near Jericho, Now, when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in he looked up and saw a man standing in he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his front of him with a drawn sword in his front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. hand. hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" you for us or for our enemies?" you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander "Neither," he replied, "but as commander "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord, I have now of the army of the Lord, I have now of the army of the Lord, I have now come." come." come." Then Joshua fell face down to the ground Then Joshua fell face down to the ground Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence and asked him, "What in reverence and asked him, "What in reverence and asked him, "What message does the Lord have for his message does the Lord have for his message does the Lord have for his servant?" servant?" servant?" The commander of the Lord's army The commander of the Lord's army The commander of the Lord's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the replied, "Take off your sandals, for the replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you're standing is holy."

place where you're standing is holy." place where you're standing is holy." And Joshua did so. We ought to seek to get into the We ought to seek to get into the presence of God. presence of God. presence of God. We ought to seek to discern We ought to seek to discern We ought to seek to discern what God's will is. what God's will is. what God's will is. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Secondly, the person of faith, when he Secondly, the person of faith, when he Secondly, the person of faith, when he discovers and she discovers God's will, discovers and she discovers God's will, discovers and she discovers God's will, we do and obey God's will. That's what they did in verses 6 and 7. That's what they did in verses 6 and 7. They patiently participated. Thirdly, the person of faith reckons on Thirdly, the person of faith reckons on God's will being accomplished. when the priest sounded the trumpet when the priest sounded the trumpet blast, blast, blast, Joshua commanded, "Shout!

Joshua commanded, "Shout! Joshua commanded, "Shout! For God has given you the city." And then last but not least, And then last but not least, the person of faith waits on God's will the person of faith waits on God's will the person of faith waits on God's will to be accomplished. to be accomplished. to be accomplished. In the case of Jericho, it was 7 days. But we got to learn how to But we got to learn how to wait. Well, Well, turn to Hebrews chapter 6 verses 12 turn to Hebrews chapter 6 verses 12 turn to Hebrews chapter 6 verses 12 through 15.

I'm going to read verse I'm going to read verse and then verse 15. and then verse 15. and then verse 15. You can read the rest when you get time. 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 so after waiting patiently And so after waiting patiently Abraham received Abraham received Abraham received what was promised. what was promised. what was promised. I stopped by to tell you if you wait and wait patiently on God and wait patiently on God you will receive you will receive you will receive God's promise. God's promise. God's promise. Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah received God's promise. received God's promise. received God's promise. Isaiah received God's promise.

Isaiah received God's promise. Isaiah received God's promise. Everybody and every prophet that Everybody and every prophet that Everybody and every prophet that prophesied prophesied prophesied ultimately saw the promise come to ultimately saw the promise come to ultimately saw the promise come to fruition. They may have been dead and fruition. They may have been dead and fruition. They may have been dead and gone gone gone but they saw the promise. Now Now God is sovereign God is sovereign God is sovereign but he also but he also but he also usually chooses to act in accordance to usually chooses to act in accordance to usually chooses to act in accordance to our faith. our faith. our faith. In Matthew 13:58 tells us that in Jesus' hometown of tells us that in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth he didn't do many miracles Nazareth he didn't do many miracles Nazareth he didn't do many miracles because of their lack of faith. Jericho reminds us Jericho reminds us that conflict is inevitable. that conflict is inevitable. that conflict is inevitable. That obedience is essential.

That obedience is essential. That obedience is essential. And that victory belongs to the Lord. And that victory belongs to the Lord. And that victory belongs to the Lord. Your walls may be real. Your walls may be real. Your walls may be real. And they may be intense. And they may be intense. And they may be intense. But the battle of the situation But the battle of the situation But the battle of the situation belongs to God. belongs to God. belongs to God. Strongholds will fall Strongholds will fall Strongholds will fall and give us access to a miracle. Well, Well, it's 1:03. I can give you the invitation or I can I can give you the invitation or I can give you a story. All right. All right. Y'all asked for it. Austin Duncan, Austin Duncan, you don't know him. you don't know him. you don't know him. I didn't either.

I didn't either. I didn't either. But he's the associate pastor at But he's the associate pastor at But he's the associate pastor at Crosswalk Church Crosswalk Church Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. in Brentwood, Tennessee. in Brentwood, Tennessee. And he shares this testimony. And he shares this testimony. And he shares this testimony. Austin said it was 2017. I had just left a software development I had just left a software development company. company. company. Cassie, who was Austin's wife, remember Cassie, who was Austin's wife, remember Cassie, who was Austin's wife, remember Cassie now. Cassie now. Cassie now. She was a pharmacy technician at She was a pharmacy technician at She was a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. Walgreens. Walgreens. And they were living in Lubbock, Texas. He started doing some freelancing He started doing some freelancing and he He doing graphic and he He doing graphic and he He doing graphic and some photography and videography and some photography and videography and some photography and videography and and and motion graphics. He was doing all that. The whole time he felt led that he The whole time he felt led that he should be working for a church.

and what he felt was God's leading and what he felt was God's leading he stayed home he stayed home he stayed home and started building his portfolio. Project after project, bumper video Project after project, bumper video after bumper video, he did branding, after bumper video, he did branding, after bumper video, he did branding, series graphics, video and photo series graphics, video and photo series graphics, video and photo projects. He was building his portfolio projects. He was building his portfolio projects. He was building his portfolio for all of this was for no real client. of this was for no real client. As a matter of fact, he was bringing in As a matter of fact, he was bringing in As a matter of fact, he was bringing in a grand total of zero. He declared, "I didn't knock it out He declared, "I didn't knock it out overnight. overnight. overnight. It took some time. I didn't even have a It took some time. I didn't even have a It took some time. I didn't even have a specific goal in mind, just this thought specific goal in mind, just this thought specific goal in mind, just this thought that I couldn't get out of my head. I that I couldn't get out of my head. I that I couldn't get out of my head. I need to make a portfolio need to make a portfolio need to make a portfolio I can show to churches."

Cassie Cassie kept working. kept working. kept working. And he kept making graphics for nobody. Let me pause right here Let me pause right here and say about Cassie, and say about Cassie, and say about Cassie, "She is a woman of tremendous faith." "She is a woman of tremendous faith." "She is a woman of tremendous faith." Hello, somebody. Hello, somebody. Hello, somebody. As a matter of fact, Austin said of his As a matter of fact, Austin said of his As a matter of fact, Austin said of his wife, wife, wife, "When I tell you that she has the "When I tell you that she has the "When I tell you that she has the patience of a saint, patience of a saint, patience of a saint, I mean it." The time did roll around The time did roll around when he decided he was going to look when he decided he was going to look when he decided he was going to look to see if any churches were hiring. But he had gone there for the very first But he had gone there for the very first time.

He searched under graphic designer. He searched under graphic designer. He found nothing. But he did find a listing for a But he did find a listing for a communications director. communications director. communications director. He thought that sounded good, and he He thought that sounded good, and he He thought that sounded good, and he thought the director would sound good in thought the director would sound good in thought the director would sound good in front of his name. front of his name. front of his name. So he clicked on it to see what it was So he clicked on it to see what it was So he clicked on it to see what it was going to be. He had a completed portfolio. He had a completed portfolio. And basically, the listing for the And basically, the listing for the And basically, the listing for the church was looking for exactly what he church was looking for exactly what he church was looking for exactly what he had in his portfolio. He turned in his resume. He turned in his resume. He went for the first interview. He went for the first interview. He went for the first interview. He had a second interview. He had a second interview. He had a second interview. They flew him out to the church. They flew him out to the church. They flew him out to the church. And that was that. And that was that. And that was that. These are Austin's concluding words.

Would I have chosen to do a ton of work Would I have chosen to do a ton of work for free? for free? for free? No. No. No. >> [snorts] >> But God's ways are higher than my way. >> But God's ways are higher than my way. He sees the whole picture when I can He sees the whole picture when I can He sees the whole picture when I can only see the next step. only see the next step. only 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 the word from the Lord. he had the word from the Lord. he had the word from the Lord. And he made a decision And he made a decision And he made a decision to obey. to obey. to obey. That's usually how it works. That's usually how it works. That's usually how it works. I don't know about you, I don't know about you, I don't know about you, but I choose to say, "Yes, Lord. but I choose to say, "Yes, Lord. but I choose to say, "Yes, Lord. I will I will I will obey." We praise you. We magnify your name.

We praise you. We magnify your name. Now as we extend the invitation, Now as we extend the invitation, Now as we extend the invitation, draw people to you. draw people to you. draw people to you. That's our prayer in Jesus' name. That's our prayer in Jesus' name. That's our prayer in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. The invitation is extended. The invitation is extended. The invitation is extended. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] [music] >> I'm looking for miracle. [singing] >> I'm looking for miracle. [singing] I expect the impossible. I expect the impossible. I expect the impossible. I feel the intangible. I feel the intangible. I feel the intangible. And I see the invisible. And I see the invisible. And I see the invisible. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I'm looking for a miracle. I'm looking for a miracle. I'm looking for a miracle. >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> I expect the impossible. >> I expect the impossible. >> I expect the impossible. I feel the intangible I feel the intangible I feel the intangible >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and I see the invisible. [singing] Cuz the sky is the limit to what I can Cuz the sky is the limit to what I can have.

have. have. My God. My God. My God. Oh, the sky [singing and music] is the Oh, the sky [singing and music] is the Oh, the sky [singing and music] is the limit to what I can have. limit to what I can have. limit to what I can have. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] yes, the sky yes, the sky yes, the sky >> the sky >> the sky >> the sky >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is the limit to what [singing] I can >> is the limit to what [singing] I can >> is the limit to what [singing] I can have. have. have. Oh, just believe and receive it. God Oh, just believe and receive it. God Oh, just believe and receive it. God will perform it today. will perform it today. will perform it today. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Just believe and receive it. [music] God Just believe and receive it. [music] God Just believe and receive it. [music] God will perform it today. will perform it today. will perform it today. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. It's ours to extend, yours to accept or It's ours to extend, yours to accept or It's ours to extend, yours to accept or reject. Let's stand. reject. Let's stand. reject. Let's stand. I would apologize for holding you so I would apologize for holding you so I would apologize for holding you so long, long, long, but y'all asked for it. >> We do have services tomorrow for Mother >> We do have services tomorrow for Mother Dorothy Smith at 11:00 a.m. here in the Will Avenue at 11:00 a.m. here in the Will Avenue Baptist Church Sanctuary.

Baptist Church Sanctuary. Baptist Church Sanctuary. Please remember all of our bereaved Please remember all of our bereaved Please remember all of our bereaved families families families and for members with health concerns. and for members with health concerns. and for members with health concerns. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Father, that you're a God of miracles. that you're a God of miracles. >> [music] >> That you can knock down all the walls in >> That you can knock down all the walls in our lives. our lives. our lives. You can conquer every conflict You can conquer every conflict You can conquer every conflict whether without or within. Now we ask your blessings upon our Now we ask your blessings upon our bereaved families and for our members bereaved families and for our members bereaved families and for our members with health concerns, with health concerns, with health concerns, our friends and family members alike. our friends and family members alike. our friends and family members alike. We look forward to you doing your work We look forward to you doing your work We look forward to you doing your work and [music] bringing forth healing and [music] bringing forth healing and [music] bringing forth healing and comfort and comfort and comfort in the name of Jesus.

in the name of Jesus. in the name of Jesus. Now unto you Now unto you Now unto you cuz you're able to keep us from falling. cuz you're able to keep us from falling. cuz you're able to keep us from falling. Presenting us faultless before your Presenting us faultless before your Presenting us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. throne with exceeding joy. throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God. To you be You're the only wise God. To you be You're the only wise God. To you be power and majesty, glory and dominion power and majesty, glory and dominion power and majesty, glory and dominion now, henceforth, and forevermore. It's now, henceforth, and forevermore. It's now, henceforth, and forevermore. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. we pray. we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. And thank God. God bless you. And thank God. God bless you. And thank God. God bless you. >> [music]