Over the next three months we are embarking upon a study of the Old Testament book of Joshua.

· It teaches us how to live once we’ve place our faith in Jesus the Savior.
· It shows, through the examples of others, how to possess what God has promised us.
· It demonstrates the blessings of obedience and the price of stubborn disobedience.
· It illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the danger of compromise.
· It challenges us to be decisive, determined, and devoted.

The book of Joshua is a book of new beginnings.

Abraham would inherit the Promised Land and was to become the Promised Leader of the Hebrews.
The word "Hebrew" means to cross over. It truly implies moving from here to there.

Joshua is strategically placed right after the Jewish Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible).
A simple outline can help us understand the main themes of Joshua:

First - The Land
Genesis 12:1-5

Second - The Lord
Joshua 24:23

Third - The Leader
Joshua 1:1-2

Moses is gone, long live Joshua! But who is Joshua?

1. Joshua was a SON.
"Joshua son of Nun"

What does your name/name of your family members communicate?
What "great things" would you like to see accomplished by those in your family?

2. Joshua was a SLAVE.
"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord,"

Are you part of a movement that is making our culture better or are you one of the slaves who simply exist – going through the motions of life, but not living the life God created for you to live??

3. Joshua was a SERVANT.
"Moses' aide:"

Who is your spiritual mentor? Who are you spiritually mentoring?

4. Joshua was a SUCCESSOR.
"Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you..."

Joshua is a great example of someone who willingly moved from here to there. What will that look like in your life this year?

5. Joshua was a SPY.
"...get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land..."

When you look at the world and life God has granted you … do you see obstacles or opportunities? Are you willing to move forward, aggressive and active, because of your faith in God … or are you stagnant and passive because you fear what you cannot control?

6. Joshua was a SOLDIER.
"...I am about to give to them - to the Israelites."

When you look in the mirror --- do you see someone who lives for something bigger than YOU or YOUR world? Do the words: Sacrifice, Selfless, and Soldier describe you?

H.O.M.E. Group Discussion Questions:

1. Read the following passage: Numbers 13 – 14:9.

2. What are some things that you learned about Hoshea or Joshua?

· Why is delegating an important leadership skill?
· How can our perspective on life influence others negatively or positively?
· Where do you see faith being exercised?
· In your life, do you tend to live more by feelings, fear, or faith?

3. Where in your life are you planning to spiritually cross over – move from here to there in 2020? What obstacles do you foresee? What opportunities are there for growth? How will you overcome and make some real progress?

4. Read Joshua 24:23. Does the term the Lord God of Israel resonate with you? What “foreign gods are still among you” – sapping your service, energy, and resources from the one true God?

5. Review the six-fold description of Joshua from your message notes. What is something new that you learned? With which of these six descriptions do you most identify? What questions do you have?

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Sunday, January 5 - Rex & Cindi Jones
Monday, January 6 - Maryann Mead, Jeff Fisher, Jarret Lyles
Tuesday, January 7 - Jenny Krauss
Saturday, January 11 - Holly Carpenter, Harper Johnson