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.

Last week we learned that Joshua was a son, slave, servant, successor, spy, and soldier.
Looking at the aspect of "successor" in Joshua's life, we see two aspects that made him a successful successor.
-he was connected to God (Joshua 1:1)
-he was committed to the vision

Joshua wasn't happy just being "close" to the Promise Land, he wanted to see the vision become a reality and in Joshua 1:10-11 we see him take action.
These actions lead us to what we are studying today, Joshua chapter 2.

The Setting - Jericho
-oldest continuously occupied city in the world
-lowest place on earth
-site of freshwater spring, Elisha's Spring
-because of lush green vegetation and warm climate Jericho became a resort town from time to time
-west of Jordan River; 10 miles north of the Dead Sea
-place of constant traffic but also logically the first place of attack
-Jericho erected a double wall for protection

The Story - Joshua 2
We know that Joshua was one of the 12 spies that Moses sent to check out the Promise Land. But it's been 40 years since he set foot in the land so he makes a wise decision to send in spies.
Joshua 2:1

They went to the house of Rahab the prostitute and stayed there. They did this because they wanted to find out what was going on in the area. Before they can leave Jericho, the spies are found out.
Joshua 2:2-3

The King calls for Rahab to hand over the spies.
In verses 4 and 5 we see her response.
The events of this story play out through verse 14.

The central figure of the story is Rahab. She's like a hero that swoops in and saves the day!
Despite Rahab's profession, nationality, and social status, the Bible holds her up as an example to us.
Here are 3 great lessons from her life:

1. The Gift of Salvation is accessible to all.
2 Peter 3:9; Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Three characteristics of Rahab's faith:

-Her faith included actual risk
Joshua 2:4-5

-Her faith was based on God's past actions
Joshua 2:10-11

-Her faith produced benefits in the lives of others
Joshua 6:22-23

Conclusion:
The big lesson for today is if we are going to cross over from here to there, if we are going to live a life that makes a difference, it will require an act of faith. Are you willing to do it? To take a risk and follow Christ?

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

1. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? (ie. Skydiving, white water rafting)

2. Who is someone that you admire for the way they live the Christian life? What is it they do that stands out? What is the affect on unbelievers?

3. Do you have a “cookie jar” of stories about God’s goodness/faithfulness? What is story of God’s goodness/faithfulness do you keep in your cookie jar?

4. What is the biggest risk that you have taken for the sake of Christ? What were the results? Is there a risk that God is asking you to take? If so, what is holding you back?

5. Have you ever experienced the benefits of someone’s step of faith? Explain.

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Monday, January 13 - Charlie Mater, Erik Godbey, Braden Denton
Tuesday, January 14 - Fionnlagh Godbey
Wednesday, January 15 - Addison Horrmann
Thursday, January 16 - Bob Schilz, Megan Smith
Saturday, January 18 - Rob Horrmann, Darwin & Tammie Reid