Building Memorials: Remembering God's Faithfulness Together
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gather to reflect on the journey of the Israelites and the significance of building memorials to remember God's faithfulness. We begin by acknowledging the importance of memory and how it shapes our faith and actions. The Israelites, after being liberated from Egypt, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Despite their complaints and disobedience, God provided for them, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness. This journey culminated in crossing the Jordan River, a seemingly impossible task that God made possible.
In Joshua chapter 4, we see the Israelites at the brink of the Promised Land, with the Jordan River standing in their way. God instructs Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take twelve stones from the Jordan's midst to build a memorial at Gilgal. This act was to serve as a lasting reminder of God's miraculous provision and faithfulness. Joshua, however, goes a step further by building his own altar in the midst of the Jordan, symbolizing personal gratitude and recognition of God's power.
The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, led the way across the Jordan. As the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river, the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This miraculous event was not just about reaching the Promised Land but also about remembering and honoring God's continuous guidance and provision.
We are reminded that when faced with our own "Jordans"—challenges and obstacles—we must put God in the midst of them. By doing so, we can cross over to the other side, just as the Israelites did. It's crucial to build our own "stones of remembrance" to testify of God's goodness in our lives. These stones are our testimonies, our personal stories of how God has brought us through difficult times.
As we move forward, we must not wait until our challenges are over to praise God. Instead, we should praise Him in the midst of our trials, trusting that He will see us through. Joshua's act of building an altar during the miracle, not after, teaches us to worship God even when we are still in the process of overcoming our difficulties.
We also reflect on the importance of unity and community. Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan together, we too must support one another in our faith journeys. Our church community is a place where we can share our testimonies, encourage each other, and collectively remember God's faithfulness.
In conclusion, we are called to build our lives on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. He is our unshakable foundation, the one who carries us through every trial and triumph. As we celebrate our church's 40th anniversary, we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, knowing that the same God who has been with us in the past will continue to guide us in the future.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Memory in Faith: Our memories of God's past faithfulness are crucial in shaping our present faith and actions. Just as the Israelites built memorials to remember God's miracles, we too must create our own "stones of remembrance" to testify of His goodness in our lives. These memories serve as a foundation for our faith, reminding us that if God has done it before, He can do it again. [09:32]
2. Putting God in the Midst of Our Challenges: When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we must invite God into the midst of our challenges. Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant leading the way, we too can overcome our "Jordans" by placing our trust in God's presence and power. This act of faith transforms our burdens into blessings. [13:35]
3. Praising God During the Process: Joshua's decision to build an altar in the midst of the Jordan, rather than waiting until after crossing, teaches us the importance of praising God during our trials. We should not wait until our challenges are over to worship and thank God. Instead, we should offer our praise in the midst of our difficulties, trusting that God is working on our behalf. [18:34]
4. Unity and Community in Faith: The collective journey of the Israelites across the Jordan highlights the importance of unity and community in our faith journeys. As a church, we must support one another, share our testimonies, and encourage each other. Our community is a place where we can collectively remember and celebrate God's faithfulness, strengthening our faith together. [42:06]
5. Building on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ: Our ultimate foundation must be Jesus Christ, the solid rock. Unlike any other foundation, Jesus is unshakable and eternal. Building our lives on Him ensures that we can withstand any storm or challenge. As we reflect on our church's history and look forward to the future, we are reminded that our strength and hope come from Christ alone. [33:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:57] - Introduction to Joshua 4
[09:32] - God's Provision in the Wilderness
[13:35] - Crossing the Jordan
[18:34] - Building Altars of Remembrance
[24:49] - Praising God in the Midst of Trials
[33:55] - Building on the Solid Rock of Jesus
[42:06] - Unity and Community in Faith
[50:35] - Call to Witness and Evangelize
[54:11] - Upcoming Church Events
[57:21] - Flag Parade and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 4:5-9 (NKJV)
> "And Joshua said to them: 'Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, "What do these stones mean to you?" Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.' And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the twelve stones from the Jordan River? ([01:57])
2. How did Joshua go beyond God's instructions when building the memorial? ([17:52])
3. What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the crossing of the Jordan River? ([14:15])
4. How did the Israelites respond to Joshua's command to take up the stones and build the memorial? ([12:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think it was important for the Israelites to build a memorial with the twelve stones? ([11:43])
2. What does Joshua's act of building his own altar in the midst of the Jordan signify about personal gratitude and recognition of God's power? ([17:52])
3. How does the presence of the Ark of the Covenant during the crossing of the Jordan River symbolize God's guidance and provision? ([14:15])
4. In what ways does the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and building memorials relate to our own faith journeys and challenges? ([19:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you see God's presence and guidance in that situation? How can you create a "stone of remembrance" to remind yourself of God's faithfulness? ([19:34])
2. Joshua built an altar in the midst of the Jordan, not after crossing it. How can you practice praising God during your current trials rather than waiting until they are over? ([20:39])
3. The Israelites crossed the Jordan together as a community. How can you support and encourage others in your church community who are facing their own "Jordans"? ([42:06])
4. What are some practical ways you can put God in the midst of your current challenges, just as the Ark of the Covenant was in the midst of the Jordan River? ([13:35])
5. As we celebrate our church's 40th anniversary, how can you contribute to building a strong foundation for the future, based on the solid rock of Jesus Christ? ([33:55])
6. Think of a personal testimony of God's goodness in your life. How can you share this testimony with others to encourage and strengthen their faith? ([22:57])
7. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and remembrance in your daily life, ensuring that you do not forget God's past faithfulness? ([24:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Remembering God's Faithfulness
Reflect on the importance of memory in shaping our faith and actions. The Israelites built memorials to remember God's miracles, such as the twelve stones from the Jordan River. These stones served as a lasting reminder of God's miraculous provision and faithfulness. Similarly, we must create our own "stones of remembrance" to testify of His goodness in our lives. These memories serve as a foundation for our faith, reminding us that if God has done it before, He can do it again. [09:32]
Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV): "that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."
Reflection: Think of a specific instance in your life where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you create a "stone of remembrance" for this event to remind yourself and others of God's goodness?
Day 2: Inviting God into Our Challenges
When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we must invite God into the midst of our challenges. Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant leading the way, we too can overcome our "Jordans" by placing our trust in God's presence and power. This act of faith transforms our burdens into blessings. By putting God at the center of our struggles, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His intervention in our lives. [13:35]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge you are facing. How can you intentionally invite God into this situation and trust Him to lead you through it?
Day 3: Praising God During Trials
Joshua's decision to build an altar in the midst of the Jordan, rather than waiting until after crossing, teaches us the importance of praising God during our trials. We should not wait until our challenges are over to worship and thank God. Instead, we should offer our praise in the midst of our difficulties, trusting that God is working on our behalf. This act of faith demonstrates our trust in God's timing and His ability to bring us through any situation. [18:34]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: In what area of your life can you begin to praise God despite ongoing challenges? How can this act of worship change your perspective and strengthen your faith?
Day 4: Unity and Community in Faith
The collective journey of the Israelites across the Jordan highlights the importance of unity and community in our faith journeys. As a church, we must support one another, share our testimonies, and encourage each other. Our community is a place where we can collectively remember and celebrate God's faithfulness, strengthening our faith together. By fostering a sense of unity, we can better navigate our spiritual journeys and grow in our relationship with God. [42:06]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and support of your church community? What specific actions can you take to encourage and uplift others in their faith journeys?
Day 5: Building on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ
Our ultimate foundation must be Jesus Christ, the solid rock. Unlike any other foundation, Jesus is unshakable and eternal. Building our lives on Him ensures that we can withstand any storm or challenge. As we reflect on our church's history and look forward to the future, we are reminded that our strength and hope come from Christ alone. By anchoring our lives in Him, we can face any obstacle with confidence and assurance. [33:55]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: What areas of your life need to be more firmly anchored in Jesus Christ? How can you actively build your life on the solid rock of His teachings and presence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whatever you're going through, lean on the rock of ages. It's a tested rock. A rock that can't fail, can't break, won't give up. It won't give in when all hope seems lost. When you're back against the wall, that rock is able to lift you up. It won the victory through hell and the grave, and it can win the victory in your life." [44:09]
2. "If you want a better life, build on that rock. If you want a better family, build on that rock. If you want to make a better choice in your life, build on that rock. The reason why you have mess in your life and all kinds of foolish things happening, you're not building strongly on that rock. You have fear, depression, challenges in your family, in your life, but you take some time to get on your knees because my wife said when you hit rock bottom, Jesus is a rock at the bottom." [33:55]
3. "When you're faced with haters in your life, Jordans to cross, declare over your life, no weapons formed against me shall prosper. For the weapons of warfare are not conquered but are powerful. When Jordans of anxiety and fear come your way, just speak over your life. God has given us a spirit of fear, but of love power and a sound mind. When the Jordans of bills get so high, just speak over your life. Hallelujah somebody. God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory. Because if God is for you, who can be against you?" [16:33]
4. "Joshua didn't wait for the miracle to be over, he made the moral, and praise God in advance, because if God can take you to it, you gotta praise on through it. When we look back on the work, and witness of God in our lives, our proper response is to give God more praise." [24:49]
5. "Joshua decided besides y'all still not there let me help you to build his monument with his stones during the miracle. So while God is holding back the water while the people are walking through Joshua is making a monument of memorial to God because this was a personal affair. A personal story for personal glory because God gets you through your test when God gets you through your palace get your own stone with your testimony." [20:08]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Joshua built his own altar with his own stones. The Bible says, Joshua told the priests to cross with the ark of the covenant. In the midst of the Jordan, the twelve men took stones. Why did they need the ark of the covenant to cross? Well, the ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of the living God. The power and glory of God contained the ten commandments, the governance and system of authority, two tables of testimonies, and the Bible says, it has Aaron's rod that budded and the golden cup of manna. The golden cup, if you look inside with me, the golden cup, it symbolizes God's providential care of Israel and a reminder of their dependence on God." [14:15]
2. "Joshua didn't take his altar on land. He built his altar in the midst of the Jordan. Y'all missed your shout. Here it is. For the Bible says, while the rivers of the Jordan were parting and they're moving across, Joshua went down, picked up his own stones and began to build his own altar with his stones. See him with me. The waves of the Jordan are rolled back. And the people are walking through. But while the miracle is going on, Joshua felt it was necessary to build a monument to let them know never you forget what God has done for you." [17:52]
3. "Joshua says, I'm not going to wait till the miracle is over, I'm going to praise God right now for my healing, I'm not going to wait till I get the money, I'm not going to wait, till the bills are paid while I'm in the middle of my Jordan experience I'm going to take some time to offer a prelude of praise because it's so sweet to trust in Jesus just to take him at his word just to rest upon his promise just to know does say the Lord Jesus Jesus how I trust him how I prove we gotta we gotta have a stone of praise." [26:39]
4. "Joshua made his monument right at the feet of the priest because that was where the power was for the miracle. It's gonna get gooder gooder gooder sweeter now here it is and although when the priest left the Jordan and the river came down and covered Joshua's monument the Bible says it's still there even till today. I'm going to show you a picture shortly here it is in verse number here here it is number three here is a picture it's still there some parts of it got eroded over a period of time but when the Jordan dries up it's still there isn't God good." [28:21]
5. "The building of these stones as a monument was important to God because God wanted to leave a reminder that he was will always keep his promises. The building of the stone was not only for remembrance for that day but it also served as a remembrance as we move forward because what God was truly right trying to say sister quivoli if I can do it before I can do it again and I'm here to tell your church if he could carry you through 40 years of victories and valleys if he did it before he can do it again." [28:21]
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