Joshua: An adventure with God
This coming Sunday we’re starting a new teaching series, looking at the book of Joshua in the Old Testament.
The book of Joshua is the story of God’s promise to the people of Israel being fulfilled, as after 40 years of wandering in the desert, they step into the promised land. The Israelites are by no means perfect – they are sinful, messed up people in the midst of a leadership transition, but they trust the word of God and step out in obedience to him. It’s a story of adventuring with God, of dramatic victories that would be impossible were it not for the miraculous intervention of God himself.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The refrain throughout the book is this phrase “Be strong and courageous”, as God encourages Joshua and the people he’s leading to step out in faith and adventure with God. We too want to be courageous people, stepping out boldly into what God is calling us to as his church across the Cherwell Valley.
There are a lot of parallels between the story of Joshua and our situation as a church – we’re also on an adventure with God! Like the Israelites, we are a community full of imperfect people, but God wants to use us to bring hope to the Cherwell Valley. There’s a lot we can learn from Joshua about overcoming obstacles, pioneering and stepping out in partnership with God, and trusting what he is doing in us and through us.
There’s also a theme of consecration and devotion to God that runs through the book.
“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
We want to see God do amazing things across the Cherwell Valley, and we want to be prepared for that, to be holy, consecrated, right before God, ready to partner with him in his plan for Banbury, Bicester and beyond.
So come along and join us as we study the book of Joshua together! It’s going to be a great adventure.