Joshua's Final Encouragement

Dear Parents,

Thank you for continuing through the chronological study of the Bible through the Gospel Project for Kids^®. Yesterday, your kids learned about “Joshua’s Final Encouragement.” Joshua was an old man—120 years old!—but his life was a testament of God’s faithfulness to His people.

God had promised when the Israelites began the conquest of Canaan that God would be with Joshua wherever he went. (Joshua 1:9) Joshua reminded the Israelites about the history of their nation, from the covenant first made to Abraham to the banks of the Jordan River when the Israelites crossed over on dry ground. Joshua also reminded the Israelites that God fought all of their battles. Not one of God’s promises to His people failed. Isn’t that a pretty awesome encouragement? We serve a God who keeps His promises!

Joshua reminded the Israelites that they still lived among people who worshiped false gods, false gods that could lead the people away from following the one true God. Joshua made it clear: the Israelites could not sit on the fence. They could not worship Yahweh one day and the Baals the next. Joshua drew the line in the sand and told them to choose. Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The Israelites made a covenant to serve Yahweh. Joshua read the book of the Law, and made an altar to seal their commitment to God.

How can we show our commitment to God?  We can serve, worship, and obey God. As you talk about Joshua’s legacy of faith with your kids, point to an even greater legacy of faith. After Christ’s resurrection, He sent His disciples out to tell the nations about Him. Jesus calls all people who trust in Him to tell others about Him.

Jillian

Recording of Service on 5-19-13 "Wellspring Vision for Missions"

Scott Smith shares where we are headed as a church in missions.
The full service is recorded from 5-19-13.

Click here to stream or download 

Wellspring Worship Recordings

Here are the recordings of the last two worship services
Click here for 5-5-13 "Everyone Is Welcome" Scott Smith

Click here for 5-12-13 - Mother's Day - Scott Smith

The Day the Sun Stood Still

Dear Parents,

Isn’t it great that God goes above and beyond what we think is possible to keep His promises to His people? Yesterday's Bible story, “The Day the Sun Stood Still” relates something that seems absolutely impossible. But nothing is impossible for God!

Joshua and the Israelites were tricked by the men of Gibeon into forming a peace treaty. As a result of the peace between Israel and Gibeon,  five kings of Canaan attacked Gibeon. God reassured Joshua that He would be with the Israelites as they defended Gibeon. Not only was God with them, God fought for them! God sent the Canaanite armies into confusion, then He dropped hailstones on them.

Joshua and the Israelites were fighting, but Joshua noticed it wouldn’t be long before the sun began to go down. In front of everybody, Joshua cried out to God and asked Him to keep the sun standing still in its place until the battle was over. Guess what? That’s exactly what God did! God held the sun in place for almost a full day until the Israelites defeated their enemies.

What does God do when we pray? God answers the prayers of His people and saves them. This story points ahead to another time God saved His people in a greater way: God sent His Son, Jesus, to fight the battle against sin and death. 

Jillian

Mother's Day Video

Here is the Mother's Day video from last Sunday if you missed it.

You can stream it from our facebook page Click here.

or  Click here to download the video file.

The Defeat of Ai

Dear Parents,

Last week, your kids learned that God hates sin and punishes sin. Achan’s sin resulted in the Israelites’ defeat the first time they attacked the city of Ai. In today’s Bible story, God told Joshua not to be afraid. Achan’s sin had been dealt with. God graciously gave the Israelites a second chance to attack Ai. God promised to be with the Israelites this time.

God gave Joshua specific instructions to defeat Ai. Joshua followed God’s instructions completely, and God gave the Israelites complete victory! After the battle of Ai, God allowed the Israelites to plunder Ai, keeping whatever goods and livestock they wanted for themselves. Joshua built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Joshua read the book of the law to the people.

How does God respond to our obedience? God blesses obedience to His will. Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, God is always with us, and we are victorious over our enemies of sin and death. Remind your kids we don’t have right standing with God because we obey. We obey because He sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place so we may be forgiven.

Jillian

Achan Sinned

Dear Parents,

This week’s Bible story, “Achan Sinned,” picks up where last week’s Bible story left off. Before battle, God told the Israelites to destroy everything in Jericho—except for Rahab and her family, and special items that were devoted to the treasury of the Lord. God warned that disobedience would lead to disaster for the Israelites.

Joshua prepared to attack the next city, Ai. It was a much smaller city. Joshua sent only 3,000 troops to attack it. The men of Ai defeated the Israelites and chased them away from the city. Thirty-six soldiers were killed. Joshua and the elders tore their clothes in sorrow. God told Joshua to get up, though. Someone in the camp had stolen items from Jericho!

How does God feel about sin? God hates sin and punishes sin. Achan sinned. Achan’s punishment was death. The Bible says the wages of sin is death. (Rom. 6:23) Jesus died on the cross so that we could be saved from spiritual death.

Jillian