Adventist News Network – October 10, 2025: School in Ukraine Grows Amid War & More Global News |Lessons of Faith from Joshua – Lesson 2.Surprised by Grace | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 2.Surprised by Grace
God Often Works Through the Unexpected
In this lesson, we meet people who, at first glance, do not seem to belong to God’s people—Rahab, a pagan prostitute, and the cunning Gibeonites. Yet they experience grace and salvation because they recognize God’s power and turn to Him. Their stories challenge our assumptions about who is “worthy” to belong to God’s people. At the same time, they show that God’s mercy is greater than origin, past, or deceit. These narratives remind us that faith, courage, and repentance can flourish in the most surprising places—when God’s grace is at work.
Content:
2.1 Second Chance
God’s Grace in Places of Former Failure
Despite the tragic background in Shittim, Joshua begins his mission right there—at a place once marked by disobedience. Unlike the generation in Numbers 13, Joshua now trusts in God’s guidance and sends out two, not twelve, spies. This deliberate decision shows that trust can grow—even after failure. The parallel to Peter is striking: like Israel, he is given another opportunity to be faithful, though he once failed. God is the God of second chances—not because we deserve them, but because His grace is greater than our failure. This biblical truth should shape our own behavior: not holding people captive to their past mistakes, but opening paths toward restoration.
2.2 Value in Unexpected Places
Faith Blossoms Even in a Dark Environment
Rahab was a woman of questionable reputation in a profoundly godless society—yet she recognized who the true God is. Her courageous act of protecting the spies expressed a growing faith, not moral perfection. Although her lie is not justified, Scripture praises her faith and her decision to join God’s people. On the roof of her house, Rahab declared that the Lord is God over heaven and earth—a powerful confession from an unexpected mouth. Her story shows that God’s grace finds faith where it is least expected. It reminds us that true loyalty to God often begins with courageous choices that go against the cultural current.
2.3 New Allegiance
A Red Cord That Brings Salvation
Rahab’s plea for protection for herself and her family strongly recalls the Passover in Egypt, when blood on the doorposts was the sign of salvation. Likewise, the red cord in her window becomes the sign of deliverance during Jericho’s destruction. Rahab shows not only faith but covenantal loyalty (chesed)—a deep trust in the God of Israel, to whom she freely aligns herself. Although as a Canaanite she was under the ban, by faith she became part of God’s people. As with Passover, faith and obedience belong together—the saving covenant demands a visible response. The gospel in this story is clear: salvation comes by grace but becomes visible through lived faith.
2.4 Conflicting Values
When Grace and Truth Meet
The stories of Rahab and the Gibeonites present two responses to God’s power—both seek salvation, but in different ways. While Rahab openly confesses her faith in the God of Israel, the Gibeonites choose deception. Yet their goal is similar: they want to live, and they acknowledge God’s work. Still, a moral tension remains: the Israelites make a decision without consulting God, which later leads to ethical conflict. This shows that even well-intentioned choices can be problematic when made apart from divine guidance. The story warns us to seek God’s will first—even in complex situations—because not every “clever” solution is a faithful one.
2.5 Surprising Grace
An Oath That Brings Life Instead of Death
Joshua responds to the Gibeonites’ deception not with revenge but with a balanced combination of justice and mercy. Though the covenant was made through deceit, Israel keeps the oath—out of respect for the name of God in which it was sworn. Instead of destroying the Gibeonites, Joshua appoints them as servants in the sanctuary, giving them a place in Israel’s worship. This shift from judgment to grace shows that God honors genuine submission more than background or past. The story reminds us that God’s grace often takes surprising paths—and even deceit, when accompanied by reverence and repentance, can lead to blessing. Joshua’s handling of the Gibeonites teaches us that true loyalty to God also means wisely combining forgiveness with responsibility.
2.6 Summary
When Faith Grows Where You Least Expect It
Lesson 2 shows that God’s grace can work even in places marked by failure, deceit, or sin. Rahab and the Gibeonites come from nations under God’s judgment, yet through faith and the decision to submit to Him, they find inclusion among His people. These stories demonstrate that true loyalty to God is not about perfection but about a deliberate turning toward Him. Joshua’s dealings with these people combine justice with mercy and reveal that God’s covenant is open even to outsiders. The message is clear: God’s grace surprises—it finds people where we least expect it and gives them a place in His plan. In doing so, our own hearts are challenged to remain open to God’s work beyond our expectations.
🌍 Adventist News Network – October 3, 2025: ADRA’s Humanitarian Response in South Asia & More Global News
Adventist News Network – October 3, 2025: ADRA’s Humanitarian Response in South Asia & More Global News |
This week on ANN: |
· Earthquakes and floods place South Asia on high alert, prompting ADRA’s humanitarian response across three countries.
· In Australia, Adventist teachers cycle nationwide to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
· In Colombia, television evangelism reaches thousands and earns national recognition, while an award-winning short film highlights the creative excellence of an Adventist university in the United States. Plus, amid war in Ukraine, a young man finds hope through TikTok and chooses to follow Jesus.
· Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you have to know about what is happening in the church worldwide.
🌍 Adventist News Network – September 26, 2025: End it Now Campaign Against Abuse & More Global News
Adventist News Network – September 26, 2025: End it Now Campaign Against Abuse & More Global News |
This week on ANN: |
· The global End It Now campaign mobilizes Adventists against abuse, a camporee brings together Pathfinders from across Japan after seven years, and an Adventist hospital in the United States adopts solar energy. Plus, in Africa, the Creation Sabbath campaign aims to plant 1 million trees, and a Christian film festival gathers 1,300 people and discusses mental health in Venezuela.
· Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you have to know about what is happening in the church worldwide.
Exodus – Lesson 13.The Tabernacle | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 13.The Tabernacle
A Place of God’s Presence and Salvation
After the exodus from Egypt, God did not lead His people only into freedom but also into deeper fellowship with Himself.
The Tabernacle was the expression of His desire to dwell among His people — in the midst of the camp, at the very center of their lives.
It was a place of worship, forgiveness, and encounter with the holy God.
Every curtain, every piece of furniture, and every ritual carried symbolic meaning and pointed forward to the coming work of Jesus.
This lesson shows how God’s plan of salvation was revealed through the earthly sanctuary and how it continues today in Christ.
The Tabernacle thus stands as a living testimony to God’s nearness, grace, and redemption.
Content:
13.1 The Sabbath of the Lord
Celebrating God’s Presence – Creation, Redemption, and Fellowship
The Sabbath was never merely a Jewish commandment, but a gift of God to humanity from the very beginning.
Even before Sinai, it was sanctified and observed — as a reminder of God’s creation and as a sign of His saving grace.
In connection with the construction of the Tabernacle, the Sabbath is emphasized again, because it carries the same message as the sanctuary itself: God dwells among His people.
The Sabbath directs our gaze toward God — as Creator, Redeemer, and King.
It is not merely a day of rest, but a sacred space in time in which God desires to meet us.
For God’s people, the Sabbath remains a weekly expression of trust, worship, and identity.
13.2 Offerings and the Spirit
Giving with Joy – Serving Filled with the Spirit
In the building of the Tabernacle, the power of a willing and Spirit-filled community became visible.
The Israelites gave not only material goods generously, but also their time, creativity, and skills — all out of love and gratitude toward God.
It was the Holy Spirit who equipped people like Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom and craftsmanship so that God’s work could be done precisely and beautifully.
This shows that the Holy Spirit works not only through the supernatural but also through practical gifts in daily life.
God’s work succeeds when people offer themselves joyfully and wholeheartedly.
Even today, God calls us to use our gifts — whether spiritual, creative, or organizational — in service to His kingdom.
13.3 The Tabernacle Built
God’s Plan in Detail – A Place of Redemption and Encounter
The construction of the Tabernacle was carried out with extraordinary care and according to exact divine instructions.
This attention to detail shows how important every single element of God’s plan of salvation is.
Nothing was arbitrary — every piece of furniture, every fabric, and every ritual in the sanctuary served to make the gospel tangible and understandable.
The daily and annual services revealed God’s dealing with sin and His grace toward the repentant sinner.
Thus, the Tabernacle became the visible center of God’s presence, righteousness, and forgiveness.
Even today, God invites us to honor His holiness — with hearts ready to meet Him in every area of life.
13.4 God’s Presence in the Tabernacle
A God Who Dwells Among His People
The dedication of the Tabernacle marked the solemn climax of God’s journey with Israel — His presence visibly descended in the form of the cloud by day and the fire by night.
This Shekinah glory showed the Israelites that the Almighty God truly dwelt in their midst.
The Tabernacle was not only a place of worship but also a sign of God’s nearness, guidance, and faithfulness.
As in creation, the work was completed — and God Himself filled the space.
This connection between creation and sanctuary points forward to God’s ultimate dwelling among the redeemed.
Even today, God desires to dwell in the midst of our lives — through His Spirit, His Word, and our communion with Him.
13.5 Jesus Tabernacled With Humanity
God Becomes Human – and Lives Among Us
When Jesus became human, the symbolic meaning of the Old Testament Tabernacle was fulfilled in a unique way: God dwelt among His people.
John describes this with the verb “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us — a direct reference to the Tabernacle, showing that God’s nearness was now made real in the person of Jesus.
In Christ we meet Immanuel — God with us — visible, tangible, full of grace and truth.
Even today, He dwells in and among us through the Holy Spirit and invites us into fellowship with Himself.
In Revelation this promise reaches its fulfillment: God will dwell among His people forever.
This hope strengthens our faith and gives us courage to persevere in trust until the end.
13.6 Summary
God’s Plan: To Dwell Among His People
The Tabernacle was more than just a tent — it was a visible sign of God’s desire to dwell among His people.
It was built with great dedication, through voluntary offerings, and by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, with every detail reflecting God’s plan of redemption.
The Sabbath, the sacrificial system, and the manifestation of God’s presence in the cloud all revealed how closely God was connected with His people.
Everything pointed to Jesus, who eventually “tabernacled” among us as a human being and revealed the glory of God.
In Him, the symbolic promise of the Tabernacle is fulfilled: forgiveness, presence, and fellowship.
The Bible concludes with the ultimate fulfillment of this hope — that God will dwell with the redeemed forever in the New Jerusalem.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- …
- 704
- Next Page »
