Lessons of Faith from Joshua – Lesson 3.Memorials of Grace | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 3.Memorials of Grace
Recognizing – Remembering – and Passing On God’s Guidance
God does great things—but we humans tend to forget them quickly. Lesson 3 invites us to reflect on “monuments of grace” that make God’s work visible and memorable. The story of crossing the Jordan shows how God leads in wondrous ways—but also how important it is to prepare spiritually and to trust Him. Memorials such as the twelve stones were not meant to be merely historical reminders but inspirations for our faith today. Those who remember God’s deeds will find courage and confidence in new challenges. Every generation is called to keep faith alive—not as tradition, but as a personal experience with the living God.
Content:
3.1 Crossing the Jordan
God Goes Before You – Prepare Yourselves
The crossing of the Jordan was not a military maneuver but a spiritual event. God commanded the people of Israel to consecrate themselves, because the crossing was not to happen by human strength but under His direction. The Ark of the Covenant—symbolizing God’s presence—went ahead to show that only with God leading could the promised land be taken. As at Mount Sinai, spiritual preparation was necessary, for God desired not just outward obedience but purified hearts. The dry passage through the river was a proof of His power and faithfulness. Even today, spiritual breakthroughs often come only when we intentionally prepare ourselves, allow God to cleanse us, and learn to trust His timing.
3.2 The Living God of Wonders
The Living God Acts in Visible Ways
The miraculous crossing of the Jordan reveals God’s power, presence, and faithfulness. He is not a distant observer but a living God who intervenes on behalf of His people. Through this miracle, He shows that nothing is too difficult for Him—neither then nor now. His actions are not only helpful but holy and awe-inspiring, so that His name may be honored. This miracle strengthened Israel’s faith for the challenges ahead. We, too, may expect God to act in our lives—in His own way and at the right time.
3.3 Remember
Remember in Order to Believe
God commanded Israel to build a memorial of stones so that His mighty deeds would not be forgotten. These stones were to serve as a visible sign, reminding future generations of the miracle at the Jordan. Remembering meant more than looking back—it was meant to inspire trust and obedience. Everyone should be able to answer personally the question, “What do these stones mean to you?” Living faith does not come through tradition alone, but through personal experience of God’s work. Such spiritual “monuments” help us today not to forget God’s faithfulness.
3.4 Forgetfulness
Preserving God’s Deeds – Avoiding Spiritual Amnesia
God knows how easily humans forget—therefore He repeatedly calls His people to remember. The crossing of the Jordan was not just a one-time miracle, but a testimony for generations to come. Forgetfulness is more than carelessness—it can lead to the loss of identity, calling, and trust. Remembering God’s deeds strengthens our faith for the present and our hope for the future. Rituals, memorials, and sharing our experiences with others keep faith alive. Those who remember why and where they are going are less likely to lose their way.
3.5 Beyond the Jordan
A Passage into the Promise
The crossing of the Jordan symbolizes a profound new beginning with God. Just as the Red Sea marked deliverance from Egypt, the Jordan marks the transition from dependence to freedom, from uncertainty to purpose. For Israel, it meant stepping into the promised land—a sign of God’s faithfulness and guidance. Jesus, too, began His ministry with a crossing of the Jordan: His baptism was a visible sign of His divine mission. The Jordan reminds us that true spiritual life begins when we fully entrust ourselves to God. Every faith journey requires this step from the old into the new—by God’s power, not our own.
3.6 Summary
Monuments of Grace – Memory Builds Trust
Lesson 3 emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s mighty acts. The crossing of the Jordan became a spiritual turning point for Israel—marked by preparation, consecration, and the miracle of divine guidance. The Ark of the Covenant went before them as a sign that God Himself leads His people. The memorial stones were to remind later generations of God’s faithfulness and inspire them to believe. The danger of spiritual forgetfulness is highlighted—without conscious remembrance, faith loses its strength. The Jordan stands as a symbol of the passage into the promised life God has prepared for all who trust Him.
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.
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.
Exodus – Lesson 12. “Please, Show Me Your Glory” | 📘 Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 12. “Please, Show Me Your Glory”
The Longing for God’s Presence
Moses had already experienced many extraordinary encounters with God — yet his heart longed for more. He did not only want to serve God, but to truly know Him, to understand His nature, and to live in close fellowship with Him.
In the midst of disappointment and spiritual struggle, Moses asked for the highest thing imaginable: “Let me see Your glory!”
This request reveals a deep longing for God’s presence and shows that true spiritual maturity always goes hand in hand with an ever-growing desire for God.
In this lesson, we discover how God reveals Himself — not through spectacular signs, but through the beauty of His character.
Those who perceive the glory of God are themselves transformed and begin to reflect it in their own lives.
Contents:
12.1 The Tent of Meeting
A Place of Nearness – Where God Speaks with Man
The Tent of Meeting was a visible expression that God, despite the people’s apostasy, still desired closeness with them.
It stood outside the camp — a place of separation, yet also of deep fellowship.
There, Moses met with God as a friend speaks with a friend — an astonishing statement of trust and intimacy.
This relationship was not one-sided: Moses actively sought God’s presence, and God responded.
His time with God in the tent transformed him — outwardly and inwardly.
Likewise for us, spiritual growth becomes possible when we deliberately and regularly seek God’s presence.
12.2 That I May Know You
To Know God – Not Just to Know About Him
Moses had already witnessed great miracles and spent much time with God, yet he realized that his understanding of Him was still incomplete.
In deep humility he prayed, “Let me know Your ways, that I may know You.”
This desire was not driven by intellectual curiosity but by a passionate longing for genuine relationship.
Moses understood: only if God’s presence led him could he fulfill his calling.
God responded with grace and a promise to remain with him.
This scene teaches us that spiritual maturity does not mean knowing everything, but continually seeking to know God more deeply.
12.3 “Please, Show Me Your Glory”
Understanding God’s Nature – His Goodness Is His Glory
Moses’ request to see God’s glory came from a deep yearning not just to serve God but to truly know Him.
God granted this request not through a display of overwhelming power, but by revealing His goodness — for that is His true essence.
In doing so, God showed that His glory is found in His patience, grace, and love toward imperfect people.
This divine goodness transforms hearts and leads to repentance.
When we recognize God’s character — most clearly revealed at the cross of Christ — we ourselves are changed.
We too become mirrors of His glory — in our daily life, in our character, and in our relationships with others.
12.4 The Self-Revelation of God
The Name of the LORD – Who God Truly Is
In Exodus 34, God revealed to Moses His true nature — not in the form of an image, but through words describing His identity.
He calls Himself merciful, gracious, patient, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness — a self-description that becomes the core of the biblical message.
This scene is the “John 3:16” of the Old Testament because it shows that God’s glory lies in His character, not merely in His power.
Moses responds with worship, for true knowledge of God always leads to adoration.
In this moment, God also renews His covenant with the people and promises to perform wonders among them — if they remain faithful to Him.
This revelation calls us to know God’s character more deeply and to respond with love and obedience.
12.5 The Shining Face of Moses
Transformed by God’s Presence
The shining of Moses’ face was a visible sign of the inner transformation produced by his deep encounter with God’s goodness and nature.
It was not merely proximity to God, but the conscious recognition and acceptance of His character that brought about this change.
Moses himself was unaware of his radiance — true spiritual maturity often shows itself in humility and unconscious grace.
His glowing face became a mirror of God’s glory and a testimony to the people.
We too can be transformed when we open our hearts and fix our eyes on Christ, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
The glory that changes us begins with the recognition of God’s love — and leads to a life that reflects Him.
12.6 Summary
To Know God – and Be Transformed
Lesson 12 reveals Moses’ deep spiritual journey — though he had already experienced much with God, he longed for an even closer relationship with Him.
His plea to see God’s glory sprang from a desire to understand God’s nature more fully.
God responded by revealing not only His power but above all His goodness, grace, and faithfulness — the true core of His glory.
This encounter transformed Moses so profoundly that his face began to shine — a visible sign of inner transformation through God’s presence.
We too are transformed when we seek God not only with our minds but with our hearts.
This lesson invites us to seek God’s nearness, to contemplate His character, and to let Him shape our lives.
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