Joshua Chapter 3 Discussion

The story of Joshua 5 mirrors the Exodus in several ways. First; it involves the end of an era and the beginning of movement into a new land across water which was dried up. Second; once again the Presence of God was there; although at this time there was the Ark with the manna inside to remind everyone of God's earlier miraculous provision. There was also Joshua in the stead of Moses; acting as the leader or representative. The miracle was also noteable as the waters of the Jordan ALWAYS flooded in this season (sidenote in v. 15).

There was a call to sanctify (probably abstinence and ceremonial cleanness) in verse 5; and verse 6 indicated how the Levites were to administer initial movements forward; and the people were to follow. The 12 men of every tribe (v. 12) were to represent God's inheritance as was to be distributed among the tribes after conquest (v. 10).

It would seem that such promises which indeed brought fear among the pagans as already witnessed in Chapter 2 would cause these Jews to remain faithful for the rest of their days.

There was soon to be much fear and trepidation; and eventual disobedience-although perhaps the successful faithfulness time frame might be longer here than in during the Exodus. Admittedly; what would be seen with human eyes in regard to the giants of the land would cause such a reaction as this was a new thing to behold. Once again; the theme of TRUST in relation to God needs to be upheld. His covenants are unchanging-praise God or we would all perish as we all have sin remaining as long as our earthly tabernacle remains ( 1 John 1:8).

However; we all have the potential and ability through the Spirit to put the flesh to death day by day. We seek; however a heavenly city( Heb. 11:16) which was already foreshadowed by the faithful saints of the O.T.

When the government goes bad you don't have to obey. Jesus Christ Said that and that time is right now

To trust God and remember fear is of the devil and there is no fear in love, and we reap what we sow and that applies to unbelief as well. If you do get it, James 5:13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

That's true Brenda. In some cases, people who were convinced about the 'harmful' effects of the vaccine & have later turned about face on the matter, are also joined by those in the opposite camp, pushing for the vaccine, but later having fallen ill & may have even passed on. We can see both sides of this which has divided so many.

Therefore, each one has to be convinced, having examined it as much as possible, & do according to the dictates of their consciences. The other problem that arises is, should those who've not been vaccinated then protest against employer or govt. rulings that put restrictions or penalties upon them? Sure there'll be many protestations, as there are even now, but the bottom line is, if a law is in place, we either obey or disobey it, & if we're true to our convictions, then the ramifications of our decision, whether of good or ill, must be accepted.

Letizia,

I would just like to offer you a short simple answer to your question. What is the Lord telling you to do? What is He putting on your heart? That would be your answer!

I tend to agree. With so many people that are adamant about the vaccine being harmful only to get the virus then to urge others to get vaccinated before it is too late. I know it is rushed more than our childhood vaccination trials. I believe this is out of necessity.

To add to discussion. In a Country where people are subject to a King & Governors in Monarchy I can see where, 1 Peter 2:13,14,may apply a little more directly. but please read, 1 Peter 2:12-25, Please note: 1 Peter 2:19, even here "in good conscience toward GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully" interesting words Con= opposing, Science...? GOD is GREAT!

There are many differences in Todays Governments.

We here in The USA are not "subjects" in our Declaration of Independence & Constitutional documents Federal & ALL States; we clearly do away with that. If you're in USA we Are The People, One Nation Under GOD. The Governing authority is ours, & it is our duty to act against Tyranny.

Side not: Recently I've received emails stating The US Supreme Court has blocked the "mandate" against a (governing agency to force companies to require vax) the Virginia Governor sworn in Sat. Jan.15, 2022. 1st Executive Orders, eliminate those regulatory wrongs even within schools. These past difficult tyrannical years should teach us to be wise for the future.

If we receive anything to save ourselves be careful = Luke 9:24, Mark 8:35, Matthew 16:25, Luke 17:33,

Hopefully this is helpful in your discussion.

Hello, I'm happy to share my opinion of this topic. There's nothing in the Bible directly about people needing to take an experimental substance a pharma company pushes for their commercial profit. It's not the government's role to control your body as that is a human rights violation. Even if the substance they were pushing had never harmed or killed anyone and even if it actually helped people that would still be a violation of rights. When it says in the Bible to give to caesar what is caesar's that doesn't mean to cower to tyranny and evil. For example, does that mean one could use the Bible to justify sending Jews to Auschwitz gas chambers if they were in the German army? No, it doesn't. We are supposed to follow God's moral law, before we follow man's law, and if the two conflict, then we follow God, not man. For instance, even if your government commanded you to kill people in world war 2 doesn't make it morally right, since God said do not kill.

And God gave us our bodies and we are to take care of God's belongings as we are not our own. That means to keep healthy through diet, exercise, and not to harm ourselves through experimental drugs. Given that more there's already more than 1 million documented cases of injuries and thousands of deaths just in the US as a result of the covid so-called vaccine that means its dangerous and I think its morally wrong to take it. I don't fault those who have taken it with the assumption that it was somehow helping them, but sadly it has all been a sham. This has been one of the largest human rights violations in world history with possibly millions dead unnecessarily because of greed. Pray that the truth will be finally revealed.

Hello Letizia. There's nothing in the Bible about getting a vaccination against Covid, nor a compulsion to take any vaccinations. However, there is a Scriptures that speaks of obedience to governments: 1 Peter 2:13,14, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."

So, as believers, we are required to not only obey God, but also to obey the administration of government as they bring in laws & give direction for many areas of personal life & business in society. We may not like or agree with those personalities within government or even their laws, but IF a law is given for our good, then we should obey. As yet, this vaccine has not been enforced upon us (though in some jobs, it has become necessary, just as the need to wear specific head or body protection). Still, it must remain the choice of each one whether to take the vaccine or not. If for conscience sake or before the Lord, one chooses not to take the vaccine, that might be acceptable to God but maybe unacceptable to the government, & therefore some form of restriction might be imposed.

Then, to answer your question, if a person believes that the vaccine is wrong or detrimental to one's health, then refrain from taking it & accept the consequences. I don't think that our choice in this particular matter has to meet God's Approval - there are many decisions in life that God leaves up to us that don't violate His commands - I feel this is one of them.

Can you explain to me what does God expect us to do about this covid19? Does he expect us to get the shots or not to?

Hi Sophia,

There is much depth to this subject, and you can learn how to defend the faith by reading the Bible and by reading books or websites on this topic. Your answer depends on who is asking, age, how much they know about the Bible/Christianity already, if they seem genuinely open or are just ready to attack your beliefs, how much time you have, if there's distractions, etc. There's also countless logical fallacies that are commonly used to attack Christianity, but if someone isn't aware of them, some might be blindly accepted instead of called out. Here's what I do for example:

1: Why should I believe in God?

2: Why shouldn't you?

1: There's no proof, you can't see Him

2: Actually there's tons of proof. Can you prove He DOESN'T exist?

1: Yeah, but why would you believe in something you can't see?

2: Are you assuming that if you can't see it, that it must not exist?

1. Yeah.

(flip who is leading the questions)

2. So, do you love your parents?

1. Yeah of course

2. So, prove it. You just said if you can't see it it doesn't exist, and you can't see love, so using your logic does that mean you don't love your parents?

You can go all kinds of directions with this, but the key is to address and counter each false assumption. Back to creation/evolution.

1. Why don't you believe in evolution?

2. Because there's no scientific proof of it.

1. Yes there is, there's tons.

2. No, there isn't. No one has ever witnessed one species evolve into another. It has NEVER happened, and no one has ever witnessed it.

1. Yeah, but look at all the similarities. The DNA.

2. So, are you assuming that if something has similarities that it must have 'come' from it?

(flip who is leading questions)

2. So, a unicycle has many similarities with a bicycle and a motorcycle. It has very similar 'DNA'. With your logic is, does that prove that a unicycle evolved into a motorcycle?

1. That's different.

2. What if it's not different? They were each designed and created.

2. The problem is that you exist with more advanced features than anyone can imagine and your best explanation is that an explosion from nothing created you. Your interconnected systems show proof of intelligent design. So, where you intentionally designed or accidentally designed from an explosion from nothing? How often do we see advanced designs come from random explosions? No one has ever witnessed that. Since it's never been seen, and since it doesn't follow the scientific method, and since it violates the laws of thermodynamics, I think it takes more faith to believe in that to believe I was intelligently designed.

Etc.

If someone asks me why they should believe in God instead of evolution or something that is ungodly what should I say? In the situation of them asking me how, How did God come about and me telling them no one knows? What should I say?

We are walking on land that has been blessed (Consecrated) but we are not following the words of GOD. How many acres of Land are Consecrated there in Columbia? We need to learned and teach the Commandments starting before first kindergarten. If you look around this Country you should be a shame every day; this is not even good as a pig pen. We all should take some time to find out why so many of our people are acting as there are not enough time in a day; and as if we need more and stuff; i came here with nothing and will leave earth all wilted and old; and my hands will be empty. The earth are consuming many things now soon it will be all gone, no more fighting and stealing friends,thanks.

Ty! dr. dee, your comment was a great encouragment for me, praying for a special restoration on my husbands job, the enemy has worked against him, but i know god is able to bring him out of all his troubles!! god bless you!

Ruby, Pray and he will guide you.

This is a word for me today because I am seeking God for the path he wants me to take and which way to go and what congregation should I attach myself to. I feel that obeying the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me and listen and follow I will hear the directions of God and His Holy spirit, this chapter has open up a form of understanding for me that I didn't understand.

When I read this chapter, I can hear the message: "Wade In The Water" ~ For God Is Going To Trouble The Waters" meaning regardless if you on the edge of water or find yourself deep down in water if we can Trust Christ, turn it all over to Him, He will trouble the water on our behalf and cause us to pass through our Waters of Trails, Waters of Situations, Waters of Trouble.

Another miracle of God like the parting of the Red Sea. God did it for Moses and He promised Joshua He will be with him. This is a manifestation of promise fulfilled. Praise Jesus.

I love joshua he was very obedient and courageous and a great leader

I agree with God/woman - Lord Jesus, Help thou my unbelief!! I've known the Lord for 47 yrs., but I still have fear, as we all do. I didn't live for Him for many many of those yrs.; only been 'back" 2 1/2 yrs., but I'm much stronger now than then. I'm older and been through a lot so have 'matured' in my thinking more.
I backslid for 34 yrs., so don't ever give up on your loved ones.

Vs 9. He invited them to go in the presence of mighty God.

With faith in God and obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, God can use those He has chosen to do great and marvelous things .

Vs 5 for us to cross over to the promise land full of joy and happiness,to our success,our blesssing and our prosperity,we must consecrate santify ourselves as Joshua told the people of Israel "santify yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do great thing among you".

Due to Joshua's obedience to GOD'S comands. the most high GOD, gave Israel the victory over there enemy again. Just goes to show, that we also can achieve victory if we just obey when GOD comands us, So, trust and obey for the victory is the LORDS. PRAISE THE LIRD.

There is no doubt in Joshua 's mind that God will do great things for his people, but the question is are we prepaired for what God will do? verse 5

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. If He did it then, won 't God do it now? According to Jeremiah 32: 27 He stated, "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me? All that I can cry out is, Lord help my unbelief!

As Joshua obeyed the instruction given him by GOD and he also instructed the children of GOD ALMIGHTY according to what GOD told him

WOW!!! What an awesome God we serve! Joshua heard and obeyed the voice for God and did exactly what he was instructed to do!!!! And We Should To!!! POWERFUL!!!!!

He wanted the children of israelto know that it was not because of theirworks, but the promise made to their forefathers Abraham

Our God is awesome,he will not say a thing he will not do.He magnified Joshua in the sight of Israelites verse 7 .Just a step in the brim of the water makes it still,no command,may the name of the Almighty God be praised forever nobody shares your glory with you.Again Israelites passed on the dry land apart from Reed sea.How great art thou,O lord.