Lesson 4
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Inhabiting the Promised Land
"When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you? then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."
Joshua 4
Read Joshua 4
1. When Israel crossed the Jordan, God instructed them to erect twelve stones, one for each tribe of Israel, on Jordan's shore. What is the purpose of these memorial stones? God is doing an amazing work for his people and he wants coming generations to share the memory of what he has done for this generation. To remember means more than to recall past events; it means to make present God's past actions, or to live in the light of what God has done.
2. Read the following verses and tell what the psalmist says about remembering. Notice the verbs he uses.
3. How do you think remembering what God has done in the past helps our faith today?
4. Read the following "remembrance" passages and answer the following questions for each: What is the covenant? What is the covenant sign given? Who is to do the remembering?
When we receive the Lord's supper and remember what God has done we do more than recall what Jesus did on the cross. He is made present to us and the cup is a participation in his blood (1 Cor. 10:16).
5. God has given us memorial stones in the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. He wants us to remember his work of salvation. As you've walked with God and he's worked in your life, what kind of stones have you set up to help you remember what he has done?
6. What has Christ done for you and how does remembering his work in your life help you live for him today?
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Inhabiting the Promised Land
"When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you? then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."
Joshua 4
Read Joshua 4
1. When Israel crossed the Jordan, God instructed them to erect twelve stones, one for each tribe of Israel, on Jordan's shore. What is the purpose of these memorial stones? God is doing an amazing work for his people and he wants coming generations to share the memory of what he has done for this generation. To remember means more than to recall past events; it means to make present God's past actions, or to live in the light of what God has done.
2. Read the following verses and tell what the psalmist says about remembering. Notice the verbs he uses.
- Psalm 77:11-12
- Psalm 78:5-7
3. How do you think remembering what God has done in the past helps our faith today?
4. Read the following "remembrance" passages and answer the following questions for each: What is the covenant? What is the covenant sign given? Who is to do the remembering?
- Genesis 9:8-17
- Luke 22:14-23
When we receive the Lord's supper and remember what God has done we do more than recall what Jesus did on the cross. He is made present to us and the cup is a participation in his blood (1 Cor. 10:16).
5. God has given us memorial stones in the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. He wants us to remember his work of salvation. As you've walked with God and he's worked in your life, what kind of stones have you set up to help you remember what he has done?
6. What has Christ done for you and how does remembering his work in your life help you live for him today?
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
