Sermon Tone Analysis

Let’s talk about the weather for a minute.

If we are ever in a situation, similar to last Sunday, and you do not feel it is wise or safe for you to come to church (this includes weather, family circumstances, neighborhood/community needs, or other circumstances that God has placed in your life) please use your own judgement and rest assured, you will not be judged.

We believe you are able to make the best decision for you and for those under your care.

We do not believe your spiritual maturity is calculated on the number of inches of snow you are able to drive through to get here.

Nor does our opinion of you increase because of the extreme temperatures that you are willing to endure.

God knows, and we do not!

We will not put burdens or yokes on your backs, that God doesn’t

“Operation Sanctification”

Joshua 5:1-

The information shared in verse one is an affirmation of what has been said in

In chapter 4 we learned about Joshua taking steps to ensure that the work of God, in bringing them across the Jordan river would be remembered for future generations.

Now, in verse 2 of chapter 5 we read of another instance of Joshua being told to take steps to acknowledge and remember the Covenant and Promise of God and His power working to bring to pass that which He had promised.

The Covenants of God

Abrahamic-

In we learn more about God’s covenant with Abraham and Abraham’s part in that covenant.

In we learn more about God’s covenant with Abraham and Abraham’s part in that covenant.

Mosaic-

Listen to what happened when Moses chose not to circumcise his son.

Exod 4:

Joshua 5:

Circumcision was an outward sign of the inward work of God.

Though God required outward action, it was simply a sign of what was happening in the heart of the man.

We are told in the book of Hebrews, “By faith Abraham obeyed . .

.”

Rahab and many other Old Testament saints were included in the “Hall of Faith” in .

In each instance, their outward actions were merely symbolic of the “circumcision of the heart” that is spoken of in and .

Think back to the story of Joshua and the sons of Israel.

They had just crossed the Jordan River.

They were now encamped in a new land.

They were in enemy territory and they submit themselves to the outward “operation of sanctification”.

They were left vulnerable to the enemy.

If you don’t think that is the case read , the account of the Shechemites’ fall.

In that case, the Shechemites were not submitting, they were seeking to fulfill Shechem’s fleshly desires.

Joshua was commanded to circumcise the sons of Israel as a symbol of their trust and desire to honor God with their obedience as He was about to give them the Promised land.

They were choosing to trust God unlike their fathers who doubted and ended up wandering the wilderness for 40 yrs.

The path of duty is the path of safety

God desires the circumcision of the heart.

Col 2:

What application does this have for us today?

Trust and Obey for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

This procedure that takes place in our hearts is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who works in us as we move about in obedience.

Some view baptism as the “circumcision for today”.

Especially those who adhere to paedobaptism ( Infant baptism).

Though I believe there are certain similarities between circumcision and baptism, I do not believe they are complete, and I do not believe there is sufficient evidence in the Scriptures or early church to adopt the practice of infant baptism.

Rather, I believe that baptism is an ordinance of the church, that Christ himself commanded of those who have come to believe in Christ as their Savior.

The act of baptism is symbolic of the putting off of the flesh, dying with Christ and being raised to new life in Him.

God still desires a circumcision of the heart that is not done by man.

He desires that we turn away or roll back the reproach of our flesh and confess that He is the One true God, who has made a way for us to be Holy and Righteous.

There are times when we may feel susceptible to the enemy, but Christ has already won the battle.

Have you asked the Lord to create a clean heart in you?

I think sometimes we act as though our actions are more important than the sanctification of our hearts.