Clear View Baptist Church

09/06/2026

09/02/2026

“MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT”
Joshua 24:1-13 (Series #50)

As their high school career comes to an end, many high school seniors make their last “will and testament” to fellow seniors and to underclass mates. In this Bible lesson, Joshua shares his last comments with Israel prior to dying.

JOSHUA’S CHARGE -
Joshua gathers all of Israel’s leaders together to give them his final charge (vs. 11). Previously, he met with the two and one-half tribes (chapter 22), then he met with her leaders (chapter 23), and finally with the whole group (chapter 24). The main point in these three meetings is to challenge Israel to be faithful and to fervently serve their God. QUESTION? If you were Joshua, and had the opportunity to share your last “will and testament,” who would you share it with and what would you say to them?

CONTENTS OF JOSHUA’S CHARGE –
Joshua begins with Israel’s roots, having come from a pagan background. Philosopher George Santayana has said, “Those who cannot remember their past are condemned to repeat it.” Joshua also reminds Israel that it was God who “reached” for her (vs. 3-4). Having reached her, He redeemed her from her sin. The pronoun “I” is used sixteen times in verses 3-13. It is good to remember what it was like to be a slave to sin and what it is like being free (vs. 5-6). And because she had been redeemed (delivered you), God rewards her (vs. 7-11).

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISRAEL –
Joshua reminds Israel of four things to always remember. These are:

1. God chose Israel; she did not choose Him (vs. 1-4). See John 15:16.

2. God redeemed Israel out from paganism (vs. 5-7). See I Peter 1:18-19.

3. God guided Israel through the good and tough times (vs. 8-10).

4. God gave Israel the land that He promised her (vs. 11-13). See Titus 1:2.

CONCLUSION
Joshua’s last sermon to Israel emphasized God’s goodness to her and the things that He had done for her. Tonight, let us “count our blessings” and give God the glory!
A grateful heart is a strong defense against drifting from God! Psalm 95:1-2.
Let us choose to be a “thank you” person, even in the bad and challenging times!

08/26/2026

“MAKING GOOD/RIGHT CHOICES”
Joshua 23:14-16 (Series # 49)

This title sounds like a sound bit from a concerned parent to his child. It is interesting that the average person will make many decisions in a day’s time. We will decide if we get out of bed, what clothes we will wear, what will we eat for breakfast. Are you getting the picture? We are always called upon to decide about something.
Choices are rooted in the individual’s values, and my values stem from my convictions. And my convictions come from the complete Scriptures. It all begins with my beliefs.

Completed Scriptures – convictions – values – choices - character.
***I believe ***I value ***I decide

If I am to make “right” choices or decisions, I must read and apply God’s Word to my life!

JOSHUA’S LAST CHARGE –

Joshua tells Israel’s leaders to make right decisions and to obey and serve the Lord. Their decision will need to be renewed daily or else they will fail in serving the Lord.

***What would you want to say to your family or friends at your time of death?

***A sinner who trusts Jesus as his personal Savior will want to make Jesus his Lord! Read Romans 10:9-10. And as his Lord, he WILL do those things which honors God (Luke 6:46).

JOSHUA LIFTS UP THE GOODNESS OF GOD –

Joshua uses the word “good” 4 times in verses 14-16. Twice he speaks to Israel of all the promises that God has given to them.
Twice Joshua mentions the “good” land that God has given to Israel (Exodus 3:8, Numbers 14:7, and Deuteronomy 1:25).
God is “good” as to His nature. He is “good” to His creation (Psalm 34:8, 103:5, and Nahum 1:7). His goodness is seen in the gifts to the Christian (James 1:17). His goodness also can bring a sinner to repentance (Romans 2:4).

CONCLUSION
WHY does Joshua want Israel to follow and obey their God? It is because their God is not a false god but is the only true God. And His way is always the best way (Psalm 119:39, Romans 8:28). And finally, their God is “good” (Psalm 34:8, 100:5, John 10:11).

08/19/2026

“HOW CAN A GODLY CHRISTIAN GO THE WRONG WAY?”
Joshua 23:7-13 (Series #48)

Prior to Covid, while we were shopping in Greensboro, I took a short cut to Interstate 40 and realized that I was driving down a one-way street. Looking back, I wonder how I could make such a careless decision and jeopardize our lives?

This was Joshua’s concern for the Children of Israel after his death. He was fearful of God’s people “going down the wrong way”! It may be, dear friend, that you are traveling down the “wrong” road today. Let us learn from the mistakes of others so we will stay on the right course and go in the right direction.

LOVE OF GOD – Can I say that I “love” the Lord?
When I say that “I love the Lord,” what do I mean by this (Joshua 23:11)? To Israel, the greatest commandment was “Hear O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” See Deuteronomy 6:5, Joshua 22:5.

***To love God means: my walking in God’s way (Proverbs 14:12), and obeying His commands, and holding fast to God, and serving God with all that I am (Ecclesiastes 9:10)!

*** A person who loves God WILL keep His commands (John 14:21, 23)!

***At Mount Sinai, Israel was married to Jehovah and entered a covenant relationship with Him (Jeremiah 2:1-3). With marriage also comes commitment.

***The Christian married Jesus when he is saved (I Corinthians 6:17).

LEAVE THE GENTILES ALONE – Vs. 12-13
Their leaving the Gentiles alone is not meant to be a “racial prejudice.” Rather, the inhabitants of the land were corrupt and served idols. To marry a Gentile would be like a saved person today who marries an unsaved person (See Exodus 34:10-17, Deuteronomy 7:2-4, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

***The Trend Downward – A Christian who gives into the pressures of the World System is committing “spiritual adultery” (I John 2:15-17). How does a godly Christian go wrong so quickly? Their path to destruction is as follows.

He Associates with ungodly nations (Amos 3:3).
He Acquires their religious practices (accepts their “feeling” style).
He Aligns with their gods via their worship (accepts the teaching that if we both believe “in God” that is all that matters).
They are Attracted to them (their charisma and persuasiveness).

CONCLUSION