The Undercover Adventist

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Thursday: Longing for His Presence Longing for His Presence Read Joshua 18:1–2. When Joshua paused the allotment of the land, it was for a sacred reason: to gather the tribes before the Lord at Shiloh, where the tabernacle—the symbol of God’s presence—was set up. Before settling into their inheritance, Israel needed to draw near to God, to seek His guidance, and to be reminded that the land was not just a possession but a gift from His hand. Their success was never merely about territory; it was about relationship and worship. In calling the tribes together, Joshua demonstrated a truth still vital today: every step forward in life must begin in the presence of God. As Christians, we do not have an earthly sanctuary containing the physical presence of God. Yet our hope is not less real—indeed, it is greater. Hebrews tells us that Jesus has entered a better sanctuary for us, “as a forerunner” (Hebrews 6:19–20). He did not ...

   Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Wednesday: Written on Stones Written on Stones: Engraved in the Heart Read: Joshua 8:32–35 After Israel’s victory at Ai, Joshua did something surprising. Instead of immediately pressing forward militarily, he paused to build an altar and write the law of Moses upon stones for all to see. Then he gathered the entire nation—men, women, children, and foreigners—with him—to hear the blessings and the curses of the covenant read aloud. In the shadow of battle and conquest, God’s Word took center stage. Why was this public act so important? Joshua understood that victory didn’t come from swords or strategy—it came from God’s faithfulness and Israel’s obedience. Writing the covenant on stones made the relationship permanent, visible, and unforgettable. Israel needed a tangible reminder that their success was rooted in God’s promises and their faithfulness to His ways. Scripture often warns us about forgetfulness: “Take car...

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Tuesday: Altrs of Renewal   Altars of Renewal Read Joshua 8:30–31 After Israel’s victory at Ai, Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal, offering burnt offerings and presenting the Law of God before all the people (Joshua 8:30–31). This act was not just ceremonial; it was a deliberate reaffirmation of the covenant God had made with His people. By doing so, Joshua was reminding Israel that victory in battle was never independent of obedience to God’s commands. The Law was their guide, their standard, and their source of blessing (Deuteronomy 11:26–30; 27:2–10). Even in the midst of war, Joshua prioritized covenant faithfulness over immediate gains. He demonstrated that spiritual obedience comes first, and that our victories are most meaningful when aligned with God’s will. This principle echoes through Scripture: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to...

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Monday: Passover Remembering the Lamb Read Joshua 5:10 As the Israelites stood ready to conquer Canaan, Joshua could have rushed into battle, seizing the land while their enemies were weakened. Yet he made a remarkable decision: he paused to celebrate the Passover (Joshua 5:10). This was not mere tradition or ritual; it was a profound act of obedience and remembrance. Even amid pressing tasks, God’s covenant and redemption took precedence over immediate gain. The Passover had been instituted decades earlier as a memorial of God’s deliverance from Egypt: each family was to sacrifice the lamb at twilight (Exodus 12:6), and the festival was to be observed annually as a holy assembly (Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 28:16). Through this act, God’s people remembered that salvation comes from His power and mercy, not their strength. By keeping the Passover, Joshua was teaching Israel that God’s past faithfulness must guide their present...

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Sunday: Covenant First Covenant First Read Joshua 5:1–7 As Israel crossed the Jordan and stepped into Canaan, the mighty kings of the land trembled. This was a moment of military advantage — the perfect time to strike while the enemy was paralyzed with fear. Yet God issued a surprising command: stop, pause, and circumcise the second generation of Israelites before advancing. Human logic would say, “Move forward! Don’t slow down now!” But God’s logic was clear: before victory, covenant . Before battles, relationship . Circumcision was the physical sign of belonging to God — a mark of loyalty, identity, and faith (Genesis 17:10–14). It celebrated their deliverance from Egypt and affirmed their commitment to the God who saved them. By asking Israel to renew this covenant, God reminded them that success didn’t depend on speed, strategy, or strength — but on faithful connection to Him. They were not merely warriors; they were H...

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 6 -  Friday Afterthought. Guarding the Heart in a World of More Read: Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15; Philippians 4:11–13 “You shall not covet.” At first glance, the tenth commandment may seem hidden in the shadows of the others. We easily recognize why God forbids murder or theft. But coveting? In our world today—where advertisements flash at every turn, where “you deserve this” is a daily slogan, and where worth is often measured by what we own—this commandment has never been more relevant. Coveting is not merely wanting something; it is allowing desire to rule the heart, to grow into dissatisfaction with God’s provision, and to believe that happiness lies in having more. Modern consumer culture thrives on discontentment. Companies invest billions to awaken desire: If only you had this phone, this car, this home, this lifestyle—then you’d be fulfilled. Yet the Bible warns us: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s ...

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua  \ Sabbath School Lesson 7 Ultimate Loyalty: Worship in a War Zone You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 6 - Achan's Sin From the Valley of Judgment to the Door of Hope Read: Joshua 7; Hosea 2:14–15; 2 Corinthians 5:21 Devotional Thought Achan's sin in Joshua 7 was not a simple act of taking forbidden things — it was a breach of covenant trust. God had commanded that everything in Jericho be devoted to Him. Achan chose otherwise, and that hidden choice brought painful consequences not only for himself, but for the whole nation. Sin is never a private matter. It fractures fellowship with God and harms the community of His people. The judgment that follows can feel difficult to read. It reminds us that God takes sin seriously — not because He is harsh, but because sin is destructive. Israel was being established as a holy people in a hostile land; rebellion at this crucial moment could unravel their entire mission. God's justice was clear: sin brings death. Yet Scripture doesn't leave us in the Valley of Achor. Cent...