Jesus Is My Refuge Outline

“Jesus Is My Refuge” Joshua 20:1-9 God has created a place of refuge for us today and we can find it in Jesus Christ. In Jesus all our sin is forgiven and we are given the wonderful privilege to stand before the Almighty God without fault. Amen. Joshua 20:1-3 The cities reveal God’s heart 1. It showed the people that He expected them to act with justice and compassion. 2. By this it revealed God’s justice and compassion for people. 3. This protection was for all people not just the Israelites. You see God initiated it all, so it is with Salvation. God has provided a place like that for us, it is found in Jesus Christ Romans 10:10-13 It is only in Jesus Christ that we can find forgiveness, love and protection from God’s judgment. How do we receive this? By receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior, asking Him for forgiveness for your sinful ways and allowing Him to rule in your life. Joshua 20:4 Standing at the gate 1. At the gate they were to tell the elders of their situation. 2. These cities were the only places you could receive this protection. a. The gates were always open so that people were always able to go in. b. The roads always maintained so people could get to the cities quickly if needed. Duet. 19 c. The cities were built on hills so that people could find it easily. We can find this in Jesus. 1. The arms of Jesus are always open. 2. He is there to hear us. 3. The way to Him is always clear. 4. Jesus on the cross that all man would see. 5. There is no other place for refuge/salvation. Acts 4:12

John 14:6 To seek refuge in anything or anyone else except Jesus is useless and foolish. Joshua 20:5 Power in God 1. The leaders were obligated to keep the accuser safe. They could rest in the protection of the city. 2. We have the same protection in Jesus. a. Jesus promises us forgiveness when we ask for it. b. Jesus promises us protection from our accuser. c. satan is our accuser, he condemns us daily. (Revelation 12) Unlike the cities back then where only if you were innocent could you receive this protection. Jesus gives all of us safety if we chose Him even if we are guilty. Joshua 20:6 Freedom in Jesus 1. The protection for the accused was limited to the walls of the cities. 2. Outside of the city walls there was no protection. The death of the high priest 1. Gave the accuser a clean bill. Jesus’ death on the cross gave us a clean bill. We no longer stand guilty before GOD. Jesus is our High Priest!! Hebrew 7:23-27 Jesus paid in full 100% for us. Joshua 20:7-8 We have a picture being painted in the names of the cities 1. Kedesh – Righteousness/Holy. 2. Shechem – Shoulder. 3. Hebron – Fellowship/Alliance. 4. Bezer – Fortress. 5. Ramoth – Heights. 6. Golan – Joy. This picture is Jesus Christ! These cities were picked by God and placed so that no matter where you are coming from you could find a place of refuge quickly. (power point)

Gang this is all symbolic of Jesus Christ it doesn’t matter were you are coming from Jesus is reachable. Amen. Joshua 20:9 Standing free of charge 1. The cities were set up to protect the innocent. 2. Jesus was given up that we would be raised up to heaven. Because of Jesus Christ we can stand before the Father of Heaven and know we are not guilty. Jesus doesn’t just waits for us to come to Him. Has He approached the doors (gates) of your hearts today? Knocking can I come in? Revelation 3:20 Jesus is saying “I know who you are, I know the sins you have done, I know the pain you are feeling. Will you let me in, I want to help you fix things and reveal to you the life I intended for you. We will share our meals together. 1. The Lord wants intimate fellowship with those who calls on His name. We serve an intimate God who desires relationship. How many of us are living outside of the walls this morning? If you want to receive God’s promises, knowing that He has your back and that you will live in eternity with the HIM all you need to do today is call on the name of Jesus.