JOSHUA 1:6-9
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to OBEY all the instructions Moses gave you.
DO NOT DEVIATE from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
STUDY this Book of Instruction continually.
MEDITATE on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.
Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your GOD IS WITH YOU wherever you go.
The Foundation of Our Faith: The Written and Living Word
In the heart of every believer lies a profound connection between the written Word of God, the Bible, and the living Word, Jesus Christ. Psalms 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet, guiding us through life’s uncertainties. Similarly, Revelation 19:13 reveals Jesus as the embodiment of God’s Word, a living testament to His love and grace.
The Bible is not just a book; it’s the breath of God, a playbook for life, and the climax of the Old Testament story. It’s in the scriptures that we find eternal life and the testimony of Jesus Christ (John 5:39).
The Heart of Our Church: Love and Relationship
At our church, we believe in the transformative power of the Bible. It’s not a mere book of rules but a call to a deep, personal relationship with God. Our faith is not about behavioral modification but about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
We commit never to misuse the Bible as a weapon for judgment or exclusion. Instead, it’s a source of good news for all, setting a Christ-like standard for our lives. It’s an authority that calls us to a self-sacrificing, other-focused, and counter-cultural way of living.
When Jesus is the main context, the Bible is never used as a weapon. It becomes a call to faith, a new way of life that is holy, righteous, and sacrificial. It’s a path to freedom from sin and death, leading to an abundant life filled with hope and peace.
The Bible spotlights how God communicates with His creation, offering a unique way of thinking and living. It’s a call to a new way of life, powered by the knowledge and obedience to God’s Word.
The Relevance of the Old Testament: Guided by the New Covenant
As followers of Christ, we live under a new covenant. Yet, the Old Testament remains relevant, providing context and guidance for our Christian lives. It’s not about adhering to old laws but about understanding the spirit behind them.
Joshua’s Charge: Strength, Courage, and Obedience
Joshua’s conversation with God highlights the importance of being strong, courageous, and obedient. It’s a reminder that our strength comes from God, and our success lies in following His playbook. The key is not just knowing God’s Word but living it out, allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions.
The Power of Meditation: Dwelling in God’s Word
Meditation, or “hagah” in Hebrew, means to mutter or contemplate. It’s about constantly thinking about and dwelling in God’s Word, letting it richly dwell within us (Colossians 3:16). It’s not enough to know God’s laws; we must act on them, loving God and others as commanded.
God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to each of us. When we open our hearts to God, He fills us with His grace and power. We are called to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, meditating on it day and night. It’s through this rich diet of God’s Word that we find joy and thanksgiving.
The Call to Be Strong and Courageous
When we feel powerless or weak, we must remember to surrender to God. He will recharge us with all the grace and love needed to be strong and courageous. It’s not about doing things in our own power but in the name of God, with the Spirit that empowers us.
As Christians, we are nourished by God’s written Word and empowered by His living Word. Let us embrace this truth, living out our faith with strength, courage, and obedience, guided by the ultimate playbook for life—God’s Word.
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to OBEY all the instructions Moses gave you.
DO NOT DEVIATE from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
STUDY this Book of Instruction continually.
MEDITATE on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.
Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your GOD IS WITH YOU wherever you go.
The Foundation of Our Faith: The Written and Living Word
In the heart of every believer lies a profound connection between the written Word of God, the Bible, and the living Word, Jesus Christ. Psalms 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet, guiding us through life’s uncertainties. Similarly, Revelation 19:13 reveals Jesus as the embodiment of God’s Word, a living testament to His love and grace.
The Bible is not just a book; it’s the breath of God, a playbook for life, and the climax of the Old Testament story. It’s in the scriptures that we find eternal life and the testimony of Jesus Christ (John 5:39).
The Heart of Our Church: Love and Relationship
At our church, we believe in the transformative power of the Bible. It’s not a mere book of rules but a call to a deep, personal relationship with God. Our faith is not about behavioral modification but about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
We commit never to misuse the Bible as a weapon for judgment or exclusion. Instead, it’s a source of good news for all, setting a Christ-like standard for our lives. It’s an authority that calls us to a self-sacrificing, other-focused, and counter-cultural way of living.
When Jesus is the main context, the Bible is never used as a weapon. It becomes a call to faith, a new way of life that is holy, righteous, and sacrificial. It’s a path to freedom from sin and death, leading to an abundant life filled with hope and peace.
The Bible spotlights how God communicates with His creation, offering a unique way of thinking and living. It’s a call to a new way of life, powered by the knowledge and obedience to God’s Word.
The Relevance of the Old Testament: Guided by the New Covenant
As followers of Christ, we live under a new covenant. Yet, the Old Testament remains relevant, providing context and guidance for our Christian lives. It’s not about adhering to old laws but about understanding the spirit behind them.
Joshua’s Charge: Strength, Courage, and Obedience
Joshua’s conversation with God highlights the importance of being strong, courageous, and obedient. It’s a reminder that our strength comes from God, and our success lies in following His playbook. The key is not just knowing God’s Word but living it out, allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions.
The Power of Meditation: Dwelling in God’s Word
Meditation, or “hagah” in Hebrew, means to mutter or contemplate. It’s about constantly thinking about and dwelling in God’s Word, letting it richly dwell within us (Colossians 3:16). It’s not enough to know God’s laws; we must act on them, loving God and others as commanded.
God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to each of us. When we open our hearts to God, He fills us with His grace and power. We are called to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, meditating on it day and night. It’s through this rich diet of God’s Word that we find joy and thanksgiving.
The Call to Be Strong and Courageous
When we feel powerless or weak, we must remember to surrender to God. He will recharge us with all the grace and love needed to be strong and courageous. It’s not about doing things in our own power but in the name of God, with the Spirit that empowers us.
As Christians, we are nourished by God’s written Word and empowered by His living Word. Let us embrace this truth, living out our faith with strength, courage, and obedience, guided by the ultimate playbook for life—God’s Word.
Posted in Sermon Outline
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