BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

Sermon Notes, March 18, 2018

Rev. Garry McGlinchy

            Pastor Garry's message was titled "Be Strong and Courageous," and the scripture basis was Joshua 1:1-9, where God commissions Joshua to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.  He promises to be with Joshua, just as He was with Moses.  Joshua was to stay on the same path that Moses had taken, following the path that God led him on.

            Pastor told a story about a childhood adventure he had with his mountain bike near his home in Lake Arrowhead.  He and his friends often rode their bikes on the trails on the mountain.  One day he was challenged go down the mountain, not going on the trail, but to just go straight down.  Needless to say, he crashed, and ended up in a manzanita bush, injured, with a branch through his calf.  The lesson learned: STAY ON THE PATH.

            Joshua 1 is the passing of the baton from Moses to Joshua.  Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt into the desert.  And the people said, "I don't think so!"  It was a big change from their life as slaves.  Something about change scares us. 

            The unknown is a big question mark.  It gives us the opportunity to say "I trust you, Lord."  We have the same challenge of big change as we become part of the community where our church has moved.  When we pass out flyers, we don't know whether the doors will open.  We don't know what is on the other side.  Our Jordan is moving into new facilities at 2002 Orange Road in Culpeper. 

            The message in Joshua 1 was not just for Joshua; it was for the whole nation.  It is for us as well.  We need to remember where our strength and courage comes from.  There will be danger, but the Lord our God will be with us.  Pastor Garry said, "Although I may not see the results of my labor, as a leader my job is to prepare people."  As Christ-followers, we need to teach others what to do to follow Him.

            How are we going to follow the path He's given?  Follow His Word. (Verse 8)  Meditate on it day and night. (Psalm 1)  In Yellowstone National Park, there are wooden paths in the hot springs areas, with many warnings to stay on the path.  Some have ignored the warning, and died. 

            Joshua was told three times in that first chapter to be strong and courageous.  God was impressing the importance of following  the path he was given, and reassuring him that He would be with Him.  Like Joshua and the Israelites, let's look at our Jordan, not as just a river, but as a path to get to the other side.  STAY ON THE PATH.  We are to be salt and light, wherever we are, whatever we do, in this dull and dark world.