Our Interim Pastor continued his sermon series in Endurance.
He noted that we are in challenging days. And if we are living in the ‘last days’, challenges are likely to increase. But this is not a cause for distress to Christ followers.
Sadly, our world is Biblically weak. Polls show that only 4% of Gen Z have a Biblical world view. Violence is unprecedented. Divisions are increasing and a house divided cannot stand. America’s current national debt is listed at 30 trillion, which makes each family share $436,823.00. If you were to add in unfunded programs this would be at least double, if not triple that figure. Such debt is unsustainable. We are in the midst of medical confusion and disputes. All people have issues. Thankfully, Christians are not without hope. Some may question God, “Where are you?” But God is still on the throne.
Today’s message title is “Jordan, Giants and Jesus”.
Joshua 1:1-9 describes how God directed Joshua to lead the Israel people into the promised land. It was clear the task would not be without challenges. The people had to deal with Jordan and giants.
First, God told them to ‘Arise and go over this Jordan’. The Jordan River was not particularly wide (at the widest about 100 feet) and not particularly deep (3-10 feet ). But at certain times of year, particularly harvest time, the River is treacherous, swelling over its banks and becoming a raging torrent. Some would say, “Let's wait.” But God was saying, “Arise and go.”
We need to remember that God led them to this point, to this challenge, to “this Jordan”. We try to avoid our own Jordans, but we have to deal with them. God’s promise is always on the other side of your Jordan.
We will face many Jordans. How do we deal with the tough places? Look at the formula in this scripture.
1. Arise, stand up.
Remember our ultimate promise is heaven. We will face challenges here to get there. Closing your eyes, ignoring a problem in front of you, doesn't make it go away.
Remember, that with God all things are possible... This is a time when the Church needs to rise up and stand, just as we need to do individually.
We must put on the full armor of God so we can stand. Ephesians 6:11-13.
Arising and standing isn’t accidental or coincidental. It is an intentional act; an act of not giving up.
2. Go, step forward.
The river (or your Jordan) is intimidating. Faith without works is dead. Go means leaving where you are to get where God wants you to go.
Some might say, “I am comfortable where I am”. Are we so comfortable that we are missing the promises on the other side?
Arise and go!
Ministry today is messy... Once we get across the river, we have to help others to cross too.
2 Kings 7:3-20 tells the story of for lepers, outcasts, sitting outside the city gates at a time of famine. They said to each other, “Why sit we here until we die?” They decided to go into the camp of the Syrians to find mercy or death. They found the camp empty and found food, drink, clothes, and even gold. They stepped forward! They found good news on the other side.
3. Be strong and courageous.
This refers to spiritual strength, not physical strength.
Arise, go, and obey. Success comes from obeying the word of God on the journey.
God plans for us to be overcomers. When we obey God, He will see us through to the other side.
Whatever Jordan you are facing, God will help you get through.
Today's world needs the Church to stand up and shine its bright light.
You can get through your challenges by the Spirit of God in us!
The Believers learn that the answer to our problems is always Jesus!
I had used a different video of this song a few years ago.
It is good for today too.
Verses for Today:It is good for today too.
Joshua 1:1-9 ESV
God Commissions Joshua
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant,
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.
5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Lord, I thank you that you will help me cross over the obstacles to where you want me to be!
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