Growing in Christ to glorify God and enjoy him forever!
“Have I not told you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the LORD your God will be with you, wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Our Sermon series on Joshua begins with a huge change in the opening sentence of Joshua 1 where we are told of the death of Moses. Moses was the only leader an entire generation had known, and now Joshua had to lead a sometimes rebellious people into imminent war.
What are you worried about for the future? Even bringing it to your mind may tense your shoulders, quicken your heart, or shallow your breathing.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” (Ephesians 3:16)
This Sunday we begin a series on Joshua. He started off as Moses’ main assistant and ended up taking over from Moses, when Israel entered the Promised Land. This week, we begin with the first time Joshua plays a significant role in the story, when he leads the Israelites as they defend against an attack by the Amalekites. Then from next week, we will be looking at the book of Joshua, which describes what Israel did under Joshua’s leadership.
As Christians, we will only find strength for the metaphorical battles of this life, with God’s help, when we pray and when we seek the support of others in prayer.
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
The Proverb above says, that if we lack self-control, we are like a city without walls. We become defenceless – not from external attack, but to our own destructive behaviours.
Self-control is a guard for our life. Without it all the other characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit become worthless. Listen, watch this Sunday to find out more…
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” (Galatians 6:1a)
As Christians we want to challenge one another to become more Christ like, but if we try to push someone to change too quickly or too aggressively, then they may not be able to cope and just leave the church or give up on faith. That is why the verse above says, that when someone is caught in a sin, we need to go about restoring them gently.
People are fragile. We all have our emotional breaking points and if we are treated harshly or aggressively we may snap. We need to treat one another gently.
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
This Sunday we return to our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, this week focussing on the characteristic of faithfulness.
We need to know that God is faithful, because it shows that he can be trusted. If we cannot be confident in that, then we won’t put our faith in him, and ultimately it is only through faith in God’s promises that we are saved.
St. Luke's Church Ramsgate