Title: Be Strong and Courageous: Standing in God's Presence Through the Battle

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the biblical command to "be strong and courageous" as given to Joshua and the Israelites, emphasizing that true strength and courage come not from our own abilities but from God's presence with us. The message connects Old Testament promises with New Testament realities, showing how believers today have even greater access to God's power through the Holy Spirit. The sermon challenges Christians to recognize they are in a spiritual battle and calls them to engage with the armor of God while trusting in His constant presence. The core theological truth is that God's command to be strong and courageous is directly tied to His promise to never leave or abandon His people, and this promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Key Points:

- Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires preparation through the full armor of God

- God's command to "be strong and courageous" is based on His promise to be present with His people

- The word "will" appears 14 times in Deuteronomy 31:1-8, emphasizing God's certain promises

- God never fails or abandons His promises throughout all of Scripture

- Strength and courage are directly related to our relationship with God—the closer we are to Him, the greater our strength

- Moses and Joshua experienced God's presence, but believers today have something greater: the Holy Spirit dwelling within them

- The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in believers today

- Jesus demonstrated ultimate strength and courage through His obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross

- If Christ's church disappeared tomorrow, would anyone notice? This question challenges believers to live out their faith actively

- Faith requires movement and action, not passive observation

- Obedience to God's commands deepens our relationship with Him and increases our strength and courage

Scripture Reference:

- Deuteronomy 31:1-8 (primary passage)

- Joshua 1:1-9 (primary passage)

- Ephesians 6 (referenced from previous week regarding armor of God)

- Psalm 121

- Romans 8:31

- Hebrews 13:5-6

- Ephesians 1:19-20

- Luke 14:31

Stories:

- The account of Moses passing leadership to Joshua before entering the Promised Land

- God's direct conversation with Joshua after Moses' death, promising His presence

- References to God's past victories over Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites

- Moses' life and ministry, including parting the Red Sea, bringing water from a rock, and receiving the Ten Commandments

- Jesus' resurrection witnessed by more than 500 people

- The Apostle Paul writing from a Roman prison about God's power working in believers

- Illustration about children with older brothers feeling emboldened by their protection

- Mention of Protect Kids Colorado initiatives regarding child trafficking, girls' sports, and gender surgeries for minors

- The blessing box ministry serving the community

- Grace Bomb ministry delivering Chick-fil-A sandwiches to first responders on Valentine's Day

Referenced from Previous Week's Teaching:

Ephesians 6:10-18 - The full armor of God (belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit)