Brief Summary
This sermon, titled "God Is Still in Control," uses Joshua 1:1-9 as its foundational scripture to encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty even in times of uncertainty and change. It emphasizes that God remains in control despite the death of leaders or periods of difficulty. The sermon illustrates this point through the life of Moses and the transition to Joshua's leadership, highlighting God's promise to be with His people. It calls for faith, courage, and obedience to God's Word, urging the church to move forward with confidence in God's plan and promises.
- God is still in control, even when life feels chaotic.
- Believers should have faith and courage, trusting in God's promises.
- The Word of God is a reliable guide for life.
Introduction
The sermon begins with a reading from Joshua 1:1-9, setting the stage for the message that God is still in control. The passage recounts God's charge to Joshua after the death of Moses, promising to be with him as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. This scripture emphasizes themes of courage, obedience, and divine presence, which are central to the sermon's message.
Moses: The Christ of the Old Covenant
The speaker describes Moses as the "Christ of the Old Covenant," highlighting his unparalleled importance in the Old Testament. Moses' life is full of striking contrasts: he was both a slave's child and a queen's son, inheriting poverty but enjoying wealth, and being both a warrior and a meek man. He was educated in Egypt but dwelled in the desert, possessing both Egyptian wisdom and childlike faith. Despite being slow in speech, he talked with God, wielding a shepherd's rod with infinite power. He was a fugitive and an ambassador of Heaven, a giver of the law and a forerunner of grace. Even in death, God personally buried him, underscoring his unique relationship with the divine.
God's Control in Moses' Early Life
The narrative shifts to Moses' infancy, emphasizing God's control over his life from the very beginning. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys, Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, acted in faith by placing him in a handmade ark on the Nile River. This act of faith led to Moses being found by Pharaoh's daughter, who, moved by compassion, decided to raise him as her own. The speaker emphasizes that what the enemy intended for harm, God turned for good, illustrating that God's plan prevails over human schemes.
Moses: Drawn Out by God
The speaker explains the meaning of Moses' name, "drawn out," connecting it to various aspects of his life. Moses was drawn out of death, the water, the palace, and the wilderness to become God's spokesman. He and Aaron stood before Pharaoh, delivering the message "Let my people go," ultimately leading the Israelites to deliverance. The speaker underscores the power of one man, empowered by God, to change the destiny of a nation.
God's Unchanging Nature
The sermon addresses the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing that while leaders may die, God remains alive and in control. The speaker asserts that believers do not serve a dead god or a dead philosophy but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He highlights the attributes of God, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, and recounts the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a victory over death, hell, and the grave.
Arise and Go Forward in Faith
Drawing from God's command to Joshua to "arise" and cross the Jordan, the speaker encourages the church to get up and move forward in faith. He expresses weariness with stagnant churches and lifeless sermons, urging believers to embrace the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days. The speaker reflects on recent difficult times, suggesting that God allowed them to demonstrate how quickly things can deteriorate, but affirming that God remains in control of all aspects of life, including finances, marriage, and physical health.
Looking Forward to a Third Great Awakening
The speaker declares that the church is not looking back but forward, anticipating a third great awakening. He expresses a sense of its imminence, emphasizing that God is not finished with His church. The focus shifts to the importance of ministry being established on God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The speaker acknowledges the foundation laid by previous leaders, who taught the message of the cross, liberating people from sin.
The Mission and Beliefs of SBN
The speaker outlines the mission of SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN) to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. He contrasts SBN with other Christian channels that may present conflicting messages, emphasizing that SBN consistently preaches Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The network is committed to good teaching, preaching, and music, all founded on a solid foundation. The speaker articulates core beliefs, including the belief in Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the power of the Bible to save, heal, and empower believers.
God's Promise: "As I Was With Moses, So I Will Be With You"
The speaker emphasizes that God's promise to Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you," is also a promise for all believers. He extends this promise, stating that as God was with Abraham, Jacob, Deborah, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Paul, Peter, and Bartholomew, He is with every child of God. The speaker assures the congregation that God is with them in all circumstances, both good and bad, and that the Holy Spirit lives within them.
The Holy Spirit and Personal Conduct
The speaker shares a story about his father, who, despite being a skilled bowler, was instructed by the Lord to stop going to bowling alleys due to the environment of drunkenness and cursing. This anecdote illustrates the importance of being mindful of where one takes the Holy Spirit. The speaker underscores that believers have the Spirit of God within them and must be careful to honor His presence in their lives.
The Importance of the Word of God
The speaker stresses the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible, encouraging believers to rest their lives on its teachings. He highlights the Bible as a guide to righteousness and holiness, and a source of knowledge about grace, mercy, and the power of God. The speaker emphasizes that the Bible reveals who God is, what Jesus did, the purpose of the Holy Spirit, and what the future holds. He shares his father's conviction that if something is not in the Bible, it is not worth preaching or following.
Transition of Leadership and God's Provision
The sermon revisits the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, noting that while Moses brought the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, Joshua would lead them into it. The speaker emphasizes the spiritual truth that the call of God upon a person's life lasts only so long, and when God promotes His servants, He always has someone to take their place. The focus remains on looking to Jesus, who will always provide a voice.
Personal Testimony and Encouragement
The speaker shares a personal story from his childhood, recounting a time when his father struggled to find preaching engagements due to his cousin being Jerry Lee Lewis. Despite living in poverty and facing numerous challenges, the speaker's father remained faithful to his calling. The speaker recounts a specific instance when his father was gravely ill with double pneumonia and was tormented by the devil. In his distress, he turned to the Bible and found encouragement in Joshua 1:9, which led to his healing and renewed commitment to God's calling.
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
In closing, the speaker declares that good days are ahead for the body of Christ, emphasizing that the Word of God will not fail. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and trust in God's promises. The speaker invites those who are struggling with questions, loneliness, or feelings of abandonment to come forward for prayer. Pastors are called to lay hands on those in need, offering support and encouragement. The sermon concludes with a prayer for faith, victory, and blessing in the name of Jesus.
