Be Of Good Courage

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, August 07, 2005, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

BE OF GOOD COURAGE
 
By Michael D. O’Neal
Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church
Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Joshua 1:1-9

Text: Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage;be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Introduction: Leaders need to have courage.

God wanted Joshua to have courage – text verse Josh. 1:9
The people wanted Joshua to have courage:

Joshua 1:18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

All leaders need courage. Presidents, pastors, husbands, mothers, church workers, etc.

Since everyone is a leader to SOME extent, we all need to have courage, for the sake of those whom we influence.

One of the greatest problems that people have today is fear. They don’t fear God enough, and they fear everything else too much.

What is courage? I like to think of courage a TRUST IN GOD AND A WILLINGNESS TO OBEY HIM AND DO RIGHT IN SPITE OF THE PROSPECT OF UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCES.

This morning’s message is

BE OF GOOD COURAGE

 I. BE OF GOOD COURAGE CONCERNING TRUSTING THE SAVIOR

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

    A. Consider His work in creation

    B. Consider His work on Calvary

    C. Consider His work in countless believers through the years


 II. BE OF GOOD COURAGE CONCERNING TELLING SINNERS HOW TO BE SAVED

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

How did they get that boldness? They ASKED GOD for it!

Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy
servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

    A. You have a superior assurance

    B. You have a Scriptural answer

    C. You have a supernatural assistance
       1. The Holy Ghost
       2. Jesus said He would be with us when we go soul-winning (Matt. 28:19-20)


III. BE OF GOOD COURAGE CONCERNING TITHING YOUR SUBSTANCE

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

    A. Be content with God’s provision

    B. Be confident in God’s power

    C. Be careful with God’s property

 IV. BE OF GOOD COURAGE CONCERNING TRAVELING THROUGH STORMS

With a storm underway, Paul said to his comrades on the ship:

Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

    A. God’s plan is primary

    B. God’s power is plentiful

    C. God’s peace is possible

BE OF GOOD COURAGE AND:
BE SAVED TODAY
BE SERVING TODAY
BE A SOUL-WINNER TODAY