A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” (Col. 2:9 ESV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Many Progressive churches  downplay the idea that Jesus is God

They sometimes say that becoming a “Cosmic Christ” is what we should aim for. According to this false doctrine, we can follow his lead by discovering the divine within ourselves.This is not what the Bible teaches about who Jesus is. He is God incarnate.  

The Deity of Jesus

·      He is God with us

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6 ESV)

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matt. 1:23 ESV)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col. 1:15 ESV)

·      The Word was God and became flesh and dwelt among us

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)

·      Jesus said about Himself

“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30 ESV)

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9 ESV)

·      Jesus is our great God and Savior

“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13 ESV)

Therefore

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:3 ESV)

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Progressive churches don’t believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God

They believe the Bible to be more of an old spiritual travelogue. The Biblical authors are seen as well intentioned ancient individuals who made an effort to comprehend God in the context of their l own times and places, but they were not necessarily speaking on behalf of God. Additionally, Progressive Christians view Scripture as being incoherent, inconsistent, and without authority. That’s too bad because they will be getting their doctrinal “truths” from worldly sources rather than from the Bible.This will ultimately lead to many ministry failures that will show up in negative, even destructive, ways. 

Billy Graham’s personal story about trusting the Bible

The following story is from Billy Graham regarding his belief in the authority of the Bible. He was young and just beginning his ministry. Just prior to a major crusade, a minister friend who he deeply respected, dramatically left the faith and told Billy that he no longer believed the Bible and encouraged Billy to abandon it, too. This shook Billy’s faith dramatically and brought him to a major crisis point. In his own words, here’s what he said he did.

“For months doubts about the Bible swirled through my mind, finally coming to a boil during a conference at which I was speaking in the mountains east of Los Angeles. One night, alone in my cabin at the conference, I studied carefully what the Bible said about its divine origin. I recalled that the prophets clearly believed they were speaking God’s Word; they used the phrase “Thus says the Lord” (or similar words) hundreds of times. I also knew that archaeological discoveries had repeatedly confirmed the Bible’s historical accuracy.

Especially significant to me, however, was Jesus’ own view of Scripture. He not only quoted it frequently, but also accepted it as the Word of God. While praying for His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). He also told them, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law” (Matthew 5:18). Shouldn’t I have the same view of Scripture as my Lord?

Finally I went for a walk in the moonlit forest. I knelt down with my Bible on a tree stump in front of me and began praying. I don’t recall my exact words, but my prayer went something like this: “O Lord, there are many things in this book I don’t understand. There are many problems in it for which I have no solution. … But, Father, by faith I am going to accept this as Thy Word. From this moment on I am going to trust the Bible as the Word of God.”

When I got up from my knees, I sensed God’s presence in a way that I hadn’t felt for months. Not all my questions were answered, but I knew a major spiritual battle had been fought–and won. I never doubted the Bible’s divine inspiration again, and immediately my preaching took on a new confidence. This was, I believe, one reason why our Los Angeles meetings had to be extended from three weeks to eight.

Don’t let anyone shake your confidence in the Bible as God’s Word. If you have questions about it, don’t use them as an excuse to turn your back on God. Instead, face your doubts and seek answers; you aren’t the first person to ask them. (Your local Christian bookstore can help you.) In addition, read the Bible for yourself with an open heart and mind. Ask God to show you if it truly is His Word–and He will.

Your life will never be the same once you trust the Bible as God’s Word. God will begin to use it to change your life.”

After Billy Grahams prayer proclaiming he was going to accept the Bible as the Word of God, his messages became powerful and effective. They were filled with many Bible verses preceded by him proclaiming passionately, “The Bible Says!” because He believed the Bible completely with all his heart.

What the Bible says about the Bible

·      It is given by God

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16)

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4 ESV)

·      It is able to make you wise for Salvation

“And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15 ESV) 

·      Every word of it proves true

 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Prov. 30:5)

·      Its gives light and understanding to the simple

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

·      It equips for every good work

“…that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17 ESV)

·      It brings instruction, encouragement, and hope

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 ESV)

·      It does not return empty and accomplishes God’s purpose

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55.10 ESV)

·      It will bless you in what you’re doing

“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:25 ESV

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Another dangerous doctrine held by Progressive Christian Churches is that they don’t believe the atonement. They frequently describe Jesus' death on the cross as horrible or pointless. The notion that God the Father would demand his Son's blood sacrifice is seen as a criticism of God's character, transforming Him into a divine abuser.They often refer to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His shedding of blood to cover our sins as, “Cosmic Child Abuse.” They totally miss the point and fail to understand John 3:16, that says God gave His Son out of love to atone for man’s sin.

But this kind of thought is not new

When Jesus told His disciples He was going to die, Peter flat out rejected the idea to Jesus’ face, but Jesus sternly rebuked him and said Peter’s words were from Satan!

“From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matt. 16:21-23 NLT)

Jesus came as God’s atonement plan

Jesus said His death was planned by God and no one had the power take His life from Him. He had the power to lay it down and take it up again. 

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:16-18 ESV) 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 ESV)

The great exchange

The verse at top is referred to by many as “the great exchange” because it tells how Christ exchanged our unrighteousness for His righteousness through what He did for us on the cross in order to atone for our sin and bring us to God.

Christ bore our sins in His body

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)

He shed His blood as atonement

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Heb. 9:22 ESV)

“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28 ESV)

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” (Heb. 13:12 ESV)

Therefore

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Rom. 5:6-11 ESV)

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:2 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30 ESV)

Repentance is not preached from many modern pulpits. Especially not in churches where progressive doctrines are embraced. The doctrine of Necessary Repentance is left out Instead progressives say that we are beloved and accepted by God just as we are. This is contrary to what the Bible teaches about the command to repent.

Repentance defined

Websters Dictionary Definition: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life; to feel regret or contrition; to change one's mind.

Bible Dictionary Definition: repentance means to take action and often contains three elements: 1) A call to repent (Acts 3:19); 2) A turning from sin (2 Chronicles 7:14); and 3) A restoration (Hosea 6:1).

Why you must repent

·      Repent because Jesus said to

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17 ESV)

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance..” (Luke 15:7 ESV)

·      Repent so your sins will be forgiven

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” (Acts 3:19)

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Cor. 7:10 ESV)

“And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47 ESV)

·      Repent because you will perish unless you do

“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3 ESV)

“When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18 ESV)

“But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Rom. 2:5 ESV)

·      Repent because The Lord doesn’t want you to perish

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

Therefore

Repent because it is absolutely necessary, is God’s command, and is not an option or mere suggestion. Repent because God’s patience and kindness is leading you towards it!

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:19 ESV)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)

Yesterday I started a series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change since many churches and parachurch groups have allowed dangerous progressive Christianity doctrines to creep in unnoticed. But knowing and understanding solid biblical truth will enable you to remain free and not fall into the many unbiblical doctrinal traps the devil and his demons espouse.

Progressive Christianity groups reject Original Sin 

Progressives replace the theology of Original Sin with the concept of Original Blessing. Typically, they do not dispute the existence of sin or the fact that it is a negative thing. But they frequently reject the notion that Adam and Eve left us with some sort of wicked nature and they frequently assert that it is our own self imposed shame, not our sin, that keeps us from God. They often teach that all we need to do is accept the fact that we were never truly apart from God in the first place and that He loves and accepts us just as we are. This is a very demonic and dangerous doctrine because it denies the need for Jesus Christ as savior going to the cross to shed His blood to cover original sin.

What the Bible teaches about original sin

·      Sin came from one man and spread to all men

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12 ESV)

·      If we say we have no sin, we’re deceived

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10 ESV)

·      All of mankind was dead in their sins

“The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58:3 ESV)

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Eph. 2:1-3 ESV)

“As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Rom. 3:10-12 ESV)

Therefore

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18 ESV)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8.31-32 ESV)

How to spot red flags

When I was preparing for ordination many years ago, one of my instructors was Dr. David Breese, author of many great books including, “Know the Marks of Cults: The 12 Basic Errors of False Religion.” He said there are so many cults around that it it virtually impossible to study and know all of them. But he said there is an easy way to recognize them by knowing doctrinal truth (what the Bible actually teaches) which will enable you to spot red flags to warn you; every cult breaks one or more basic biblical doctrinal tenets that you you can watch for and avoid.

In one of his lectures I listened to Dr. Breeze foretold a time when the church would slide into a wishy-washy mess and lose its way as basic Bible doctrines would be redefined and replaced with doctrines of demons. (1 Tim. 4:1).

This is happening today!

The following is a simple definition of Progressive Christianity which is taking hold in churches and parachurch organizations across the world. 

“Progressive Christianity is a movement that is infiltrating and influencing the Evangelical church. Some of the most high-profile Christian leaders are a part of it. This movement seeks to re-interpret the Bible, re-assess historic doctrines, and re-define core tenets of the faith. While claiming the title "Christian," and boasting a high view of the Bible, it is sweeping up many unsuspecting Christians into a false view of who God is and how he saves people.” (From Alisachilders.comi)

Progressive Christianity doctrines are creeping in so gradually and subtly that many haven’t even noticed. But knowing and understanding solid biblical truth will enable you to remain free and not fall into the many unbiblical doctrinal traps the devil and his demons espouse.

Here is a short list of the doctrines being redefined by progressive Christianity

What they deny: Original sin and repentance, the atonement, Biblical authority and inspiration, the Deity of Jesus, the physical resurrection of Jesus, the virgin birth, the trinity, and the sinlessness of Jesus.

How to avoid errors

In order to avoid doctrinal problems always search the Bible and compare what’s being taught with the truth of God’s Word. A good example of this in the Bible is when Paul and Silas spoke to a group of people in Berea and “they searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true” (Acts 17:11). And Paul was delighted and said they were more noble than most.

What the Bible says about Truth

·      Pray and ask God to lead and teach you in all truth

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13 ESV)

God’s Word is truth

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17 ESV)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16 ESV)

·      Jesus is truth

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6 ESV)

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 ESV)

·      The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160 ESV)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”(2 Tim. 2:25 KJV)

Many years ago while visiting a Christian friend, I asked if he read and studied the Bible. He said he had read the Bible through as a young man and didn’t see any value in reading it again, or certainly, not study it. That was sad to hear! Over the years I watched him grow older. He got married and divorced. He grew apart from his children and grandchildren. He gradually developed mental and physical decline. And he passed away alone in a rest home. I believe his life would have been very different had he understood how important it is to read and study the Bible, and he had done so. The following are a few reasons it is important.

Why the Bible is so important

• God Commands it!

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth” (Deuteronomy 11:18-21).

• It is Divinely Inspired

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• It Brings Blessing

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

• It brings reward

 “…The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19: 9b-11).

• It is food for the Soul

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deut. 8:3).

It is a mirror

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1: 23-24).

• It is a discerner of the thoughts and attitude of the heart

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

• It is a life-giving seed

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).

• It is water, the power to purify

“…to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word…” (Ephesians 5:26).

• It is a lamp that illuminates and guides us

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119: 105).

• It is a consuming fire

‘They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).

“I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes” (Jeremiah 5:14).

• It is a hammer to break the hardened heart

”’Is not my word like fire,’ declares the LORD, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’ ” Jeremiah 23:39

•  It is a sword; a weapon against the devil

“Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

• Is the source of faith

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).

• It is life-giving

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’ ” (John 6:68).

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’ “(Matthew 4:4).

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

“I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51).

• Rejecting God’s Word leads to death

“But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy” (2 Chronicles 36:16).

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4.8)

It seems as though we’re assaulted from every direction with information: thousands of advertising messages, texts, emails, social media, television, laptops, and much more. It’s hard to have a thought of your own. And that’s not good! The Bible tells us to be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). It also tells us to guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23) and to cast down imaginations and bring every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor.10:5).

The passage at top gives us a list of things we should be thinking of. Here is that list repeated below with definitions.

Think on these things…

·      Whatever is true – “Consistent with fact or reality; not false or erroneous.”

·      Whatever is noble – “Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor.”

·      Whatever is right – “In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct.”

·      Whatever is pure – “Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous.

·      Whatever is lovely – “delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace.”

·      Whatever is admirable – “worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.”

·      If anything is excellent – “Excelling; surpassing others in some good quality or the sum of qualities; of great worth; eminent, in a good sense; superior.”

·      If anything is praiseworthy – “Meriting praise; highly commendable.”

Therefore…

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2)

“Have I not commanded 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.” (Josh.1:9 ESV)

Both a command with a promise

The above passage was what God said to Joshua right after Moses had died, and he was now the new leader responsible for leading the Hebrew children into the promise land after they had wandered forty years in the wilderness. It was a very scary assignment. The land was occupied by fierce enemies, including giants (Num. 13:32-33). God gave Joshua both a command and a promise. He was commanded to be strong, courageous, unafraid, and not discouraged. And he was promised that God would be with him wherever he went! Imagine how Joshua must have felt when God said this to him.

The above Bible passage has been used by many Christians but some point out that this was said to Joshua and not meant for us today. Yes, I believe it is certainly true that God did say this to Joshua. But, it’s also true that these things do very much apply to us, too. We’re told this many times elsewhere in the Bible.

Here are just a few examples.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 21:34 ESV)

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father!’” (Rom. 8:15 ESV)

Therefore

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:6-7)

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39 ESV)