Be Strong – Small Group Study
This small group study is based on the sermon series “Be Strong” that originated in the pulpit of West End Baptist Church.

Week 1: Be Strong in God's Presence
Scripture: Joshua 1–2
Icebreaker
Share about a time in your life when you had to step into something new or unfamiliar. What emotions did you experience? What helped you move forward?

Opening Thoughts
Joshua begins with one of the greatest leadership transitions in Scripture. Moses is gone, Israel has spent forty years wandering in the wilderness, and now Joshua is called to lead God's people into the Promised Land.
God didn't begin by giving Joshua military strategies or leadership advice. Instead, He repeatedly told him:
"Be strong and of a good courage."
God knew Joshua's greatest need wasn't more ability—it was confidence in God's presence.
The same is true for us.

Read Together
Joshua 1:1-9

Discussion 1 – Strength Comes from God's Presence
Key Verse:
"For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)
Discuss

1. Why do you think God repeated "Be strong and courageous" three different times?
2. What fears do you think Joshua may have been facing?
3. Where do people commonly look for strength today?
4. How is God's presence different from simply believing God exists?
5. What helps you personally become more aware of God's presence during difficult seasons?

Life Application
True strength isn't self-confidence.
It is God-confidence.
When we know God is with us, we can face situations we never could on our own.

Read Together
Joshua 1:8

Discussion 2 – Strength Grows Through God's Word
Joshua was instructed to meditate on God's Word continually.
Discuss

1. What does it mean to "meditate" on Scripture?
2. How does regular Bible reading strengthen our faith?
3. Why is it difficult to stay consistent in God's Word?
4. What practical habits help you spend time in Scripture each week?

Life Application
Strength doesn't appear overnight.
It grows as we consistently spend time with God and allow His Word to shape our thinking.

Read Together
Joshua 1:10-18

Discussion 3 – Strength Spreads Through Unity
The people immediately supported Joshua's leadership.
Discuss

1. Why was Israel's unity so important at this moment?
2. How can unity strengthen a family?
3. How can unity strengthen a church?
4. What attitudes usually destroy unity?
5. How can each of us help protect unity within our church?

Life Application
God accomplishes great things through believers who move forward together.
Unity encourages leaders, strengthens faith, and advances God's work.

Read Together
Joshua 2:1-21

Discussion 4 – Faith Produces Action
Rahab had heard about God.
She believed.
Then she acted.
Discuss

1. What impressed you most about Rahab's story?
2. What risks did Rahab take by hiding the spies?
3. Why wasn't belief alone enough?
4. How does Rahab demonstrate genuine faith?
5. What step of obedience might God be asking you to take right now?

Life Application
Faith is more than agreeing with truth.
Real faith moves us to obedience.

Digging Deeper – The Scarlet Cord
Read:

• Exodus 12:1-13
• Joshua 2:18-21
• Hebrews 11:31
• James 2:25

Discuss

1. What similarities do you see between the Passover blood and Rahab's scarlet cord?
2. How do both point us to Jesus Christ?
3. What does Rahab's story teach us about God's grace?
4. Why is it encouraging that Rahab became part of Jesus' family line?

Gospel Connection
The scarlet cord reminds us that salvation has always been by faith in God's provision.
Just as Rahab trusted the scarlet cord, we trust in the blood of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice provides forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who believes.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to think through these questions.

• Where do I need God's strength today?
• Am I relying more on myself or on God's presence?
• Am I spending consistent time in God's Word?
• Is there someone I need to encourage to strengthen unity?
• What act of faith is God calling me to take this week?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Spend time in Joshua 1 every day.
• Memorize Joshua 1:9.
• Pray each morning, asking God to help you rely on His strength rather than your own.
• Look for one opportunity to encourage someone else in your church or family.
• Take one specific step of obedience that you've been delaying.

Memory Verse
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."

Closing Prayer

Week 2: Be Strong in God's Direction
Scripture: Joshua 3–4
Key Verse: Joshua 3:5
"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

Icebreaker
Share about a time when you had to trust God without knowing exactly how things would turn out. Looking back now, how did you see His hand at work?

Opening Thoughts
Last week, we learned that our strength comes from God's presence. God told Joshua three times to "be strong and of a good courage" because He promised to be with him wherever he went.
This week, we see another lesson about strength.
Israel has arrived at the Jordan River. The Promised Land is within sight, but there is one more obstacle standing in the way. The river is overflowing its banks, making it impossible to cross on their own.
Before God performs a miracle, Joshua tells the people:
"Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
God was preparing them—not just for a miracle, but for obedience.
Sometimes God's direction requires us to trust Him before we see how He is going to work.

Read Together
Joshua 3:1–5

Discussion 1 – Strength Remembered From Yesterday
Key Verse:
"Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5)
The Jordan River wasn't the first body of water Israel had faced. Forty years earlier, God had parted the Red Sea so their parents could escape Egypt.
Now God was about to do another miracle.
Discuss

1. Why do you think remembering God's past faithfulness gives us courage for today's challenges?
2. What similarities do you see between the Red Sea and the Jordan River?
3. Why do we often forget what God has already done for us?
4. Can you share a time when remembering God's faithfulness helped you trust Him again?
5. How can we intentionally remind ourselves of God's goodness during difficult seasons?

Life Application
Our present obstacles should remind us—not of our weakness—but of God's faithfulness.
The same God who helped us yesterday is still leading us today.

Read Together
Joshua 3:6–17

Discussion 2 – Strength Required for Today
The priests were instructed to carry the Ark of the Covenant into the flooded Jordan River.
God didn't stop the water first.
He told them to step first.
Discuss

1. Why do you think God required the priests to step into the water before performing the miracle?
2. What fears do you think they may have experienced?
3. Why is obedience often harder than it sounds?
4. What are some ways God asks believers today to step out in faith?
5. Is there an area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him before you see the outcome?

Life Application
Faith is not believing after we see.
Faith is obeying before we see.
God often reveals His power after we take the first step of obedience.

Read Together
Joshua 4:1–9

Discussion 3 – Strength Reserved for Tomorrow
After Israel crossed the Jordan River, God instructed Joshua to build a memorial using twelve stones taken from the river.
The memorial wasn't for God.
It was for future generations.
Discuss

1. Why was it important for Israel to build a memorial?
2. What kinds of "memorials" help us remember God's faithfulness today?
3. How can our testimonies encourage younger believers?
4. Why is it important to pass our faith to the next generation?
5. What legacy of faith do you hope to leave for your children, grandchildren, or others who follow you?

Life Application
Our faith is never meant to stop with us.
God wants every generation to hear how faithful He has been.

Digging Deeper – Faith Before the Miracle
Read the following passages:

• Joshua 3:13
• Matthew 14:28–29
• John 5:8–9
• Luke 17:11–19

Discuss

1. What do these stories have in common?
2. Why does God often require obedience before revealing His power?
3. How does stepping out in faith strengthen our relationship with God?
4. What keeps believers from taking that first step?

Gospel Connection
Throughout Scripture, God calls people to trust Him before they fully understand His plan.
Our greatest example is salvation itself.
We trust Christ by faith, believing that His death and resurrection provide forgiveness and eternal life—not because we can see it with our eyes, but because God has promised it in His Word.

Personal Reflection
Take a few moments to quietly consider these questions.

• What "Jordan River" am I facing today?
• Am I remembering God's faithfulness from the past?
• Is there an area where God is asking me to step out in faith?
• What testimony of God's faithfulness can I share with someone this week?
• What kind of spiritual legacy am I leaving for those who come after me?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 3 and 4.
• Memorize Joshua 3:5.
• Write down three times God has been faithful in your life.
• Share one of those testimonies with a family member, friend, or fellow believer.
• Ask God to give you the courage to take one step of obedience, even if you cannot yet see the outcome.

Memory Verse
Joshua 3:5
"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

Week 3: Be Strong in Our Obedience
Scripture: Joshua 6:1–20
Key Verse: Joshua 6:2
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."

Icebreaker
Think of a time when you had to follow instructions that didn't make sense at first. What happened when you trusted the process?

Opening Thoughts
Over the past two weeks, we've learned that our strength comes from God's presence and from following God's direction.
This week, Joshua chapter 6 teaches us another important lesson—strength in obedience.
It's one thing to believe God is with us. It's another to trust His direction. But true strength is revealed when we choose to obey God even when His plan seems unusual, requires patience, or doesn't make sense from a human perspective.
The battle of Jericho reminds us that God doesn't ask us to understand everything before we obey. He simply asks us to trust Him.

Read Together
Joshua 6:1–5

Discussion 1 – Strong Obedience Trusts God's Plan
Key Verse:
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho..." (Joshua 6:2)
Before Israel ever marched around the city, God declared the victory.
His plan wasn't built around military strategy. It was built around faith and obedience.
Discuss

1. Why do you think God's battle plan for Jericho seemed so unusual?
2. Why is it often difficult to trust God's plan when it doesn't make sense?
3. Have you ever experienced a time when God's plan turned out to be better than your own?
4. What are some situations where believers today struggle to trust God's methods?
5. How does knowing God already sees the outcome help us trust Him?

Life Application
God's plans are always trustworthy—even when we don't fully understand them.
Our responsibility is obedience.
God is responsible for the outcome.

Read Together
Joshua 6:6–14

Discussion 2 – Strong Obedience Requires Complete Submission
Joshua instructed the people to march around the city in silence.
They weren't just told what to do.
They were also told what not to do.
Discuss

1. Why do you think God required the people to remain silent?
2. Why is submission sometimes harder than action?
3. What are some areas where believers struggle to surrender their own desires?
4. How can pride keep us from fully obeying God?
5. What does complete submission look like in everyday Christian living?

Life Application
Obedience isn't only doing what God says.
It also means refusing to do what He tells us not to do.
Strong believers submit both their actions and their attitudes to the Lord.

Read Together
Joshua 6:15–20

Discussion 3 – Strong Obedience Waits on God's Timing
For six days, nothing appeared to happen.
Day after day the people simply walked.
Then, on the seventh day, God gave the victory.
Discuss

1. Why is waiting one of the hardest parts of obedience?
2. What do you think the Israelites may have been feeling after several days with no visible results?
3. How has God used waiting seasons to strengthen your faith?
4. What is the danger of giving up too soon?
5. How can we remain faithful while waiting on God's timing?

Life Application
God is always working—even when we cannot yet see the results.
Faithful obedience means trusting God's timing as much as His promises.

Read Together
Joshua 6:17–19
(Optional: Read Joshua 7:1 to see what happened when God's instructions were ignored.)

Discussion 4 – Strong Obedience Honors God's Holiness
God instructed Israel not to take anything from Jericho except what had been dedicated to Him.
Sadly, Achan later disobeyed, and his sin affected the entire nation.
Discuss

1. Why was it important for Israel to obey every part of God's command?
2. What does Achan's story teach us about "small" acts of disobedience?
3. Why do people sometimes want God's blessings without following His commands?
4. How does obedience demonstrate our respect for God's holiness?
5. Are there areas where partial obedience has become acceptable in our culture?

Life Application
God desires more than occasional obedience.
He desires hearts that honor Him in every area of life.

Digging Deeper – Obedience Before Victory
Read the following passages:

• 1 Samuel 15:22
• John 14:15
• James 1:22–25
• Luke 11:28

Discuss

1. What do these passages teach about obedience?
2. Why is obedience an expression of love rather than merely following rules?
3. How does obedience strengthen our faith?
4. What blessings come from consistently walking in obedience?

Gospel Connection
No one has obeyed God perfectly except Jesus Christ.
Where we have failed, Christ succeeded.
Through His perfect obedience—even to death on the cross—we receive forgiveness and righteousness by faith.
Because we have been saved by grace, we now seek to obey Him out of love and gratitude, not to earn His favor.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions.

• Is there an area where God has clearly spoken, but I have delayed obedience?
• Am I trusting God's plan even when it doesn't make sense?
• Am I willing to submit both my actions and my attitudes to Him?
• Am I patiently waiting on God's timing?
• Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from wholehearted obedience?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 6 and 7.
• Memorize Joshua 6:2.
• Ask God to reveal one area where He is calling you to greater obedience.
• Take one specific step of obedience, even if it requires faith and patience.
• Encourage someone else who may be waiting on God to remain faithful.

Memory Verse
Joshua 6:2
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."

Closing Prayer

Week 4: Be Strong in Your Integrity
Scripture: Joshua 7
Key Verse: Joshua 7:11
"Israel hath sinned..."

Icebreaker
When you hear the word integrity, what comes to mind? Who is someone (past or present) whose integrity has made a lasting impression on you, and why?

Opening Thoughts
Over the past several weeks, we've learned that our strength comes from God's presence, God's direction, and our obedience.
This week, Joshua chapter 7 reminds us that strength also requires integrity.
After Israel experienced an incredible victory at Jericho, they expected the next battle to be easy. Instead, they suffered an unexpected defeat at the small city of Ai. The problem wasn't their military strategy or lack of ability—it was hidden sin within the camp.
One man, Achan, chose to disobey God's clear command, and his private sin affected the entire nation.
Joshua 7 reminds us that integrity isn't simply about what others see. It is about faithfully honoring God when no one else is watching.

Read Together
Joshua 7:1–5

Discussion 1 – Integrity Is Proven in Private Obedience
Key Verse:
"But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing..." (Joshua 7:1)
Achan appeared to be just like every other soldier.
He crossed the Jordan.
He marched around Jericho.
He shouted when the walls fell.
But while everyone saw obedience on the outside, God saw a heart that had wandered.
Discuss

1. Why is it often easier to maintain an outward appearance than an obedient heart?
2. How does temptation usually begin before it becomes outward sin?
3. Why is private integrity so important to God?
4. How can we guard our hearts against hidden sin?
5. What spiritual habits help us stay close to the Lord?

Life Application
Integrity isn't measured by public appearances.
It is measured by faithfulness when only God knows.

Read Together
Joshua 7:6–13

Discussion 2 – Integrity Is Never Just Personal
Israel expected an easy victory over Ai.
Instead, they suffered defeat because of one man's disobedience.
Discuss

1. Why do people often believe their private choices only affect themselves?
2. How did Achan's sin impact the entire nation?
3. In what ways do our choices affect our families, church, and testimony?
4. Why is character so important for Christian leadership and influence?
5. How can we encourage one another to walk faithfully?

Life Application
Our lives are connected.
Faithfulness strengthens those around us, while hidden sin often impacts more people than we realize.

Read Together
Joshua 7:14–21

Discussion 3 – Integrity Brings Sin Into the Light
God already knew who Achan was.
The process of identifying him wasn't for God's benefit—it was for the people and for Achan.
Joshua called him to confess his sin before the Lord.
Discuss

1. What does true confession mean?
2. Why do people often try to hide their sin instead of confessing it?
3. What is the difference between being sorry for consequences and genuinely repenting?
4. How does the Holy Spirit help believers recognize sin today?
5. Why is immediate confession better than delayed confession?

Life Application
God already knows our hearts.
Confession isn't informing God.
It is agreeing with Him and restoring fellowship.

Read Together
Joshua 7:22–26
(Optional: Read Joshua 8:1–2 to see God's promise after Israel dealt with sin.)

Discussion 4 – Integrity Restores Fellowship With God
After sin was dealt with, God immediately encouraged Joshua again.
"Fear not, neither be thou dismayed..." (Joshua 8:1)
God's desire wasn't simply judgment.
His desire was restored fellowship.
Discuss

1. What does Joshua 8:1 reveal about God's grace?
2. Why is restoration one of the greatest blessings of repentance?
3. How does 1 John 1:9 encourage believers today?
4. What is the difference between living under guilt and living in forgiveness?
5. How can we help restore fellow believers who have repented?

Life Application
God is holy, but He is also gracious.
When we honestly confess our sin, He restores our fellowship and invites us to continue walking with Him.

Digging Deeper – Walking in Integrity
Read the following passages:

• Proverbs 28:13
• Psalm 51:1–12
• 1 John 1:5–9
• Galatians 3:13

Discuss

1. What do these passages teach about confession and repentance?
2. Why is integrity more than simply avoiding obvious sins?
3. How does Jesus make restoration possible?
4. How can we develop lives marked by honesty, humility, and integrity?

Gospel Connection
Achan bore the judgment for his own sin.
Jesus Christ willingly bore the judgment for ours.
Through His death on the cross, Christ took the punishment we deserved so that everyone who trusts Him can receive forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal life.
Because we have been forgiven by grace, we are called to walk in integrity—not to earn God's acceptance, but because we already belong to Him.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions.

• Is there an area of my life where my public image is stronger than my private walk with God?
• Is there any hidden sin I need to confess?
• Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to search my heart daily?
• How are my choices affecting my family, church, and testimony?
• What step can I take this week to strengthen my integrity?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 7 and 8.
• Memorize Proverbs 28:13 or Joshua 7:11.
• Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal anything that needs to be confessed.
• Spend time in prayer thanking God for His forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
• Look for an opportunity to encourage someone else to remain faithful in their walk with the Lord.

Memory Verse
Proverbs 28:13
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Closing Prayer

Week 5: Be Strong Until the End
Scripture: Joshua 23–24
Key Verse: Joshua 23:6
"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses..."

Icebreaker
Who is someone whose faithfulness to Christ has inspired you? What is it about their life that has left such a lasting impression?

Opening Thoughts
As we conclude our "Be Strong" study through the book of Joshua, we've discovered that strength comes from God's presence, God's direction, our obedience, and our integrity.
Now we arrive at Joshua's final message.
Joshua is an old man. The battles have largely been fought, the land has been divided, and the people are settled in the Promised Land. Before his death, Joshua gathers the nation one last time—not to celebrate his accomplishments, but to remind them how to continue faithfully after he is gone.
Joshua began his leadership hearing God say, "Be strong and of a good courage." Now, near the end of his life, he passes that same challenge to the next generation.
His message reminds us that the Christian life isn't simply about starting well.
It is about finishing well.

Read Together
Joshua 23:1–6

Discussion 1 – Strong People Remember God's Faithfulness
Key Verse:
"And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done..." (Joshua 23:3)
Before Joshua looked toward Israel's future, he reminded them of God's faithfulness in the past.
They had crossed the Jordan.
They had watched the walls of Jericho fall.
They had seen God fight battles they could never have won on their own.
Discuss

1. Why is remembering God's faithfulness so important?
2. How does looking back strengthen our faith for today?
3. What are some ways we can intentionally remember what God has done?
4. Can you share a time when remembering God's faithfulness helped you during a difficult season?
5. How can we help the next generation remember God's work?

Life Application
God's past faithfulness gives us confidence for today's challenges.
When we remember what He has done, we are encouraged to trust Him for what lies ahead.

Read Together
Joshua 23:7–11

Discussion 2 – Strong People Remain Faithful
Joshua challenged the people:
"But cleave unto the LORD your God..." (Joshua 23:8)
The word cleave means to cling tightly, remain joined, and hold fast.
Joshua wasn't calling Israel to casual religion.
He was calling them to wholehearted devotion.
Discuss

1. What does it mean to "cleave" to the Lord?
2. Why is it easy for believers to gradually drift away from God?
3. What habits help us remain close to the Lord?
4. What are some warning signs that someone is beginning to drift spiritually?
5. How can our church encourage one another to remain faithful?

Life Application
Strong believers don't simply know about God.
They stay close to Him through a daily, growing relationship.

Read Together
Joshua 24:14–15

Discussion 3 – Strong People Make a Personal Decision
Joshua declared:
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." (Joshua 24:15)
Every generation must make its own decision to follow the Lord.
Faith cannot simply be inherited.
It must be personally embraced.
Discuss

1. Why is serving God ultimately a personal decision?
2. What choices helped shape your own spiritual journey?
3. How do our daily decisions reveal who or what we truly serve?
4. What does Joshua's statement, "As for me and my house," teach about spiritual leadership in the home?
5. What decisions can we make today that will strengthen our walk with God tomorrow?

Life Application
Strong faith isn't accidental.
It grows through daily decisions to trust, obey, and follow the Lord.

Read Together
Joshua 24:29–31

Discussion 4 – Strong People Finish Well
Joshua's life came to an end, but his influence continued.
He was remembered as "the servant of the LORD."
Even after his death, the people continued serving God because of the example he had set.
Discuss

1. What stands out most to you about the way Joshua finished his life?
2. Why is finishing well often harder than starting well?
3. What kind of spiritual legacy do you hope to leave?
4. Who has invested spiritually in your life?
5. How can you intentionally invest in someone else's faith?

Life Application
A life devoted to Christ leaves an influence that continues long after we're gone.
Strong believers don't simply grow personally.
They help others grow as well.

Digging Deeper – Finishing the Race
Read the following passages:

• 2 Timothy 4:6–8
• Hebrews 12:1–2
• Philippians 3:13–14
• Matthew 25:21

Discuss

1. What do these passages teach about finishing faithfully?
2. Why does endurance matter in the Christian life?
3. How does keeping our eyes on Christ help us remain faithful?
4. What does it mean to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"?

Gospel Connection
Joshua faithfully led God's people into the Promised Land.
Jesus Christ leads His people into an even greater inheritance.
Because of Christ's perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, everyone who places their faith in Him has the promise of eternal life.
Our strength to finish well does not come from ourselves—it comes from the One who has promised never to leave us nor forsake us.

Personal Reflection
Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions.

• Am I remembering God's faithfulness in my life?
• Am I clinging closely to the Lord, or have I begun to drift?
• What decisions am I making today that will shape my future?
• What kind of legacy am I leaving for my family and those around me?
• If my life ended today, what would I want people to remember most about my walk with Christ?

This Week's Challenge
This week:

• Read Joshua chapters 23 and 24.
• Memorize Joshua 24:15 (or Joshua 23:6).
• Write down five ways God has been faithful throughout your life.
• Encourage someone younger in the faith by sharing one of those testimonies.
• Ask God to help you remain faithful and finish well, no matter what lies ahead.

Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Closing Prayer

Be Strong Until the End
Text: Joshua 23–24
There is something admirable about a strong start, but there is something even more remarkable about a strong finish.
As we conclude our "Be Strong" series from the book of Joshua, we have spent the last several weeks discovering what it means to be strong in God's presence, strong in God's direction, strong in our obedience, and strong in our integrity. Each message has reminded us that God commanded Joshua to "be strong and of a good courage."

But God's desire was never for Joshua to simply begin well. He wanted him to finish well.
Joshua opens his ministry hearing God's voice say, "Be strong and of a good courage" (Joshua 1:6). Decades later, as he nears the end of his life, Joshua echoes those same words to the nation of Israel:
"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses..." (Joshua 23:6).
The message has come full circle. God strengthened Joshua, and Joshua spent the rest of his life strengthening others. That is the mark of a life well lived.
Strength isn't just for the battles of today—it's for the finish line.

I. Strong People Remember God's Faithfulness
Joshua 23:3
The book of Joshua is filled with unforgettable moments. We read about Rahab's faith, the crossing of the Jordan River, the memorial stones, the walls of Jericho falling, and countless victories that only God could provide.
As Joshua prepares to leave this world, he intentionally directs Israel's attention backward before looking forward.
If we constantly stare at today's problems, we'll eventually collapse under their weight. Tomorrow often feels too heavy to carry. But when we stop and remember what God has already done, yesterday's victories become today's source of strength.
Our culture often encourages us to erase the past—to forget our history, our heritage, even our testimony. Yet God repeatedly tells His people to remember.
Think back.
Walk down memory lane.
Remember the prayers God answered, the doors He opened, the battles He fought, and the times He carried you when you couldn't carry yourself.
Looking back at God's faithfulness gives us confidence to face today's challenges.

II. Strong People Remain Faithful
Joshua 23:8
Joshua tells Israel,
"But cleave unto the LORD your God..."
The word "cleave" is the Hebrew word dabaq, meaning to stick to, cling to, hold fast, remain joined, pursue closely, and be firmly attached.
Interestingly, this is the very same word used in Genesis 2:24, where the Bible says that a husband shall "leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife."
Joshua wasn't simply telling Israel to believe in God or attend religious services. He was calling them into a relationship of complete devotion.
Just as a husband and wife are joined together in covenant, God's people were to remain inseparably attached to Him.
This is far more than casual religion.
It is a relationship so close that separation becomes unthinkable.
Sadly, after years in ministry, I've watched many people casually walk away from the Lord. I'm not talking about someone moving to another Bible-believing church—that's simply part of life. I'm talking about those who gradually loosen their grip on God until eventually they let go altogether.
Strong people don't merely know about God.
They hold tightly to Him.

III. Strong People Make a Personal Decision
Joshua 24:15
Joshua boldly declared,
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve..."
Throughout the book of Joshua, people were continually faced with choices.
Joshua chose to follow God.
The spies chose to trust Him.
Rahab chose to believe.
Israel chose to march around Jericho.
Again and again, victory followed decisions of faith.
Now, twenty-five to thirty years later, Joshua reminds the next generation that they must choose for themselves.
The same remains true today.
No one accidentally serves God.
People choose to attend church.
They choose to trust Christ.
They choose to surrender to His will.
They choose to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
They choose to stay faithful when life becomes difficult.
Unfortunately, people also choose to neglect church, reject Christ, refuse to serve, abandon their spiritual responsibilities, and quit the fight of faith.
Every decision has consequences.
Each person must choose.
As Joshua declared,
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

IV. Strong People Finish Well
Joshua 24:29–31
Joshua's life concludes with several beautiful observations that teach us what it means to finish strong.

His Family Was Remembered
Joshua is once again identified as "the son of Nun."
His family name remained connected to his legacy.
We all belong to someone.
We should desire to honor those who came before us and leave a testimony that blesses those who come behind us.
Parents ought to desire to leave their children a heritage of faith.
A good name is far more valuable than great riches.

He Was Called "The Servant of the LORD"
Joshua's greatest title wasn't military leader or national hero.
He was called "the servant of the LORD."
That is the very same title given to Moses in Joshua 1:1.
What greater description could be written over a person's life than simply:
"He was God's servant."
May that be said of us.

He Was Buried Within the Border of His Inheritance
Joshua was buried in the very land God had given him.
After spending his life leading God's people, fighting for the Promised Land, and faithfully serving where God had placed him, he was laid to rest within the borders of his inheritance.
There's a beautiful picture here.
Joshua finished where God had called him.
Moses faithfully served the Lord, yet because of his disobedience he did not enter the Promised Land or finish within his inheritance. Joshua, however, finished well.
He finished right.
He finished strong.
May every father desire to be in godly standing with his family when life is over.
May every mother desire the same.
A life well lived leaves behind a legacy worth following.

His Influence Continued After His Death
The Bible tells us that the elders who outlived Joshua continued serving the Lord.
That may be one of the greatest statements about Joshua's life.
His influence survived him.
If you want to outlive yourself, invest in others.
Some believers are content simply to grow personally. They read the Bible for themselves, pray for themselves, and pursue holiness for themselves.
While personal devotion is essential, God never intended our faith to stop with us.
Strong people strengthen others.
Joshua certainly did.

Final Thoughts
The book began with God telling Joshua,
"Be strong and of a good courage... for the LORD thy God is with thee."
The book ends with Joshua encouraging an entire nation to remain strong after he is gone.
That is a powerful legacy.
Strength is not just for battles.
Strength is not just for difficult seasons.
Strength is for a lifetime.
We need God's strength to walk in His presence.
We need God's strength to follow His direction.
We need God's strength to obey Him.
We need God's strength to live with integrity.
And when those qualities are faithfully practiced day after day, year after year, they produce something every believer should desire:
A life that finishes well.
May we all determine, by God's grace, to be strong until the end.

We Preach Christ
Scripture: Mark 16:15
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." — Mark 16:15

The Church Has One Message
Before our Lord ascended back to heaven, He left His church with one clear assignment: preach the gospel. He did not commission us to entertain the world, argue philosophy, or build an earthly kingdom. He commanded us to take the good news of Jesus Christ to every person.
The gospel is far more than a message about Christ—it is the message of Christ. It declares who He is, what He accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection, and what He freely offers to every sinner who will believe.
Churches may have many ministries and many opportunities to serve, but they have only one message that changes lives:
We preach Christ.

I. We Preach Christ to Reveal God's Grace
Acts 20:24
The Apostle Paul described his life's work as proclaiming "the gospel of the grace of God." There is no greater display of God's grace than the cross of Jesus Christ.
Grace is God's undeserved favor toward undeserving sinners.
We did not deserve Christ to leave heaven.
We did not deserve His sacrifice on Calvary.
We did not deserve forgiveness, mercy, or eternal life.
Yet God, because of His great love, provided salvation through His Son.
Every faithful sermon about Christ reveals:

• God's amazing love.
• God's abundant mercy.
• God's complete forgiveness.
• God's marvelous grace.

Many people recognize God's power through creation, but they only discover His saving grace through Jesus Christ. Without Christ there is no gospel, and without the gospel the world never truly understands the grace of God.

II. We Preach Christ to Expose Man's Sin
2 Corinthians 5:21
Calvary reveals two great truths simultaneously: the holiness of God and the sinfulness of mankind.
Consider how humanity treated the only perfect man who ever lived.
They rejected Him.
They falsely accused Him.
They mocked Him.
They scourged Him.
They crowned Him with thorns.
They nailed Him to a cross.
They sealed His tomb believing they had silenced Him forever.
Nothing exposes the darkness of the human heart more clearly than the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. If sinful men would crucify the spotless Son of God, then our greatest problem is not ignorance—it is sin.
Yet this same passage also reveals the beauty of redemption. Christ willingly took our sin upon Himself so that all who trust Him might receive His righteousness.
The cross is where God's justice and God's grace meet.
Before a sinner will truly appreciate the Savior, he must first understand his need for salvation.

III. We Preach Christ to Glorify God
John 4:24
The purpose of biblical preaching is not merely to educate people—it is to glorify God.
God is honored whenever His truth is faithfully proclaimed.
In our day there are countless voices claiming to speak for God. Sincerity alone, however, is not enough. A person may sincerely believe something and still be sincerely wrong.
Error may attract attention.
Error may fill buildings.
Error may stir emotions.
But only the truth of God's Word brings glory to God.
When Christ is preached according to the Scriptures, God's holiness, justice, mercy, wisdom, love, and power are displayed before a watching world.
Our responsibility is never to make God's message more appealing by changing it. Our responsibility is simply to proclaim it clearly and faithfully.

IV. We Preach Christ to Exalt Christ
John 3:30
John the Baptist summarized every faithful ministry with these simple words:
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
That is the heartbeat of biblical preaching.
The world continually exalts human achievement, human wisdom, personal success, and self-confidence.
The gospel exalts none of those things.
The gospel exalts one Person—the Lord Jesus Christ.
A faithful preacher is not building his own platform or reputation. His calling is to point people away from himself and toward the Savior.
Every sermon ought to leave people thinking more about Jesus than about the preacher.
When Christ increases, the church fulfills its purpose.

V. We Preach Christ to Declare the Only Way of Salvation
2 Corinthians 4:3–4
Romans 1:16
The greatest need in our world is not political reform, economic prosperity, or social improvement.
The world's greatest need is salvation.
Paul reminds us that Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the glory of Christ. That is precisely why the gospel must continue to be preached.
No philosophy can save.
No denomination can save.
No amount of morality can save.
No collection of good works can save.
Only the gospel of Jesus Christ is "the power of God unto salvation."
The church has been entrusted with the only message that can rescue souls from eternal judgment.
If we truly believe Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, then silence is not an option.
We preach Christ because eternity hangs in the balance.

Final Thoughts
The world has countless opinions, endless distractions, and temporary solutions, but its greatest need has never changed.
The world needs Christ.
That is why we preach Him.
We preach Christ because He reveals the grace of God.
We preach Christ because He exposes the reality of sin.
We preach Christ because His truth glorifies the Father.
We preach Christ because He alone deserves all honor and praise.
And we preach Christ because He alone has the power to save.
Paul captured the heartbeat of every Bible-believing church when he declared:
"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness." — 1 Corinthians 1:23
May that always remain the mission of West End Baptist Church and of every faithful New Testament church until our Savior returns.
No substitute. No compromise. No other message.
We preach Christ.

Looking to God for Help
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12
"O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." — 2 Chronicles 20:12
When the Battle Is Bigger Than You
Over the past several weeks we've looked at what it means to be a nation blessed by God and the responsibility believers have to influence our country for Christ. As I prayed about this week's message, I didn't originally intend to continue with that theme, but as I watched the headlines and looked around at our world, I couldn't escape one simple truth—people are looking for hope.
Everywhere we turn we hear about crime, conflict, financial uncertainty, political division, and broken families. If we're not careful, we'll begin to believe that discouragement is normal. Yet God's people have never been called to live defeated lives. We have been called to keep our eyes on Him.
The situation we're facing today isn't new. God's people have faced impossible circumstances throughout history. One of the greatest examples is found in 2 Chronicles 20.
King Jehoshaphat was surrounded by enemy armies. Humanly speaking, defeat seemed certain. But instead of trusting military strength or political strategy, he turned to the Lord and prayed one of the most honest prayers found in Scripture:
"Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."
That is still one of the greatest prayers a believer can pray.

I. They Faced Problems Bigger Than They Could Handle
The armies of Moab, Ammon, and others united against Judah. Jehoshaphat looked at the situation and admitted something many of us struggle to admit:
"We have no might... neither know we what to do."
Sometimes our greatest act of faith is simply admitting we don't have the answers.
Whether it's sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships, family problems, or spiritual battles, every believer eventually reaches a place where they must confess, "Lord, I can't fix this."
Too often our prayers become instructions for God instead of surrender to God. We tell Him how we think He should solve the problem instead of asking Him what He wants to do.
God is waiting for hearts that admit their need for Him.

II. They Sought God in a Spiritual Way
Instead of panicking, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a national fast. The people gathered together—not to complain, but to seek the Lord.
Real spiritual victories are never won through empty religious routines.
It's easy to celebrate God on patriotic holidays or during special services, but the Lord desires a daily relationship with His people. If we truly want God to move in our homes, our churches, and our nation, we must seek Him sincerely.
God responds to hearts that earnestly pursue Him.

III. They Worshiped While God Fought
One of the most remarkable parts of this story is that God instructed the singers to go before the army.
As the people praised...
God fought.
They didn't win because of superior weapons.
They won because they trusted and obeyed the Lord.
The same principle is found throughout Scripture.
Paul and Silas sang in prison, and God opened the doors.
Peter sat in prison while believers prayed, and God sent an angel to deliver him.
Praise doesn't ignore the problem—it acknowledges that God is greater than the problem.
Our worship shifts our focus from the battle to the One who controls the battle.

IV. The Battle Belonged to the Lord
One of the greatest promises in this chapter is found in verse 15:
"...Be not afraid nor dismayed... for the battle is not yours, but God's."
What a wonderful reminder.
We spend so much of our lives trying to fight battles that belong to God.
We try to repair broken relationships.
We try to control uncertain futures.
We try to carry burdens we were never meant to carry.
The Lord simply says, "Bring them to Me."
Like the old hymn reminds us:
"Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer."
When we surrender the battle to Him, we discover He has been more than capable all along.

V. Their Victory Became Their Testimony
After the victory, the people returned to Jerusalem rejoicing.
No one could brag about military strength.
No one could boast about clever strategy.
Everyone knew exactly who had won the battle.
God received the glory.
That's how God works.
When He brings us through impossible situations, our testimony becomes an opportunity to point others to Him.

Final Thoughts
Perhaps you're facing something today that feels bigger than you.
Maybe it's your family.
Your finances.
Your health.
Your future.
Or maybe you're simply overwhelmed by everything happening in our world.
Take encouragement from Jehoshaphat's prayer.
When you don't know what to do...
Keep your eyes on God.
When the burden is too heavy...
Keep worshiping.
When the battle seems impossible...
Remember whose battle it really is.
God is still good.
God is still faithful.
God is still fighting for His people.
Challenge
This week, instead of focusing on everything that's wrong, choose to worship.
Instead of worrying, begin praising.
Instead of trying to fight every battle in your own strength, place your eyes upon the Lord.
You may discover what Judah learned long ago:
When God's people worship, God goes to work.

Be Strong in Your Integrity
Text: Joshua 7

Over the past several weeks in our Wednesday evening study through Joshua, we have been looking at what it means to Be Strong.
We have learned about being strong in God's presence, because He promised Joshua, "I will be with thee." We have learned about being strong in God's direction, trusting Him even when His instructions don't make sense to us. Last week we saw the importance of being strong in our obedience as the children of Israel marched around Jericho, trusting God to do what only He could do.
Each of these lessons has reminded us of one important truth: God's ways are not our ways. Many times His plan seems unusual, but His plan is always right. Throughout the book of Joshua, God continually says, "If you will obey Me, I will bless you." God has never failed His people, and He never will.
As we come to Joshua chapter 7, however, we find a different story. Jericho has fallen. The walls are down. The victory has been won. Yet before Israel can move forward, one man's hidden sin brings the entire nation to a halt.
This chapter teaches us another essential truth for the Christian life:
Be Strong in Your Integrity.

Integrity Is Proven in Private Obedience
Joshua 7 opens with a startling statement:
"But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing..." (Joshua 7:1)
God had given very specific instructions concerning Jericho. Everything was to be destroyed except the precious metals that were to be placed in the treasury of the Lord. No one was to take personal possessions from the city.
One man chose to ignore God's command.
Achan saw a beautiful Babylonian garment, silver, and gold. He coveted them, took them, and buried them beneath his tent.
Notice something important: Achan looked like everyone else on the outside.
He crossed the Jordan.
He marched around Jericho.
He shouted when the walls fell.
He appeared to be just another faithful soldier.
The problem was not his public actions. The problem was his private heart.
Integrity is not demonstrated by what we do when everyone is watching. Integrity is revealed by what we choose when no one else knows.
James reminds us that temptation begins within our own hearts. It grows from desire to sin, and sin eventually brings death (James 1:14-15).
Our hearts cannot be trusted apart from God's leadership. Jeremiah tells us that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked."
Achan's downfall did not begin when he picked up the treasure. It began long before that in a heart that had drifted away from complete obedience.
A.W. Tozer wisely said:
"What we are before God is what we are—and nothing more."
That is true integrity.

Integrity Is Never Just Personal
One of Satan's greatest lies is convincing us that our sin only affects us.
Joshua sent only a few thousand soldiers to conquer the small city of Ai because it appeared to be an easy victory. Instead, Israel suffered a humiliating defeat, and thirty-six men lost their lives.
Joshua fell before the Lord, confused and heartbroken.
God's response was direct:
"Israel hath sinned..." (Joshua 7:11)
Notice that God did not simply say, "Achan has sinned."
The entire nation suffered because one man chose disobedience.
Our lives are more connected than we often realize.
A father's choices affect his family.
A mother's testimony influences her children.
A church member's testimony impacts the entire congregation.
A believer's witness affects how the lost view Christ.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 5:6 that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
Sin never stays isolated.
Billy Graham once said,
"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, all is lost."
Integrity matters because people are always watching.

Integrity Brings Sin Into the Light
God instructed Joshua to gather the nation.
The tribes were examined.
Then the families.
Then the households.
Finally, the guilty man stood before everyone.
God already knew who Achan was.
This process was not for God's benefit.
It was for the people.
Joshua looked at Achan and said,
"Give... glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him..." (Joshua 7:19)
That may sound unusual, but Joshua was calling Achan to agree with God.
Real confession is simply agreeing with God about our sin.
Proverbs 28:13 reminds us:
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
The tragedy is that Achan confessed only after he was caught.
How much better it would have been to confess immediately.
As New Testament believers, we enjoy an incredible blessing. The Holy Spirit lives within us, constantly convicting, correcting, warning, and guiding us.
When He speaks, we should listen.
When He convicts, we should confess.
When we ignore His voice, we grieve the very One who is trying to help us walk in fellowship with God.

Integrity Restores Fellowship With God
The consequences of Achan's sin were severe.
Sin always carries consequences.
Yet the beautiful ending of the chapter is not simply judgment.
It is restoration.
Once sin was removed from the camp, God immediately spoke again:
"Fear not, neither be thou dismayed... I have given into thy hand the king of Ai..." (Joshua 8:1)
What a picture of God's grace!
God is holy.
God is just.
But God is also merciful.
When His people deal honestly with sin, fellowship is restored.
The same God who promised His presence in Joshua chapter 1 renewed that promise after repentance.
Our God is not looking for reasons to reject His children.
He desires restored fellowship.
First John 1:9 reminds us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
What an amazing Savior!

Final Thoughts
Integrity does not mean we never fail.
Every believer stumbles.
Every Christian battles temptation.
Integrity means that when we fail, we refuse to stay there.
We confess.
We repent.
We make things right.
Abraham failed, yet he returned to God.
David committed terrible sins, yet Psalm 51 records one of the greatest prayers of repentance in all of Scripture.
God used both men because they humbled themselves before Him.

One illustration has always stayed with me.
A father once told his son to hammer a nail into a fence every time he lost his temper. Later, he instructed him to remove a nail each time he gained victory over his anger.
Eventually, every nail was removed.
The father then pointed to the fence and said, "The nails are gone, but the holes remain."
God forgives completely.

Sometimes, however, the consequences of our choices require time to heal.
That is why integrity is so valuable.
It keeps us walking closely with the Lord before those holes are ever made.
As we close, remember that Achan had to bear the judgment for his own sin.
You and I do not.
Jesus Christ became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). He bore the punishment that we deserved so that we could receive forgiveness, grace, and eternal life.
If there is hidden sin in your life today, don't bury it like Achan.
Bring it to the Lord.
Confess it.
Forsake it.
Walk in fellowship with Him once again.
May we all determine to be men and women who are strong in our integrity, living lives that honor Christ both publicly and privately.

Be Strong: Strong in Our Obedience
Bible Text: Joshua 6:1-20
We have been studying the book of Joshua in our sermon series “Be Strong.” Throughout this series, we have been reminded that God repeatedly told Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage.”
In the first message, we looked at being strong in God’s presence. The reason we can be strong is because God is with us. When God told Joshua to move forward, He reminded him that he would not be alone. The same is true for us today. If God is for us, who can be against us?
Last week, we looked at being strong in God’s direction. We learned through the crossing of the Jordan River that God’s way does not always make sense to us. If God’s plan always made sense from a human perspective, then it would simply be something we could have created ourselves.
But God’s ways are higher than our ways. His methods may not always make sense, but His way is always right.
Tonight, we turn our attention to Joshua chapter 6 and the subject of being strong in our obedience.
It is one thing to say, “I am strong in God’s presence.” It is another thing to say, “I am strong in following God’s direction.” But it is another thing entirely to say, “I will obey God even when His plan is difficult, unusual, or requires patience.”
I believe many of us here tonight desire to obey the Lord. This Wednesday night crowd could be doing many other things, but you chose to be here because you wanted to hear from God’s Word. Many of you serve faithfully in different areas of the church. Tonight is not meant to be a message of criticism, but a message of encouragement.
If you are trusting God, following God, and obeying God, then keep going.
Sometimes we look at situations in life and wonder if we have done something wrong. Maybe a child chooses another direction. Maybe someone we have witnessed to does not respond. Maybe things do not turn out the way we hoped.
But remember this truth:
If you are trusting God, following God, and obeying God, you are doing the right thing. Keep walking with Him.
Tonight, I want us to see four truths about strong obedience.

1. Strong Obedience Trusts God’s Plan
Joshua 6 begins with the city of Jericho standing before Israel.
“Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.”
Joshua 6:1
Jericho was prepared. The city was locked down. The people inside knew Israel was coming.
Then God gave Joshua His plan.
“And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.”
Joshua 6:2
Notice that God said, “I have given.”
God allowed Joshua to see the victory before the battle ever happened.
The plan God gave them probably did not make sense.
These were trained soldiers. They had swords, spears, and weapons of war. If they had gathered together to make their own battle plan, they probably would have talked about weapons, strategy, and strength.
But God said:
“Walk around the city.”
That was the plan.
Walk around once a day for six days. Then on the seventh day, walk around seven times, blow the trumpets, and shout.
Humanly speaking, that sounds weak.
But here is what we must understand:
It did not matter what method God chose because the victory was already His.
If God had told them to throw rocks at Jericho, Jericho would have fallen.
If God had told them to shout at the walls, Jericho would have fallen.
Why?
Because when God says something, His Word can be trusted.
The same is true in our lives.
God already has a plan for what you are facing. God already knows what tomorrow holds. God already knows the answer before we ever see the problem.
We must learn to trust God’s Word even when His methods are not what we would choose.

2. Strong Obedience Requires Complete Submission
Joshua 6:6-14 shows Israel following God’s instructions.
The priests carried the Ark of the Covenant. The trumpets sounded. The soldiers marched. The people walked around the city.
But notice something important.
They were not only required to do something—they were required to refrain from doing something.
Joshua told them:
“Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth…”
Joshua 6:10
They had to be silent.
That is not easy.
Some people struggle to be quiet. Some people always have something to say.
But God required silence.
True obedience is not just doing what God tells us to do. Sometimes obedience is refusing to do what we want to do.
Submission is two-sided.
We often think submission means saying yes when God asks us to act.
But sometimes submission means saying no to our own desires.
I have been working on my health and exercising more. I do not have much trouble submitting to going to the gym.
My problem is submitting to the refrigerator and the snack cabinet!
But obedience requires both action and restraint.
The soldiers had to submit to a strange command. They had to submit to specific roles. Some carried the Ark. Some blew the trumpets. Some simply walked.
Even the soldiers who were trained for battle were not allowed to fight.
That is real submission.
Sometimes God asks us to trust Him instead of relying on what we think we are capable of doing.

3. Strong Obedience Waits on God’s Timing
Joshua 6:15-20 tells us about the victory.
For six days, they marched.
On the seventh day, they marched seven times.
Then Joshua gave the command.
The trumpets sounded.
The people shouted.
And the walls fell.
Can you imagine the patience it required?
Day one.
Day two.
Day three.
Day four.
Day five.
Day six.
Nothing happened.
But God was working.
Sometimes we want to pray a prayer and have God put the answer on the delivery truck immediately.
But many times God uses the waiting.
God uses the walking.
God uses the silence.
God uses those moments to grow our faith.
Israel had to walk around the city thirteen times before they saw the victory.
They could have quit after day one.
They could have said, “Joshua, this is not working.”
But they continued because God had spoken.
Do not quit before you give God a chance to honor His Word.
Sometimes we try to rush God’s timing. Sometimes we even do good things outside of God’s timing.
But understand this:
Doing the right thing at the wrong time can still be disobedience.
God is not looking for us to simply do more. He is looking for us to faithfully do what He has called us to do.
If God has called you to teach, teach faithfully.
If God has called you to serve, serve faithfully.
If God has called you to be faithful in your place, stay faithful.
Do not quit before God has finished what He is doing.

4. Strong Obedience Honors God’s Holiness
Joshua 6:17-19 gives specific instructions concerning Jericho.
The city was to be destroyed, except for Rahab and her family because of the promise made to her.
The gold, silver, brass, and iron were not to be taken for personal use. They belonged to the Lord.
God was teaching Israel that victory belongs to Him.
But sadly, we see in the next chapter that a man named Achan ignored God’s command.
He took what God said not to take, and it brought trouble to Israel.
The people wanted God’s blessing, but Achan wanted things his own way.
And sometimes that is where we struggle.
We want God’s blessings.
We want God’s timing.
We want God’s direction.
But we also want our own rules.
It reminds me of children.
Children love the house. They love the bed. They love the food. They love being taken places.
But then mom and dad give rules.
Clean your room.
Take out the trash.
Be home at a certain time.
Suddenly the rules become a problem.
Many people are the same way with God.
We love His blessings, but sometimes we struggle with His commands.
Strong obedience honors God’s holiness.

Conclusion
The story of Jericho is not just about the victory of Israel.
It is about our need for God.
Could Israel have defeated Jericho with swords and spears?
Maybe.
But God wanted them to learn something greater:
They needed Him.
A God who can bring down walls through obedience, faith, trumpets, and a shout is a God who can handle whatever we face.
The message of Joshua is simple:
Be strong.
Trust God.
Follow God.
Obey God.
West End Baptist Church, we have walked through valleys. We have crossed rivers. We have faced difficult seasons.
And there will be more challenges ahead.
But keep walking with God.
Keep trusting Him.
Keep obeying Him.
Because in His perfect timing, He will give the victory.

America's Hope: The People of God

In times of national uncertainty, economic turmoil, and social division, we often find ourselves asking the same questions: What's wrong with America? How can we fix our broken country? What's the answer to all our problems?
We look to Washington for solutions. We debate policies, taxes, immigration, and education reform. We scroll through social media, venting our frustrations about crime, injustice, and the moral decline we see all around us. Yet despite all our political activism and passionate opinions, the problems persist.
Perhaps we've been looking in the wrong direction.
The Real Answer Begins with Two Words
Second Chronicles 7:14 offers a profound truth that cuts through all the political noise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Notice the verse doesn't say "if my government" or "if my schools" or "if my politicians." It says "if my people."
National revivals have never started in the halls of Congress. They haven't originated in school board meetings or corporate boardrooms. Throughout history, genuine transformation has always begun with God's people returning to God.
The real question isn't what America can do for us, but what we—as God's people—can do for America.
Who Are God's People?

Not everyone can claim to be God's people. While every human being was created by God, not everyone belongs to Him. The distinction matters.
Psalm 100:3 declares, "Know ye that the Lord, He is God. It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." This description specifically refers to believers—those who have entered into relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
God's people are marked by several characteristics:
We belong to God. We're not our own; we've been bought with a price. Our lives are no longer driven by selfish ambition but by the purpose of our Creator.
We're called by His name. In a world obsessed with labels and identity politics, the greatest identity we carry is that we bear God's name. When the world looks at us, they should see representatives of the King of heaven.
We're a chosen generation. First Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." We've been chosen for this specific moment in history to shine the light of the gospel.
We're citizens of heaven. While we live in America or wherever we call home, our true citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." This eternal perspective should shape how we live in the temporary.
What Should God's People Do?
If we truly are God's people, called for such a time as this, what should we be doing?

We Must Be a Preserving People
Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). Salt serves multiple purposes—it preserves, creates thirst, and adds flavor.
As salt, Christians don't prevent decay entirely, but we slow it down. We add restraint to a world racing toward moral collapse. We stand as a blockade protecting our children from destructive ideologies. We push back against policies that contradict biblical truth.
Our very presence should make others thirsty for God. The way we live—with integrity, joy, and peace despite circumstances—should cause people to wonder what we have that they're missing.
But here's the sobering reality: salt that has lost its flavor is worthless. When Christians become indistinguishable from the world—when we gossip just as much, compromise just as easily, and complain just as loudly—we lose our preserving power. We become good for nothing but to be "cast out and trodden under foot of men."
The world hasn't become the doormat of Christianity; Christianity has become the doormat of the world. Why? Because we've lost our savor. We've stopped being who God called us to be.

We Must Be a Praying People
First Timothy 2:1-4 instructs us: "I exhort therefore that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. For kings and for all that are in authority, that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
We live in a culture of criticism. Social media has given everyone a platform to blast politicians, mock leaders, and tear down anyone in authority. While we all have opinions, God hasn't called us primarily to be opinionated—He's called us to be intercessors.
We should pray for presidents, governors, mayors, sheriffs, school board members, teachers, coaches, and every person in authority over us and our families. Not because we agree with them, but because God commands it.
Why should we pray for leaders? Because "God our Savior...will have all men to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4). Every politician, every leader, every person will one day stand before God. Their soul will spend eternity somewhere. We should care about that.
The world can organize prayer events and read eloquent speeches, but they cannot access God's throne like believers can. We come boldly before the throne of grace in Jesus' name, calling God our Father, making our petitions known.

We Must Be a Preparing People
Preserving the world and praying for peace are important, but they're primarily for the here and now. There's an eternity waiting for everyone, and we must never forget our ultimate mission: preparing people to meet Jesus.
John the Baptist was called "the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3). Luke 1:17 says we're "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Acts 1:8 reminds us we should be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
The church has spent decades fighting against specific sins—abortion, sexual immorality, greed. While we must stand for truth, we've sometimes missed the forest for the trees. If we get people saved, if we bring them to the cross, if we introduce them to Jesus, He will change them from the inside out.
The hope of America isn't merely better politicians—it's better Christians. Our world doesn't just need a stronger economy; it needs a stronger church. We don't need more government; we need more gospel.
The Order Matters
Notice the progression in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
Humble ourselves. In a prideful world where everyone thinks they're right, we must start with humility, acknowledging our need for God.
Pray. Not just complain, not just post on social media, but actually talk to God about what burdens us.
Seek God's face. Before seeking approval from bosses, coaches, or anyone else, we should seek to be right with God.
Turn from wicked ways. Confess sin honestly, asking God to purify our hearts, eyes, and tongues.
Only then does God promise to hear, forgive, and heal.
The Time Is Now
As God's people, we're somebody. We carry the name of the King of kings. We have access to the throne room of heaven. We possess the only message that can truly transform hearts and heal nations.
The question isn't whether we can make a difference. The question is: will we?
Will we be the salt that preserves? Will we be the people who pray? Will we prepare others to meet the Lord?
America needs God. Our schools need God. Our families need God. And God has chosen to work through His people—through us—to bring His light into the darkness.
The hope of our nation rests not in the next election, but in the next generation of believers who will humble themselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from wickedness.
That's where healing begins.

Blessed Is the Nation
Scripture: Psalm 33:12 
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." — Psalm 33:12
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, our hearts naturally turn toward gratitude for the many freedoms and blessings we enjoy as Americans. We live in a country with opportunities that many around the world can only dream about. We enjoy the freedom to worship, to own a Bible, to raise our families according to God's Word, and to openly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
These blessings are not accidental. They are gifts from the hand of God.
Psalm 33 reminds us of a timeless truth:
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD."
This verse was originally written concerning Israel, yet the principle remains true for every people and every generation. God blesses those who acknowledge Him, honor Him, and submit themselves to His authority.

Not All Nations Are Spiritually Equal
Our world often teaches that every nation, every religion, and every god are essentially the same. Scripture teaches otherwise.
The psalmist didn't write, "Blessed is every nation." He wrote, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD."
There is only one true and living God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the God revealed through Jesus Christ. While every person has the freedom to worship as they choose, the blessings promised in Scripture belong to those who acknowledge the Lord as God.
Throughout history, nations that rejected God eventually experienced decline, while those that honored Him enjoyed His favor and protection.
America has never been perfect, but our nation was undeniably influenced by biblical principles. Our founding documents acknowledge our Creator, our earliest leaders frequently called the nation to prayer, and generations before us understood that liberty was inseparable from our dependence upon God.

God Blesses Nations That Honor Him
The promise of Psalm 33 is simple:
God blesses nations that honor Him.
The blessings we enjoy are not merely the result of military strength, economic prosperity, or natural resources. They are ultimately the evidence of God's goodness.
Our Declaration of Independence reminds us that our rights come from our Creator, not from government. George Washington warned that no nation can expect the smile of Heaven while disregarding God's moral laws. Benjamin Franklin publicly acknowledged that God governs in the affairs of men.
Our nation's founders understood something we must never forget:
America's greatest strength has never been her wealth or her weapons. America's greatest strength has always been her dependence upon Almighty God.
As believers, we should desire God's blessing not only upon our nation, but also upon our churches, our homes, and our own lives. A church whose God is the Lord will experience His blessing. A family whose God is the Lord will know His guidance. A believer who walks with God will enjoy His peace.

God Can Remove His Blessing
While God's blessings are wonderful, Scripture also reminds us that they should never be taken for granted.
God sees every nation.
He observes every government.
He watches every individual.
Psalm 33 goes on to declare that "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men."
God keeps account.
History is filled with powerful nations that once flourished but later fell because they forsook the Lord. No nation—including America—is exempt from that reality.
Our confidence should never rest in our economy, our military, or our political system. Those things are important, but they cannot replace the blessing and protection of God.
The greatest danger America faces is not from outside enemies—it is from within, when we drift away from the God who has so richly blessed us.
Our Responsibility
It is easy to point fingers toward Washington, our schools, or our culture.
But Scripture reminds us that revival begins with God's people.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray..."
The future of our nation will not be determined solely by politicians. It will be influenced by Christians who faithfully pray, faithfully vote according to biblical convictions, faithfully worship, faithfully raise godly families, and faithfully proclaim the Gospel.
We cannot control every decision made in our nation, but we can determine who will be Lord of our own lives.

A Final Thought
I am thankful to be an American.
But even more than that, I am thankful to be a Christian.
Nations rise and fall. Kingdoms come and go. Yet our hope has never rested in earthly governments. Our hope rests in Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate our nation's heritage, let us also renew our commitment to the One who has blessed us so richly.
May God continue to bless America—not because we deserve it, but because His people continue to seek Him, honor Him, and proclaim His truth.
May we never forget:
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD."

THE PRAYING FATHER
Scripture: Job 1:5
"And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually."
Father’s Day often brings thoughts of memories, traditions, and the influence that fathers have on their families. While many qualities define a godly father, perhaps none is more important than being a man of prayer. In Job 1:5, we are given a glimpse into the private life of one of the Bible’s greatest men. Before Job became known for his suffering, patience, and perseverance, he was known in heaven as a praying father.
Job understood something every parent needs to remember: the greatest need in our children’s lives is not success, popularity, wealth, or achievement. Their greatest need is a right relationship with God. Long before trouble ever came to his home, Job was already on his knees praying for his children. His prayer life prepared him for the storms that would eventually come.
As we look at Job’s example, we discover several characteristics of a praying father.
Sermon Outline
Title:
The Praying Father
Bible Text:
Job 1:5

1. A Praying Father Is Concerned About His Children’s Souls
Job’s greatest concern was not his children’s careers, accomplishments, or social standing. His concern was their spiritual condition. He offered sacrifices because he feared they might have sinned against God in their hearts.
Many parents spend countless hours praying for grades, scholarships, athletic success, and future opportunities. While none of those prayers are wrong, they should never take precedence over praying for our children’s souls. We ought to be more concerned about their walk with God than their worldly success.
A praying father asks:

• Are my children walking with God?
• Is there sin hindering their fellowship with Him?
• Have they trusted Christ as Savior?
• Are they living in God’s will?

The greatest gift a parent can give a child is consistent prayer for their spiritual well-being.

2. A Praying Father Intercedes for Each Child Individually
The Bible tells us that Job offered sacrifices “according to the number of them all.” Job had ten children, and he intentionally prayed for each one.
This reminds us that every child is different. Each child faces unique struggles, temptations, fears, and opportunities. Blanket prayers have their place, but effective parenting requires specific prayers.
Pray for each child by name.
Pray for their strengths and weaknesses.
Pray for their friendships.
Pray for their future spouse.
Pray for their spiritual growth.
Prayer requires labor. It takes time. It takes focus. It demands consistency. But our children are worth every minute spent on our knees before God.

3. A Praying Father Makes Prayer a Priority
Job “rose up early in the morning” to pray.
This detail is significant because Job was not an idle man. Scripture describes him as the greatest man in the East. He had enormous responsibilities, businesses to oversee, servants to manage, and wealth to maintain. Yet he made prayer a priority.
The truth is that nobody finds time to pray—we must make time to pray.
Prayer is not something we do when everything else is finished. Prayer is one of the most important things we do. As Oswald Chambers wisely said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
Our children deserve parents who will prioritize prayer over convenience, comfort, and busyness.

4. A Praying Father Is Faithful and Consistent
The final phrase of Job 1:5 may be the most powerful: “Thus did Job continually.”
Job did not pray occasionally.
He did not pray only during emergencies.
He did not pray only when his children were facing difficulties.
He prayed continually.
Every parent can pray once.
Every parent can pray during a crisis.
But a praying father develops a lifelong habit of faithfully bringing his children before the Lord.
Consistent prayer keeps a burden alive in our hearts. It reminds us that God is still working, even when we cannot see it. It keeps us engaged in the spiritual battle for our families.
Our children may forget many things we say, but they will never forget seeing a parent who prayed for them faithfully.

Final Thoughts
Just a few verses after our text, Job would experience unimaginable loss. His children would die. His wealth would disappear. His health would deteriorate. Yet through it all, Job remained a man of prayer.
The greatest legacy Job left behind was not his wealth, influence, or possessions. It was his example as a father who cared deeply enough about his children to pray for them continually.
One day our children may remember our hobbies, careers, accomplishments, and interests. But perhaps the most meaningful thing they can remember is this:
Dad prayed for me.
May God help us raise a generation of praying fathers, praying mothers, and praying families who understand that prayer still makes a difference.
A praying father is a powerful father.

Be Strong: Strong in God’s Direction
Bible Text: Joshua 3:5
“And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
Joshua 3:5
We are continuing our series through the book of Joshua called “Be Strong.”
Last week, we began this journey by looking at Joshua chapter 1. Three different times the Lord told Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage.”
The reason Joshua could be strong was not because he was naturally fearless. The reason he could be strong was because God gave him this promise:
“I am with thee.”
Joshua and the children of Israel could find strength because they knew they were not walking alone.
Last week, we also looked at the story of Rahab, the harlot, and how God used her in an incredible way. Two spies entered her home, she hid them, and God used her obedience and faithfulness as part of His plan.
Rahab reminds us of an important truth:
God can save anybody, and God can use anybody.
Regardless of our past, regardless of our failures, regardless of the things we wish we could hide, God is able to take the unlikely and use them for His glory.
Tonight, we continue our study of being strong, but we are going to focus on being strong in God’s direction.

1. Strength Remembered From Yesterday
Joshua 3:5 says:
“Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
Israel was moving toward Jericho, but there was still a great obstacle standing between where they were and where God was leading them.
They came to the Jordan River.
And the problem was that the Jordan River was not calm and easy to cross.
Joshua 3:15 tells us:
“For Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest.”
They wanted to move forward. They wanted to obey God. But they could go no further.
They were facing an obstacle.
And this was not the first time Israel had faced an obstacle involving water.
Forty years earlier, their parents and grandparents had stood at another body of water—the Red Sea.
They had escaped Egypt. Moses had led them out after Pharaoh finally allowed them to leave. But then Pharaoh changed his mind, and his army chased after them.
They reached the Red Sea, and there was nowhere to go.
In Exodus 14:13, Moses said:
“Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day…”
Notice the similarity.
Moses told them to stand and see what God would do.
Joshua told them:
“Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
The same God who parted the Red Sea was still the God leading them across the Jordan River.
Can you imagine what some of those people must have been thinking that night?
The older generation could remember.
Maybe someone was sitting around the fire thinking:
“Forty years ago, when I was just a child, I watched God open the Red Sea. I watched my family walk across on dry ground. I watched God make a way where there was no way.”
Now Joshua was saying:
“Get ready. Tomorrow you are going to see God do something great again.”
I believe many of them laid down that night wondering:
“What is God going to do tomorrow?”
“How is God going to make a way?”
But they had confidence because they remembered what God had already done.
Can I encourage you tonight?
When you face obstacles today, look back at God’s faithfulness yesterday.
Maybe you are facing something you never thought you would face.
Maybe you are walking through a hardship.
Maybe you feel like you cannot keep your head above water.
Look back.
Remember the times God provided.
Remember the times God carried you.
Remember the times God made a way.
Because if God was faithful yesterday, He will be faithful today and tomorrow.

2. Strength Required for Today
The Israelites were not being chased this time.
At the Red Sea, the enemy was behind them.
At the Jordan River, the obstacle was in front of them.
There were no armies chasing them, but there were enemies waiting on the other side.
Joshua 3:6-13 gives us God’s instructions.
The priests were told to take up the Ark of the Covenant and go before the people.
The Lord told Joshua:
“This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.”
God was showing the people that Joshua was His chosen leader.
Then Joshua told the people:
“Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you…”
God was preparing them to see His power.
The instructions were simple, but they were not easy.
The priests were to carry the Ark of the Covenant into the Jordan River.
And God said:
“When their feet touch the water, I will stop the water.”
Can you imagine what those priests must have thought?
“Joshua, are you sure?”
“You want us to walk into a flooded river carrying the most holy object in Israel?”
The Ark was not something to be handled casually.
They knew the seriousness of touching the things of God.
These men had to step forward in faith.
And that is where many of us struggle.
We love hearing messages about faith.
We love hearing preaching about trusting God.
We sing:
“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…”
And we say:
“Amen!”
Until it is our turn.
Until God asks us to step out.
Then suddenly faith becomes harder.
Years ago, I started trout fishing with Stephen and some others. If you have ever been around those North Georgia streams, you know those rocks can be extremely slippery.
You can feel steady one moment, and the next moment you are flat on your back.
I remember trying to cross those streams. Sometimes you would find shallow areas and walk across easily. Other times you would have to step out into deeper water, carefully finding each rock.
The truth is, it does not matter how strong you are or how good your shoes are—those rocks can get you.
I imagine those priests felt something similar.
They were stepping into rushing water carrying the Ark of God.
But God said:
“Step.”
And when they stepped, God moved.

3. Strength Reserved for Tomorrow
The priests stepped into the Jordan River.
And when their feet touched the water, God stopped the flow.
The Bible says:
“The waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap…”
The Israelites crossed over on dry ground.
God did exactly what He said He would do.
But notice something important:
God required obedience before He revealed the miracle.
They stepped first.
God moved second.
That pattern is found throughout Scripture.
The man with the withered hand was told:
“Stretch forth thine hand.”
The man could have said:
“Lord, that is why I am here. I cannot stretch my hand.”
But when he obeyed, God healed him.
The ten lepers were told:
“Go shew yourselves unto the priests.”
They had to start walking before they saw the healing.
The boy gave his lunch before Jesus multiplied the food.
The lame man was told:
“Take up thy bed, and walk.”
God often asks us to move in faith before we see the answer.
Obedience and faith have always been God’s way of working.
God does not need our strength.
God does not need our ability.
But He allows us to participate because we need growth.
God tests us because we need to grow.
When we avoid His tests, we miss the miracles.
As we move into Joshua chapter 4, we see another important lesson.
God wanted them to remember.
After crossing Jordan, Joshua commanded twelve men to take twelve stones from the river.
Joshua 4:6 says:
“That this may be a sign among you…”
These stones were a memorial.
They were placed there so that future generations would ask:
“What do these stones mean?”
And the answer would be:
“God stopped the Jordan River.”
God had done something worth remembering.
Church, we need to understand something:
Our faith is not just for us.
What God has done in our lives is meant to encourage those coming behind us.
There will be a generation that does not remember the Red Sea.
There will be a generation that does not remember Moses.
There will be a generation that only knows what they have been told.
Who will tell them?
Who will tell the next generation:
“God was faithful.”
“God provided.”
“God carried us through.”
“God preserved His church.”
For years, faithful people have served God.
They taught Sunday School.
They sang in choirs.
They gave offerings.
They cleaned buildings.
They served meals.
They worked with children.
They sacrificed.
And they did it because they believed God.
Now it is our responsibility to pass that faith forward.
Not just so people know the history.
Not just so people know who built the church.
But so they know the God who has sustained the church.

Conclusion
The message of Joshua chapter 3 is this:
Be strong in God’s direction.
Remember God’s faithfulness from yesterday.
Trust God’s strength for today.
Prepare to pass God’s faithfulness to tomorrow.
The Jordan River was not the end of the journey.
There were still battles ahead.
There were still walls to face.
There were still challenges coming.
But every step taught Israel the same lesson:
God can be trusted.
West End Baptist Church, we have seen God work.
We have crossed rivers.
We have faced challenges.
We have watched God provide.
And there will be more ahead.
But we must keep walking.
We must keep trusting.
We must keep obeying.
Because the same God who was faithful yesterday is the God who will lead us tomorrow.

Be Strong in God's Presence
Be Strong – A Study of Joshua (WEEK 1)
Scripture: Joshua 1-2

The book of Joshua begins during a season of great transition. Moses, the faithful leader who had guided Israel for decades, is gone. The wilderness journey is finally behind them, and the Promised Land lies ahead. Yet there is still one problem: the land has been promised, but it has not yet been possessed.
Between the promise and the fulfillment was a season of uncertainty.
That reality makes the book of Joshua incredibly relevant for us today.
Life is constantly changing. Some are entering retirement while others are just beginning their careers. Some are adjusting to life as empty nesters, while others are learning the challenges of raising young children. Some are navigating health concerns, financial decisions, or unexpected circumstances. As believers, we are all journeying toward our ultimate Promised Land—Heaven. Yet between God's promise of eternity and our arrival there, life often contains uncertainty.
Joshua faced that same challenge. He was called to lead a nation that had never known life without Moses. The task before him was enormous. Yet God's first words to Joshua were not instructions about military strategy or leadership techniques. Instead, God repeatedly gave him one simple command:
"Be strong and of a good courage."
What does it mean to be strong? More importantly, where does that strength come from?

God's Presence Is Our Foundation of Strength
In Joshua 1:1-9, God tells Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. Along with the command comes a promise:
"For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)
Notice what God did not say. He did not tell Joshua to be strong because he was talented. He did not tell him to be strong because he was experienced. He did not tell him to be strong because he could handle the situation on his own.
Joshua's strength was not found within himself. His strength was found in the presence of God.
The same is true for us.
Our confidence cannot be rooted in our abilities, our resources, or our circumstances. True strength comes from knowing that God is with us every step of the journey.
God also pointed Joshua toward another source of strength. In verse 8, He instructed him to meditate continually on God's Word. Joshua would lead successfully because he remained anchored in both God's presence and God's truth.
Many believers struggle with fear, discouragement, and uncertainty because they neglect one or both of these foundations. Strength grows when we spend time with God and fill our hearts with His Word.

Strength Spreads Through Unity
After receiving God's instruction, Joshua immediately began leading the people. The response was remarkable.
The people told Joshua, "All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go."
What a contrast from the previous generation that had often complained and resisted Moses' leadership. This generation was unified. They were ready to move forward together.
Imagine the encouragement that must have brought to Joshua. Imagine how that unity strengthened the entire nation.
There is strength in unity.
Whether in a family, a church, or a ministry, God's people accomplish far more when they move forward together. Unity strengthens faith, encourages leaders, and advances God's work.

Strength Produces Action
Real faith always leads to action.
Joshua believed God's promises, but he did not sit still. He sent two spies into Jericho to prepare for what God was about to do.
Those spies entered the house of Rahab, a woman whose life was far from godly. Yet something remarkable happened. Rahab had heard about the God of Israel and believed He was real.
Joshua 2:9-11 reveals that she recognized God's power and believed that He would give Israel victory.
Knowing judgment was coming to Jericho, Rahab responded in faith. She hid the spies and asked for mercy for herself and her family.
The spies agreed and instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in her window.
That scarlet cord would serve as a sign. When Israel entered the city, the soldiers would see the cord and spare everyone inside that house.
The Scarlet Cord and the Savior
The scarlet cord is one of the beautiful pictures of redemption found throughout Scripture.
It reminds us of the Passover in Exodus 12 when the Israelites placed the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. When the death angel saw the blood, judgment passed over that home.
Both stories point us to Jesus Christ.
Just as the blood on the doorposts brought deliverance, and just as the scarlet cord marked Rahab's house for salvation, the blood of Christ provides forgiveness and eternal life for all who place their faith in Him.
Rahab's story also reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.
She was a harlot. She was a Canaanite. She lived in a city under judgment. Yet God saved her because she responded in faith.
In fact, Rahab's story did not end in Jericho. She is later mentioned among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. James commends her faith-filled actions, and Matthew includes her in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
What a testimony to the grace of God!

A Final Thought
What if Joshua had allowed fear to control him?
What if he had refused to be strong and courageous?
The nation might never have moved forward. The spies may never have entered Jericho. Rahab's story of redemption may never have been told.
God's command to Joshua remains God's challenge to us today.
Be strong.
Strength begins in God's presence. It grows through God's Word. It spreads through unity with God's people. It produces action when we choose to trust Him by faith.
Whatever transition or uncertainty you may be facing today, remember that your strength is not found in yourself. It is found in the God who has promised,
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Stay close to Him, trust His Word, and be strong.

Watch this sermon at https://westendbaptistchurchga.subspla.sh/2hrcdq6

Beware of False Prophets
Bible Text: Jeremiah 29:8-13
Introduction
We live in a day when opinions are plentiful and truth is often questioned. Social media gives everyone a platform, and many voices claim to have a new revelation, a better way, or a fresh interpretation of what God has said. Sadly, much of what is being promoted today is not leading people closer to Christ but farther away from the clear truths of Scripture.
Jeremiah faced a similar situation. While God's prophet, Jeremiah, warned the people that they would remain in Babylon for seventy years, a false prophet named Hananiah promised a quick and easy deliverance. The people had a choice: believe God's Word or believe the voice that told them what they wanted to hear.
The same choice confronts us today.

I. God's Word Can Be Trusted
Jeremiah 29:10
"For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you..."
The people wanted immediate relief, but God promised deliverance in His timing. Hananiah offered a convenient message; Jeremiah delivered the truthful one.
Just as God fulfilled His promise to Israel exactly as He said, we can trust His Word today. The world continually asks, "Did God really say that?" Yet the believer must stand firmly on the authority of Scripture.
Key Truth: God's promises may not always come quickly, but they always come faithfully.

II. God Is Working on Your Behalf
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil..."
In uncertain times, God's people wondered if He had forgotten them. God reminded them that He was still working according to His plan.
This verse is often quoted at graduations and baby dedications, but its original audience was a discouraged people living in captivity. God wanted them to know that His plans had not changed.
Key Truth: God's delays are not God's denials. He is always working for our good and His glory.

III. God Hears Us When We Pray
Jeremiah 29:12
"Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."
While they waited for God's promises to unfold, they were instructed to pray.
Prayer is not our last resort—it is our greatest resource. God promised that He would listen to His people and respond to their cries. Rather than searching for quick fixes or easy answers, we should take our burdens directly to the Lord.
Key Truth: God still hears the prayers of His people and works on their behalf.

IV. God Reveals Himself to Those Who Seek Him
Jeremiah 29:13
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
Many people desire God's blessings while giving Him only a portion of their hearts. Yet God promises to reveal Himself to those who sincerely seek Him.
This principle applies to salvation as well. True salvation is not found in merely repeating words or performing religious rituals. It is found when a sinner genuinely seeks Christ with a repentant and believing heart.
Key Truth: God reveals Himself to wholehearted seekers.

Conclusion
False prophets will always exist. Some openly deny God's truth, while others subtly distort it. Their message may sound appealing because it promises an easier path, but ultimately it leads people away from God's will.
The answer is not to chase every new teaching or trend. The answer is to remain grounded in God's Word, sensitive to His Spirit, faithful in prayer, and diligent in seeking Him.
In a world filled with competing voices, let us determine to trust what God has said rather than what others wish He had said.
Stay with the Book. Stay with the Spirit. Stay with the Truth.
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." — Jeremiah 29:13 

What Came Down When He Went Up
Text: Acts 1:9-11
"This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." — Acts 1:11
Most Christians can tell you a great deal about Bethlehem. We know the story of the manger, the shepherds, the wise men, and the miraculous birth of Christ.
Many can also tell you about Calvary. We remember the crown of thorns, the nails, the cross, and the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins.
But there is one major event in the life of Christ that often receives far less attention—the Ascension.
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples on the Mount of Olives. After teaching and preparing them for the days ahead, He ascended back to the Father. The disciples watched until He disappeared into the clouds.
Imagine standing there that day. Three years of ministry had come to an end. Their Teacher, Leader, and Friend was gone. Questions filled their minds. What would happen next? How could they continue without Him?
Yet the story of Christ did not end at Bethlehem, Calvary, the empty tomb, or even the Ascension. In many ways, it was just beginning.
Today I want to consider this thought:
What Came Down When He Went Up?
When Jesus ascended to the Father, Heaven responded by sending several wonderful gifts to believers.

1. When He Went Up, The Spirit Came Down
Acts 2:33 reminds us that after Jesus was exalted to the Father's right hand, He sent the promised Holy Spirit.
Prior to Pentecost, the disciples knew God primarily in an external way. They walked with Jesus. They heard His teaching. They witnessed His miracles.
But after the Ascension, something changed.
The Spirit of God came to dwell within believers.
No longer would God's presence be limited to a location or a building. The Spirit would live inside every child of God.
Jesus said it was expedient for Him to go away because if He went to the Father, He would send the Comforter.
Instead of one Jesus ministering in one place at one time, the Spirit would empower believers around the world.
What an incredible truth!
We are never alone. We have God's Word, God's church, and God's Spirit living within us to guide, comfort, and strengthen us each day.

2. When He Went Up, Power Came Down
Acts 1:8 says:
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."
The disciples were ordinary men. Fishermen. Tax collectors. Common laborers.
Throughout Christ's earthly ministry, they served under His power. They watched Him perform miracles. They followed His leadership.
But after the Ascension, they may have felt powerless.
How could they continue without Jesus physically beside them?
Then Pentecost came.
The Holy Spirit filled them with power.
Peter, who had once denied Christ, stood boldly and preached. Thousands were saved.
The early church grew despite fierce persecution. Believers stood firm in the face of imprisonment and death.
Why?
Because the power of God rested upon them.
The same power that transformed Peter is available to believers today.
You may feel insignificant. You may feel outnumbered at work, at school, or even in your own family.
But if you know Christ, the Spirit of God lives within you.
You have the power to witness, serve, teach, lead, and live for God's glory.

3. When He Went Up, Intercession Came Down
Romans 8:34 tells us that Christ now sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us.
Before Christ, people approached God through priests, sacrifices, and religious rituals.
But when Jesus completed His work on the cross and ascended to Heaven, everything changed.
The veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom.
Access was granted.
Jesus became our Great High Priest.
Today, we can come boldly before the throne of grace because Christ intercedes on our behalf.
What makes this even more comforting is that Jesus understands us completely.
He knows sorrow.
He knows hunger.
He knows temptation.
He knows grief.
He knows pressure.
Hebrews tells us that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities because He experienced life as we do.
When we pray, we are not speaking to someone who is distant and detached.
We are speaking to One who has walked where we walk and understands exactly what we face.

4. When He Went Up, Hope Came Down
The angels told the disciples:
"This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
What a statement of hope!
Bethlehem gave us hope.
Calvary gave us hope.
The Resurrection gave us hope.
But the Ascension gave us a promise.
Jesus is coming again.
The disciples stood staring into the sky as Jesus disappeared into the clouds.
The angels essentially said, "Don't just stand here looking. He will come back. Now get to work."
That promise still encourages believers today.
One day Christ will return.
One day He will gather His children.
One day we will see our saved loved ones again.
One day faith will become sight.
One day sorrow, suffering, and death will be forever behind us.
The same Jesus who ascended from the Mount of Olives will return in power and glory.
What a hope we have!

Conclusion
When Jesus went up, He did not leave His followers empty-handed.
He sent His Spirit.
He gave His power.
He provides intercession.
He secured our hope.
Perhaps today you feel weak, discouraged, overwhelmed, or alone.
Remember that Jesus has not abandoned His people.
The Spirit of God lives within you.
The power of God is available to you.
The Son of God intercedes for you.
And the promise of God awaits you.
The countdown is getting lower every day.
One day the trumpet will sound.
One day the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven.
The question is simple:
Will you be ready when He comes?
This version is formatted like a typical Preacher's Pen devotional article—clear headings, readable flow, preserved illustrations, and a strong gospel-centered conclusion.

Paying Attention

Hebrews 2:1 says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”
Tonight, I want to talk about paying attention.
That is something many of us struggle with.
In fact, that is something I struggle with. My mom would tell you that!
But tonight, I want us to see what God can do when we truly pay attention to Him.
The first thing I want us to notice is this:

Paying Attention Has Rewards
In 1 Samuel 3, Samuel is lying down in the temple when the Lord calls his name.
Three times Samuel mistakes God’s voice for Eli’s voice. Finally, Eli realizes what is happening and tells Samuel that if the voice calls again, he should answer:
“Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.”
Samuel listened.
Samuel paid attention.
And because he paid attention, God used him.
Before I continue, I want to make something clear. The things God was going to do would have happened one way or another.
The book of Esther reminds us of that truth.
Mordecai told Esther that if she refused to act, deliverance would still come from another place — but she had been placed where she was “for such a time as this.”
That is the reward Samuel received.
He got to be part of what God was doing.
God called Samuel to anoint Israel’s greatest king.
In 1 Samuel 16, God sends Samuel to the house of Jesse. One by one the sons pass before him until David is brought in — the shepherd boy, overlooked by everyone else.
And God says:
“Arise, anoint him: for this is he.”
Because Samuel paid attention and obeyed, he became part of God’s unfolding story.
And look what followed.
David brought the Ark of God back to Israel.
David’s son, Solomon, became known as the wisest king who ever lived.
And generations later, Jesus Christ came through David’s line.
Samuel’s obedience connected him to something far bigger than himself.
That is one of the rewards of paying attention to God.

Not Paying Attention Has Consequences
Most people know the story of Lot and Sodom.
Lot separated from Abraham and chose to live in Sodom.
When God determined to destroy the city, messengers came with a warning:
Get out.
Leave.
Do not stay.
Do not look back.
The messengers were clear.
But while they were escaping, Lot’s wife looked back.
And the Bible says she became a pillar of salt.
Now, I am not saying that if we fail to pay attention to God today He will immediately strike us down.
We live under grace.
But think about all the other consequences that come from ignoring God.
We may miss opportunities to witness to someone.
We may miss God’s direction.
We may miss blessings, ministry opportunities, or divine appointments.
There are consequences when we fail to pay attention to what God is saying.
Which leads me to my final point.

Paying Attention Isn’t Enough — We Must Also Obey
James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Samuel did not just hear God’s voice.
Samuel obeyed.
When God revealed His difficult message concerning Eli’s house, Samuel faithfully delivered it, even though he was afraid.
God used Samuel not simply because he listened — but because he obeyed.
Lot’s wife is another example.
Whether she heard the warning clearly or not, the important truth is that she did not obey.
And there are many more examples throughout Scripture.
Zacchaeus
In Luke 19, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree because he wanted to see Jesus.
He paid attention.
But he did more than that.
When Jesus came to his house, Zacchaeus responded.
He repented.
He changed.
He committed to making things right.
And Jesus declared salvation had come to his house.
He did not just notice Jesus.
He obeyed Him.
Noah’s Neighbors
Everyone knows the story of Noah.
Jesus said in Matthew 24 that in Noah’s day people were eating, drinking, marrying, and living life as normal until the flood came.
I imagine Noah’s neighbors paid attention to what Noah was doing.
Surely they noticed the giant boat.
Surely they heard Noah’s warnings.
They probably joked about him.
Talked about how crazy he looked building that ark.
But paying attention was not enough.
They did not obey.
And the flood came.
Adam and Eve
Perhaps the most familiar example is Adam and Eve.
In Genesis 3, the serpent questioned God’s command.
Adam and Eve knew what God had said.
They heard the instruction.
They understood the warning.
But they did not obey.
And sin entered the world.
The consequences affected not just them — but all of humanity.
They paid attention to God’s command.
But they failed to obey it.
And that is the difference.
We must do more than hear God’s Word.
We must respond to it.
We must obey it.
That is why paying attention matters.
Because we never truly know whose life we are influencing — for good or for bad — until the impact unfolds.
Your obedience could point someone toward Christ.
Your disobedience could become a stumbling block.
So let us pay attention to what God is saying.
Let us listen carefully.
And let us do more than hear.
Let us obey.

What Would Jesus Delete?

Our world lives through a screen.
We wake up to notifications, scroll through updates, answer messages, watch videos, listen to playlists, and carry an entire digital world in our pockets. Phones aren’t just tools anymore — they often shape our thoughts, moods, priorities, and even our hearts.
That is what makes this question so powerful:
What would Jesus delete?
Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Imagine this for a moment.
Jesus walks into your house. He smiles, sits down beside you, and you hand Him your phone.
He scrolls a little.
He opens a few apps.
Maybe He checks your pages, your playlists, your group chats, your screen time report.
And suddenly you’re thinking, “Lord… please don’t scroll too far.”
Be honest.
If Jesus looked through your phone, what would He see?
Would He see peace, purpose, truth, and love?
Or would He see stress, comparison, distraction, and noise?

We often ask, “What would Jesus do?”
But maybe today we need to ask a different question:
What would Jesus delete?
Because our phones often reveal what fills our hearts.
The music we play.
The accounts we follow.
The content we consume.
The conversations we entertain.
All of it says something about what is shaping our minds.
Now, don’t misunderstand — phones are not evil. Social media is not automatically bad. Technology can be used in powerful ways for God’s glory.
But if we are not careful, what lives in our phones can begin to shape what lives in our hearts.
So what might Jesus delete?
1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
Jesus scrolls through your apps.
Instagram.
TikTok.
Snapchat.
YouTube.
Games.
Group chats.
And maybe He says:
“This one is stealing your focus.”
“That one is disturbing your peace.”
“That one is pulling you away from Me.”
Not because He is trying to ruin your fun.
Because He is trying to protect your heart.
Maybe He deletes the comparison app.
The one that constantly makes you measure your life against everyone else’s highlight reel.
You scroll…and suddenly everyone seems prettier, happier, more successful, more confident, and more fulfilled than you.
Comparison kills contentment.
You cannot enjoy your blessings while constantly staring at someone else’s.
Jesus wouldn’t delete that because He is angry.
He would delete it because you are already loved, chosen, and valuable.
Maybe He deletes the junk feed.
You know the one.
You start with a funny video…
Then drama…
Then gossip…
Then content that slowly pulls your mind into anxiety, temptation, anger, or distraction.
Thirty minutes later you’re in a completely different emotional and spiritual place.
Why?
Because what you consistently feed your mind will eventually shape your heart.
Jesus would protect your peace.
Maybe He deletes the time thief.
The endless scrolling.
The late-night rabbit hole.
The “just five more minutes” that turns into an hour.
Not because rest, entertainment, or hobbies are wrong.
But because distraction has stolen your time with God, your rest, your joy, and your relationships.
Sometimes Jesus doesn’t want to take something from you.
He wants to give something back to you.
Your time.
Your peace.
Your purpose.
And what about your playlist?
Would Jesus vibe with your soundtrack?
Music is powerful.
It shapes our mood, influences our thoughts, and often becomes the soundtrack of our thinking.
Not all music is bad.
Jesus probably wouldn’t delete every song.
But He would likely ask:
“Is what you listen to feeding your spirit…or starving it?”
Because what plays repeatedly in your ears often settles deeply into your heart.
What about the drama?
Jesus opens the group chats.
The DMs.
The comment sections.
Would He find encouragement…or constant conflict?
Negativity?
Gossip?
Arguments?
Jesus was about peace.
He knew how to disconnect from unnecessary noise so He could stay connected to what mattered most — His relationship with the Father.
Sometimes peace doesn’t come from deleting people.
Sometimes peace comes from muting the noise.
You don’t have to enter every argument.
You don’t have to respond to every comment.
You don’t have to read every rumor.
You can let some things go.
But there is one connection Jesus would absolutely want to keep strong.
John 15:4 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
If Jesus had a phone, His favorite app would probably be the Bible.
Not because He needed it.
Because He loved staying connected to the Father.
We stay plugged into our phones all day long, but often forget to plug into God.
We refresh social media constantly.
But when was the last time we refreshed our relationship with Him?
Prayer.
Scripture.
Worship.
Time alone with God.
That connection changes everything.
Here’s the truth.
When a phone gets overloaded with junk, it starts glitching.
Sometimes it needs a reset.
That’s exactly what Jesus offers.
Not punishment.
A fresh start.
He isn’t standing over you saying, “Why do you still have that app?”
He is saying,
“Let Me make space for peace, joy, purpose, and freedom again.”
If Jesus looked through your phone, He would not be searching for reasons to reject you.
He would be determined to help you become who you were created to be.
Maybe the real question is not:
“What would Jesus delete?”
Maybe the question is:
“What am I still holding onto that Jesus wants me to surrender?”
Because when you hand your life to Jesus, He doesn’t scroll through your mistakes.
He restores.
He renews.
He transforms.
He does not delete your personality, your joy, or your identity.
He removes the things that are stealing your peace, your focus, and your purpose.
And when He does, you will discover that what He gives back is far better than anything you gave up.
So maybe today it is time to look honestly at your phone…
…and ask yourself:
What would Jesus delete?

Taking Your Family Home
Text: Genesis 7:1
“And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark.”
This is the fifth and final message in our “Family Under Fire” series. Throughout this month, we have talked about the success, survival, and spiritual health of the family. We discussed holding the line at home, having a burden for the family, the power of our words, and the value of God’s design for the home.
But today, I want to focus on one final thought: Taking Your Family Home.
My goal in this series has not simply been for families to spend more time together, schedule more date nights, or reduce conflict in the home — though all of those things matter. The ultimate goal is far greater than that.
The goal is to make sure our families make it safely to their heavenly home.
Noah’s story is the story of a man who got his family safely into the ark before judgment fell. How did he do it?

Noah Saw the Danger Before Others Did
Genesis 6 describes a world filled with wickedness. The thoughts of mankind were continually evil, yet people carried on with life as usual. They were eating, drinking, marrying, and ignoring God’s warning.
But Noah saw what others refused to see.
Parents, we must learn to see dangers our children cannot yet recognize. We must ask God to help us see what’s down the road before our families arrive there.
We live in a world that assumes everyone goes to heaven. People can reject Christ, ignore God, and live without repentance, yet somehow we comfort ourselves by believing eternity will work itself out.
Scripture does not teach that.
Noah understood judgment was real. He saw the danger before everyone else did.

Noah Built With His Family In Mind
Hebrews 11:7 says Noah, “being warned of God of things not seen as yet,” prepared an ark “to the saving of his house.”
Why did Noah build that massive ark?
Not for fame.
Not for recognition.
Not to make history.
He built it for his wife, his sons, and their wives.
Every board, every tree cut down, every day of labor had one purpose: the saving of his family.
People thought Noah was foolish. Rain had never fallen before. A giant boat in the middle of dry land seemed ridiculous.
But Noah obeyed anyway.
Today, families that prioritize God will often look strange to the world.
Going to church faithfully.
Praying with your children.
Reading Scripture at home.
Living by biblical convictions.
The world may say that’s extreme.
But Noah teaches us something powerful: protecting your family matters more than pleasing the crowd.

Noah Prepared Before The Judgment Came
God gave Noah instructions long before the rain ever fell.
Build the ark.
Gather the family.
Prepare for what is coming.
And Noah obeyed before judgment arrived.
That matters.
Too many families wait until crisis strikes before turning toward God.
We wait until the marriage struggles.
Until addiction enters the home.
Until hearts grow cold.
Until children drift away.
Then suddenly we want to build.
But Noah built before the storm.
We must do the same.
Don’t squander the precious years God has given you with your children and grandchildren. Build a home of refuge, truth, prayer, and spiritual safety now.
The time to build is before the rain.

God Wants Your Family In His Home
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire has been for His family to come home.
Sin destroyed Eden.
Sin broke marriages.
Sin shattered families.
Cain murdered Abel.
Humanity has always had the same problem: sin wrecks what God created.
But Jesus made a way home.
In John 14, He said:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”
Home is where you want to be after a hard day.
Home is comfort.
Home is rest.
Home is peace.
Jesus said He is preparing a place where sin cannot destroy, death cannot enter, and sorrow cannot survive.
And God wants your family there.
The question is this:
Are we getting serious about helping our families get on the ark?
We know more theology than ever before.
We have Bibles, sermons, books, music, and endless resources.
Yet many are still delaying obedience.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Assuming there will always be time.
There may not be.

The Door Will Not Stay Open Forever
Genesis 7:16 says, “And the Lord shut him in.”
Notice carefully — Noah did not close the door.
God did.
For Noah and his family, that was security.
For everyone outside, it was tragedy.
The opportunity had ended.
Noah surely had friends who laughed at him before the rain fell. But once judgment arrived, belief came too late.
The door had been closed.
One day, opportunity will end for every person.
The invitation of grace will not remain open forever.
That is why the time to respond is now.
Build your testimony now.
Train your children now.
Teach them about God now.
Lead your family now.
Because someday, the opportunity will be gone.
Is Your Family Ready For Heaven?
That is the question before us.
Dad, are you ready?
Mom, are you ready?
Young person, are you certain?
Not because everyone else made a decision.
Not because you grew up around church.
But because you know Christ personally.
Life is fragile.
We are more vulnerable than we like to admit.
One day our time here will end.
The ultimate goal is not merely raising successful children or building comfortable lives.
The ultimate goal is taking our family home.
Nothing matters more than that.
Build the boat.
Protect your family.
Point them to Christ.
And don’t miss heaven.

This is a Study Guide for the series Family Under Fire: These sermons originated from the pulpit of West End Baptist Church in Social Circle Ga, Pastor Craig Hudgins.

Small Group Guide: Holding the Line at Home
Based on Joshua 24:15 - "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"

Opening Prayer
Begin your group time by asking God to give wisdom, conviction, and courage as you discuss what it means to hold the line for your families in today's world.

Share one family tradition or value from your childhood that has stuck with you into adulthood. Why was it meaningful?

Key Scripture
Joshua 24:15 - "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Sermon Summary
The message emphasized that families today are under unprecedented attack—not always through obvious wickedness, but through busyness, distraction, and cultural pressure. Joshua's declaration came at a crossroads moment, and we too must make clear decisions about who our families will serve. The pressure we face demands a decision, reveals what we truly serve, and requires someone to hold the line.

Discussion Questions
Section 1: The Pressure Demands a Decision

1. The sermon stated, "The road is full of dead squirrels who could not make a decision." What does this mean in the context of family leadership? What happens when we refuse to make clear decisions about our family's spiritual direction?
2. What are some of the "good things" that Satan uses to fill our calendars and distract us from God and family? How have you experienced this in your own life?
3. The pastor said, "It can't be both" when referring to serving God and serving ourselves. Why is it impossible to truly serve both? What does compromise look like in family spiritual leadership?

Section 2: The Pressure Reveals Who We Are Serving

1. Joshua could have said "what you will serve" but instead said "whom you will serve." Why is this distinction important? Who are the different "persons" we might be serving instead of God?
2. The sermon mentioned that pressure reveals our priorities and weaknesses. Can you share a time when difficulty revealed something about your spiritual life—either positive or negative?
3. Discuss this statement: "Don't you let what happens in a moment become your identity." How can we prevent temporary crises from permanently changing our commitment to God?

Section 3: The Pressure Requires Someone to Hold the Line

1. What does it mean practically to "hold the line" in your home? What specific lines need to be drawn in today's culture?
2. The pastor listed several things that "still matter": where we go, what we wear, what we participate in, our language, our habits, and our faithfulness. Which of these do you find most challenging to maintain in your family? Why?
3. Joshua was giving his farewell speech, knowing leadership would soon change. What message do you want to leave with your children or family members about serving God? Have you communicated this clearly?

Key Takeaways

1. Families are under attack through busyness, not just badness. Satan doesn't always tempt us with obvious sin; he fills our lives with good activities that crowd out God.
2. Pressure reveals what's really inside us. Hard times show who we truly serve and what our real priorities are.
3. Someone must hold the line. Every family needs a Joshua who will declare, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
4. Living for God as a family still matters. Faithfulness, church attendance, godly examples, and spiritual priorities are not outdated—they're essential.
5. Forgiveness and humility strengthen families. Being willing to apologize and ask forgiveness models Christ and builds respect.

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge
Choose ONE of the following to implement this week:
Option 1: Family Prayer Time

• Establish a daily prayer time with your family (mealtime, bedtime, or morning)
• Pray specifically for each family member by name
• Make God visible in everyday moments

Option 2: Draw a Line

• Identify one area where your family schedule or activities have compromised your spiritual priorities
• Have a family conversation about making a change
• Communicate clearly: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"

Option 3: Prioritize Church

• Evaluate your family's church attendance and involvement
• Commit to consistent attendance for the next month
• Find one way to serve together as a family in your church

Option 4: Have "The Conversation"

• If you have children old enough to understand, have a conversation about their relationship with God
• Ask: "Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?"
• Share your own testimony and your desire to see them in heaven

Option 5: Practice Forgiveness

• If you've made mistakes as a parent or family member, apologize this week
• Model humility and the need for forgiveness
• Reset the tone in your home

Personal Reflection Questions
(For individual journaling or silent reflection)

1. What would my family say is most important to me based on how I spend my time?
2. Am I confident in my children's/family members' relationship with God? What evidence do I see?
3. What line do I need to draw this week to protect my family's spiritual health?
4. Where have I been passive when I should have been decisive about my family's spiritual direction?
5. What will my children remember most about my faith when I'm gone?

Scripture for Further Study

• Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching children diligently
• Proverbs 22:6 - Training up a child
• Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers bringing up children in the Lord
• Psalm 78:1-8 - Telling the next generation
• 2 Timothy 1:5 - Sincere faith passed down through generations

Closing Prayer Points
Pray together for:

• Wisdom to make clear decisions about your family's spiritual direction
• Courage to hold the line even when it's unpopular
• Protection over your families from the enemy's attacks
• Salvation for family members who don't know Christ
• Strength to prioritize God when life gets busy
• Grace to forgive and be forgiven within your families

Before Next Week

• Share with the group one specific way you held the line this week
• Be prepared to discuss challenges you faced in implementing your chosen application
• Pray daily for the families in your small group

Remember: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" is both a declaration and a decision. It requires intentionality, courage, and daily commitment. You cannot control everything, but you can control your own faithfulness and example.

Small Group Guide: The Burden for the Home
Family Under Fire Series - Week 2


Sermon Review
Main Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:27 - "For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him."
Key Points:

1. Hannah's burden was her responsibility
2. Her burden caused her to pray
3. Her burden became her mission
4. Her burden produced a prophet

Discussion Questions
Section 1: Personal Responsibility
Read 1 Samuel 1:10-11

1. Hannah's burden for a child was deeply personal. How does having a personal burden for our children differ from simply going through the motions of parenting?
2. The pastor said, "Let's stop sacrificing their tomorrows on the altar of today." What does this statement mean to you? Can you think of examples where parents might do this?
3. Why do you think parents sometimes try to outsource their spiritual responsibility to teachers, schools, or other organizations? What are the dangers of this approach?

Section 2: The Power of Prayer
Read 1 Samuel 1:12-16

1. Hannah prayed so intensely that Eli thought she was drunk. When was the last time you prayed with that kind of desperation for your children or family members?
2. The sermon listed several reasons to pray for children in 2026 (sex trafficking, pornography, mental health, etc.). Which of these concerns you most? How can prayer make a difference?
3. "God can be where we are not." How does this truth encourage you as a parent or family member?

Section 3: Mission and Purpose
Read 1 Samuel 1:27-28

1. Hannah gave her answered prayer back to God. What does it look like practically to "lend" our children to the Lord?
2. The pastor said we worry more about what others think of our kids than what God wants to do with them. Have you experienced this tension? How can we shift our focus?
3. How can we balance encouraging our children's talents and interests while also prioritizing their spiritual development?

Section 4: Producing the Next Generation
Read 1 Samuel 3:20

1. Hannah's private burden blessed Israel publicly through Samuel. How does this challenge our view of parenting as just a private family matter?
2. What legacy are you creating for the next generation? If you're a first-generation Christian, what unique responsibility do you carry?
3. For those without children: How can you carry a burden for the next generation in your church or community?

Key Takeaways
Have group members share which of these truths resonated most with them:

• Families need time together - Being in church is important, but so is quality family time
• The burden must be personal - We are responsible for raising our children in the Lord
• Prayer changes things - Consistent, desperate prayer for our families matters
• God has a plan - Our children have potential for God's kingdom work
• Legacy matters - What we do privately affects the next generation publicly

Practical Applications 
This Week's Challenge:
Choose at least two of the following to implement this week:
For Parents:

• [ ] Schedule 30 minutes of uninterrupted family time (no phones, no TV)
• [ ] Write out a specific prayer for each of your children and pray it daily
• [ ] Have a conversation with your child about their relationship with God
• [ ] Identify one area where you've been trying to "fix" your child instead of praying for them

For Everyone:

• [ ] Pray daily for the children/youth in your church by name
• [ ] Thank your mother (or mother figure) for specific spiritual investments she made
• [ ] Examine your own walk with Christ - "You can never lead where you've never been"
• [ ] Identify one young person you can mentor or encourage this week

Accountability Question: Who in this group can you share your commitment with and ask to check in with you next week?

Prayer Time
Prayer Focus:

1. Thanksgiving - Thank God for godly mothers and their influence
2. Confession - Confess areas where we've neglected our spiritual responsibility to family
3. Intercession - Pray specifically for:
4. 
   
   • Salvation of unsaved family members
   • Protection over children and grandchildren
   • Parents to carry a greater burden for their families
   • First-generation Christians to establish godly legacies
   • The next generation of spiritual leaders
5. Commitment - Pray for strength to follow through on this week's practical applications

Closing Thought
"The answer to Hannah's prayer and the focus of her burden became the man that the nation needed."
Question to ponder: What if your faithful prayers and burden for your family produced exactly what this generation needs?

For Next Week

• Continue praying for your family daily
• Be prepared to share one way you saw God work through your burden this week
• Read Joshua 24 in preparation for next week's discussion

Small Group Guide: Words in the Home
Family Under Fire Series - Week 3

Share a time when someone's encouraging words made a significant positive impact on your day or life. How did it make you feel?

Key Scripture
Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
Supporting Scriptures:

• James 3:3-8
• James 1:19
• Ephesians 4:29
• Colossians 4:6

Sermon Summary
Pastor Hudgens addressed how our words have the power to either build up or tear down our families. The sermon emphasized that while families face external attacks, often the most damaging fire comes from within—through the words we speak to one another. Our tongue carries the power of life and death, and what we say in our homes has lasting consequences that can either bring healing and stability or cause lasting damage.

Discussion Questions
Part 1: Words Will Build or Break Our Homes

1. The Power of the Tongue: Pastor Hudgens said, "I can speak life, you look great today. Or I can speak death, you're wearing that." What are some everyday examples of speaking life versus speaking death in your home?
2. Church, School, and Work: How can the principle of speaking life apply beyond our homes—in our churches, schools, and workplaces? Share an example of where you've seen this principle at work.
3. Self-Reflection: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the "life-giving" quality of your words at home this past week? What influenced your rating?

Part 2: Words Can Do Lasting Damage

1. Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak: James 1:19 tells us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Why do we often get this order backwards? What practical steps can help us listen more and react less?
2. Shame Never Brings Change: Pastor Hudgens shared James Dobson's statement: "Shame never brings change." Discuss a time when criticism or embarrassment failed to produce positive change. What approach might have worked better?
3. The Coaching Example: Reflect on the story about the father yelling at his son during the baseball game. Have you witnessed similar situations? How can we correct or coach our children without causing lasting damage?
4. Generational Impact: How do hurtful words spoken in one generation affect the next? Have you seen this pattern in your own family or others?

Part 3: Godly Words Give Healing and Stability

1. Pleasant Words: Proverbs 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones." What are some specific "pleasant words" your family members need to hear from you?
2. Coming Home: Pastor Hudgens talked about spouses needing healing words after difficult days at work. How can you create an atmosphere of healing and encouragement when family members come home?
3. The Blue-Eyed Experiment: What did Jane Elliott's 1968 classroom experiment teach us about the power of our words? How does this apply to how we speak to our children?
4. Grace-Seasoned Speech: Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt." What does it mean to have grace-seasoned speech in practical, daily situations?

Key Takeaways

1. Our words carry the power of life and death - Every conversation is an opportunity to build up or tear down.
2. We eat the fruit of what we speak - Whether we speak life or death, we will experience the consequences in our relationships and homes.
3. Lasting damage comes from careless words - Hurtful words spoken in a moment can impact someone for years.
4. What we tell our family is what they will believe - Our words shape our children's self-image and future.
5. Christ in the heart changes words in the mouth - Transformation begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge: Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: The 5:1 Ratio For every one corrective or critical statement you need to make at home, commit to giving five encouraging or affirming statements first. Keep track and share your experience with the group next week.
Option 2: The Evening Blessing Each evening before bed, speak a specific blessing or encouragement over each family member. Make it personal and meaningful.
Option 3: The Apology Project If the Holy Spirit brought to mind hurtful words you've spoken (like Pastor Hudgens' "maternity shirt" comment), make it right this week. Apologize specifically and ask for forgiveness.
Option 4: The Word Fast Identify one negative phrase or type of comment you frequently make ("I'm so stupid," "You never listen," "Here we go again," etc.) and fast from saying it for one week. Replace it with a life-giving alternative.
Option 5: The Encouragement Note Write a heartfelt note to each family member expressing what you appreciate about them and the positive qualities you see in them. Be specific.

Personal Reflection Questions
(Take 5-10 minutes for individual reflection before sharing)

1. What specific words or phrases do I need to stop saying in my home?
2. Who in my family needs to hear words of life from me most right now?
3. What hurtful words from my past do I need to forgive and release?
4. How would my home be different if I spoke life consistently for the next 30 days?
5. Is Christ truly in my heart, affecting what comes out of my mouth?

Prayer Focus
Group Prayer Time:

• Pray for forgiveness for words that have caused damage
• Pray for wisdom to speak life-giving words
• Pray for healing in relationships damaged by hurtful speech
• Pray for Christ to transform hearts, which will transform mouths
• Pray for specific family members who need encouragement
• Pray for strength to hold the line in your home and speak according to godly standards

For Next Week
Preparation:

• Continue the "Family Under Fire" series
• Practice your chosen application challenge daily
• Journal about your experiences with speaking life
• Memorize Proverbs 18:21

Accountability Partner: Share your phone number with one person in the group and commit to checking in mid-week about your practical application challenge.

Closing Thought
"If Christ is not in your home, if Christ is not in your heart, He won't be in your mouth. What comes out of the mouth? The Bible says, out of the mouth the heart speaketh. What's in our heart is what comes out of our mouth."
Final Question: What is one specific change you will make this week in the words you speak at home?

Additional Resources

• Recommended Reading: "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian
• Scripture Memory Cards: Create cards with the key verses from this lesson to review daily

Remember: The goal is not perfection but progress. Be patient with yourself and your family members as you all grow in speaking life-giving words.
Small Group Guide: The Value of the Home
Family Under Fire Series - Week 4

What's your favorite memory of spending time together as a family growing up? What made it special?

Key Scripture References

• Genesis 2:18-25
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• Ephesians 5:22-25
• Ephesians 6:1-4

Main Takeaways
1. The Home Was Created for Companionship
God said, "It is not good that man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). We were designed for relationship and connection within our homes.
2. The Home Is for Spiritual Growth
The home should be the child's first classroom for learning about God, prayer, worship, forgiveness, and character.
3. The Home Should Be a Picture of Christ
The family unit reflects Christ's relationship with the church - husbands model Christ's sacrificial love, wives complement and complete, children honor and obey.

Discussion Questions
Section 1: Companionship in the Home

1. The sermon mentioned we live in a "microwavable, disposable society." How have you seen this mindset affect modern families?
2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the quality of companionship in your home? What contributes to that rating?
3. The pastor said, "We're so busy, we don't ever see each other." What activities or commitments are crowding out family time in your household?
4. Practical Challenge: What is one specific way you could increase meaningful companionship in your home this week? (Examples: family dinner, date night, bedtime conversations)

Section 2: Spiritual Growth at Home

1. The sermon stated, "Sunday school teachers are not your replacement—they're just an echo of what you're already doing at home." How does this statement challenge or encourage you?
2. What spiritual practices (prayer, Bible reading, worship, etc.) are currently happening in your home? What would you like to add?
3. For parents: What are some barriers that keep you from leading spiritual growth in your home? How can this group help you overcome them?
4. For singles/those without children: How can you invest spiritually in the next generation (nieces, nephews, church kids, etc.)?

Section 3: The Home as a Picture of Christ

1. Read Ephesians 5:22-25. How does viewing marriage as a picture of Christ and the church change the way we approach our roles?
2. For husbands: The sermon emphasized sacrificial love like Christ showed the church. What does that look like practically in your home?
3. For wives: The concept of "completing" your husband was discussed. How is this different from simply submitting to his ideas?
4. For children/teens: What makes it easier or harder to honor and obey your parents? How can parents create an environment where respect flows naturally?

Personal Reflection
Take a few moments of silence for each person to reflect:

• What is one area where my home life doesn't match God's design?
• What is one specific change I need to make this week?
• Who can I ask for wisdom or accountability in strengthening my home?

Practical Applications
This Week's Action Steps:
Choose at least ONE to implement:

1. Schedule a family meal where everyone sits together without devices and has real conversation. Parents: prepare 3-5 questions to ask your kids.
2. Start a family devotion time - even 5-10 minutes of reading Scripture and praying together. (Resources: One Year Family Devotions, Jesus Calling for Families)
3. Husbands: Plan a date night with your wife. Ask her questions about her day, her dreams, her concerns.
4. Wives: Affirm your husband this week for one way he's leading the family spiritually or sacrificing for the family.
5. Parents: Have a one-on-one conversation with each child about their spiritual life, friends, and struggles.
6. Singles: Reach out to an older couple in the church and ask them for wisdom about building a godly home.
7. Evaluate your schedule - What one activity could you eliminate or reduce to create more family time?
8. Children/Teens: Do something this week to honor your parents without being asked (chores, kind words, time together).

Accountability Questions
Share with one other person in your group:

1. What is one specific commitment you're making this week?
2. How can this group pray for your family?
3. Can I check in with you next week about how it went?

Closing Discussion
The sermon mentioned that families who prioritize spiritual growth and companionship sometimes "look like they've got the plague" because it's so countercultural.

• Have you ever felt judged for prioritizing family time over activities?
• How can we encourage each other to swim against the cultural current?
• What would it look like for our church families to model biblical homes to our community?

Prayer Time
Break into smaller groups (2-4 people) and pray specifically for:

• Marriages in the group - for unity, sacrificial love, and companionship
• Parents - for wisdom, patience, and spiritual leadership
• Children - for hearts that honor parents and hunger for God
• Singles - for godly preparation for future families or contentment in singleness
• Struggling families - for healing, restoration, and breakthrough
• Protection - that Satan's attacks on families would be defeated

For Next Week

• Review the entire "Family Under Fire" series
• Consider what changes God has called you to make
• Be prepared to share one testimony of how God has worked in your family this month

Additional Resources

• Books: "The Meaning of Marriage" by Tim Keller, "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas
• For Parents: "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp
• Marriage: Consider attending a marriage conference or retreat
• Counseling: If your family is in crisis, reach out to church leadership about Christian counseling resources

Leader Notes

• Be sensitive that some in your group may come from broken homes or difficult family situations
• Emphasize God's grace and the possibility of breaking negative cycles
• Encourage those without traditional families that these principles apply to their spheres of influence
• Create a safe space where people can be honest about struggles without judgment
• Follow up during the week with anyone who shared something vulnerable

Family Under Fire: Taking Your Family Home
Small Group Guide

Question: Share a favorite family memory from your childhood. What made it special?

Sermon Overview
This final message in the "Family Under Fire" series focuses on the ultimate goal: ensuring our entire family makes it safely to our heavenly home. Using Noah's story from Genesis 7:1, we're reminded that building spiritual protection for our families requires intentionality, urgency, and obedience to God's Word.

Key Takeaways

1. Noah saw the danger before others did - We must be spiritually alert to threats our families cannot yet see
2. Noah built an ark with his family in mind - Everything we do should have our family's salvation as the goal
3. Noah prepared the ark before the judgment came - We cannot wait until crisis hits to build spiritual foundations
4. God wants your family to come to His home - Heaven is the ultimate destination we're preparing for
5. The door will not stay open forever - There is urgency in making sure our families know Christ

Discussion Questions
Section 1: Seeing the Danger
Read Genesis 6:5

1. What are some spiritual dangers facing families today that many people don't recognize or take seriously?
2. The pastor mentioned that Noah "saw what God saw." How can we develop spiritual discernment to see what threatens our families?
3. Have you ever been concerned about something your children couldn't see coming? How did you handle it?

Section 2: Building With Purpose
Read Hebrews 11:7

1. Noah built the ark "to the saving of his house." What does it look like practically to build spiritual protection for your family today?
2. People thought Noah was extreme and crazy. Have you ever felt judged for your commitment to raising your family in God's ways? How did you respond?
3. The pastor said, "With every nail he drove, he said 'it's for my family.'" What daily actions can you take with that same intentionality?

Section 3: The Urgency of Now
Read Genesis 6:22

1. The pastor challenged us not to wait until crisis comes to build spiritual foundations. What are some ways we "squander time" with our families spiritually?
2. He mentioned the difference between being with grandchildren versus children - having more perspective on what matters. What would you do differently if you could go back to when your children were young? (Or what are you learning now while they're still home?)
3. "Don't wait until addiction and trouble fall on their lives like rain before we start to build." How does this statement challenge you?

Section 4: Heaven is the Goal
Read John 14:1-3

1. How does keeping an eternal perspective change the way we make decisions for our families?
2. The pastor asked: "Is your family ready for heaven?" How would you honestly answer that question about each member of your household?
3. What barriers keep us from talking about heaven and salvation with our families?

Section 5: The Closing Door
Read Genesis 7:16

1. "God shut the door" - what does this teach us about the finality of choices regarding salvation?
2. The pastor said some families are "waiting, hoping, wishing" instead of "obeying." What's the difference in how this plays out practically?

Personal Reflection (5 minutes)
Take a moment of silent reflection:

• Am I personally ready for heaven?
• Is each member of my family ready?
• What is one specific action I need to take this week?

Practical Applications
This Week:
Choose at least TWO of the following to implement:

1. Have a salvation conversation - Talk with each family member individually about where they stand with Christ. Don't assume.
2. Create a family altar time - Establish a regular time (even 10 minutes) for family Bible reading and prayer.
3. Eliminate one distraction - Remove one thing that's stealing time from spiritual investment in your family (excessive TV, phone time, activity, etc.).
4. Write a letter - Write each family member a letter expressing your desire to see them in heaven and what Christ means to you.
5. Attend together - Commit to not missing church services as a family. Make it the priority.
6. Pray specifically - Create a prayer list with each family member's name and specific spiritual needs. Pray daily.
7. Share your testimony - Tell your children or grandchildren your salvation story this week.

This Month:

• Schedule a family meeting to discuss spiritual goals for your household
• Start a family devotional plan
• Identify one family tradition you can start that points to Christ
• Reach out to extended family members who may not know Christ

Accountability Questions
For next week's meeting:

1. Did you complete the actions you committed to?
2. What conversations did you have with family members about their salvation?
3. What obstacles did you encounter?
4. How can this group pray for your family specifically?

Closing Prayer Prompts
Pray together for:

• Salvation for any unsaved family members (by name)
• Wisdom to see spiritual dangers before they arrive
• Courage to build "an ark" even when others think we're extreme
• Urgency to act now, not waiting for crisis
• Open doors for gospel conversations with our families
• Protection over our children and grandchildren
• Boldness to prioritize heaven over earthly comfort

Memory Verse
Genesis 7:1 - "And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark."

Additional Resources

• Consider reading together: "The Family Shepherd" by Voddie Baucham or "Parenting" by Paul David Tripp
• Discuss implementing a family worship plan
• Share resources for age-appropriate family devotionals

Leader Notes

• Be sensitive to those who have unsaved family members - this can be painful
• Create space for emotional responses - this topic touches deep places
• Emphasize grace alongside urgency - we cannot save our families, but we can faithfully point them to Christ
• Be prepared to pray with individuals after the meeting
• Have resources available for those who want to know more about assurance of salvation

"The ultimate goal is to take our family home. What's more important than that?"

The Value of the Home
Text: Genesis 2:18–25
We have spent several weeks in our Family Under Fire series discussing the battles families face today. We have talked about holding the line at home, having a burden for the family, and what we say in our homes. This week, I want us to consider the value of the home.
We live in a world where everything is quick, disposable, and easy to replace. If something breaks, we buy another one. If something is inconvenient, we move on. Sadly, that mindset has crept into our homes and relationships.
But from the very beginning, God designed the home to be something valuable.
In Genesis 2, before government, before institutions, before anything else, God established the home. The home was God’s idea, and because it was God’s idea, Satan wants to destroy it.

The Home Was Created for Companionship
Genesis 2:18 says:

“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

God created people to relate to people. Adam had fellowship with God, but God still said, “It is not good that the man should be alone.”
Our homes should be places of companionship.
We are living in a generation where families are often in the same house but a million miles apart. Different rooms. Different devices. Different schedules. We pass one another more than we actually spend time together.
But companionship matters.
Protect the dinner table. Make time for conversations. Ask questions. Laugh together. Spend time together.
Husbands and wives need companionship. Families need companionship. Children need your presence more than another activity on the calendar.
One day, we will never regret the time we spent together, but we may regret the conversations we never had.

The Home Should Be a Place of Spiritual Growth
Deuteronomy 6 reminds us that the Word of God should be spoken:

“when thou sittest in thine house… when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

The home was never meant to be spiritually empty.
Parents, the church is your partner, not your replacement.
Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, and children’s workers can reinforce truth, but spiritual growth begins at home.
Children should learn prayer in the home. They should learn worship in the home. They should learn forgiveness, Bible truth, and Christian character in the home.
Our homes have become so busy that many families barely have time for fellowship, much less spiritual investment.
But if we want strong Christian families, somebody has to slow down enough to open the Bible, pray together, and intentionally pour truth into the next generation.

The Home Should Be a Picture of Christ
Ephesians 5 gives us one of the clearest pictures of the family in Scripture.
The relationship between a husband and wife is compared to Christ and His church.
Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church — sacrificially, lovingly, and faithfully.
Men, our homes should not be ruled by pride, harshness, or selfishness. Christ did not lead by bullying; He led by love.
Wives are called to walk alongside their husbands as helpers and partners in God’s design. God created Eve not as decoration, but as a helpmeet — someone who would complete and strengthen what Adam could not do alone.
Healthy homes are built when husbands and wives walk with God, work together, and reflect Christ through their relationship.
Then Ephesians 6 turns to children:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”

Children thrive where there is companionship, spiritual leadership, and godly example.
No home is perfect. Every family has struggles. But with God’s help, our homes can reflect His design.

Final Thoughts
Our families are under fire.
Many homes look strong on the outside but are struggling behind closed doors. The enemy would love nothing more than to divide marriages, weaken parents, and disconnect families.
But God has given us something valuable.
Your spouse is valuable.
Your children are valuable.
Your family is valuable.
Let’s not treat God’s design as disposable.
Let us determine, like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
That means investing in companionship, prioritizing spiritual growth, and building homes that reflect Christ.
God is faithful. And with His help, we can build homes that honor Him.

Living By Faith
Habakkuk 2:4
This is the third sermon in our series from the book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament. If we were to summarize the book of Habakkuk with one word, it might be waiting.
The longer Habakkuk waits, the heavier the pressure becomes. The direction gets blurry. He finds himself at the end of his rope. He wants God’s will, but this time trusting God does not feel exciting—it feels difficult.
In week one, we discussed questioning God. Habakkuk asked why God would allow Babylon to rise to power. The sermon was titled When Life Doesn’t Make Sense.
Last week, we discussed that God is at work even when we do not see Him at work. Just because we cannot see God moving does not mean God is not working.
This week, I want to focus on the principle God gave Habakkuk in the middle of his struggle.

“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” — Habakkuk 2:4

Faith Is Rarely Understood
God said, “The just shall live by faith.”
That is a wonderful statement. We ought to write it down, frame it, and hang it in our homes. But what does it really mean?
Habakkuk wanted God to give him answers, but instead, God gave him faith.
How many times in life have we sought answers from God, only to discover that God was teaching us something deeper along the way?

I am reminded of the movie The Karate Kid. Daniel wanted to learn karate so he could defend himself. Mr. Miyagi agreed to teach him—but first Daniel had to paint a fence. Day after day, he painted. Then Mr. Miyagi told him to wax all the cars: “Wax on, wax off.”
Eventually Daniel became frustrated.
“I came here to learn karate, not work for you!”
But then Mr. Miyagi threw a punch, and Daniel instinctively blocked it using the same motion he had learned while painting the fence. A kick came, and Daniel defended himself with the wax on, wax off motion.
Without realizing it, he had been trained all along.

I am not trying to spiritualize The Karate Kid, but that is often how God works.
We ask for answers, and God says, “Let Me teach you something deeper.”
Sometimes that leaves us scratching our heads.
“Why is God doing this?”
“Why is God allowing this?”
The Apostle Paul asked three times for God to remove the thorn in his flesh. Instead of immediately removing it, God replied:

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. Through it all, God never handed him a clear timeline. God never explained the full plan.
Yet in the end Joseph could say:

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” — Genesis 50:20

Naaman had leprosy in 2 Kings 5. Others were healed publicly, but Elisha instructed Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman resisted.
Why not the cleaner rivers of Damascus?
Because to receive his miracle, he had to act by faith, even when it did not make sense.
We all face things in life we do not understand—heartache, disappointment, struggle, despair.
But may we keep walking with God, trusting that one day He will use it all for His greater purpose.

Faith Continues Through Life
God told Habakkuk:

“The just shall live by his faith.”

The key word is live.
God did not say, “Use faith to get over this hurdle.”
He did not say, “Use faith until you get to the next season.”
No—He said faith becomes the pattern, the foundation, and the pillars of the justified life.
I believe many people want to die in faith, but very few people want to live by faith.
This statement, “The just shall live by faith,” appears several times throughout Scripture.

In Romans 1:17, Paul emphasizes justification.

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:17

To be made right with God takes faith.

In Galatians 3:11, Paul emphasizes freedom from the law.

“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” — Galatians 3:11

Stop trusting in works. Trust the God who saves and sets free.

In Hebrews 10:38, the emphasis is endurance.

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” — Hebrews 10:38

You do not have to quit. You do not have to turn back. You can endure life’s problems through faith.

This truth is woven throughout the Bible, but it is also woven throughout our lives—from salvation, to freedom, to perseverance.
Even when it does not all add up, the message remains:
The just shall live by faith.

Faith Is A Personal Choice
Notice one small word in our text:

“The just shall live by his faith.”

Our relationship with God is personal.
We can each say:
“He died for me.”
“He paid my sin debt.”
“He forgave my sins.”
“One day I am going to Heaven.”
Salvation is personal.
But our ongoing faith toward God is personal too.
The just shall live by his faith.
As your pastor, I want to provoke you to good works. I want to push you toward service. I want to see God use you. I want your family to finish well.
But God calls you to exercise faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6

I believe Heaven’s favorite conduit is faith.
We send faith upward, and God sends blessing downward.
Noah obeyed by faith. He built a boat in a desert.
Abraham obeyed by faith. He left home not knowing where he was going.
Moses obeyed by faith. He endured opposition, stood before Pharaoh, and declared, “Let my people go!”
If we are ever going to truly obey God, it will require faith—trusting what God says even when we cannot yet see the end result.
We came to God by faith.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

But strangely, the longer we walk with God, the more tempted we are to drift away from faith and rely only on what we can see and control.
Maybe we have been hurt.
Maybe time feels short.
Maybe we simply want to protect what is ours.
Maybe we are in a season where we just want to play it safe.
Habakkuk had to trust that the rise of the Chaldeans, the struggle of Israel, and the unclear plan of God would somehow work out for good in the end.
He had to exercise his faith toward his God.
God gave rebuke and warning to the wicked.
But to the justified—to the child of God, to the forgiven, redeemed, born-again believer—God says:
“Keep living by faith.”
God did not ask the lost world to live by faith.
Throughout Scripture, He continually challenges His people to live by faith.
And the same challenge remains for us today.
The just shall live by his faith.

WHAT WE SAY IN THE HOME
Family Under Fire Series
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” — Proverbs 18:21
This month we are in a series called Family Under Fire. We are looking at the pressures, attacks, and struggles facing the modern home.
It is no secret that families are under strain. Some are still under the same roof but feel miles apart emotionally and spiritually. Others are experiencing breakdowns, broken relationships, and deep hurt they never expected.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and the enemy works tirelessly to divide what God intended to unite.
In week one, we talked about holding the line at home from Joshua 24:15:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
We asked the question: Who is holding the line in your home?
Last week, we looked at the burden for the home through the life of Hannah. Her burden drove her to prayer and shaped her family’s future.
This week, we turn to a very practical but powerful subject: our words in the home.
Because when there is no line in the home, there are often no limits on speech. Anything gets said. Hurtful words become normal. Criticism becomes common. And what should be a place of refuge becomes a place of damage.
Our text reminds us:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
One of the enemy’s most effective tools against the family is not always obvious attacks — it is our own words.

Words Will Build or Break the Home
The same tongue that speaks life can also speak death.
We can say:
“You did a great job.”
Or we can say:
“You never get anything right.”
We can encourage.
Or we can tear down.
Life produces growth. Death produces decay.
Life brings color. Death brings darkness.
Life moves forward. Death becomes stagnant.
If a home is slowly deteriorating, it is often not because of outside pressure alone — but because of what is being spoken inside it.
James 3 reminds us of the power of the tongue:
“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body…
Behold also the ships… are turned about with a very small helm…
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things…
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” — James 3:3–6, 8
A small tongue can steer the direction of an entire life, home, or marriage.
And once words are spoken, they cannot be retrieved.
Many of us have said things we immediately wished we could pull back — but we cannot.

Words Can Do Lasting Damage
The proverb says:
“…and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
In other words, what we consistently speak becomes what we eventually live in.
If we speak death, we will live in the fruit of death.
If we speak life, we will live in the fruit of life.
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
That principle applies deeply to the home.
What a father speaks over his children often becomes what they believe about themselves.
What a mother speaks into her home often becomes the atmosphere of that home.
James gives us the right order:
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” — James 1:19–20
We often reverse that order. We are quick to speak, quick to react, and slow to listen.
And that leads to damage.
Words spoken in anger, frustration, or embarrassment often leave scars that last far longer than the moment itself.
Shame Never Produces Change
James Dobson once said, “Shame never brings change.”
Criticism may feel satisfying in the moment, but it rarely produces growth.
A child corrected in front of others often doesn’t leave better — they leave broken.
We see it in homes, on ballfields, and in everyday life. Words spoken publicly in anger often produce private discouragement that lingers long after the moment is gone.
Correction has its place — but it must be paired with wisdom, timing, and love.
Because what we say can either build a child’s confidence or crush it.

Godly Words Bring Healing and Stability
The same tongue that wounds can also heal.
Scripture gives us repeated instruction on this:
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…” — Ephesians 4:29
Our words should build up, not tear down.
They should bring grace, not tension.
They should bring healing, not harm.
Many homes are struggling not because of a lack of love — but because love is not being expressed through words.
A husband needs encouragement when he comes home from a hard day.
A wife needs stability, not suspicion or tension.
Children need affirmation, not constant criticism.
Words matter.
They set the atmosphere of the home.
Words Shape Identity
There is power in what we speak over others.
A well-known classroom experiment by Jane Elliott demonstrated how children performed differently depending on what they were told about themselves. Those spoken to as capable began to perform with confidence. Those spoken to as inferior began to struggle.
The lesson is simple: what people hear about themselves affects how they live.
Our children, our spouse, and our family members are constantly being shaped by words — either from us or from somewhere else.
We must be the loudest voice of truth in our homes.
Christ Changes Our Words
Jesus said:
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” — Matthew 12:34
If Christ is in the heart, He will eventually come out in the words.
If Christ is not in the heart, He will not be reflected in the speech.
That is why revival in the home begins with Christ in the heart.
Because when Christ is present, He changes what we say.
And when He changes what we say, He begins to change what we build.

Conclusion
Our homes are under fire. But many times, the fire is not coming from outside — it is coming from within.
It is friendly fire.
It is words spoken in frustration, anger, carelessness, and pride.
But the same mouth that has caused damage can also bring healing.
We can choose life.
We can choose encouragement.
We can choose grace.
Because:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” — Proverbs 18:21
So the question is not whether words are powerful.
The question is: what are we doing with that power in our homes?

God Is at Work
A Study Through the Book of Habakkuk
Main Text
Habakkuk 1:5
This sermon is the second message in our series through the book of Habakkuk. Last week we began studying the burden of the prophet and the trouble of his day. Habakkuk was a man of faith, yet he was filled with questions for God.
“Lord, do You see what is happening?”
“How is this fair?”
“Why are the wicked prospering?”
His faith had been shaken. He was troubled by the condition of the people, troubled by the sin around him, and even troubled in his understanding of God’s ways. Yet through all of it, Habakkuk kept praying.
We learned last week that God answered Habakkuk’s prayer, but the answer was not at all what the prophet expected. Rather than immediately destroying the enemies of Israel, God allowed the Chaldeans—the Babylonians—to rise up in judgment against His own people. They were violent, cruel, and oppressive, and God allowed them to invade the land.
We closed by reminding ourselves of this truth: when God is working, the finished result will always be better than what we could have designed ourselves.
Tonight I want to continue that thought and preach on this subject:
God Is at Work
Sometimes we assume that because we cannot see God moving, He must not be doing anything at all. We do not get updates from Heaven as often as we would like, so we think God is idle. But God gave Habakkuk a verse of hope.
Habakkuk 1:5
“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.”
Habakkuk was asking, “How long?”
“Why aren’t You moving?”
“Why does sin go unpunished?”
And God answered, “I am moving. I am working behind the scenes.”
But then God said something eye-opening: “You would not believe what I am doing even if someone told you.”
Habakkuk expected immediate judgment. He likely expected God to send fire from Heaven and handle the situation quickly. But God was interested in something deeper and longer lasting.

Point 1 — The Generational Work
Notice the wording of verse five:
“For I will work a work in your days…”
God did not say “in a day.”
He said “in your days.”
Habakkuk wanted a quick solution to a long-standing problem. The burden had already weighed on him for some time because he cried, “How long?” Yet God answered in a broader way. It was as if God was saying, “During your lifetime… during your generation… during your ministry… I am working.”
Sometimes God works suddenly, but many times His work is generational.
We must remember that if we are not dead, then God is not done.
There are parents praying for wayward children who want them to come home immediately, but sometimes God allows the road to get longer so the lesson becomes deeper. God may allow someone to discover for themselves that He truly is all they need.
It has often been said: when God is all you have, you realize He is all you need.
Sometimes we are too quick to rescue people from hard circumstances, not realizing that those very circumstances may be what God is using to reveal Himself to them. If people always have someone else to lean on, when will they learn to lean on God?
National repentance and healing in Habakkuk’s day would take time, but God assured him:
“I will work a work in your days.”
There is another lesson here for Christians today.
Too many believers are living in somebody else’s day.
We talk about old revivals. We talk about former glory days. We remember what God used to do in churches, ministries, and meetings. But when was the last time we prayed:
“Lord, I thank You for what You did then, but would You do it again in my day?”
We cannot survive on yesterday’s manna.
The God who moved before can still move today.
If God ever could, He still can.

Point 2 — The Guaranteed Work
Habakkuk 2:1-3
Habakkuk 2:1-3
Habakkuk 2:1-3
“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Habakkuk had complained to God about the wickedness around him. God answered, but the answer was not what Habakkuk wanted. The prophet struggled with it. Yet instead of walking away from God, Habakkuk chose to wait on Him.
He pictured himself as a watchman standing on the wall, faithfully watching and waiting for further instruction.
Even when he did not fully understand God’s ways, he still positioned himself to hear from God.
That is a lesson for us.
Even when life does not make sense…
Even when things are not unfolding according to our preferences…
We must continue to stand our post.
We must not abandon our responsibilities to God, to His work, or to the next generation.
Habakkuk took a teachable posture before the Lord.
He said:
“...what I shall answer when I am reproved.”
Many people know they are wrong but hope God will change His mind to agree with them. Habakkuk instead desired to get right with God.
Sooner or later, God reproves His children because He loves them.
In Habakkuk’s day, God often spoke audibly to prophets. Today, God reproves us through His Word and through the Holy Spirit.
Then God told Habakkuk:
“Write the vision, and make it plain…”
Some commentators say the writing was to be so clear that someone running by could still read it. Others say it was written plainly so that those who read it would be moved to action.
What was the vision?
Judgment was coming upon sin and injustice, including Babylon itself. But amid all the warnings, God gave this foundational truth:
Habakkuk 2:4
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
Habakkuk 2:4
The righteous are not to live by circumstances.
We are not to live by emotions.
We are not to live by preferences.
We are to live by faith.
Faith trusts God when His timing is slow.
Faith trusts God when His methods are unfamiliar.
Faith believes that God’s finished product will be better than anything we could have planned ourselves.
God warned against pride, greed, violence, and idolatry, but He also assured His people that He saw every injustice.
Our plans are often rushed and impatient, and the results are usually shallow. But God is methodical. He works according to His omniscience, His foreknowledge, and His perfect wisdom.
God sees the end from the beginning.

Conclusion
God is working.
Sometimes it may only seem like small movements behind the scenes, but He is still at work.
What is encouraging in this story is that God still wanted to use Habakkuk even after his complaints, frustrations, and questions. God saw beyond the prophet’s attitude and looked directly at his heart.
Habakkuk got his heart right, submitted himself to God, and kept moving forward.
May that be a lesson to us.
God still wants to use imperfect people. He still uses people who struggle, people who ask questions, and people who sometimes wrestle with discouragement.
What God desires from us is simple:
Live by faith.
Trust Him.
Repent when you are wrong.
Get back up.
And keep moving forward.
To be continued...

1. Habakkuk struggled with questions about what God was allowing. Why do you think God sometimes seems silent or slow when we are hurting or confused?
2. In Habakkuk 1:5, God said, “I will work a work in your days.” What are some ways God may be working behind the scenes in our lives even when we cannot see it?
3. The sermon mentioned that many Christians try to live on “yesterday’s manna.” How can we stay expectant for God to move in our generation instead of only talking about the past?
4. Habakkuk chose to “stand upon the watch” and wait on God even when he did not fully understand His plan. What does it look like practically to remain faithful while waiting on God?
5. Habakkuk 2:4 says, “the just shall live by his faith.” What areas of your life right now require you to trust God by faith instead of by sight or feelings?

Family Under Fire: The Burden of the Home

Bible Text: 1 Samuel 1:27 
“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him.”
Take your Bible this morning to 1 Samuel chapter 1.
We’ll look at verse 27 in just a moment.
I’ll get you to stand with me in honor of God’s Word, and then I’ll let you be seated. I’ll be mindful of your time today. I know many of you have family plans, places to go, and I hope you’ll enjoy that time together.
And let me say this while I’m here—there’s no evening service tonight. Take some time with your family. Be intentional about it. Life moves fast, and those moments don’t wait on us.
Sandy and I are going to try to do the same today—just a little family time, maybe the park, maybe a bike ride. Just being together.
And let me say this plainly: families need time together.
I believe you ought to be in church every chance you can, but I also believe there are moments where you need to pause and invest in your home. Because as the family goes, so goes the church.

1 Samuel 1:27 says:
“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him.”
You can be seated.
Last week we began this series, Family Under Fire.
We talked about holding the line at home—Joshua’s declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
And somebody has to make that decision in the home. Somebody has to draw the line and say, “We’re going to serve God.”
But let me say this—while that leadership is often associated with fathers, the reality is, much of the spiritual tone of a home is carried by mothers.
And I thank God for godly mothers.
Can we just pause and appreciate the mothers who carry that weight in the home?

The Influence of a Burdened Mother
From Jochebed hiding Moses…
to Naomi shaping Ruth…
to Lois and Eunice shaping Timothy…
The influence of a mother in the home is undeniable.
And I want to say this clearly: moms, don’t ever say, “I’m just a mom.”
There is no “just” about it.
Whether you’re at home full-time, working full-time, or doing both—you are carrying a weight that shapes generations.
But here’s something I’ve learned:
great influence in a home usually comes from great burden for a home.
A burdened mom is a powerful mom.
A burdenless home drifts.
And honestly, that same truth applies to fathers too.

1. Her Burden Was Her Responsibility
In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah.
She is barren. Her womb is closed. And in that culture, that meant shame, grief, and deep personal pain.
The Bible says she wept sore. She was in bitterness of soul. She could not carry what she longed for most.
But when God finally gave her a son, she said something powerful:
“For this child I prayed…”
In other words—I know what it was like not to have him… and I know what it means now to have him.
And now she understands something deeper:
This child isn’t just a blessing—he is a responsibility.
Parents, let’s be honest: when you become a mom or dad, they don’t stay optional in your life.
They become your priority.
And we’ve got to stop outsourcing the spiritual responsibility of our children.
Not the school system.
Not the church alone.
Not the culture.
It’s ours.

2. Her Burden Drove Her to Prayer
The Bible says Hannah prayed and wept sore.
She prayed until others misunderstood her.
Eli even thought she was drunk because her burden looked strange to people who didn’t carry it.
But she wasn’t out of control—she was under conviction.
And here’s the truth: burdened parents pray.
Not occasionally. Not casually.
They pray and pray and pray.
And let me just say it plainly—we are raising children in a world that is not neutral.
Sex trafficking is real.
Pornography is constant.
Immorality is everywhere.
Comparison is destroying identity.
And anxiety is shaping a generation.
So we don’t just pray, “Lord help them have a good day.”
We pray:
“Lord, save them.”
“Lord, protect their mind.”
“Lord, keep their heart.”
“Lord, go where I cannot go.”
Because God can be where we are not.

3. Her Burden Became Her Mission
Hannah didn’t just receive a child—she surrendered a child.
“I will give him unto the Lord…”
She didn’t raise Samuel to belong to her comfort.
She raised him to belong to God’s purpose.
And somewhere in today’s culture, we’ve become more concerned with what people think about our children than what God wants to do with them.
But let me say this gently—people who won’t give an account for your home are not the ones who should be shaping your home.
God has entrusted you with that child.
And He is interested in what He can do through them.

4. Her Burden Produced a Prophet
1 Samuel 3:20 says:
“All Israel… knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet.”
Let that sink in.
One burdened mother.
One answered prayer.
One surrendered child.
And a nation received direction.
What started in private prayer became public impact.
And I wonder today—what if what you’re carrying in private is meant to shape something in public?
We pray, “God bless our nation.”
But maybe the better prayer is:
“God, shape my home.”
Because revival doesn’t start in a crowd—it starts in a cradle, in a kitchen, in a living room, in a prayer closet.

Closing Thought
So let me ask you:
When was the last time you truly carried a burden for your home?
Not frustration. Not pressure. Not routine.
But burden.
When was the last time you called your child’s name before God and said:
“Lord, save them.”
“Lord, use them.”
“Lord, don’t let them miss You.”
And maybe today, you don’t just need a message—you need a burden again.
Because Hannah didn’t just raise a child.
She surrendered one to God.
And God used him to change a nation.

HABAKKUK WEEK 1 
When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Text: Habakkuk 1:1–3 

“The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.”
I am beginning a new series from the book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament. This week’s message is titled When Life Doesn’t Make Sense. Along with our Sunday messages, we will begin a Wednesday night Bible study that will take us through the month of May as we walk verse by verse through this small, yet powerful book.
I don’t know that I’ve heard many messages from Habakkuk, but it is in our Bible for a reason. In an expository way, we are going to look closely at what God has preserved for us—and what it reveals about the honest struggles of faith.
There are moments in life when our understanding of God, righteousness, and good living collides with reality. We often think that if we live right, go to church, and read our Bibles, life will be filled with blessings—while the wicked will face misery. But life doesn’t always unfold that way.
Sometimes a drunk driver survives, and an innocent person loses their life. Sometimes godly people pass unexpectedly, and we find ourselves thinking of others who seemed far less deserving. Pain often comes to those we would least expect.
And so the question rises in the human heart: Why do bad things happen to good people?
The book of Habakkuk speaks directly to those thoughts. Perhaps that’s why it isn’t preached often—it isn’t filled with easy answers or comforting clichés. It’s not roses and cupcakes. It is raw, real, and honest. It is a man of God bringing hard questions to the Lord—questions many have asked in private but hesitate to voice publicly.

Habakkuk is labeled a “minor prophet,” not because of importance, but because of the book’s size compared to prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah. What makes this book unique is its direction. Most prophets speak to the people on behalf of God. Habakkuk speaks to God on behalf of the people.
There is no long sermon to the nation. No sweeping call to repentance like in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Instead, there is a burdened man looking at a broken world and saying, “God, this doesn’t make sense.”
Violence, injustice, corruption—everywhere he looks, and heaven seems silent.
He begins with a simple but sincere question: “O Lord, how long?”
That’s not rebellion—it’s reality. Many of us have been there. We’ve looked at the wickedness of this world—the abuse, the pain, the persecution—and asked, “God, how long will You allow this?”
David asked similar questions in the Psalms. This is the cry of a heart trying to reconcile faith with what it sees.

Faith Still Asks Questions
Habakkuk cries, “How long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?”
This is a man of faith—but his faith is being stretched. He voices what many have whispered: “God, do You even hear me?”
We’ve often been told not to question God—but why? If we are made in His image, and even our children ask us questions, then surely we can come to God respectfully and ask Him the “why” of life.
Faith is not the absence of questions. Faith is bringing those questions to God instead of walking away from Him.
There was a time when we surprised our children with a cruise. We didn’t reveal everything upfront. They asked questions—where are we going, what are we doing—and we answered vaguely. Not because we didn’t care, but because the surprise would be worth it.
Sometimes God works the same way. He doesn’t reveal everything—but His plan is still good.
Habakkuk questioned—but he never stopped praying.

Life Can Challenge What We Believe
In verse 3, Habakkuk says, “Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance?”
He is struggling with what he sees. The wicked seem to prosper, while the righteous suffer. Justice appears delayed. The law seems powerless.
He’s not wrong—he’s honest.
And if we’re honest, we’ve felt that too. People grow weary. Even in churches, there is a sense of fatigue. We fight the good fight, we give, we serve—and yet wickedness still abounds.
Habakkuk’s belief system is being shaken—but instead of walking away, he keeps talking to God.

God Is at Work Even When We Don’t See It
As Habakkuk pours out his complaint, it seems like heaven is silent. No response. No immediate answer.
But then God speaks.
In verse 5, the Lord says, “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.”
Finally—an answer.
Surely this means deliverance is coming. Surely God will vindicate His people.
But then comes the unexpected.
God says He will raise up the Chaldeans—the Babylonians—to accomplish His purpose.
That wasn’t the answer Habakkuk expected.
The Babylonians were ruthless, violent, and godless. Yet God declares He will use them.
Can you imagine the confusion? The weight of that moment?
We’ve seen moments like that. People pray, believing a miracle is coming—only to face worse news. The bank fails. The diagnosis worsens. The door closes.
And we find ourselves saying, “God, this isn’t what I expected.”
But here is the truth we must hold onto:
When God is silent, He is still working.
And when God is working, it may not look like what we would choose—but it will always be what is best.
This is only the beginning of the story.
To be continued…

Understanding the Text

1. In Book of Habakkuk 1:2–3, what emotions do you hear in Habakkuk’s questions? Why do you think he speaks so openly to God?
2. How is Habakkuk different from other prophets in the way he communicates with God and the people?

Personal Reflection

1. Have you ever experienced a time when what you believed about God didn’t match what you were going through? What did that feel like?
2. Which question do you relate to most: “How long?”, “Why?”, or “Are You listening?” Why?
3. What are some situations today that make people feel like God is silent or absent?

Faith and Doubt

1. The sermon says, “Faith is not the absence of questions.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. What is the difference between questioning God and walking away from God?
3. Why do you think people are sometimes afraid to be honest with God about their doubts?

Seeing vs. Believing

1. How can what we see in the world (violence, injustice, suffering) challenge our faith?
2. What are some healthy ways to respond when life doesn’t make sense?

Jesus for My Family
Acts 16:31
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
There are moments in Scripture when God slows us down and causes us to see something we’ve read many times—but never fully noticed.
That’s what happened to me in Acts 16:31.
We often focus on the first part: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” And that is right. That is the greatest decision anyone could ever make. Salvation is not found in religion, routine, or good works—it is found in personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ. There is a blessed assurance in those words—thou shalt be saved.
But the verse doesn’t stop there.
It continues with three powerful words: “and thy house.”
That phrase stirred my heart.
Because while salvation is personal, it is never meant to be contained. The gospel was never designed to stop with us—it is meant to reach our homes, our families, and our households.
The most important thing you can ever do is trust Jesus Christ. Nothing else in this life compares.
But right behind that is this: we must care about our house.
Not that every person will automatically be saved—but they should know the God we serve. They should see it in us. They should feel the difference. They should witness a life that has been changed.
Because one day, they will have to make that decision for themselves.
So how do we bring Jesus into our family?

Jesus Is the Foundation of Our Family
Every home is built on something.
It may look strong on the outside. It may appear put together. But if the foundation is not right, it will not stand when the storms come.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7 that the wise man built his house upon a rock.
That rock is Christ.
A strong family is not built on money, emotions, or circumstances—it is built on Jesus Christ. Storms will come, but a home grounded in Him will stand.
So where is your foundation?
Being in church is not the same as being grounded in Christ. Activity is not the same as a foundation.
Jesus must be the center.
That means we must be intentional.
Pray together.
For a long time, I struggled with praying in front of my family. I would pray for them, but not with them. There was hesitation there. But when we started praying together, something changed.
We began bringing our kids together at night. Not perfectly, not every single night—but consistently.
And something would happen in that room.
Peace.
No matter how chaotic the day had been, there was a calm that settled over us. Even the kids felt it.
I watched one of my children go from saying, “Dear Lord, thank you, amen,” to praying with boldness and sincerity.
Why? Because prayer became normal.
Pray together.
Read the Word together.
Make decisions based on truth.
When the foundation is right, everything else can hold together.

Jesus Is the Example for Our Family
Everyone follows someone.
When I was growing up, I looked to the best players I could find and tried to model my game after them.
So who are we pointing our families toward?
There is no greater example than Jesus Christ.
He showed us how to live—with humility, love, forgiveness, and service.
And He didn’t just say it—He lived it.
If we want our families to reflect Christ, we must model Him.
Love when it’s hard.
Forgive quickly.
Serve one another.
Bitterness will destroy a home, but forgiveness will restore it.
When a family follows the example of Jesus, the home becomes a place of peace instead of conflict.
And in a chaotic world, peace in the home is a gift.

Jesus Is the Only Hope for Our Family
Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
That is a decision every family must make.
Jesus is not just part of the solution—He is the only hope.
No matter your past…
No matter your failures…
No matter what your family has been through…
Jesus can restore.
Jesus can heal.
Jesus can lead you forward.
And many of us are here today because someone made that decision before us.
Someone chose Christ.
Someone set the foundation.
Someone changed the direction of the family.
And because of that, we had a chance.

I’ll never forget a moment that made this real to me.
I was in West Virginia at a conference, staying alone in a hotel room. Before that trip, Presleigh had been asking questions—questions about the Bible, about salvation—but she didn’t fully understand.
Every time we talked about being saved, she would shut down.
That night in the hotel, I had a dream I will never forget.
I dreamed that my family and I were walking through the gates of Heaven—but something wasn’t right. Presleigh wasnt with us. I woke up in that room, overwhelmed, crying like a child.
From that moment on, I began to pray harder than I ever had before. Every day. Every night. I asked God to work in her heart.
About two weeks later, on a Wednesday night, everything changed.
On the way home, she told her mom, “I want to get saved tonight.”
She wanted to understand. She wanted to trust Jesus for herself.
And that night, she did.
I thank God for that moment.
Because nothing in this world matters more than that.
Not jobs.
Not schedules.
Not activities.
Nothing is more important than knowing that your family knows Jesus Christ.
So believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
But don’t stop there.
Make sure your house knows Him too.
Build your home on Him.
Live as an example of Him.
Trust Him as your only hope.
Because those words still matter:
“And thy house.”