"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses." vs3

God’s promises are true, just as they've always been. The God of Moses fights for Joshua, and the God of the Reformers and Puritans fights for us. We are in no different situation. A hostile world - unwilling to receive the gospel - awaits us. Yet, God’s power is on our side.

What is the promise? He will use the gospel to save sinners, as we open it up, and make it known. He will use our giving, sacrificing, and prayer. He’ll use our good deeds and example.

Let us be about the business, knowing that God can be trusted as much today, as ever. It is not the wickedness around us that we must fear. Having God’s promises, we must not be afraid. Let us rather be busy. Nigeria is a LAND OF RESILIENCE. People make anything work and smile in adversity. God's Church needs more of this mentality, that no matter the obstacles, the gospel will advance.

He has not promised to bless our sinfulness, disobedience, and self service… but the gospel preached in love from the Scriptures will prevail.

Secondly, God is with us himself. Joshua 1:5, “No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” Not only are the promises sure, but he is here to perform them. His Spirit will come and anoint our tongues, if we only believe, because he works by faith. If we fearlessly open the Scriptures - not to make ourselves great, noticed, or popular - then he will work with power through the gospel that glorifies him. Sincerity in preaching will be rewarded by the same God who worked in Spurgeon and in Calvin! Nothing has changed. God was with them, and he is with us.

Let us never look to human schemes and trickery. Christ uses love, truth, and faith. Let us get to work trusting that he is with us, and that’s all that we need. No compromise, no holding back, and no serving man. Our worship meetings are designed for God’s glory. We don’t diminish him to cater to people.

Thirdly, God has something for us to do: Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:7 - "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go."

Let us fight against sin and the lusts of others things. Mark 4:19, “but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing.” Keep a clean conscience, and know that God’s peace is worth the world. Let us boldly fight against false doctrine, not seeking popularity or approval, but desiring that others be saved. Let us preach Christ, though people chatter about everything else, as if the gospel is a side issue to be forgotten or reserved for special occasions. No, it is the CENTERPIECE of God’s word, and we’ll preach Christ incessantly. His blood was poured out and his life was laid down so that sinners could be reconciled through propitiation, and unbelievers can see his glory in redemption. Don’t hide him, because it’s easy to point out other people’s sins. Do the hard work of finding him in the text and set him forth week after week, text after text, and sermon after sermon. Trust the process and please God.

Be courageous about standing for the gospel with how you live. Fight off sin as if the Devil were approaching you, and put Christ first. Romans 13:14, “Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” People will be offended, but some will be saved.

God uses people who love him uncompromisingly, and our own lives will show the benefits of his presence. Do everything for Christ, knowing that he cares for you. There is greater joy in sincere service than all the self-seeking in the world. Be courageous to follow Christ’s word, even when religion says, “Compromise, and use our principles. Bow to us, or we’ll turn against you.” Be courageous and believe, and then go out, increasingly determined to make Christ known. Find open doors by knocking.