Good News for Graduates

 TEXT:  Joshua 1:6-9

TOPIC:  Good News for Graduates

Pastor Bobby Earls, First Baptist Church, Center Point, May 21, 2006

          The story is told of the young man who was having a difficult time completing his course requirements in time for graduation.  He had written his dissertation but just three months from graduation his sponsoring professor died and he had to start over.  Finally the day of his graduation came and he decided to pray.  He asked God if there was any news.  So the Lord responded, “There is good news and bad news.”

The good new is that on Saturday, May 27, at exactly 12 noon, you will graduate with honors.  The bad news is that on Saturday, May 27, at exactly 12:01 the rapture will take place and no one will care!

This morning our church wants to let our graduates know that we care.  Your graduation from Clay-Chalkville High School, or Pinson Valley High School, or Hewitt-Trussville High School, or wherever, is one of the most significant accomplishments of your young lives.  Today, as your pastor, I have a word from the Lord and it’s filled with good news for our graduates. 

          In the O.T. book of Joshua we are told of the call and commissioning of Joshua, the successor of Moses.  Just as God gave Joshua good news concerning his future, the Lord God has good news for those graduates who face a challenging future.

Joshua 1:6-9

“Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. 9 I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Observations

1.     THE GOOD NEWS FOR GRADUATES INCLUDES GOD’S PROMISE OF SUCCESS, Joshua 1:7-8

“You will be successful in everything you do….only then will you succeed”

          Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

          No one plans to be a failure.  Everyone wants to believe they can succeed. 

2.  THE GOOD NEWS FOR GRADUATES INCLUDES GOD’S PROMISE OF SECURITY, Joshua 1:6-7, 9

“Be strong and courageous” Joshua 1:6,

“Be strong and very courageous,” Joshua 1:7

“I command you, be strong and courageous!” Joshua 1:9

3.  THE GOOD NEWS FOR GRADUATES INCLUDES GOD’S PROVISION OF HIS PRECEPTS, Joshua 1:7-8

“Obey all the laws Moses gave you.  Do not turn away from them, “ Joshua 1:7

“Obey all that is written in it.” Joshua 1:8  

Study this book of the law continually.  Meditate on it day and night

If Joshua was able to conquer the Promised Land with only five books of the Bible, imagine what you can do with a complete Bible!

A.   Make a commitment to the reading of the Bible daily.

B.   Read the Bible in a systematic way.

C.   Pray each time you read your Bible asking God to speak to you from His word and to continually reveal His plan for your life.

D.   Do those things God reveals to you from His word!

E.    Hid God’s word in your heart!

Psalm 119:9-11

How can a young person stay pure?

By obeying your word and following its rules.

10  I have tried my best to find you—

don’t let me wander from your commands.

11  I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

 4.  THE GOOD NEWS FOR GRADUATES INCLUDES GOD’S PROMISE OF HIS PRESENCE, Joshua 1:9

the Lord your God is with you with you wherever you go.