The Promises of Evangelism

Joshua 1:1–9 KJV 1900

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 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.

Pre-Sermon Ice Breaker

I read this week that the population in Ireland’s capital city continues to grow. In fact it Dublin.

Introduction

Throughout 2022 we have been exploring six different themes - Prayer, Discipleship, Worship, Ministry, Fellowship and today we return to the topic of Evangelism. Our journey brings us to the Old Testament book of Joshua. The name Joshua means “The Lord Saves” (or the Lord is Salvation) The Greek form of this name is Jesus. Joshua is a type/picture of Jesus.

Following the death of Moses, God calls Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God has given them a mission. In the same way God has given you and I a mission. We see his reflected in Joshua 1:2

Joshua 1:2 (KJV 1900)

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

He tells Joshua and the Israelites to GO! He also tells you and I to GO!

Mark 16:15 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Our passage today presents a picture of God’s promises to us regarding evangelism as we read about the promises he made to them about the promised land.

1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV 1900

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

So let’s take a few minutes today and observe Evangelism’s Promises.

Body

I. The Promise of Purpose

Joshua 1:2–5 KJV 1900

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

As we have already observed God told both Joshua and his disciples to Go.

Matthew 28:19 KJV 1900

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Similarly he says in one of his parables in Luke 14:23

Luke 14:23 KJV 1900

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

If God’s desire is for us to go to heaven, then why after we are saved are we still here. It is because He has given us a purpose. And with that purpose to go and to evangelize is the realization that we will make a difference.

Multiple times we see where God says “I do” “I give” and “I will.”

This clearly indicates that if God sends us he will use us.

Matthew 4:19 KJV 1900

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Transition:

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

II. The Promise of Provision - vs. 6-8

Joshua 1:6–8 KJV 1900

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

In order for us to succeed in the purpose he has given to us God has promised to provide the tools necessary to accomplish the task

Matthew 28:20 KJV 1900

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

III. The Promise of Presence - vs. 9

Joshua 1:9 KJV 1900

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.

Look again at Matthew 28:20

Matthew 28:20 KJV 1900

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

This promise is echoed again in Hebrews 13:5-6

Hebrews 13:5–6 KJV 1900

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

The author of Hebrews is quoting our text today.

Joshua 1:5 KJV 1900

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Conclusion

he name Joshua means “The Lord Saves” (or the Lord is Salvation) The Greek form of this name is Jesus. Joshua is a type/picture of Jesus.

And we like the Israelites have been called to Go. They were called to Go and possess the land. We have been called to Go and be witnesses of Jesus.

Are you responding to His call? Rest assured that God has promised if you will respond he will give you

Purpose

Provision

Presence

Before you can go, you must know him. Today if you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sin and be your savior. Make this choice today. It is as easy as A,B,C. Admit you are a sinner. believe in Jesus Christ, and call upon him.

Then go and tell others.