Dennis Rainey
February 4, 2003
7:15 pm
Message Summary
Holiness is something we agree we need. Yet the lifestyle of holiness is not the most popular one in our culture today. How do we stand for Biblical values and love the enemies who seek to destroy us? We need courage to empower us to live holy lives. Starting from the text of Joshua chapter one, Dennis Rainey discussed the need for courage as a key to living out holiness.
Joshua was commanded by God to have courage, to be encouraged. This is required of all God’s people, especially in times of persecution. To be holy and set apart is dangerous in a world ruled by Satan, the enemy of God’s holiness. We are witnesses of God’s character when we live set apart, especially when the heat is on us.
Rainey offered the challenge of holiness by asking, “What is the most courageous thing you have done with your life?” He asked this to emphasize that true bravery is self-sacrificing in order to devote oneself fully to his or her duty. The primary duty and privilege of the Christian is to honor God. This demands courage. We must “encourage” believers to be strong in their obedience and faith. We must be compelled by the wonder of who God is, so that we have no choice but to speak to the world about our God. Holiness is so compelling that it can and must drive out cowardly attempts at preservation of self.
Student Response
I need courage to get up the nerve to talk to a friend about Christ. Yet this is not some kind of extra-curricular activity that is optional for the Christian. In the book of Joshua, God gives the mandate to be “strong and courageous.” When I look at holiness in light of the fact that it is ultimate perfection, I am overwhelmed. It is the same when I imagine that I am responsible for leading my friends to Christ. Yet, God does not call me to climb the moral ladder to reach his presence. He, in his holiness and love, gives me the courage and strength to do what is asked each day in my attempt to realize who He is, and be a light to others as well.
—Jessie Davis, Senior, Communications/Print Media major