Strong and Courageous: God’s Promise in the Face of Fear

The Old Testament book of Joshua opens with a daunting moment. Joshua had to step into the role of leadership after Moses, the great servant of God, had died. The weight of leading the nation of Israel into the promised land must have seemed overwhelming – likely an impossible task for any man.
But God gave Joshua a promise that has encouraged countless believers ever since: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).
In this single verse, God gave Joshua – and us – four principles to carry us through moments when life feels too heavy, the obstacles too great, or the future too uncertain.

God Never Commands the Impossible
“Have I not commanded you?”
When God directs us to a task, He provides the strength to fulfill it. Joshua could lead Israel because God had commanded him to do so. Likewise, God will never put us in a situation where faithfulness is impossible. Paul reminded the Corinthians: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). This means God knows our limits better than we do. He calls us not according to our weakness, but according to His strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Strength Comes from Trust in God
“Be strong and of good courage.”
Joshua was not told to be strong in himself, but in the Lord. Real courage is not bravado, but trust in God’s promises. Paul told Timothy, who struggled with timidity: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). When facing a spiritual battle, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). We can move forward with confidence because God equips us with His strength. As Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
Fear Can Be Conquered
“Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.”
God acknowledges our fears – He knows that we often feel inadequate, anxious, or overwhelmed. But He calls us not to dwell in fear, but to trust His presence and move ahead even though we are afraid. David understood this when he declared: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). We will feel fear, but faith can help us move ahead in spite of fear when we remember who walks beside us.
God’s Presence Makes the Impossible Possible
“For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
This was Joshua’s greatest assurance. He was not alone – God Himself went with him. No enemy, no barrier, no trial could remove God’s presence. Paul echoed this truth from his own experience: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). And Jesus promised His disciples: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). When God goes with us, we can take the next step – walking “by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 9 – The Erastus Inscription at Corinth

The Erastus inscription is a first-century Latin pavement engraving discovered in Corinth in Greece in 1929 during excavations by the American School of Classical Studies.

It was found in a paved square near the theater, with the Latin words carved directly into the stone pavement. The style of lettering and archaeological context date it to the mid-1st century AD, aligning with the time when Paul wrote his letters from Corinth.

It reads: “Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid (this pavement) at his own expense.”

This matches Paul’s mention of “Erastus, the treasurer of the city” in Romans 16:23 (NKJV). In Roman municipal life, an aedile was a civic official responsible for public works and finances — a role consistent with Paul’s description.

The stone strengthens the historical reliability of the New Testament by tying a named individual in Scripture to a real, archaeologically verified public official in the same city and period.

It’s a tangible reminder that the people Paul worked with were part of the real social and political life of their cities, and that the message of the Bible is grounded in real history – not fiction.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 6 – The Ossuary of Caiaphas

In 1990, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in a burial cave south of Jerusalem – an ornate limestone box, or ossuary, inscribed in Aramaic: “Joseph son of Caiaphas.” This Joseph is believed to be the high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial, as referenced in John 18:13-14 (NKJV): “Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”

This ossuary provides a tangible connection to a pivotal figure in biblical history. It also offers us a striking contrast: the earthly high priest, Caiaphas; and the “great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Heb. 4:14).

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 5 – The Pilate Stone

Pontius Pilate played a pivotal role in the crucifixion of Jesus, yet Pilate’s existence was doubted by skeptics throughout history. However, in 1961, archaeologists unearthed a significant artifact— a stone discovered in Caesarea Maritima inscribed in Latin with the words “Pontius Pilate… Prefect of Judea” – also known as the “Pilate Stone.” This discovery decisively confirmed the historical reality of the man who famously washed his hands of Jesus’ fate. As Matthew 27:2 (NKJV) recounts, “And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”

The inscription of Pilate’s name in stone serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of the Gospel Accounts. It underscores that these inspired biographies of Jesus are firmly grounded in historical fact, not mere legend or myth. The discovery of the Pilate Stone reaffirms our faith in a Savior who not only lived, died, and rose again but also left a tangible mark on the pages of history.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 3 – The “House of David” Inscription at Tel Dan

For decades, skeptics questioned the existence of David, comparing him to legendary figures like King Arthur. But that all changed in the 1990s.

In 1993, archaeologists found a broken stone inscription at Tel Dan in northern Israel. It specifically referred to events involving a ruler from the “House of David.” This was thought to be the first extra-biblical mention of King David, and was written just a few generations after his life.

The Bible clearly describes David’s reign: “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16 NKJV). Jesus was recognized as the promised Messiah, a descendant of David (see Matt. 1:17; Luke 1:32; John 7:42; Acts 13:22-23; Rom. 1:3).

The Tel Dan Stele confirms that David was real, his dynasty was real, and that the biblical account is based on history. It gives us confidence in what the Bible says – not just spiritually, but also historically.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 2 – Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Jerusalem was threatened with a siege during King Hezekiah’s reign. To prepare, Hezekiah ordered the construction of a tunnel to secretly bring water into the city.

One of his greatest accomplishments was rerouting water from the Gihon Spring on Jerusalem’s east side to the west, into a protected pool – an effort recorded in 2 Kings 20:20 (also in 2 Chronicles 32:2-4, 30). As 2 Chronicles 32:30 (NKJV) explains:
“This same Hezekiah also stopped the water outlet of Upper Gihon, and brought the water by tunnel to the west side of the City of David.”

In the 1800s, archaeologists rediscovered this remarkable tunnel – about 1,750 feet long and carved through solid rock. Inside, they found the Siloam Inscription, which describes how two teams of workers dug from opposite ends and met in the middle.

In 2007, more inscriptions found near the Gihon Spring were deciphered, adding further evidence of Hezekiah’s work.

This tunnel – still intact today – is not a legend. It’s a real, stone witness to both Hezekiah’s faith and his action. He didn’t just trust God; he obeyed Him. Faith and obedience went hand in hand.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel stands as powerful archaeological confirmation of the Bible’s historical reliability and a lasting example of faithful preparation in the face of danger. We are called to do the same – not just to believe, but to act with reliance on God.

The Amazing Miracles of Jesus

One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry was the extensive number of supernatural works He carried out. However, the Bible only recounts a few of these: “there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25 NKJV). The Gospel Accounts contain approximately 33 specific instances in which Jesus performed feats or produced effects that transcended the known laws of nature. When we compare the miracles of Jesus – from the first one where He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11) to His final one, the restoring of Malchus’ severed ear (Luke 22:50-51) – we can detect at least five striking characteristics:

◆ COMPLEXITY: All kinds of subjects were addressed in Jesus’ works, including miraculous healing (Matt. 8:3, 13, 15), casting out demons (Matt. 8:16, 32) and supernatural control of forces of nature (Matt. 8:26). He raised the dead (Matt. 9:18-25). Sometimes these are summarized in sweeping statements, for example: “He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him” (Mark 1:34).

◆ COMPLETENESS: No one – not even Jesus’ critics – had any doubts the He performed miracles. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:47-48; cf. Matt. 12:24-30). The miracles of Jesus were observable, verifiable, flawless and immediate. They were not through sleight of hand or some type of trickery, but were actual, historical supernatural events.

◆ CONSERVATIVE: Jesus was never wasteful with His ability or blessings. Consistent with the principle of parsimony (detesting unnecessary use of money), Jesus first used whatever resources were available, natural and human before using any divine power: available water was turned into wine (John 2:6-8); food on hand was used to feed a huge crowd (John 6:4-11); baskets of leftovers were gathered (John 6:12-14); and bystanders rolled away Lazarus’ burial stone (John 11:39).

◆ COMPASSIONATE: Jesus performed miracles with a desire to show real love to those who were in distress (Matt. 9:35-36; 14:14; Mark 5:19). It wasn’t to make Himself wealthy, because He taught His followers: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). Keep in mind, though, that He did not heal every illness of every sick person on earth. Neither did the apostles (2 Cor. 12:7-10; Phil. 2:25-30; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20).

◆ COMPELLING: His followers were convinced of His deity: “no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2). Nevertheless, many resisted: “although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him” (John 12:37; cf. Luke 16:27-31).

I Believe in Jesus: Because He’s Going to Return

Probably the most misunderstood aspect of Jesus’ life and teaching is the subject of His return. Some say He has already returned, others say He isn’t returning, yet others say He is coming back – but only as part of a series of apocalyptic events.

If we confine the source of our information about Jesus’ return to what is revealed in the Bible, it is not too complicated or cryptic.

First, like every other event in Jesus’ life, the Old Testament prophesied He would return after His ascension.

Job did not fully comprehend the meaning of the scheme of redemption, but expected the Redeemer to bring equity after his death: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25-27). David prophesied the Lord would eternally repay His enemies (Psalm 2:9; 110:1). Isaiah foretold of a time when “every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear” submission to the Lord (Isaiah 45:23). Daniel foresaw a future resurrection and eternal consignment (Dan. 12:2-3). These are all references to Jesus’ second coming.

Second, the second coming of Christ is proclaimed in the New Testament as a major feature of the New Covenant. The message of the Bible can be summarized in three statements: The Old Testament proclaims “Jesus is coming;” the gospel accounts declare “Jesus is here;” and the rest of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation announces “Jesus is coming back again.” Several passages focus on this major end-time event:

John 14:3: “And if I [Jesus] go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Acts 1:11: “Which [an angel] also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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.”

Phil. 3:20-21: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

1 Thess. 1:9-10: “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

Heb. 9:27-28: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

Rev. 1:7: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.”

Third, based on these straight-forward teachings, we should prepare for Jesus’ return. Knowing He is returning should compel us to:

- Convert, by turning from our old life and seeking reconciliation through Christ (Acts 17:30-31).
- Correct, and amend our ways before God, knowing we must give an account to Him (II Cor 5:10; II Tim. 4:1; II Peter 3:9-13). And,
- Cope, through every trying circumstance, remembering that Jesus is returning to take His followers to a place of eternal peace and rest (Rom. 8:18-25; I Thess. 4:13-17; Titus 2:11-13).

More info about the second coming of Christ is in our YouTube video: Seven Reasons We Can Know Jesus is Going to Return.

I Believe in Jesus: Because of His Resurrection

One of the greatest chapters in the Bible is I Corinthians 15, which presents the facts, features and force of the resurrection of Jesus – He came back to life after His crucifixion to confirm that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. Consider the three themes of this part of the Bible:

First, the resurrection of Jesus was verified (I Cor. 15:1-9). Paul insists we acknowledge the facts of the gospel, especially with regard to the resurrection of Jesus. He cites the prophecies of Scripture and other critical pieces of evidence.

We are not left to wonder whether Jesus actually arose from the grave. Consider:

(1) His death was brutal and public (John 19:1-18). No one survived that type of punishment;

(2) His burial site was easily identified and well-guarded (Matt. 27:57-66);

(3) His tomb was empty and His burial garments were left neatly folded where His body had rested (John 20:4-8);

(4) He appeared to numerous witnesses who knew Him well and to others who may not have met Him previously (Luke 24:13-52);

(5) His disciples were martyrs who would not renounce His deity or resurrection (Acts 12:1-2);

(6) His enemies were unable to disprove His resurrection so their focus was on silencing His followers (see, e.g., Acts 3:10 and 3:15-18); and

(7) Devout Jews, like Paul, who persecuted Christians changed their religion to follow Jesus (Acts 9:19-22). These changes included a new day for worshiping God: The first day of the week, the day on which Jesus rose again (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:1-2).

The circumstantial evidence of the resurrection of Jesus is overwhelming.

Second, the resurrection of Jesus was vital (I Cor. 15:12-19). It would have been terrible for Jesus to have suffered the emotional, psychological, social and physical trauma He endured during His final 24 hours, only to have His story end that way. Bible critics assert the Book of Mark was supposed to end at Mark 16:8, but that would have ended in fear and despair. Jesus had to die, but it was also essential that He rise again. Paul pointed out that if Jesus did not rise again, we have no hope after death. The oppression experienced by Christians has no purpose if Jesus did not rise again (I Cor. 4:7-13; II Cor. 4:8-18). Paul explained they were “[a]lways bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (II Cor. 4:10). We can cope with the hardships of life because Jesus rose again for us.

Third, the resurrection of Jesus was victorious. When Jesus rose again from the grave, He declared victory over our greatest enemies. Paul pointed out how Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope for eternal life, and proclaimed “thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 15:57). Jesus’ resurrection also gives us hope for today – we can begin a new life through his resurrection. We die to sin in faith and repentance, and rise again to a new life through baptism (read Rom. 6:1-10). Jesus said, “I am the resurrection…” (John 11:25).

If we believe in our hearts that Christ rose from the dead, we should commit our lives to trust and obey Him (Rom. 10:10).

More about this great event is in our video: A Dozen Reasons to Believe in Jesus’ Resurrection on YouTube.

I Believe in Jesus: Because He Died for Our Sins

Jesus didn’t have to die, but chose to do so because it would help others – including you and me – in ways we could not achieve ourselves.

1 – Jesus gave Himself for the sins of the world. One of the most familiar passages of Scripture emphasizes this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16, 17). Jesus said, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). He gave Himself for sinners (Rom. 5:8-9).

He is willing to help us even when we sin again: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (I John 2:1-2). But this makes willful sin much more egregious (see Heb. 10:26-31).

God is completely impartial and shows no regard between nationalities, cultures or status (Acts 10:34-35). The invitation to benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice is open to anyone who chooses to follow Him (Matt. 11:28-30; Acts 2:38-39; Rev. 22:17).

2 – Jesus gave Himself for the church. The value of the collective group of baptized believers who follow Him is seen in His sacrifice. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25). And, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). His death was intended to motivate His followers to live loyally to Him: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14; see II Cor. 5:14-15).

Jesus said He intended to die for His followers: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). And, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

3 – Jesus gave Himself for those who are imperfect. This should lead us to be more patient with those who are still learning about His will. Paul reminded the stronger, more knowledgeable Christians: “But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died” (Rom. 14:15).

Fourth, Jesus gave Himself for you and me. Our names may not be found in the Bible, but He was thinking of us on the cross: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). He “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal. 1:4). He offered Himself out of love: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Rev. 1:5). He offered Himself in our place as our example to love others: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Eph. 5:2). Because God loves us (John 3:16), we should love others (I John 3:16).

Watch our YouTube video: Jesus’ Death in Five Words.