09/06/2026
Overseer Robert Brown
Sermon: âBe Strong and Very Courageousâ
Scripture: Joshua 1:1â9
Overseer Robert Brown delivered a timely and heartfelt message from Joshua 1:1â9, encouraging the church to âBe Strong and Very Courageous.â Speaking directly to the season the congregation is walking through following the passing of its pastor, Overseer Brown shared that while reflecting on everything that had happened, the Lord directed him to the story of Joshua.
Joshua found himself facing a moment he had never experienced before. Moses was gone, but the work of God was not finished. God called Joshua to step forward, lead His people, and continue the assignment. In the same way, Overseer Brown reminded the church that although they are grieving, they cannot stop. This is a season that requires strength, courage, faith, and a determination to continue moving forward.
He explained that being strong is about more than physical strength. True strength includes the mental, emotional, and spiritual resolve to stand during difficult times. Overseer Brown spoke personally about walking in a new office and carrying responsibilities he had never carried before. He acknowledged that people are watching, but emphasized that leadershipâand Christian living itselfârequires more than words. We must live what we preach.
Using Joshua as an example, Overseer Brown emphasized the importance of being dedicated, obedient, and willing to follow God even when circumstances are difficult. Joshua had witnessed God's power, endured battles, followed Moses, and remained faithful. Those experiences prepared him for the moment when God would call him to lead.
The message also reminded believers that we are living in challenging times. Fear, violence, uncertainty, temptation, and spiritual opposition surround us, but God has not called His people to live in fear. Instead, believers must keep their minds stayed on the Lord, trust Him as their way maker and deliverer, and stand firmly on His Word.
Drawing from Psalm 24:7â8, Overseer Brown reminded the congregation that the God we serve is âthe Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.â Therefore, when we feel weak, we do not have to depend upon our own strength. God's strength is made available to us. Even in moments when we must admit, âLord, I'm weak right here. I need some help right here,â we can trust Him to strengthen us.
Overseer Brown then challenged mature believers to recognize that there comes a time when we must grow beyond always needing someone else to encourage or âpacifyâ us. The church needs strong believersâpeople who can withstand trials, stand for holiness, stand for righteousness, and support one another. The people surrounding leadership must be strong as well.
Most importantly, he warned against simply going through the motions of church. Christianity is more than knowing how to act when we enter the sanctuary. Holiness is not a performance; it is a lifestyle. In a world where God's Word is increasingly challenged, the church must remain committed to living what it believes.
The message was both a personal declaration and a charge to the congregation: This is not the time to become weak, retreat, or stop because circumstances have changed. It is time for the real saints to stand up.
Though the church is grieving and navigating unfamiliar territory, the same God who told Joshua, âBe strong and of a good courage,â is still speaking today. The assignment continues. God is still with His people. And when our own strength is insufficient, we can stand in His.
Central Message
We may be grieving. We may be walking into places we have never walked before. But we cannot stop. God is calling His people to rise, remain faithful, stand for righteousness, support one another, and move forward in His strength. Be strong and very courageous.