CCF - Join the Story Series - 12/10/2025

Today is a pivotal moment in our journey as a church family—a moment to recognize the movement of God’s Spirit among us and to respond with faith and courage. Over the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth: new life groups, increased giving, more people joining our community, and a surge of fresh initiatives that are shaping our mission both locally and beyond. These are not just statistics; they are stories of lives being transformed, of people stepping out in faith, and of God’s faithfulness meeting us at every turn.

Drawing from the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan, we are reminded that God often calls us to step into the unknown, to move before the waters part, and to trust that His presence goes before us. The Ark of the Covenant led the way, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and promise. In the same way, we are called to follow where He leads, even when we have never been this way before. This is not a season for playing it safe or waiting for perfect conditions; it is a time to get our feet wet, to risk, and to believe that heaven responds to movement and obedience.

Generosity is not about loss, but about recognizing God as our provider. Our giving becomes a visible reminder—a “golden jar”—of His faithfulness in the past and our trust in His provision for the future. As we step out together, every act of faith, every gift, and every prayer becomes a stone in the memorial of what God is building here. This is not just for a few, but for every household and generation to join the story, to celebrate the breakthroughs, and to mark the moments where God has led us through.

Ultimately, our calling is to be a people set on fire by Jesus, filled with His Spirit, and living lives that bring change to our city and beyond. As we look ahead, let us consecrate ourselves, surrendering all that we are and have, trusting that today’s surrender is tied to tomorrow’s wonder. Whether you are giving for the first time, increasing your commitment, or simply offering a prayer, let us move together, following His presence, and believing that we have never been this way before—but He is already there, making a way.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Presence Goes First Before any step of faith, it is essential to recognize that God’s presence leads the way. Just as the Ark of the Covenant went before the Israelites, we are called to follow the Spirit’s leading, trusting that He prepares the path ahead. Our role is not to manufacture outcomes, but to discern and respond to where God is already at work. This posture of following rather than striving is foundational for a life of faith. [13:42]
• 2. Faith Requires Risk and Movement Miracles often happen not when we wait for perfect conditions, but when we move in obedience. The priests stepped into the floodwaters before the river parted, demonstrating that heaven responds to risk and movement. Faith is not about safety or certainty, but about trusting God enough to act even when the outcome is unclear. Our willingness to “get our feet wet” is often the catalyst for God’s intervention. [16:37]
• 3. Generosity as a Spiritual Memorial Giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is a spiritual act that builds a memorial to God’s faithfulness. Each gift, whether large or small, becomes a “stone” that marks our trust in God’s provision and our participation in His story. These acts of generosity serve as reminders for future generations of what God has done and inspire ongoing faith and courage. [20:57]
• 4. God’s Provision Shifts with the Season The story of manna ceasing when the Israelites entered the Promised Land teaches us that God’s provision is dynamic. He may change how He provides to invite us into deeper trust and new ways of dependence. Rather than clinging to past methods, we are called to remain attentive to how God is providing in this season, confident that He is always faithful, even when the form of provision changes. [14:44]
• 5. Surrender Precedes Wonder Consecration—setting ourselves apart and surrendering all we have—is the soil in which God’s wonders grow. Today’s surrender is directly connected to tomorrow’s miracles. When we offer ourselves fully, holding nothing back, we create space for God to do “amazing things among us,” both individually and as a community. [15:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:52] - “In the Room Where It Happens”: Sensing a Shift
• [02:03] - Catching the Wave of the Spirit
• [03:16] - Faith in Action: Monday Morning Encounter
• [04:25] - Our Vision: Raising Faith-Filled Followers
• [05:58] - Stepping into the River: A Prophetic Picture
• [07:31] - God Has Gone Before Us
• [08:24] - Year in Review: Growth and Impact
• [10:20] - New Initiatives and Spirit-Led Prayer
• [11:27] - How We Fund the Mission
• [12:58] - Crossing the River: Following God’s Presence
• [14:44] - God’s Provision Shifts with the Season
• [16:37] - Get Your Feet Wet: Faith and Obedience
• [20:57] - Building Memorials: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
• [24:49] - Jesus, Our Ultimate Example of Generosity
• [26:12] - Inviting Everyone to Join the Story
• [27:58] - Reimagining Our Space and Future
• [28:34] - Responding: Asking God What Step to Take

1. According to Joshua 3, what was the role of the Ark of the Covenant as the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan? ([07:31])
2. What specific instructions did Joshua give the people before the crossing, and why were they important? ([15:58])
3. In the sermon, what were some of the “stones” or memorials mentioned that the church is building today? ([20:57])
4. How did God’s provision change for the Israelites once they entered the Promised Land? ([14:44])

1. The Ark of the Covenant went ahead of the people, symbolizing God’s presence. What does it mean for a church or individual to “let God’s presence go first” in decision-making or new seasons? ([13:42])
2. The priests had to step into the river before the waters parted. Why do you think God required movement and risk before the miracle happened? ([16:37])
3. The sermon described giving as a “spiritual memorial.” How does generosity serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness for both the giver and future generations? ([20:57])
4. When the manna stopped and the Israelites had to rely on the produce of the land, what might this teach us about trusting God in changing circumstances? ([14:44])

1. The sermon challenged the church to “get our feet wet” and step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. Is there an area in your life where you sense God asking you to take a risk or move forward before you see the full picture? What would it look like to take that step? ([16:37])
2. “God’s presence goes first.” Are there decisions or situations where you tend to rush ahead without seeking God’s direction? What practical steps can you take this week to pause and follow His leading? ([13:42])
3. The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan was not just for a few, but for every household and generation. How can you involve your family or close friends in acts of faith or generosity this season? ([20:23])
4. The sermon described giving as placing a “stone” in a memorial to God’s faithfulness. What is one way you can make your generosity more intentional and meaningful, as a testimony to God’s provision in your life? ([20:57])
5. When God’s provision shifts (like the manna stopping), it can be unsettling. Have you experienced a season where God provided in a new or unexpected way? How did you respond, and what did you learn? ([14:44])
6. Consecration—setting ourselves apart and surrendering all we have—was described as the soil for God’s wonders. Is there something you sense God asking you to surrender or set apart for Him right now? What might be holding you back? ([15:58])
7. The sermon encouraged everyone to participate, whether through giving, serving, or prayer. What is one specific way you can join in the story God is writing in our church this month? ([26:12])