Crossing Over: Embracing New Beginnings in Faith
Summary
As we embark on the first Sunday of 2025, we gather with a sense of anticipation and purpose, declaring that God is the strength and source of our lives. This year, we are called to "cross over" into new dimensions of faith, community, and mission. Our theme, inspired by Joshua 1:10-11, emphasizes preparation and mobilization, moving from dreams to destiny. We are not just doing church; we are being the church, a community of faith committed to spiritual growth and transformation.
In 2025, we will focus on building community through the five pillars of Bethesda: mission, worship, mercy, service, and the Word. These pillars are foundational to our spiritual health and growth. We will also engage in community building through various initiatives, including community groups, next-gen engagement, and Bethesda Christian School. Our goal is to create a vibrant, multi-ethnic community that reflects the diversity of God's kingdom.
Prayer will be central to our gatherings, with dedicated times for intercession and consecration. We will also focus on impacting eternity through missional movements, friendship evangelism, and outreach in Fort Worth. This year, we are committed to shaking off the mud of the past and stepping into the promises of God with renewed energy and excitement.
As we cross over, we are reminded of the importance of living in the present and embracing the new things God is doing. The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan on dry ground serves as a powerful metaphor for our journey. We are called to leave behind the residue of past hurts and failures and to walk into the new season God has prepared for us. This requires a conscious decision to say goodbye to the past and to live fully in the present, trusting in God's promises and provision.
Key Takeaways:
1. Intentional Spiritual Development: Just as we wouldn't board a plane without knowing the destination, our spiritual journey requires intentionality and strategy. God is purposeful in our growth, and we must align with His plans to move from preparation to mobilization, turning dreams into destiny. [00:53]
2. Crossing Over into New Beginnings: 2025 is a year of crossing over into deeper devotion, healing, and transformation. This involves embracing the five pillars of mission, worship, mercy, service, and the Word, and fostering family and community transformation. [03:39]
3. Building Community: Being the church means actively building community through initiatives like community groups, next-gen engagement, and multi-ethnic life. This involves connecting and integrating ministries to function as a unified body of Christ. [05:11]
4. Shaking Off the Past: Crossing over on dry ground symbolizes leaving behind the mud of past failures and hurts. We must not let the residue of the past hinder us from entering into God's promises. God is doing a new thing, and we must be ready to perceive it. [26:35]
5. Living in the Present: Embracing the present season is crucial for spiritual growth. Ignoring God's timing can lead to significant consequences. We must say goodbye to the past and focus on the present, allowing God's new season to energize and excite us. [44:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Intentional Spiritual Development
[02:20] - From Preparation to Mobilization
[03:39] - Theme for 2025: Crossing Over
[05:11] - Building Community: Be the Church
[06:56] - The Five Pillars of Bethesda
[08:42] - Community Groups and Integration
[10:45] - Next-Gen Engagement and Vision
[12:18] - Bethesda Community School Initiatives
[14:35] - The Time is Now: Facility Upgrades
[16:17] - Multi-Ethnic Life and International Sunday
[19:05] - Impacting Eternity: Missional Movement
[21:00] - Open-Air Crusade and Outreach
[22:53] - Crossing Over on Dry Ground
[24:16] - Godly Leadership and Community
[25:26] - Shake the Mud Off and Move On
[26:35] - No Residue of the Past
[29:04] - God Doing a New Thing
[31:04] - The Dead Sea and Spiritual Decay
[33:03] - Changing the Flow from Adam
[35:19] - The Second Adam: A New Flow
[37:07] - Life-Giving Spirit of Christ
[39:00] - Goodbye to the Past, Hello to the Present
[40:48] - Living in Today
[44:32] - Embracing God's New Season
[45:35] - Present vs. Past: A Spiritual Battle
[47:44] - Energy and Excitement in the Present
[49:20] - Reaching Forth to New Beginnings
[50:30] - Time to Shake the Mud Off
[53:13] - Consecration and Commitment to Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 1:10-11
- Joshua 3:17
- Isaiah 43:19
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "crossing over" signify in the context of Joshua 1:10-11, and how is it applied to the church's mission for 2025? [03:39]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the five pillars of Bethesda in building community? [06:56]
3. What metaphor is used in the sermon to illustrate the concept of leaving behind past failures and hurts? [26:35]
4. How does the sermon connect the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan to the church's current journey? [22:53]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that intentional spiritual development is similar to planning a journey? How does this relate to the church's goals for 2025? [00:53]
2. How does the sermon interpret the significance of "crossing over on dry ground" for the Israelites, and what does it imply for the church today? [25:26]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the consequences of ignoring God's timing and seasons in our lives? [44:32]
4. How does the sermon use the metaphor of the Dead Sea to describe spiritual stagnation, and what solutions are proposed? [31:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal spiritual journey. Are there areas where you need to be more intentional about your spiritual development? What steps can you take to align with God's plans for you this year? [00:53]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community building. How can you actively contribute to building a vibrant, multi-ethnic community within your church? [05:11]
3. Consider the metaphor of "shaking off the mud" from past failures. What past experiences or hurts do you need to let go of to fully embrace God's promises for your life? [26:35]
4. How can you ensure that you are living in the present and not allowing the past to hinder your spiritual growth? What practical steps can you take to focus on the present season God has for you? [39:00]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of prayer in community gatherings. How can you incorporate more prayer into your daily life and within your community? [14:35]
6. Reflect on the concept of "crossing over" into new beginnings. What new beginnings is God calling you to embrace in 2025, and how can you prepare for them? [03:39]
7. How can you engage in friendship evangelism and outreach in your local community, as suggested in the sermon? Identify one specific action you can take this month. [19:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Development: Aligning with God's Purpose
In our spiritual journey, intentionality and strategy are crucial. Just as one wouldn't board a plane without knowing the destination, our spiritual growth requires a clear sense of direction and purpose. God is purposeful in our growth, and we must align with His plans to move from preparation to mobilization, turning dreams into destiny. This involves a conscious effort to seek God's guidance and to be open to His leading in every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we can ensure that our spiritual development is not left to chance but is a deliberate pursuit of God's will. [00:53]
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to align your daily actions with God's purpose for your life?
Day 2: Crossing Over into New Beginnings: Embracing Transformation
The year 2025 is a time of crossing over into deeper devotion, healing, and transformation. This involves embracing the five pillars of mission, worship, mercy, service, and the Word, which are foundational to spiritual health and growth. By fostering family and community transformation, we can create a vibrant, multi-ethnic community that reflects the diversity of God's kingdom. This journey requires us to be open to change and to actively participate in the transformation that God is bringing about in our lives and communities. [03:39]
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What new beginning is God calling you to embrace, and how can you actively participate in this transformation today?
Day 3: Building Community: Being the Church
Being the church means actively building community through initiatives like community groups, next-gen engagement, and multi-ethnic life. This involves connecting and integrating ministries to function as a unified body of Christ. By doing so, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can grow spiritually and where the love of Christ is evident in our interactions with one another. Building community is not just about attending church services but about being actively involved in the lives of others and working together to fulfill God's mission. [05:11]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a stronger sense of community within your church or local area this week?
Day 4: Shaking Off the Past: Embracing God's Promises
Crossing over on dry ground symbolizes leaving behind the mud of past failures and hurts. We must not let the residue of the past hinder us from entering into God's promises. God is doing a new thing, and we must be ready to perceive it. This requires a conscious decision to say goodbye to the past and to live fully in the present, trusting in God's promises and provision. By shaking off the past, we can step into the new season God has prepared for us with renewed energy and excitement. [26:35]
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What past failure or hurt do you need to let go of, and how can you begin to embrace God's promises for your future today?
Day 5: Living in the Present: Embracing God's New Season
Embracing the present season is crucial for spiritual growth. Ignoring God's timing can lead to significant consequences. We must say goodbye to the past and focus on the present, allowing God's new season to energize and excite us. By living in the present, we can fully experience the blessings and opportunities that God has for us right now. This involves being attentive to God's voice and being willing to step out in faith as He leads us into new and exciting ventures. [44:32]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make the most of the present season in your life, and what steps can you take to ensure you are aligned with God's will today?
Quotes
It's important to recognize that God is strategic and intentional about our spiritual development. And here at Bethesda, we want to be intentional about spiritual development. For the past three months, we've been in a state of preparation, preparing ourselves. Well, today we move from preparation to mobilization. [00:01:44]
Preparation without mobilization remains a dream. But preparation with mobilization releases a destiny. It moves us from what could be to what should be. Can I get a witness? [00:02:34]
We believe that 2025 will be a year of crossing over, that some of us will cross over in our devotion to God. Some of us will cross over into salvation and healing and transformation. Some of us will cross over into the five pillars of Bethesda, a deeper understanding of mission, worship, mercy, service, and the Word. [00:03:51]
Building community through the five pillars. We want to strengthen these in every family. So when I talked about these a few minutes ago, developing P5 teams in mission, worship, mercy, service in the word. These are five spiritual, spiritual, healthy characteristics or foundations or pillars that we need to be able to grow as a church. [00:06:56]
Learning to be the church and not just do the church. Learning to grow larger and smaller at the same time. How many know that the larger we grow in worship on a Sunday morning, we must also grow smaller by connecting in community groups and in building community together? Can I get a witness? [00:08:42]
Godly leaders carrying the presence of God, standing firm in the midst of the mess, ensuring that the nation and the people cross over is what catalyzes this moment of blessing and promises. Here's why I believe that Bethesda Community Church will cross over in 2025. [00:25:26]
There was no residue of the past that continued to cling onto the people as they crossed over on dry ground. You know, mud clings to everything. You get mud on your shoes and you track it everywhere. Track it into your house. You track it into your personal life. You track it into your family life, your work life, your church life. [00:26:50]
Symbolizing that God always loves to do new things. Have you ever noticed that about God, that God doesn't do an old thing? That God does a new thing. Isaiah 43 and 19, God said, I will do a new thing and now it will spring forth. The time is now. Well, let me just add that. Now it will spring forth. Will you not know it? [00:28:02]
In the Old Testament, the first Adam creates a barrier to enter into the promised land. But in the New Testament, the second Adam creates a bridge to enter into the promised land. In the Old Testament, the first Adam had muddy feet. So in the New Testament, the second Adam showed up and washed the mud off of the first Adam's feet so we could experience everlasting life. [00:36:39]
Say goodbye to the past and live in the present. It's the same thing the apostle Paul said in Philippians 3 .13, when he said, brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth under those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the high prize of the calling of God in Christ Jesus. [00:39:05]
It's the same with God's seasons. When God ushers us into a season, if we ignore that season, we invite significant consequences in our lives. It's the same with God. Some Christians just don't seem to understand that principle, that they can't live in the wilderness. They can't live in that generational curse. They can't live in that broken dream. [00:44:01]
It's time to shake the mud off and move on and it's time to say goodbye to the past and start living in the present it's time to say count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind reaching forth under those things which are behind and I'm declaring to you today in closing Bethesda before I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and cross over into the new season that God has for us. [00:52:19]
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