Embracing God's Guidance: Steps of Faith and Forgiveness
Summary
The sermon delivered by the pastor emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power and authority that believers have in receiving and engaging with God's word. The pastor encourages the congregation to actively participate in the worship service, reminding them that church is not a concert or a show, but a dance to the tune of Heaven. The sermon focuses on Psalm 37:23, highlighting that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and that He delights in his way. The pastor reads the verse from two different translations, emphasizing the importance of studying the word of God diligently to gain a deeper understanding of its truth.
The pastor shares a personal experience of encountering a new convert who had recently been born again and was eager to go deeper in their faith. The pastor emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with new converts and not just church people, as their enthusiasm and passion can reignite one's own fire for God. The pastor also highlights the need to expose any areas of scripture that may be misunderstood or twisted by the enemy through religion, causing havoc in the Kingdom's culture.
The pastor emphasizes the power of forgiveness and salvation through the blood of Jesus. He invites the congregation to acknowledge their sins and accept the forgiveness that is being offered. The pastor encourages those who desire salvation or a renewed mindset of victory to raise their hands and come forward to the altar. The prayer team is called to join those who have come forward, and the pastor leads a prayer of salvation, reminding everyone that faith is not a solitary journey but a collective one.
The pastor focuses on Psalm 37:23, which states that the steps of a man are ordered by God. The pastor emphasizes that God is the Eternal one, and it is from Him that our steps are prepared. The congregation is encouraged to stretch their hands in faith, believing that God will do something through the anointing present in the service. The pastor prays for the word to take root in the hearts of the people and produce fruit. The sermon's main theme is the importance of ordering our steps according to God's guidance and accessing the promises He has given us.
The pastor uses the analogy of a quarterback scrambling on the field to encourage the congregation to recognize the opportunities and possibilities that God has for them. The pastor emphasizes that there is more ground and opportunity available than they may have previously thought, and that God is about to remove the borders and restrictions that have been holding them back. The pastor urges the congregation to trust in God and obey Him, assuring them that He will show them greater opportunities and how His will shall be accomplished in their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of active participation in worship services, reminding the congregation that church is not a spectator event but a participatory one. This active engagement is crucial in receiving and engaging with God's word. ([12:45])
- The pastor highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with new converts, not just church people. Their enthusiasm and passion can reignite one's own fire for God and provide a fresh perspective on faith. ([23:30])
- The pastor underscores the power of forgiveness and salvation through the blood of Jesus. He invites the congregation to acknowledge their sins and accept the forgiveness that is being offered, reminding them that faith is a collective journey. ([34:56])
- The pastor emphasizes that God is the Eternal one, and it is from Him that our steps are prepared. The congregation is encouraged to stretch their hands in faith, believing that God will do something through the anointing present in the service. ([45:12])
- The pastor uses the analogy of a quarterback scrambling on the field to encourage the congregation to recognize the opportunities and possibilities that God has for them. He assures them that God is about to remove the borders and restrictions that have been holding them back, urging them to trust in God and obey Him. ([56:30])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1) Psalm 37:23 - "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" [53:37]
2) Acts 5:15 - "They believed Peter's Shadow could heal people" [01:22:05]
3) 1 Timothy 6:12 - "Fight the good fight of faith" [01:24:50]
Observation Questions:
1) What does Psalm 37:23 mean when it says "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord"?
2) In Acts 5:15, what does it mean that people believed Peter's shadow could heal them?
3) How does 1 Timothy 6:12 encourage us to "fight the good fight of faith"?
Interpretation Questions:
1) How does the concept of God ordering our steps relate to our personal journey of faith?
2) What does the healing power of Peter's shadow in Acts 5:15 tell us about the power of faith and the Holy Spirit?
3) How can we apply the encouragement to "fight the good fight of faith" from 1 Timothy 6:12 in our daily struggles?
Application Questions:
1) Can you recall a time when you felt like your steps were ordered by God? How did that experience shape your faith?
2) How can you demonstrate the power of faith and the Holy Spirit in your interactions with others, similar to Peter's shadow healing people?
3) What is one specific struggle you are currently facing where you need to "fight the good fight of faith"? How can you approach this struggle with faith and trust in God?
4) How can you encourage someone in your life who may feel like they've taken too many missteps in their faith journey?
5) How can you ensure that your focus is on God and not on self in your spiritual journey?
Devotional
Day 1: Engage in the Dance of Worship
Worship is not a passive activity, but a dance we participate in, moving to the rhythm of Heaven. It's not a concert or a show, but a divine interaction where we actively receive and engage with God's presence. It's a powerful tool that can shift atmospheres and change futures ([48:33]).
Psalm 149:3 - "Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in worship this week, making it more than just a passive activity?
Day 2: The Power of Encouraging Words
There is power locked up in encouraging words. They can uplift the discouraged, bring hope to the hopeless, and manifest God's love in a tangible way. We are called to share this love with one another, moving beyond the niceties of a normal Sunday morning ([46:14]).
Proverbs 12:25 - "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."
Reflection: Who in your life needs an encouraging word this week? How can you show them God's love through your words?
Day 3: You Are Stronger Than You Think
We often underestimate our own strength, especially in the face of struggles and battles. But we are reminded that we are stronger than we think, and our focus should not be on our struggles, but on God and the call He has on our lives ([47:25]).
2 Corinthians 12:10 - "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What struggles are you facing right now? How can you shift your focus from these struggles to God and His call on your life?
Day 4: God's Promises Are For You
God's promises are not just words on a page, but divine assurances meant for us to access and claim. They are there for us to hold onto, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty. We are encouraged to seek these promises and make them a reality in our lives ([51:41]).
2 Peter 1:4 - "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
Reflection: What promises from God do you need to claim this week? How can you make them a reality in your life?
Day 5: God Orders Our Steps
God doesn't just dictate every single step of our lives, but He prepares and desires our ways. This means that even when we miss a step or take a wrong turn, God's plan for us remains intact. We are encouraged to trust in His divine ordering of our steps ([53:09]).
Proverbs 16:9 - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."
Reflection: How can you trust in God's ordering of your steps this week, even when things don't go as planned?
Quotes
"God has made provision for every misstep that you could possibly ever take... God's steps are bigger than that and he will order your steps." [58:17]
"Don't ever stop getting around new converts...let that stoke your fire." [53:37]
"This is not a concert, this is not a show, this is a dance that we are doing to the tune of Heaven." [48:33]
"From Jehovah are the steps of a man, from the Eternal one that are the steps of a man they have been prepared and his way he desireth." #!!50:27!!#
"There is more opportunity for you than you previously thought, there is more ground on the field than you previously thought. The devil may have had you boxed in, but the Lord is about to remove borders and restrictions that have been holding you back." #!!01:10:22!!#
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