Faithful Steps: Crossing into God's Promises

Devotional

Day 1: Transforming Ordinary Lives through the Great Commission

The call to action in the Great Commission is a transformative one. Just as Joshua and Caleb understood the importance of obeying God's call, we too must heed this divine mandate. The Great Commission commands us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey Christ's commands. This mission is not about achieving worldly success but about fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. By focusing on God's work, our ordinary lives are transformed into extraordinary ones. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage in the spiritual growth of others, thereby enriching our own faith journey. [04:49]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to share the love of Christ and begin the journey of discipleship with them?

Day 2: Faith in Leadership

Joshua's leadership and the people's obedience were crucial as they prepared to cross the Jordan River. God promised to be with Joshua just as He was with Moses, providing assurance and strength. This divine presence is vital for us as well, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey of faith. Leadership in faith requires courage and trust in God's promises. As we lead others, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we must rely on God's guidance and strength, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [06:50]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's presence and guidance more fully as you lead others?

Day 3: Consecration and Preparation

Joshua instructed the people to consecrate themselves, preparing their hearts and minds for the wonders God would perform. This act of consecration is a reminder for us to pause and renew our relationship with God, allowing Him to sanctify us. By setting ourselves apart and dedicating time to spiritual preparation, we open our hearts to the transformative work of God. This preparation is essential for us to be effective in our mission and to experience the fullness of God's promises. [13:54]

Joshua 3:5 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"

Reflection: What steps can you take today to consecrate yourself and prepare your heart for the work God wants to do in your life?

Day 4: Miracles and Faith

The parting of the Jordan River echoed the parting of the Red Sea, symbolizing not just an escape from bondage but also the taking hold of God's promises. This miracle required faith from the priests and the people, just as our journey of faith requires us to trust God and follow His commands. Miracles often come when we step out in faith, trusting in God's power and promises. By believing in God's ability to work wonders, we can experience His miraculous interventions in our lives. [23:56]

Joshua 3:17 (ESV): "Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to step out in faith and trust God for a miracle?

Day 5: Overcoming Obstacles

The challenges and obstacles in our lives, like the flooded Jordan River, are opportunities to build our faith. By stepping out in faith and trusting God, we can overcome these obstacles and take hold of His promises. Our mission to make disciples and help others along their path of sanctification requires us to face and conquer these challenges. Each obstacle is a chance to grow in faith and witness God's power at work in our lives. [27:54]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: What is a current obstacle you are facing, and how can you trust God to help you overcome it today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the faith of the nation of Israel as they prepared to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. We began by recalling the faith of Joshua and Caleb, who understood the importance of obeying God's call to action. This call to action is mirrored in the Great Commission, where we are commanded to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey Christ's commands. This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones as we focus on God's work rather than worldly pursuits.

We revisited the story of Joshua leading the Israelites after Moses' death. God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. Joshua's leadership and the people's obedience were crucial as they prepared to cross the flooded Jordan River, a daunting task that required immense faith. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, led the way, and the people were instructed to follow it while maintaining a respectful distance.

Joshua instructed the people to consecrate themselves, preparing their hearts and minds for the wonders God would perform. This act of consecration is a reminder for us to pause and renew our relationship with God, allowing Him to sanctify us. As the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river, the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This miracle echoed the parting of the Red Sea, symbolizing not just an escape from bondage but also the taking hold of God's promises.

The crossing of the Jordan River required faith, just as our journey of faith requires us to trust God and follow His commands. We must not fear the challenges and obstacles in our lives but see them as opportunities to build our faith. By stepping out in faith, we can take hold of God's promises and fulfill our mission to make disciples, helping others along their path of sanctification.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Call to Action: Just as Joshua and Caleb understood the importance of obeying God's call, we too must heed the Great Commission. This call transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones as we focus on making disciples and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. Our mission is not about worldly success but about fulfilling God's purpose. [04:49]
2. Faith in Leadership: Joshua's leadership and the people's obedience were crucial as they prepared to cross the Jordan River. God promised to be with Joshua, just as He was with Moses. This assurance of God's presence is vital for us as well, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey of faith. [06:50]
3. Consecration and Preparation: Joshua instructed the people to consecrate themselves, preparing their hearts and minds for the wonders God would perform. This act of consecration is a reminder for us to pause and renew our relationship with God, allowing Him to sanctify us and prepare us for His work. [13:54]
4. Miracles and Faith: The parting of the Jordan River echoed the parting of the Red Sea, symbolizing not just an escape from bondage but also the taking hold of God's promises. This miracle required faith from the priests and the people, just as our journey of faith requires us to trust God and follow His commands. [23:56]
5. Overcoming Obstacles: The challenges and obstacles in our lives, like the flooded Jordan River, are opportunities to build our faith. By stepping out in faith and trusting God, we can overcome these obstacles and take hold of His promises, fulfilling our mission to make disciples and helping others along their path of sanctification. [27:54]
### [27:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:35] - The Call to Action
[04:49] - The Great Commission
[06:10] - Joshua's Leadership
[07:24] - Rahab's Faith
[08:52] - Moving Out
[10:05] - Crossing the Jordan
[12:02] - Following the Ark
[13:54] - Consecration
[16:23] - Obedience of the Priests
[18:13] - God's Assurance
[20:03] - God's Presence
[22:13] - The Miracle of the Jordan
[24:23] - Symbolism of Adam
[25:36] - Faith and Obedience
[27:54] - Overcoming Obstacles

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the crossing of the Jordan River? ([06:10])
How did the Israelites respond to Joshua's command to consecrate themselves? ([13:54])
What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the crossing of the Jordan River? ([10:40])
How did the parting of the Jordan River compare to the parting of the Red Sea? ([25:13])

Interpretation Questions

Why was it important for Joshua to be strong and courageous, and how does this apply to our own leadership roles? ([06:10])
What does it mean to consecrate oneself, and why is this necessary before witnessing God's wonders? ([13:54])
How does the Great Commission transform our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones? ([04:49])
In what ways do the challenges and obstacles in our lives serve as opportunities to build our faith? ([27:54])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God calling you to take action. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([03:35])
How can you practice being strong and courageous in your daily life, especially in your faith journey? ([06:10])
What steps can you take this week to consecrate yourself and renew your relationship with God? ([13:54])
Identify a current obstacle in your life. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity to build your faith? ([27:54])
How can you actively participate in the Great Commission within your community? ([04:49])
Think of a specific way you can help someone else along their path of sanctification this week. ([28:49])
What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life? ([18:13])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "It's what we saw in the letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians, where we're to stand strong in the Lord, and then put on the whole armor of God. And that's because we are in an all-out spiritual battle, day in and day out. And the Great Commission is what contains our marching orders." [03:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And that's because we have a whole new set of standards we work towards. We're no longer focused on making money or making ourselves appear great. Instead, our singular focus is on making disciples. And if we look back over the last week, last month, and we find ourselves not really ever making those disciples, then maybe we're just like Israel. We're disobedient. We aren't really obeying God's commands to go." [04:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So God's presence, signified by the Ark of the Covenant, leads Israel showing them the way. And that's because it says they hadn't passed this way before. So this is new territory for them. It's new territory physically, but it's also new territory spiritually. So they're to follow, but they weren't to get too close, to become too casual, because they hadn't yet been delivered into the Promised Land. They hadn't reached their salvation just yet." [12:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You see, going to make disciples requires that we too are being made into disciples at the exact same time. That Christ is being formed in us so that God might use us to help form Christ in others. That's why we must take time for consecration to happen in our everyday, ordinary lives. To prepare, to be sanctified, to be set apart, and especially to be reminded that God is with us, that His presence is with us every single day and always." [15:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It takes faith to leave that wide dark path that leads to eternal destruction that's what the parting of the Red Sea represents for Israel God freeing his children from bondage it's the same thing we need to be freed from the bondage of our sin and that happens when we first believe that Christ by his shed blood can save us from our sins and then we behave and step with that belief by repenting by turning from our sin and turning towards Christ as we're justified made right before God." [25:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "And then we teach them to obey all that Christ has commanded us. And then we take that sandwich throughout the tri-state region and beyond, that 30-mile radius where most of us live out our lives. And when we do, it transforms everything. It doesn't matter if we have this mundane, ordinary life. When we take our sandwich with us, it transforms our everyday ordinary life into an everyday extraordinary life." [04:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So Joshua directs his lieutenants to notify the people to pack up their stuff, because they're about ready to move out. And unlike their parents, this new generation, they obey. They say, you want us to pack up the stuff in three days? You want us to cross this flooded river bed? You want us to take out these antikyte giants? No problem. You got it. Let's go. And that's exactly the same kind of attitude we have to take to this great commandment we've been given." [06:50] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Then Joshua said to the people, consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. So now Israel gets a little bit more of the plan. They are now to be consecrated. Now to consecrate means to purify, to sanctify, to prepare, to be set apart as sacred. Why does God direct this? Well, because tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among them." [13:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So do you see how this phrase, it just keeps coming up over and over again. God keeps assuring Joshua that he is with him. Again, that is the key to our Christian lives. That we realize that God is with us. That's why that bottom piece of bread on the Great Commission is so important. Because Jesus promises to be with us always too. He is with us. He promises. And the challenge we have is that far too often, we don't live in light of His presence with us. He's always there." [18:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It took faith for those priests to step into that water it took faith for Israel to cross over that Jordan and it takes faith for us to progress down that narrow path so that we can take hold of God's promises too if we've been born again if we've truly left that wide dark path then we must progress down that narrow one we can't get comfortable out in the desert where we just die off like Israel no we must cross the Jordan following God as he commands us by becoming disciples by being consecrated set apart as Christ is formed in us and by then going to make disciples helping others along that sanctification path too as Christ is formed in them." [28:10] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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