Moving from Here to There: Growing Spiritually in Christ

Life is full of transitions—moving homes, changing jobs, or even shifting countries. These physical moves are often uncomfortable because they pull us out of our comfort zones and require sacrifice. Yet, the most significant journey we undertake is not a physical one, but a spiritual one: moving from “here” to “there” in our relationship with God. This journey is universal, whether we worship in a church in the United States or under a grass roof in Africa. What truly matters is not our location or outward activity, but whether we are growing closer to God.

Scripture often describes our spiritual life as a walk. We are called to walk in newness of life, by faith, by the Spirit, in love, and in truth. Walking implies movement toward a destination—becoming more like Christ. However, this journey is not always easy. Like mountain climbers, we must be intentional and vigilant, lest we slip backward or become stagnant, merely going through the motions without real progress. Jonah’s story is a vivid example: though he was once used by God, he resisted God’s call and found himself in a place of discomfort, learning that being out of God’s will is never satisfying.

To move forward, we are urged to “walk worthy” of our calling. This means living in a way that reflects the character and value of Christ, bearing fruit, and growing in knowledge of God. Jesus alone is worthy, and our lives should be devoted to Him—not just on special occasions like Christmas or Easter, but every day. The journey begins with faith in Christ, not by our own works, but by God’s grace and mercy. For those who have not yet started this journey, the invitation is open: move from darkness into God’s glorious light by trusting in Jesus.

No one’s spiritual path is perfectly straight or smooth. There will be challenges, detours, and moments of resistance. But as we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we can trust Him to guide us from “here” to “there.” Whether God is calling you to a new place physically or simply to a deeper walk with Him, the commitment to move forward is one we each must make in our hearts.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual Growth Requires Leaving Comfort Zones Just as physical moves disrupt our routines and comfort, spiritual growth demands that we step out of what is familiar. Remaining where we are may feel safe, but God often calls us to places that stretch our faith and deepen our dependence on Him. True transformation happens when we are willing to let go of comfort for the sake of obedience. [02:58]
• 2. The Christian Life Is a Walk, Not a Standstill Scripture repeatedly uses the metaphor of walking to describe our relationship with God. Walking implies progress, direction, and intentionality. If we are not moving forward—growing in faith, love, and truth—we risk stagnation or even sliding backward, missing out on the fullness of life God intends. [08:09]
• 3. Stagnation and Backsliding Are Real Dangers It is possible to appear active in faith—attending church, participating in activities—while actually remaining spiritually stagnant. Like walking on a treadmill, we can go through the motions without real movement. Vigilance and self-examination are necessary to ensure we are truly advancing in our walk with God. [11:50]
• 4. Walking Worthy Means Reflecting Christ’s Character To “walk worthy” is to live in a way that honors the calling we have received. This involves bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, and living out the love and sacrifice of Christ. Our worthiness is not based on our own merit, but on Christ’s worthiness, and our lives should reflect His character in every area. [15:45]
• 5. The Journey Begins and Continues by Grace Through Faith The starting point of the spiritual journey is faith in Jesus Christ, not our own efforts or religious works. Salvation is a gift of grace, and our ongoing growth depends on continually trusting in God’s mercy and guidance. For those still seeking, the invitation is to step out of darkness and into the light of Christ, beginning a journey that transforms every aspect of life.
  
  ** [19:07]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:21] - Life’s Many Moves and Changes
• [01:19] - The Family Circus Comic and Life’s Zigzags
• [02:22] - Personal Story: Moving to Poland and Spain
• [02:58] - The Challenge of Leaving Comfort Zones
• [03:46] - Biblical Examples of God Moving People
• [04:35] - Jonah’s Reluctance and God’s Course Correction
• [05:52] - Moving Spiritually: More Than Physical Location
• [06:49] - The Spiritual Walk: Walking in Newness of Life
• [09:31] - The Goal: Becoming More Like Christ
• [10:53] - The Effort and Danger of Spiritual Backsliding
• [11:50] - The Illusion of Progress: Treadmill Christianity
• [12:53] - Jonah’s Spiritual Condition and Fleeing God
• [14:49] - How to Move Forward: Walking Worthy
• [15:45] - Living a Life Worthy of Our Calling
• [17:19] - Jesus: The Only One Truly Worthy
• [18:17] - Beginning the Journey: Faith in Christ
• [20:41] - Why It Matters: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus
• [22:24] - Following Jesus Every Day, Not Just on Holidays
• [23:05] - The Path Forward: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
• [24:18] - Commitment and Prayer for Spiritual Growth
• [26:15] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

1. **Romans 6:4 (ESV)**

1. **Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)**

1. **Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)**

1. According to Romans 6:4, what is the purpose of being “buried with Christ by baptism into death”? What does it mean to “walk in newness of life”?
2. In Ephesians 4:1, what does Paul urge believers to do, and how does he describe the way we should walk?
3. The sermon mentioned several biblical figures who were moved by God (Abraham, Israel, Daniel, Philip, Paul, Jonah). What were some of the reasons God moved these people from “here” to “there”? [03:46]
4. The sermon described the Christian life as a walk, not a standstill. What are some of the different ways Scripture describes how we are to walk? (e.g., by faith, by the Spirit, in love, in truth) [08:09]

1. Why do you think God often calls people to leave their comfort zones, both physically and spiritually? What might God be trying to accomplish in us through these transitions? [02:58]
2. The sermon compared spiritual stagnation to walking on a treadmill—going through the motions but not moving forward. What are some signs that someone might be spiritually stagnant, even if they appear active in church? [11:50]
3. What does it mean to “walk worthy” of our calling, according to Ephesians 4:1 and the sermon? How is this different from trying to earn God’s approval through our own efforts? [15:45]
4. The sermon emphasized that the journey begins and continues by grace through faith, not by works. How does this truth affect the way we approach spiritual growth and our relationship with God? [19:07]

1. Think about a time when God called you to step out of your comfort zone—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. How did you respond? What did you learn from that experience? [02:58]
2. Are there areas in your life right now where you sense God is asking you to move from “here” to “there”? What is holding you back from taking that step? [24:18]
3. The sermon warned about the danger of spiritual stagnation and “treadmill Christianity.” Are there routines or habits in your faith that have become empty motions for you? What is one practical change you could make this week to move forward in your walk with God? [11:50]
4. “Walking worthy” means reflecting Christ’s character in daily life. Choose one area (bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, loving others, sacrificial living) where you want to grow. What is a specific action you can take this week to pursue growth in that area? [15:45]
5. The journey of faith is not always straight or easy. When you face setbacks or resistance, what helps you keep your eyes on Jesus and continue moving forward? [23:05]
6. For those who have not yet started the journey with Jesus, the sermon offered an invitation to move from darkness into God’s light. If you are still exploring faith, what questions or doubts do you have? What would help you take a next step? [25:34]
7. The sermon challenged us to live for Jesus every day, not just on holidays. What is one way you can make your relationship with God a daily priority, starting this week? [22:24]