Taking the First Step in Faith
Summary
In my sermon, I began by emphasizing the importance of taking the first step in our faith journey, drawing on the adage that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I highlighted the courage and determination required to take this initial step and the necessity of stepping in the right direction. I used the example of legendary basketball coach John Wooden teaching his players the fundamental task of properly putting on socks to prevent blisters, which can hinder performance. This illustrated the importance of not overlooking the basics in our spiritual journey.
I then recounted the story of the Israelites, who were led by Joshua to the edge of the Jordan River, on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The night before crossing, they camped by the river, filled with anticipation of God's miraculous intervention. Joshua instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and step into the flooded river. As they did, the waters parted, and the ground beneath them dried, allowing the people to cross on solid ground. This act of faith was a powerful demonstration of God's presence and guidance.
I drew parallels between the Israelites' journey and our own spiritual walk, emphasizing the need to walk by faith, not by sight, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:7. I shared an experiment by German researchers that showed people cannot walk in a straight line without a focal point. Similarly, in our faith, God is our focal point, and by keeping our eyes on Him, we can walk a straight path.
I spoke about the significance of baptism as a step of obedience and a public declaration of faith. Baptism symbolizes leaving our old life behind and starting anew with Jesus. I mentioned Jesus' own baptism by John the Baptist as an example for us to follow, explaining the meaning of baptism as immersion and its representation of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
I also addressed the importance of wrapping our lives around God's Church. I acknowledged that some have walked away from the church, especially since the lockdowns of 2020, but emphasized the necessity of community in our faith journey. I encouraged believers to connect their lives, relationships, and families to the local church, as it is through this community that we grow and support one another.
Finally, I invited those who felt distant from God or who had not yet taken the step of faith to come home to Jesus. I led a prayer for those ready to commit or recommit their lives to Christ, assuring them of God's love, forgiveness, and the promise of becoming part of His forever family.
Key Takeaways:
1. The journey of faith begins with a single step, a step that requires courage and intentionality. Just as high-level athletes must pay attention to the basics, like how to properly wear socks, we must not neglect the fundamental aspects of our faith to avoid spiritual setbacks. ([04:36])
2. Walking by faith involves trusting in God's guidance, even when the path seems unclear or daunting. The Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River serves as a reminder that when we focus on God as our focal point, He will make our steps firm and provide a solid foundation for our lives. ([11:57])
3. Baptism is a significant step of obedience that symbolizes our commitment to a new life in Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward change, mirroring Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and should be undertaken by all who have put their faith in Him. ([24:05])
4. The local church is vital to our spiritual growth and resilience. In times of crisis and throughout our faith journey, the support and fellowship of a church community are indispensable. We must intertwine our lives with the church to thrive in our walk with God. ([30:12])
5. Reconnecting with God is always just one step away. No matter how far we may feel from Him, it takes only one step back to be in His presence. This step is an invitation to experience His love, forgiveness, and the joy of being part of His family. ([32:53])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 3:1-17 - The Israelites crossing the Jordan River.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
3. Matthew 3:13-17 - The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Joshua give to the priests before they crossed the Jordan River? ([09:08])
2. How did the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River demonstrate their faith in God? ([10:33])
3. What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River? ([11:17])
4. How does the act of baptism symbolize a believer's commitment to a new life in Christ? ([24:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to take the first step in our faith journey, even when it seems daunting? ([00:48])
2. How does the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River illustrate the concept of walking by faith and not by sight? ([15:42])
3. What does the act of baptism represent, and why is it considered an important step of obedience for believers? ([21:47])
4. How can the local church community support and enhance an individual's spiritual growth and resilience? ([28:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to take a difficult first step in your faith journey. What gave you the courage to move forward? ([00:48])
2. In what ways can you ensure that you are focusing on God as your focal point in your daily life? ([16:26])
3. Have you been baptized? If not, what might be holding you back from taking this step of obedience? If you have, how did it impact your faith journey? ([21:47])
4. How can you actively involve yourself in your local church community to foster spiritual growth and support others? ([28:13])
5. Think of someone you know who feels distant from God. How can you encourage them to take a step back towards Him? ([32:08])
6. What are some basic spiritual disciplines that you might be overlooking in your faith journey? How can you incorporate them into your daily routine? ([05:09])
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take this week to walk by faith in that area? ([15:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Courage to Begin the Faith Journey
Taking the first step in one's faith journey is a pivotal moment that requires both courage and intentionality. It's about recognizing the significance of starting small, much like an athlete who understands the importance of the basics, such as wearing socks correctly to prevent blisters. This initial step is not just about movement but about moving in the right direction. It's a commitment to not overlook the foundational elements of faith, which are crucial for avoiding spiritual setbacks and ensuring a strong walk with God. [04:36]
"Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." - Proverbs 16:20 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one small but intentional step you can take today to move forward in your faith journey?
Day 2: Trusting God's Guidance in Uncertainty
Walking by faith often means stepping into the unknown and trusting that God will guide each step along the way. The story of the Israelites at the Jordan River is a testament to the power of faith in action. When the path ahead seems unclear or daunting, it is the act of focusing on God as the focal point that provides clarity and stability. Just as people cannot walk in a straight line without a point of reference, one's spiritual path requires a fixed gaze upon God to navigate life's complexities. [11:57]
"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." - Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God more, and how can you demonstrate that trust today?
Day 3: The Transformative Step of Baptism
Baptism is a profound step of obedience, symbolizing the believer's death to the old life and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, mirroring Jesus' own death, burial, and resurrection. This sacrament is not merely a ritual but a declaration of a life changed by faith, a life that is now committed to following Jesus. It is a step that all believers are called to take, marking the beginning of a renewed journey with God. [24:05]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Reflection: How does your life reflect the transformation symbolized by baptism, and what new step can you take today to live out this new identity in Christ?
Day 4: The Church as a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth
The local church plays a crucial role in the life of a believer. It is within the context of this community that individuals find support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. The church is not just a building or a weekly gathering; it is a network of relationships, a family of believers journeying together in faith. Especially in times of crisis, the church stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, a place where lives are intertwined and faith is nurtured. [30:12]
"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: What is one way you can engage more deeply with your church community this week to foster spiritual growth both in yourself and in others?
Day 5: The Ever-Present Opportunity to Reconnect with God
No matter the distance one feels from God, the opportunity to reconnect is always available. It takes just one step, one act of faith, to return to the presence of the Lord. This step is an open invitation to experience the fullness of God's love, forgiveness, and the joy of being part of His eternal family. It is a reminder that God's grace is boundless, and His arms are always open to those who seek Him. [32:53]
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." - Isaiah 55:6 (ESV)
Reflection: What is holding you back from taking that one step closer to God today, and how can you overcome it to experience His presence anew?
Quotes
1. "that first step can be the hardest step to take... it takes courage, it takes determination... we got to start stepping but you can't just step anywhere, you got to step the right direction... it's about growing in our faith and going forward in the direction God is leading us." [01:35]
2. "if you're going to go on a Thousand Mile Journey... the Christian walk is a lifelong journey... you got to make sure that you don't miss or skip over the basics... like how to put on your socks so you don't end up with painful spiritual blisters on your feet that can slow you down." [04:36]
3. "God's promise is when we follow him, when we walk with him... we'll be building our life on Solid Ground... 'The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who Delights in him'... so that we're not slipping and sliding and falling down and stumbling through our life." [11:57]
4. "if you want to walk by faith and you want to go the distance in your walk with God, you need to wrap your life around the local church... that's how you're going to grow... getting with people other people who are not perfect but they are passionate about the greatest thing going on the planet." [30:12]
5. "baptism doesn't save you but it's an important first step of obedience for a new believer... everybody who has put their faith and trust in Jesus is a follower of Jesus, everybody should be baptized... it's a step of obedience and you're encouraging other people to take that step." [26:17]
6. "to connect with God you give your life to Jesus you trust him as the forgiver and the leader of your life... you were created by God and for God... to know God and to make God known... it starts by putting your faith and your trust in Jesus and trusting him to lead you through the Brokenness." [19:33]
7. "the first thing that we need to do is simply this first it is walk by faith... for we walk by faith not by sight... the only way to walk in a straight path is to focus on something ahead of you, a focal point... if you look straight ahead to God in your life you will stay on course." [15:42]
8. "the Waters of baptism don't wash your sins away, Jesus is the one who does that... baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality that Jesus does for you when you put your trust in him... it's also a picture of you dying to your old way of life and being buried and raising to a new life." [24:05]
9. "the first step that's not the last step... but you can't skip that step that is the most important step that you'll ever take in your life... you will find that if you will take the steps set before you when God is opening those doors and you say yes to him... you will be growing like you never thought possible." [14:53]
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