NEXT STEPS

Pastor Tim Perkins @timwperkins

(2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

 Taking Next Steps

(Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV) You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1. Anticipate . (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44)

 The thief tries to…

• Kill my with . (Galatians 1:15; Jeremiah 1:15)

• Destroy my with . (Proverbs 4:23; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15)

• Steal my with . (Revelation 12:10; Romans 8:1)

2. God’s .

• My Words: (John 1:41-42; Mark 5:18-20; John 4:29)
• My Water Baptism: (Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 8:35-36)

3. God’s . (James 4:8; Acts 2:28)

• God’s (Hebrews 4:12)
  • As you read, ask yourself these questions:
    • What do I learn about God? 
    • What do I learn about people/mankind? 
    • Why is this story in the Bible?
    • What is God trying to teach me?
    • What action do I need to take today in light of this?
  • Then, ask God will give you an opportunity to what you learn with someone.

• (Psalm 22:3)
• (Romans 12:12; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 6:9; Psalm 91; Ephesians 6:10-18; Ephesians 1:15-23) 

The key to my spiritual growth is to take my and take it !

Big Idea:

In this message, we look at the importance of taking next steps in our spiritual journey. The moment we receive salvation, our spirit is made alive in Christ, but a war between our old nature and new nature also breaks out inside us. To win this war against our old nature, we need to continually take next steps towards God. Once we give our lives to Jesus, we first need to follow His example and declare our salvation through water baptism. Then, we must cultivate God’s presence daily by reading His Word, worshipping Him, and spending time with Him in prayer. We will only believe the devil’s lies to the extent that we don’t know God’s truth, so we can effectively resist the enemy’s attempts to destroy our lives by spending time in God’s presence. All of us are on a lifelong spiritual journey, and the key to living a life of freedom and fulfillment is taking next steps that move us closer to God.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. ~ Jesus (John 10:10)

Talk about it…

• Discuss what baptism represents and why it is important to be baptized after you decide to follow Jesus. If you’ve been water baptized, share how that experience helped you move one step in your spiritual journey.

• Share some of the practical ways you cultivate God’s presence in your life. What does spending time in the Word, worship, and prayer look like for you daily? How do these things help you resist attacks from the enemy?

• Talk about your spiritual journey since deciding to follow Jesus. If you could identify two or three things that have helped you grow the most in your relationship with Jesus, what might those things be?

 Pray about it…

• God, I thank you for Your Word! You teach me how to avoid the lies of the enemy and what my best next steps are. Help me to fill my thoughts with Your Word so I can walk in hope and not fear. Thank you for allowing me talk to You! Your power is greater than I can fathom. Yet, You hear my words today and You are for me! What is my best next step that You want me to take today? In Jesus Name, Amen.

Act on it…

• Declare God’s Salvation:
  • Baptism: If you are a Christian and have not been baptized, that is your best next step of obedience and to declare to the world know what God has done for you. Email us a [email protected] and we’ll help!
  • Your Words: Who is one person with whom you will share what God has done for you?
• God Word: Join us this week in our church-wide reading plan by clicking here.
• Worship: Here are few of our favorite songs we’re currently worshiping to:
  • Way Maker – Refiner – The Blessing
• Prayer: Try praying out loud this week in your time with God. He’s a loving Father and wants to hear your voice! 

Sermon available online at centralsj.org