Description

I. Opening and Introduction

• Acknowledgment of ministry volunteers serving behind the scenes.

• Call to thank God for those who serve.

• Emphasis: the church is about everyone being mobilized to serve.

II. High View of Scripture

• Affirmation: the Bible is held in supreme authority above all other sources.

• It is infallible, inerrant, and authoritative.

• The pastor’s aim: communicate God’s Word truthfully and sincerely.

• The Word of God is inexhaustible, pure, powerful—like a seed that bears fruit.

III. The Heart as Soil

• Analogy: the issue isn’t the seed (the Word of God), but the soil (the human heart).

• Types of soil issues: hardness, weeds, stones, debris.

• Call to prayer: for receptive hearts that produce lasting fruit.

• Encouragement: change is possible through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

IV. Transition to Scripture Text

• Introduction to Bible passage: Joshua 3.

• Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready, Part 2.”

• Theme: God wants His people prepared to receive what He has planned.

V. Testimonies of Transformation

• Two congregational testimonies shared:

  • Restored faith and renewed hope through prayer and fasting.

  • Family transformation—faith renewal, prayer habits, and Bible reading.

• Reinforcement: God is working in people’s lives today.

VI. Focus Text: Joshua 3:5

“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

• The message centers on two main parts:

  1. Our part – sanctify, prepare, consecrate ourselves.

  2. God’s part – He will do wonders among us.

VII. Balancing Our Role and God’s Role

• Warning against two extremes:

  • Some believe “it all depends on God”—do nothing.

  • Others act as though “it all depends on them”—trust in self.

• Biblical balance: we plant and water, but God gives the increase.

• Example: two farmers—one prepares by faith; the other does not. True faith acts.

VIII. God Does the Heavy Lifting

• Reminder: God initiates and sustains His work of grace.

• Analogy: a small child “helping” carry groceries—the parent carries the real weight.

• Same with God—He carries us while we participate in faith.

IX. Understanding God’s Wonders

• We need miracles because life presents impossible situations.

• God performs “exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think.”

• Miracles remind us: focus on the miracle worker, not the miracle.

X. The Crossing of the Jordan

• Context: Israel at the threshold of the Promised Land.

• The Jordan River in flood stage—an impossibility without divine help.

• Symbolism:

  • Crossing = moving from old life to new life.

  • Once crossed, there’s no going back.

  • Application: we must cross our own “Jordan” in faith.

XI. Call to Commitment and Discipleship

• Reference to John 6: Disciples offended by Jesus’ hard teachings.

• Peter’s declaration: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life.”

• Application: commitment to Jesus despite challenges—there’s no other way.

XII. God’s Glory, Not Ours

• Warning: when miracles occur, glory must go to God alone.

• Miracles exist to reveal who God is, not to glorify people or churches.

• The Lord says, “I will share my glory with no one.”

XIII. Contemporary Application

• The same God who parted the Jordan still does wonders today.

• Encouragement to believe for miracles in 2026 as He did in 2025.

• Observation: Growing hunger for God, especially among younger generations.

• The church’s mission: glorify God through faith and obedience.

XIV. Personal Testimony of Ministry

• Example from missions work in Africa: obedience and prayer led to new opportunities.

• Lesson: God elevates His plans when we yield and seek His will sincerely.

XV. Faith in Everyday Life

• God’s anointing applies to every sphere—parenting, work, ministry.

• Don’t diminish “ordinary” callings; they matter to God.

• Pray that God’s glory shines through everything you do.

XVI. Stirring Faith

• Reference to David and Goliath: faith rooted in past victories fosters future courage.

• A believer’s testimony is unarguable proof of God’s reality.

XVII. Stepping Out in Faith

• The Jordan did not part until the priests stepped into the water.

• Faith requires action; the miraculous follows obedience.

• Encouragement: take new steps in faith this year—don’t stay stagnant.

XVIII. Closing Prayer and Declaration

• Belief statements for 2026:

  • God will heal, restore, and break generational curses.

  • God will revive faith and anoint His people for fruitfulness.

  • Young generations will rise up for His glory.

• Call to prayer: declare God’s promises back to Him (“God, you said”).

• Encouragement: contending in faith honors God and aligns with His Word.

XIX. Worship and Benediction

• Congregation invited to pray and worship.

• Song: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is Upon Me.”

• Declaration: this is the year of God’s favor and wonders.