Six Ways To Get Back On Track With God

Six Ways To Get Back On Track With God

(Adapted from a message preached by Dr. Dave Hartson)

Joshua 7:11, 8:1-8,30

June 8, 2002 Chester FBC, Chester, Illinois Mike Fogerson, Speaker

Introduction:

While driving in a remote camping area, the father of a vacationing family came across a large sign that read, "Road Closed. Do Not Enter." The man proceeded around the sign because he was confident it would save them time on their journey. His wife was resistant to the adventure but there was no turning back for this persistent road warrior. After a few miles of successful navigation, he began to boast about his gift of discernment. His proud smile was quickly replaced with humble sweat when the road led to a washed-out bridge. He turned the car around and retraced his tracks to the main road. When they arrived at the original warning sign he was greeted by large block letters on the back side of the sign. His wife and three children all read the hand-painted message out loud, "Welcome back, stupid!"

A There are no short cuts to getting back on track with God. Today’s message is "Six Ways To Get Back On Track With God."

a Joshua 8 (List appropriate text with their corresponding points on the listening guide)

b Joshua took a wayward nation back to a healthy relationship with God.(ETS)

B We can get right with God after we’ve wandered away. (ETS)

a I hope you’ll take the appropriate steps that will lead you back to an awesome God. (Objective)

b What steps are you going to take that will lead you back to an awesome God? (Probing Question)

T.S.: Let’s look at six steps we can take that will lead us back to an awesome God.

Conclusion:

A We’ve looked at six steps that we can take that will lead us back to an..

Trust God Again....Get Busy Serving Him Again...Revisit Yesterday’s Victories...Resolve not to the make same mistakes Again..Let God Lead Again..Participate in Wor. Again.

B I hope you’ll take the appropriate steps that will lead you back to an awesome G.

*Stay off the track..depressed, miserable OR get back on track!

C What steps are you going to take that will get you back on track w/ God.

The distance of the Olympic marathon was standardized in 1908 when the games were held in London. The Royal Family wanted to watch the start of the race from their home. The distance from this vantage point in Windsor Castle to the finish line in the Olympic stadium was 26 miles, 385 yards. From this point on, the marathon distance was fixed. The first winner of this newly defined marathon should have been an Italian candy maker named Dorando Pietri. He was the first to enter the stadium, but turned the wrong way. Rather than going right, he went left. When the mistake was realized, Pietri staggered and fell. Anxiety from his error triggered an onslaught of fatigue. He turned around and continued staggering toward the finish line. With just a few yards remaining, Pietri fell one final time. Sympathetic spectators and trackside officials assisted him to his feet and the tiny runner wobbled to the finish. Meanwhile, Johnny Hayes, running for the United States, was racing down the homestretch of the stadium. After a lengthy discussion by the officials, Hayes was given the gold medal because Pietri had been unfairly aided near the finish line. A wonderfully run race was ruined by a wrong turn at the end. Finishing well is as important as running well.

*Some of you started on track and have gotten off. It’s just as important finish your race well as it is to start it well.

I The first step I’ve got to make to get back on track with God is I must. . .

Trust God Again.

A Joshua was leading a group of people who had disobeyed God, slipped in their walk and had gotten off track with Him.

a Joshua got depressed because his people got off track.

JOS 7:6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. [7] And Joshua said, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, why....?"

b God knew that Josh was discouraged, depressed, his confidence had been shaken and his trust in God had been shaken.

JOS 8:1a Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (The Lord is saying, "Trust me, Josh."

B When I sin, get off track...the devil begins to convince me that God is so disappointed with me that He doesn’t want me back.

a When I’m off track I feel discouraged, disgruntled, and disappointed.