Sermon Central
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Why The Journey Series
Contributed by Kirby Lloyd on Dec 12, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: First in a series on stages of Spiritual Growth
Series: Destinations on the Journey of Faith
Why The Journey
Phil 3:12–16
Opening short Video it this it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCRbVEGHZlQ&index=3&list=PLGlbRf2RH-3V5TOIDcSc4rJX01jrTtOXf
Intro:
Traveling to Orlando pulling a camper…some love to travel for the experience of the journey others just want to arrive and skip the travel…yet others just want to stay home because it feels safe.
What if everyone was just happy to stay where they are? Nothing would ever happen in this world we would just sit and watch life go by…some are okay with that but others are driven to discover new heights in their lives be it seeing new places or discovering a deeper relationship with God.
Like any trip there often obstacles or events that can hinder our progress…flat tire or traffic… (too many bathroom stops)…
The same is true with our spiritual journeys…
Life Happens…hurts both religious and personal…false teaching…
(Story Leslie and preacher telling her she can never preach) almost ended her journey before it ever really got started
So…
I. What is the Journey
When we talk about the journey of faith… we are really talking about our own personal spiritual growth journey because it is very personal in nature…
Over the next eight or so weeks we are going to be talking about our journey in this thing we call faith and spiritual maturity.
This journey has a very detailed itinerary with stops or destinations along the way…talk about the differences and to celebrate where we are…and where we can go
Many of us are stuck in some of these destinations and may not even want to leave them because this is where we find comfort.(safe zone)
Others have left a destination and moved forward but because of some tragedy or fear of the unknown have returned to a previously visited destination…
Vacations…some like to go back to the same place over and over for a lifetime because they know where they are going and that they like it there
Dad Lakewood…one year started different Williamsburg…but ended up back in MB…
So why would we want to leave the comfort of where we are?
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, (NIV)
God wants us to grow spiritually and to do that sometimes we must embrace where we are and know that we need to move forward.
As we go through these different destinations that we each have to travel through my prayer is that we will celebrate where we are and the awesomeness that each destination has to offer but to also look forward to joy of new discovery as we “press on” as Paul encourages us…
So why the journey?
Because it means we are growing closer to our Savior
II. We Are Not Alone In The Journey
a. God gave us the church to travel the journey together
Phil 1:27b…I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
b. God is traveling right along with us every step of the way
John 16:5–16 (Bible)
Jesus through the Spirit fulfils His own promise in the verses just a few verses later
“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
III. The Most Important Step Is Starting The Journey
In our house the planning for a vacation or trip can be stressful as we have to commit to go…
There is always a cost involved…money…time…used vacation…
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
I don’t want to start a journey and not be able to complete it!!!
Someone once said to me that the Christian Life is the one “free” gift that cost you your whole life…
Show Video one touch pointing out that Jesus always took the time to stop and help those that wanted his help on their journey, as he made His journey to the cross and ultimately heaven…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP71mZZ0hbk
