Archive for June 1, 2008

Planning for Change

June 1, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play now#313, Planning for Change, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday, 06-01-2008

Text: Joshua 3:1-6; 14-17
Theme: With God’s help I must plan for change.

INTRODUCTION:

  1. When I first gave my life to Jesus, a world of change opened up.
    1. “I passed from death to life.” 1 John 3:14
    2. I wanted to become like Jesus, but I noticed a resistance.
    3. My change became selective.
    4. But to resist change would steer me into a self-imposed desert.
  2. The Israelites, God’s people, wanted to cross over.
    1. They faced great challenges - there was a swollen river ahead.
    2. To rush as a mob meant sure disaster.
    3. They needed a plan for change.
  3. There are two dynamics to the experiencing of God’s good purpose.
    1. God who works in you.
    2. You, as you work out your salvation.
    3. How do we work together with God to plan for change?

Text: Joshua 3:1-6
Theme: With God’s help I must plan for change.
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” -Philippians 2:12b-13

  1. God does his part. (He provides us the plan to go from desert to promised land)
    1. What plan did God give the Israelites? What plan does God give us?
    2. God gave the people a vision for change. (Here is where you are, there is where you can be.)
    3. The Word of God contains His vision for us.
    4. We can live in victory, overcoming sin and evil.
    5. God gave the people leaders who modeled change and encouraged change.
    6. Moses and Joshua were not afraid to lead.
    7. This church has leaders becoming like Christ in an increasingly godless world.
    8. God provided His presence.
    9. “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God … you are to move out from your positions and follow it.” –Joshua 3:3
    10. God provided His power.
    11. “I will lead you step by step.”
    12. “I will enable you to cross over.”
    13. God will do what we cannot, but God will not do what we can do.
  2. We must do our part.
    1. How do we plan for change?
    2. Move toward good change.
    3. They “went to the Jordan” and camped there. (v 1)
    4. Hang out with people willing to obey God.
    5. Position yourself in a place where you can receive God’s plan for change.
    6. Keep your focus.
    7. “Then you will know which way to go since you have never been this way before.” –Joshua 3:4
    8. Obedience to Jesus is the goal (becoming like Him).
    9. We get inspired for change and then easily go back to the old habits. Change takes repetition and consistency before becoming a habit (3 months).
    10. “Consecrate yourselves.” (v 5)
    11. Consecration – to be set apart for a person or purpose.
    12. God won’t show us His will if we have no intention of doing it.
    13. Step out into the plan of God. (read Joshua 3:14-17)
    14. The priests willingly stepped into the Jordan.
    15. As they obeyed God’s plan the power of God showed up.
    16. It takes courage and faith to step out. Don’t just talk about it.

CONCLUSION:

  1. Do you have a plan for change?
    1. What is the one area that God wants you to change first?
    2. As a church we’re working on loving relationships at home and church, small groups and team work. Why? We see discipleship as God’s promised land.
  2. Are you willing to start a plan for change?

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