Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready! Part 2

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