Sermon Notes:
1. At the Red Sea, God rescues us out of slavery
2. At the Jordan River, God invites us to step into our calling
3. God calls us by reminding us of who we are, Children of God
Comparing the Crossings:
4. Red Sea: miracle first, then step of faith.
Jordan: step of faith first, then miracle.
5. Red Sea: left behind fear and slavery
Jordan: left behind comfort and convenience
6. Red Sea: escaped from bondage
Jordan: embraced God’s promises
Remember who you are:
7. By stepping out of slavery (shackles of sin), and stepping into your calling (God’s promises for us), you step into your identity, as a Child of God.
8. Steps of Faith can be done together in community. You don’t need to do it alone.
Follow Up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
This week we learned how God saved his people out of slavery at the Red Sea, and how he invited them into the promised land at crossing of the Jordan. We also learned how the people often forgot their identity as Children of God. Share about a “medal” or “memorial” in your life (an object, memory, or story) that reminds you of who you are or of what God has done.
Digging Deeper:
Red Sea: Escaping from Slavery
1. In Exodus 14, God parts the sea before the Israelites step in. What does this teach us about God’s saving grace? Where in your life have you experienced God rescuing you — taking you out of something you could not escape on your own?
Jordan River: Embracing God’s Promises
2. At the Jordan, the Israelites had to step into the water before the miracle came. What does this teach us about faith and obedience? What “comfort zones” in your life might God be inviting you to step out of in order to step into His promises?
Stones of Remembrance
3. Joshua knew people would forget what God has done, so he commanded the Israelites to set up memorial stones so future generations would remember God’s faithfulness. What are some ways you (or your family) can set up “stones of remembrance” today to remind us of God’s goodness and our identity as Children of God.
Comparing the Crossings
4. How do you see the difference between Red Sea faith (miracle first, then step) and Jordan faith (step first, then miracle) showing up in your own spiritual journey? Which kind of faith do you feel God is calling you to right now?
Taking it Home:
The sermon reminded us: “God didn’t just save you from something. He saved you for something.” What is one area where you sense God calling you for something greater right now? How does remembering you are a child of God encourage you to take those steps of faith?