This Sunday was a beautiful Sunday, because it was baptism Sunday. There is something beautiful, special, and wonderful about joining with others as they commit to following Jesus publicly. There is something so moving about seeing and hearing people’s testimony and desire to follow Jesus.
And that’s what this Sunday was about.
But it was also about recognizing a key of faith: you can’t do it alone.
The only reason we had baptisms is because people invested in others. Is because people realized they can’t do faith on their own, and had others join their journey.
We often believe in our culture that it’s all about our own personal willpower, drive, and strength that leads to success. But not only isn’t that true, it’s one of the most damaging lies in our world. The truth is we are only as strong as those who are journeying with us.
There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. And that is true.
And so on Sunday we looked at how we need each other. But we ended with a very personal but important question: who are you journeying with? Who is close enough to you to support, care, and miss you when you drift? Who knows your struggles and your strengths? Who are you journeying with, and who is journeying with you?
This question isn’t a light one, but a crucial one to our faith. If we want to not only start well in life, but finish well in life – we need one another.
So we gave a challenge on Sunday. That if you can’t think of someone who is journeying with you, to invite someone in. Ask for a mentor, find a spiritual guide, don’t go it alone – but go together.
So that was our challenge on Sunday, and it’s a personal one, but it’s a needed one. Because we all need someone.
Sermon Notes:
Big Idea: Journey with others
Teaching Points:
- It’s not starting that’s hard, it’s finishing.
- We think succeeding is about us, and our willpower. It’s actually about others, and who is journeying with us.
- We need others to care for us, support us, and miss us when we start to drift.
- We simply can’t do this thing called Christianity alone.
- The friends you have will often determine the quality and direction of your life.
- To think of one person you can invite to walk with you this year.
Adult Discussion Questions:
What stuck out to you from the sermon? What was challenging to you? How did God speak to you through it? What was new? What were your first impressions to the topic for today? Does it seem to you that growing older does limit your future? How would you answer the question “Who are you trusting to guarantee your future?” What do you believe your future looks like right now? What does your future look like with God involved? What does he want to do in your future?
Discussion Questions for Young Families
Today talk with your kids about their futures. Ask them what they want to do, and who they want to be. Today learn from your kids. Sense the enthusiasm, the belief, the sense of excitement and possibility. Learn from them, and seek to bring that into your relationship with God today.
Challenge for the Week: To think of one person you can invite to walk with you this year.
Plattsville Church 