Position Yourself to Receive the New

Introduction

Every “new thing” God brings in the Bible requires movement.

Abraham had to leave his land to live the promise.

Moses had to face Pharaoh to see the sea open.

Peter had to step out of the boat to walk on water.

The disciples had to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit.

God’s new does not come to those who are simply sitting and waiting.

The new comes to those who take a stand.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17)

You may believe that God has something new.

You may sing about it.

You may feel emotional during the message.

But if you don’t take steps, nothing changes.

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak. (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Don’t confuse faith with positivity. Faith is not optimism; faith is a spirit.

Every Faith/Belief requires an Action.

Faith Always Requires a Step

+ Noah built the ark before the rain.

+ Abraham left his land before knowing where he was going.

+ Moses touched the sea before it parted.

+ The widow of Zarephath cooked for Elijah before seeing the miracle.

+ The woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus before being healed.

+ Peter stepped onto the water before walking on it.

None of these miracles started with comfort.

All of them started with movement.

Do Not Postpone What the Lord Has for You

Jesus replied: “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many. When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have bought a field and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:16–24)

Do not put aside God’s plans and purpose. Let them be a priority in your life.

All those who put them last did not taste the Master’s Banquet.

Sow Where You Want to Reap

Do not wait for “the perfect moment.” The new begins with seeds.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants is anything, nor the one who waters, but God who gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6–7)

Plant – Start

Water – Care

Growth – The Work of the Holy Spirit

Conclusion

We want to reap without planting.

But aren’t we under grace, Pastor? Yes, of course we are. But without faith it is impossible to please God.

Faith without works is dead!

The one who sows is the one who trusts that he will reap.