Step By Step [Stepping Stones And Memorials] Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon explores how our faith journey is not just about personal growth, but about influencing others and leaving a legacy of God's faithfulness. Using the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, Pastor Jonathan teaches that God commanded them to build a memorial with 12 stones to remember His miracle and teach future generations. The message emphasizes that our steps of obedience and faith create 'stones of remembrance' that can inspire others toward a relationship with God.

The sermon highlights four key principles: our faith journey impacts others beyond ourselves, God calls us to carry burdens for others' benefit, our obedience leaves a lasting legacy, and we build memorials both to remember God's faithfulness and reveal His power to others. Just as Jesus carried the ultimate burden on the cross, we are called to take steps of faith that make the way clear for others to follow, creating testimonies that point the next generation to God's goodness.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, thanking You for bringing us together as a community of believers. As we gather to study Your Word and learn from the example of Joshua and the Israelites, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and to see how our own faith journey can impact others around us. Lord, prepare our hearts to receive whatever lesson You have for us, and give us the courage to apply what we learn to our daily lives. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's one phrase or saying that you've caught yourself using that sounds exactly like something one of your parents would say?

Key Verses

• Psalm 1:1-6
• Proverbs 13:20
• Joshua 4:1-7
• Joshua 4:15-24
• Matthew 5:16

Questions

• How do you think the Israelites felt when God asked them to go back into the riverbed to collect stones after they had safely crossed? What does this teach us about serving others?
• The sermon mentions that 'faith that costs nothing usually accomplishes nothing.' Can you share an example from your life where stepping out in faith required sacrifice but ultimately blessed others?
• What are some 'stones of remembrance' in your own life - times when God showed His faithfulness that you could share with others?
• Pastor Jonathan asked, 'Am I a good influence or a bad influence for God?' How would you honestly assess your influence on those around you?
• The memorial stones were designed to provoke questions from future generations. How can we intentionally create opportunities for others to ask about our faith?
• What challenges do you face in sharing your testimony or 'carrying stones' for others to see God's work in your life?
• How does knowing that others are watching your faith journey change the way you approach difficult circumstances?
• In what practical ways can we ensure our obedience and faith steps leave a positive legacy for the next generation?

Life Application
This week, identify one 'stone of remembrance' from your life… a specific time when God showed His faithfulness, provided for you, or brought you through a difficult situation. Share this testimony with at least one person who might be encouraged by hearing how God worked in your life. Consider how you can be more intentional about letting your faith 'shine' in your workplace, family, or community so that others might see God's goodness through your example.

Key Takeaways

• Our faith journey is not just about personal growth… it's about influencing others and leaving a legacy of God's faithfulness
• God calls us to carry burdens and take steps of faith not just for ourselves, but so others can see His power and be encouraged
• Every act of obedience becomes a 'stone of remembrance' that can teach others about God's faithfulness
• Our lives should serve as memorials that provoke questions and create opportunities to share God's goodness
• Just as Jesus carried the ultimate burden for us, we are called to carry testimonies that point others to His saving power

Ending Prayer
Father, thank You for this time of fellowship and learning together. As we've been reminded that our faith journey impacts others, help us to be mindful of the 'stones' we're leaving behind through our obedience and testimony. Give us courage to share our stories of Your faithfulness, even when it requires us to be vulnerable or step out of our comfort zones. Help us to live in such a way that others can't help but see You in our lives. May our steps of faith create a clear path for others to follow You. Thank You for being our faithful God who never abandons us and always makes a way. We commit to being good influences for Your kingdom this week. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.