NEXT STEP SUNDAY

If you’ve been around me much at all, you’ve likely heard me talk about “next steps” and maybe even had me quiz you on what your next step is. I’ve very intentionally used this language throughout the duration of the ministry that God has given me and have certainly used often it as Pastor here at North Anderson Baptist.

I don’t use this “next step” terminology in a pragmatic or gimmicky way. I use because I am absolutely convinced that every believer’s spiritual progress requires taking that next step.
Allow me to explain: Every Christian begins a journey at the moment of our salvation.
This journey is called sanctification, and it is the process of our becoming more and more like Jesus. The fact that none of us have reached that goal yet tells us that it’s necessary that we continue to move in that His direction.

That movement requires one next step after another.

Over the past couple of decades, I’ve encountered many Christians who just aren’t moving forward. The reasons are innumerable. It could be that while they were on their journey, they encountered a bump in the road, an obstacle in the path, or maybe they just decided to sit down a while and rest, but never got back up.

Whatever the reason, there’s this commonality - They weren’t really moving forward, and that’s not good.

Here’s what is good…it doesn’t have to be that way.

By Gods grace, no matter why we’re currently stuck, we have the opportunity to begin marching forward again by taking a step.
That next step that is needed to really propel you forward may be scary, uncomfortable, or a difficult one to take, but please understand that it’s impossible to continue the journey without taking it.

Those of you who went through the Experiencing God study with us a couple of months ago will remember the line that’s repeated throughout the study, “You can’t stay where you are and go with God”. To that, I say amen! I’m sure you do as well!

So, what is your next step?

For some, it’s obvious. The Lord has been dealing with your heart for some time now about baptism, church membership, small group engagement, using your gifts in serving Christ through His Church.

For others, it may something like sharing the Gospel with a friend, committing to a daily devotional a life, personally discipling someone, asking or extending forgiveness, becoming more faithful in church attendance, being a better steward of your finances and honoring the Lord through more consistent and sacrificial giving, answering a call to vocational ministry, etc.
You know what your next step needs to be and we stand ready to help you to take it. Just let us know how by clicking on the “Next Step” tab and filling out the form so that we can partner with you.

We’re calling this Sunday, April 7th, “Next Step Sunday” and are challenging all of our church family and friends to identify what that step is and taking it, by faith. We’re rooting you on as you embark on this journey!

I want you to know that I’m not asking anything thing of you that I am unwilling to do myself. I know what my next step is, and believing by faith that the Lord will provide the strength, boldness, wisdom and resources that I need, I am taking it. Join me on the journey.


Grace, peace, and blessings,

Pastor Kyle

*Don't forget that we have our 1st Wednesday Meal this week at 5:00pm!