Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” – Crossing the Jordan I. Introduction Opening greeting and call to readiness for the Word of God. Reference to the recent week of prayer and fasting as preparation. Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready.” Text reference: Joshua 3:1–5. Key verse: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Connection to the new year (2026) as a “new season” — a place we’ve not passed before. II. Two Extremes in the Life of Faith Extreme #1: People who think everything depends on God alone. Passive faith; no personal effort (e.g., expecting blessings without action). Extreme #2: People who think everything depends on themselves. Self-striving faith; no prayer or reliance on God. Balanced truth (Joshua 3:5): Human responsibility → “Sanctify yourselves.” Divine power → “The Lord will do wonders.” A biblical tension: God acts, but we prepare. III. Historical and Scriptural Context Israel at the Jordan River. On the threshold of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering. Consequence of earlier unbelief and disobedience. The Ark of the Covenant. Symbol of God's presence and holiness. Instructions: follow it at a distance — reverence before a holy God. The Crossing. Jordan River in flood (½ mile wide); an impossible situation needing a miracle. Spiritual parallel for 2026. Represents transition into a new season filled with both blessings and unknowns. IV. Our Part: “Sanctify Yourselves” Meaning of consecration. To set apart, make holy, dedicate to God's purposes. Synonyms: sanctify, purify, make acceptable to God. Illustration: The church drums. Ordinary objects made sacred through dedicated purpose. Believers are called to the same — living for God’s glory. Practical applications of consecration. Self-examination and repentance of sin. Renew commitment to God and His house. Live holy lives — avoid spiritual compromise. Commitment to consistent church involvement and ministry. Stop gossip, negativity, and complaining; unity and obedience bring blessings. Financial consecration: honor God with firstfruits. Lifestyle consecration: avoid ungodly influences; guard media and relationships. Relational accountability and transparency (illustrated through phone example). Personal humility and ongoing sanctification — asking God to search the heart. Examples of sacrifice and faith. Pastor’s story about his wife leaving a high-paying law job to serve in ministry. Lesson: Consecration often means sacrifice, but God multiplies what’s surrendered. V. God’s Part: “The Lord Will Do Wonders” Nature of God's wonders. Miracles, provisions, and supernatural acts demonstrating His glory. Miracles reveal who God is, not just what He does. Hope from Scripture (Romans 15:4). Old Testament lessons written for our learning and to build hope. The same God who parted the Jordan acts today. Faith declaration for 2026. God calls what is not as though it were — the promises are already in motion. Prophetic declarations for the year: Growth in intimacy with God. Healing and restoration (“this sickness is not unto death”). A rising young generation with holy passion. God will rebuke the devourer. Restoration of faith to believe again. VI. Conclusion and Call to Response Call for the congregation to stand, receive, and respond in faith. Affirmation that their fasting and prayer were part of consecration. Encouragement that God will release blessings long awaited. Exhortation to pray, worship, and believe for God’s wonders in 2026.