The Door to Abundant Life | John 10:7–10 | Christ Community Church Ardmore

Enlarging Your Vision, Enlarging Your Faith

Faith Is a Spiritual Practice

“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:17

• Faith is active—it’s not just an internal belief but a practice lived out.
• It requires action, listening, and co-creating with God.
• Everyday life is a catalyst for practicing and growing in faith.Reflection Question:Have you ever felt prompted by God to step out—even when the next step wasn’t clear?Anchoring Our Faith in ScriptureHebrews 11:1 “Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.” Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith, knowing that He is real and that He rewards the faith of those who passionately seek Him.”These verses remind us that faith isn’t only about eternity—it’s about now. So how do we begin to live out that kind of faith in our everyday lives?Vision Precedes Faith“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18

• Faith begins with seeing beyond the present.
• God often gives just enough vision to invite trust—not the full map.Application:Ask yourself: What does “on earth as it is in heaven” look like in my life?The Seed: A Picture of Faith

A seed’s growth mirrors the life of faith:

Biological Process

Dormancy ends Seed coat breaks Roots emerge Shoot pushes up True leaves grow

Spiritual Parallel

God awakens purpose within us. Growth often begins in brokenness. Deep, unseen faith work happens in solitude and surrender. We reach toward the light of Christ amid resistance. We begin to live fully, bearing fruit for others.

“Believe you have received it, and it will be yours.” — Mark 11:24 Remember: Even flowers come before fruit. Growth takes time.

Barriers to Living by Faith

Over-Control

• Plans are good—but faith means holding them with an open hand. Resistance to Change

• Change is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for transformation. Fear
• Faith and fear both ask us to believe in something we cannot see. Which one will you choose?Faith as a Daily PracticeIdentity

• Start with who you are in Christ. You are enough.
• Don’t just resist old habits—focus on the person you’re becoming. Daily Practice: Begin with scripture or affirmations about your identity in God. Surrender

• Let go of control. Surrender isn’t passive—it’s active trust. Daily Practice: Ask, what am I trying to control today? Then, release it in prayer. Authenticity

• Be who God made you to be—not a copy of someone else. Daily Practice: Look for one opportunity to act honestly and faithfully.

Faith in Community

• Carry faith for one another.
• Speak vision, truth, and encouragement into others.
• Ask: Are my words giving life and faith to those around me?Personal Reflection

• Where is God asking me to practice faith right now? o A decision?

o A relationship? • Am I living with trust or playing it safe?

Whose Voice Are You Following? | John 10:1-6 Reflection on Spiritual Discernment

Description: In John 10:1-6, Jesus contrasts the voice of the Shepherd with the voices of strangers that demand our attention. Explore the difference between hearing His call and being led astray by other voices. Learn practical ways to discern God's voice in the midst of noise, fear, and inner distractions.

Join us for worship at Christ Community Church on Sundays at 10 a.m. Location: 2620 Mt. Washington Rd, Ardmore, OK

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