Step Out Boldly
The sermon encourages believers to step out boldly in faith, trusting that God will remove obstacles and provide guidance along their journey.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the concept of faith as a bridge that is built by God under the feet of those who trust in Him. He emphasizes the importance of moving forward in faith, even when faced with barriers or obstacles on the path of duty, as God will make a way where there seems to be no way. Cowman encourages believers to step out boldly, trusting that the path will open up as they progress, and assures them that God provides guidance, provision, and companionship throughout the journey.
Text
"When thou goest, thy way shall be opened up before thee step by step" (Proverbs 4:12, free translation).
The Lord never builds a bridge of faith except under the feet of the faith-filled traveler. If He builds the bridge a rod ahead, it would not be a bridge of faith. That which is of sight is not of faith.
There is a self-opening gate which is sometimes used in country roads. It stands fast and firm across the road as a traveler approaches it. If he stops before he gets to it, it will not open. But if he will drive right at it, his wagon wheels press the springs below the roadway, and the gate swings back to let him through. He must push right on at the closed gate, or it will continue to be
closed.
This illustrates the way to pass every barrier on the road of duty. Whether it is a river, a gate, or a mountain, all the child of Jesus has to do is to go for it. If it is a river, it will dry up when you put your feet in its waters. If it is a gate, it will fly open when you are near enough to it, and are still pushing on. If it is a mountain, it will be lifted up and cast into a sea when you come squarely up, without flinching, to where you thought it was.
Is there a great barrier across your path of duty just now? Just go for it, in the name of the Lord, and it won't be there. --Henry Clay Trumbull
We sit and weep in vain. The voice of the Almighty said, "Up and onward forevermore." Let us move on and step out boldly, though it be into the night, and we can scarcely see the way. The path will open, as we progress, like the trail through the forest, or the Alpine pass, which discloses but a few rods of its length from any single point of view. Press on! If necessary, we will find even the pillar of cloud and fire to mark our journey through the wilderness. There are guides and wayside inns along the road. We will find food, clothes and friends at every stage of the journey, and as Rutherford so quaintly says: "However matters go, the worst will be a tired traveler and a joyful and sweet welcome home."
I'm going by the upper road, for that
still holds the sun,
I'm climbing through night's pastures where
the starry rivers run:
If you should think to seek me in my
old dark abode,
You'll find this writing on the door,
"He's on the Upper Road."
--Selected
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''Faith requires action and movement.'', ''B'': ''Bridges of faith are built under our feet as we step forward.''}' - The Nature of Faith
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Approach barriers with determination.'', ''B'': ''Trust that obstacles will be removed as we advance.''}' - Overcoming Barriers
- III points: - '{''A'': ''Move forward even in uncertainty.'', ''B'': ''The path will reveal itself as we progress.''}' - The Journey of Duty
- IV points: - '{''A'': ''God provides guidance and support along the way.'', ''B'': ''Expect provisions and companionship on the journey.''}' - Divine Guidance
- V points: - '{''A'': ''The journey may be tiring but leads to a joyful end.'', ''B'': ''Home is a place of welcome and rest.''}' - The Promise of Home
Key Quotes
“The Lord never builds a bridge of faith except under the feet of the faith-filled traveler.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Just go for it, in the name of the Lord, and it won't be there.” — Charles E. Cowman
“However matters go, the worst will be a tired traveler and a joyful and sweet welcome home.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Take action in faith when facing challenges, trusting that God will clear the way.
- Seek divine guidance through prayer and scripture as you navigate life's journey.
- Remember that the journey may be tough, but it leads to a joyful and welcoming home.