“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” – Crossing the JordanI. 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 Faith1. Extreme #1: People who think everything depends on God alone.

* Passive faith; no personal effort (e.g., expecting blessings without action).

1. 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 Context1. Israel at the Jordan River.

* On the threshold of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering.
* Consequence of earlier unbelief and disobedience.

1. 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”1. Meaning of consecration.

* To set apart, make holy, dedicate to God's purposes.
* Synonyms: sanctify, purify, make acceptable to God.

1. 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”1. Nature of God's wonders.

* Miracles, provisions, and supernatural acts demonstrating His glory.
* Miracles reveal *who God is*, not just what He does.

1. 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.