Our summer series is entitled JOURNEY with the FAITHFUL. We are looking at the lives of a number of men and women in the Bible. Each of them chose to leave their comfort zone to follow God and do what He wanted them to do. Each person had to GET UP and GO; they had to move from HERE to THERE.

So far in the series we've learned about Abraham, Barnabas, and Moses. Today we continue looking at the life of Moses and three life-altering decisions he made that began his Journey with the Faithful.

Last week we talked about making decisions that affect the entire direction of your life. There are numerous life decisions that must be made; and the answer we attach to each will surely affect all of our life --- Here on earth and in eternity.
Author Stephen R. Covey has said, "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."
We are who we have chosen to be!

Last week we learned a little about the backdrop of the life of Moses (Acts 7). Like Moses, we also have been endowed by God with unique gifts and abilities and have been entrusted with a number of great opportunities. What separates us from someone like Moses is the willingness to make a choice and reorder our life around it.

Today we'll look at 3 life-altering decisions Moses made. Humanly speaking, they didn't make sense. But to a carnal mind, spiritual rationale never makes sense.
Hebrews 11:24-26

Decision #1 - Chose to identify with SLAVERY not ROYALTY.
Hebrews 11:24
A key word in this passage is refused. The word means, "that one is not willing to do something or accept something offered or requested; to turn something down."

Last week our key passage was Acts 7:20-22.
As we continue reading, we learn that Moses felt the Lord had a special mission for his life. He had an identity change. Acts 7:23-25
Before Moses could move on with what God desired for his life, he had to refuse what the world offered his life.
Throughout the Bible we are told that following Christ means we have to live differently, sacrifice, and reject the world's attempt to conform us to its image.
1 John 2:15
James 4:4

Decision #2 - Chose the pain of SUFFERING not the pleasure of SIN.
Hebrews 11:25
By his decision Moses subjected himself to live with a different status, a different set of values, and a different agenda.
Christians are called to die to selfish desires, to put the needs of others at least equal to their own, to delay gratification, and to live according to God's agenda and not our own. Our willingness to refuse the pleasures of sin is a key indicator to the reality of our faith.

Decision #3 - Chose a reward that was SPIRITUAL not TEMPORAL.
Hebrews 11:26
Moses had a bigger picture of life in view than just his own desires or his current place in Egyptian culture.
He understood that life here is not all there is. It's simply dress rehearsal; the practice field for eternity.
Moses chose to live for the future and the rewards God has promised those at the end of their Journey of Faith.

Application and Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the life-altering spiritual decisions you’ve made? How did they actually change some aspect of your life?

2. Read Hebrews 11:23-28 to better understand some of the major decisions Moses made.

3. What have you learned about the life of Moses that intrigues you? What questions do you still have? In what ways do you relate or connect with Moses?

4. Review the three major decisions that were pointed out in the message. Which of these most resonates with you?

5. What do you feel God is saying to you, your family, and Grace Church? What decisions will it require for you to be obedient and journey with the faithful?

Birthdays and Anniversaries this week:

Sunday, June 28 - Alivia Johncock
Monday, June 29 - Randy & Allison Squires, Chris & Tonia Webster
Tuesday, June 30 - Shilo Taylor, Jeff & Mary Burpee
Wednesday, July 1 - Heidi Westendorp
Thursday, July 2 - Paul & Kelly Adrianson
Friday, July 3 - Ryan Finkler, Samantha Hoyle