Advance: The Call and the Cost of Following Jesus | Michael Mauldin | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Advance: The Call and the Cost of Following Jesus

Michael Mauldin

Shepherd's Grove • Dec 27, 2025 • 34 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this encouraging sermon, Pastor Michael Mauldin emphasizes that genuine faith requires taking risks and trusting God as He leads us forward. Rather than giving in to fear and shrinking back, believers are called to advance into God's promises, knowing that His love drives out fear and His presence goes with us into every valley. By anchoring our worth in the cross and offering praise even in difficult circumstances, we can step out with courage to fulfill God's purposes for our lives.

Themes

Faith vs FearTaking Risks for GodOvercoming AnxietyGod's Presence in ValleysIdentity and Value in ChristSacrifice of Praise

Key Points

1.
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, whereas fear comes from listening to the voice of the enemy (Romans 10:17).
2.
While faith provides assurance of a hopeful future, fear focuses on dreaded outcomes that cause believers to shrink back and play small (Hebrews 11:1).
3.
Following God requires stepping into risk (R-I-S-K) because entering His promises often requires stepping beyond our comfort zones.
4.
God does not always keep us in safe, quiet pastures; He also leads us through dark valleys and sets a table before us in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23).
5.
Praying for those we fear breaks down spiritual barriers and fills our hearts with divine love that drives out fear (1 John 4:18).
6.
Believing that past mistakes prevent God from using you minimizes what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
7.
An item's value is determined by the price paid for it, and because Jesus gave His life for you, your worth to God is infinite and irreplaceable.
8.
Offering a sacrifice of praise magnifies God in our eyes, making our overwhelming problems smaller so we can advance in faith (Hebrews 13:12-15).
9.
God is not finished with believers in their later years; wisdom and resources gained with age can make retirement a season of great spiritual exploits.

Sermon Moments

“Faith comes by hearing the word of God, but fear comes by hearing the voice of the enemy. Both come by hearing, but it depends on which voice you listen to.”

“If you can have an anxiety attack, I believe you can have a faith attack.”

“Faith is spelled like this: R-I-S-K.”

“When God's leading His people to advance into the promises of God, He's always leading us into enemy territory.”

“There's no command in the Bible that says to be safe. He says, 'Be strong and courageous.'”

“If you're comfortable, you don't need God. But when you advance into places of risk, you experience Him as your Comforter.”

“You determine value by what you are willing to pay for something. Jesus laid down His life for you, giving you ultimate, perfect value.”

“When your problem is big in your eyes, God seems small. A sacrifice of praise magnifies God so your problems shrink in comparison.”

This Week

Identify a fear or anxiety in your life and bring it directly to God in prayer, treating it as a launchpad for faith rather than a reason to shrink back.

Practice praying with love and compassion for someone or a group of people you currently fear or view as intimidating.

Offer a sacrifice of praise when facing a heavy problem this week, intentionally thanking God for His attributes and provision.

Step out in obedient faith in an area where you feel called to advance, whether in your family, career, or ministry.

Guard what you listen to daily by immersing yourself in Scripture so your mind is filled with faith rather than fear.

Reject lies about your past mistakes by meditating on your irreplaceable value through the ultimate price Jesus paid on the cross.

Encourage an older believer or retiree by reminding them that God still has great purpose and spiritual exploits ahead for their life.

Remember This

Faith requires stepping out into risk and facing our fears, knowing that God goes before us, values us deeply, and guarantees His presence even in enemy territory.

A Challenge for You

God has good plans for you to lead you through your fears into the place of promise. He wants to go with you. So it's time to advance and be with God. I pray that you have courage and know that God is with you wherever you go.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.