Life Church, Hoddesdon

12th January 2025

Sermon Title: BEYOND HARAN

Key Scriptures: Genesis 11:27-28, 31-32 (NLT); Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Description: This sermon uses the story of Terah, Abraham's father, to illustrate the danger of settling in our spiritual journey. Terah set out for Canaan, the promised land, but stopped halfway in Haran and never reached his destination.

This mirrors the lives of many Christians who begin their journey with enthusiasm but settle for mediocrity, never fully experiencing God's best. Pastor Dominic encourages us to honestly assess our spiritual growth, let go of past regrets, and intentionally press on in the journey of discipleship towards Christlikeness.

Just as Terah settled in Haran, we can settle in comfortable routines, past hurts, or unfulfilling situations. The message challenges us to identify our "Harans" and take the necessary steps to move forward into God’s promises.

Don't let 2025 be the year you settle in Haran - what does your next step need to be?

Reflective Questions

  1. Where are you in your spiritual journey? Are you still in "Ur," clinging to old habits and ways of thinking? Have you settled in "Haran," comfortable but not experiencing God's full potential for your life? Or are you actively pressing on toward "Canaan," the promised land of spiritual maturity and fulfilment?

  2. What past experiences or hurts are holding you back from moving forward in your faith? Are you allowing past mistakes, failures, or even successes to define your present and future? How can you release the grip of the past and embrace God's new mercies each day?

  3. What practical steps can you take to "press on toward the goal" of Christlikeness? Are you intentionally engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and fellowship?

  4. What is one specific area of your life where you feel God calling you to take a next step? Is it in your relationships, your career, your service to others, your giving or volunteering at Life Church, or your personal spiritual growth? What concrete action can you take this week to move in that direction?

  5. Are you willing to commit to not settling for "Haran" in any area of your life? How can you actively pursue God's best for your relationships, your work, your spiritual life, and your overall wellbeing? What would it look like for you to fully embrace your identity in Christ and step into the fullness of His plan for your life?

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me that my journey with you is ongoing. Please help me to honestly evaluate where I am on my journey and identify any areas where I have settled for less than your best. Give me the courage to leave my "Haran" behind, to let go of past hurts and regrets, and to step out in faith towards the "Canaan" you have prepared for me. Empower me by your Holy Spirit to take the next step, and the next, drawing ever closer to you and fulfilling your purposes for my life. Amen.”