Prepare for Rain: Don't Forget (Chris Zauner)

Pastor Chris emphasizes the crucial spiritual practice of remembering what God has already done in our lives and in our community. He warns that living in a constant future tense—praying, worrying, planning—causes us to overlook the miracles and answered prayers that have already taken place. Remembering is vital for building faith and trust for what God will do next, as it forms the foundation for future confidence. The message highlights Joshua 4, where Israel sets up memorial stones to remember crossing the Jordan River, demonstrating that remembrance sustains faith and inspires future generations.

The sermon discusses the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River at flood stage, which was an impossible and dangerous circumstance. God’s instructions for the priests to step into the rushing waters and the subsequent miracle of the water piling up showcase obedience’s importance, even when the path is unclear or the timing isn’t perfect. The story encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and to obey His commands regardless of how inconvenient or risky a situation might seem, understanding that God's power is at work.

Pastor Chris reflects on the significance of memorial stones as physical markers to commemorate divine interventions. These memorials serve to pass stories of God's faithfulness from generation to generation, ensuring that future believers remember where they came from and the miracles that carried them forward. The act of building memorials is tied to legacy—faith acts that improve the spiritual inheritance for those who follow. The message underscores that obedience, sacrifice, and acts of faith are often for future generations, not just the present.

The sermon celebrates the tangible ways God has blessed Grace City Church over the past year, including launching new ministries like the high school ministry, growing in community, moving into a new building, and receiving substantial financial support toward their campaign goal. Pastor Chris recounts recent breakthroughs, such as opening a new space and future plans, emphasizing that these are not just successes but signs of God’s ongoing faithfulness. The church’s efforts are framed as part of a divine mission to reach and transform lives, with gratitude and faith fueling continued momentum.

In closing, Pastor Chris invites church members to reflect on their personal 'stones'—representative acts of faith, sacrifice, or gratitude—and consider what God might be calling them to contribute. The message urges continued faithfulness and generosity, emphasizing that the stones most critical to the church’s legacy are those yet to be gathered. The sermon concludes with a firm declaration of faith that God will bring the church into a permanent and impactful future location, urging everyone to participate in finishing the work God has begun.