Taking Ground | Week 2
Day 6
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
When Jesus commissioned His disciples, He didn’t tell them to play it safe, hold the line, or protect what they already had. He sent them out. It was a call to movement, expansion, boldness, taking ground. And that’s exactly the heart behind this entire message series.
Sunday’s message made these points so clearly:
We’re not called to live on defense.
We’re not here to just “hold the fort for Jesus.”
We are called to take ground spiritually.
And here’s what’s beautiful, the way we take ground spiritually isn’t mysterious or complicated. It’s not about dramatic emotional moments or sudden leaps. It's built the same way everything else in the Kingdom is built: through consistent, practical steps that add up over time.
Just like “big wins come from consistent small wins,” spiritual growth works the exact same way.
Pastor Chad laid out the discipleship path in a way that is both simple and powerful:
1. On My Own
This is the daily rhythm, the personal time with God that no one else can do for you.
Daily Bible reading.
A morning devotional.
Beginning your day with God’s voice, not the noise of everything else.
This is where spiritual momentum begins.
2. Online
Using teaching, sermons, podcasts, and resources throughout the week, not to replace your Bible time, but to strengthen it. In Sunday’s message we even joked about trading the endless sports radio debates for something that actually feeds your soul.
These are small wins that quietly move your heart forward.
3. On a Team
Serving with others, belonging somewhere, building relationships, this is where faith stops being theoretical and starts being lived out.
Everyone at Coastal Church needs two things: a friend and a job.
Small steps of service build huge spiritual confidence.
4. On Campus
Gathering midweek for discipleship, classes, worship, prayer, learning God’s Word together. This isn’t just “another church activity”, it’s a place where families grow, kids learn Scripture, and adults get rooted.
It’s one more small win that compounds over time.
People who engage with Scripture at least four times a week experience:
Less depression
Less anxiety
Less addiction
More hope
More spiritual confidence
Why? Because small, consistent interactions with God’s Word transform the entire week.
And that’s what “taking ground spiritually” really means. Not trying to become a spiritual giant overnight. Not waiting for some huge emotional moment to change everything. It’s simply building the habits that shape who you become.
It’s reading Scripture when you don’t feel like it.
Showing up to church even when you’re tired.
Praying simple prayers consistently.
Serving even when it costs you something.
Taking small steps every day toward the person God is making you.
Sunday’s message included a line from General George Patton, describing how soldiers must be so immersed in military wisdom that right action becomes automatic.
That’s what happens when you’re immersed in God’s Word. Obedience becomes instinct. Wisdom becomes natural. Peace becomes steady. Courage becomes familiar.
You begin thinking differently. You begin responding differently. You begin seeing life through God’s lens.
The old patterns that kept you wandering in circles begin to break. The old fears begin to lose their grip. The old mindsets begin to fade. And slowly, steadily, little by little, you begin taking ground.
You don’t become spiritually strong by accident. But you also don’t get there through giant leaps. You get there the same way Joshua did. Through small, faithful steps repeated over time.
And when you look back, you’ll realize that every inch you gained in faith, every step you grew in maturity, every habit you built—those were the victories that shaped your destiny.
Because spiritually, just like everywhere else: Big wins are simply the fruit of consistent small wins.
