Only a Step
Teachers
Lesson Summary
During the class, Richard Sutton opened by thanking the congregation for their worship participation and announced a forthcoming mission trip to Cameroon, urging prayer support. He then introduced the central theme of “only a step,” illustrating how seemingly small actions—such as a child’s first walk, riding a bike without training wheels, graduating, or entering marriage—serve as pivotal moments that launch a series of greater steps in life. Sutton used the dramatic example of sky‑diver Felix Baumgartner’s 2012 stratospheric jump to emphasize how a single courageous step can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Sutton connected the concept of stepping through doors to biblical principles, reminding the class of the vision necessary for a church’s growth (referencing Proverbs 29:18), the J‑Bez principle of prayerful dependence, and the “roadmap” provided by God’s Word—the narrow path that Jesus described. He concluded by urging the congregation to recognize the doors of opportunity before them, to trust God’s guidance, and to take that one step of faith, knowing it could unlock a larger journey of purpose and blessing. The lesson reinforced that every major milestone begins with a simple act of obedience, and that the church, equipped with vision, prayer, and Scripture, is prepared to step into the future God has mapped out.
Key Scriptures
Be strong and very courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.