Charting a Path Forward_ Going Higher by Richard Sutton
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a warm welcome and an overview of the ongoing multimedia evangelism project, then shifted to the theme of "going higher" in the Christian life. Using dramatic accounts of Felix Baumgartner and Alan Eustace’s stratospheric jumps, the teacher illustrated how daring visions paired with decisive steps can break new ground. He reminded the congregation that God’s expectations for believers are similar—He calls us to press on, strain toward, and reach for the higher calling revealed in Philippians 3:12‑16. Building on earlier lessons about vision, prayer (especially Jabez’s request for expanded territory), and the power of a single step, the teacher connected those principles to the history of Linder Road Church of Christ. He traced the congregation’s growth from a small 1980s fellowship to its present building, emphasizing that each expansion resulted from faithful vision, prayer, and actionable steps. The central message was clear: as Christians, we are commissioned to pursue higher goals, both individually and corporately, trusting God’s roadmap to guide us forward. The session concluded with practical encouragement to engage in the upcoming evangelism series and to anticipate the launch of the OneQuestion.net site, reinforcing that the journey upward continues as the church embraces new opportunities for outreach and spiritual growth.
Key Scriptures
Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s upward calling in Christ Jesus. Therefore, as many as are mature should have this mind. And if you have different thoughts in yourselves, God will also lead you in the right way. But when you come together, I urge you, let there be no divisions among you, but be perfectly joined together in mind and thought.