Stepping Out in Faith: Art Reyes Teaches at CCA Los Angeles Conference

Story by Jim Culhane
Photos by Keith Durflinger

In February, many gathered at the CCA Los Angeles Pastors + Leaders Regional Conference at Calvary Chapel Downey, CA. The theme of the two-day event was “Strong & Courageous”, based on Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

                  

Here we present a summation of Art Reyes's teaching on Joshua 3, in which he expands on the need for our generation to step forward in obedience, strength, and courage to do God’s work. Art is the teaching pastor at CC Downey.

Pastor Glenn Kravig (center) leads the Calvary Chapel Downey, CA, prayer team as they pray over Pastor Art Reyes before he speaks at the CCA Los Angeles Pastors + Leaders Conference in February. Art’s message was entitled “Stepping Out in Faith.”

Art Reyes Teaches: Joshua Chapter 3
Art Reyes is teaching pastor at Calvary Chapel Downey, CA

“I really believe that there is a great need today in the present generation and the generation to come for strength and courage, because without strength and courage, you’ll never take steps of faith,” began Pastor Art. It is a courage that strengthens us during uncertain and difficult times, because we know that as the Day gets darker and draws nearer, the Church doesn’t need weak leaders. There’s a big difference between the courageous leader and the insecure leader: The courageous leader is always looking for what God wants, and the insecure leader is looking for the approval of man. This message is called “Stepping Out in Faith.”

Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over.
Joshua 3:1 

Teaching from Joshua Chapter 3, Pastor Art exhorted conference attendees, “I really believe that there is a great need today in the present generation and the generation to come for strength and courage, because without strength and courage, you’ll never take steps of faith.”

In Chapter 3 of Joshua, there’s a crossing from the wilderness (representing a life of doubt and fear) into the Promised Land (which represents to us the Holy Spirit-filled life). This crossing marks the end of the self-life. There are always going to be the “Jordans,” opportunities where God’s going to demonstrate Himself strong on your behalf. Have you identified what that obstacle is today between you and the fulfillment of what God has for you? Have you claimed the promises of God as Joshua did in Chapter 3?

Fellowship and prayer were key aspects of the conference. Here, Pastor Art (right) takes time to talk with and pray over a church leader.

The first step to claiming the promises of God is your obedience. The problem with our generation is that they don’t know how to hear the voice of God. If you don’t know how, you’re never going to step out in faith into what He wants you to do. The people that God blesses or uses make themselves available early in the morning when it’s quiet, listening to the voice of God. If you’re living a life of faith, you’re always in a constant state of preparation. There are times in our lives when we arrive at the river and just want to cross. But the Israelites had to wait three days. [Similarly,] God prepares you in phases.

So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.” Joshua 3:2-3

Jose Luis Gutierrez helps to lead attendees in worshipping the Lord.

The leaders told the people to follow the priests bearing the Ark, which represented the presence of God. Don’t copy what the church down the street is doing; that’s not hearing from the Holy Spirit. You have to get on your knees and pray for what God wants to do where you’re ministering.

The worst thing about people today and why they lack courage and strength is that they want to fit in. They become very weak-minded and can’t make decisions on their own, waiting for others to approve what they’re doing. But the Holy Spirit is the Controller of the Church. The presence of God opens a door and makes a way when there is no way. We have to be very careful that we don’t try to lead with secular methods instead of spiritual weapons and the presence of God. 

                  

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Pastor Chad Naaktgeboren (right) speaks with Art (left) and Jose Luis Gutierrez for a livestreamed outdoor interview during the conference.

Visit the website of Pastor Art Reyes' church at Calvary Chapel Downey
Watch Art Reyes' teaching on Joshua Chapter 3 in its entirety at: Art Reyes / LA Conference 2022
                  

Follow summaries of pastors' teachings at the 2022 LA Pastors + Leaders Conference:
Jeff Johnson, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Downey, CA

Stay tuned for more teaching summaries in upcoming days.
                  

(To learn more about Calvary Chapel University, visit their website or read our past coverage on the school)

 

                  

 

All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

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