Compass for Life
Neville Westwood’s Journey of Faith and the Bible’s Guiding Power
Introduction
This sermon recounts the inspiring story of Neville Westwood, an early Australian Adventist pioneer who drove around Australia in the 1920s to share the gospel. The speaker uses Westwood’s journey as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of the Bible as our compass in life. The sermon highlights the need for a strong relationship with Jesus, regular Bible study, and prayer, especially in challenging times.
🎥 Watch the Video
Main content teaching for the week📌 Click to watch the main teaching for the week!
Key Points:
- Neville Westwood’s pioneering journey around Australia to share the gospel
- The Bible as our spiritual compass, guiding us through life’s challenges
- The importance of investing in others and sharing the good news of Jesus
- The need for regular Bible study and prayer to strengthen our relationship with God
- The urgency of being prepared for Jesus’ second coming
Scripture Reference:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (All scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching…)
- Psalm 23:3 (He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness…)
- John 17:17 (Sanctify them through your truth. Your word is truth.)
📖 Daily Reading Plan
Day 1: The Compass of God’s Word
Reading: Psalm 119:105-112
Devotional: Just as Neville Westwood relied on his compass to guide him through uncharted territories, we too have been given a divine compass in God’s Word. The Bible isn’t just a book of rules or ancient history; it’s a living, breathing guide for our journey through life. Today, reflect on how God’s Word has illuminated your path in the past. In what areas of your life do you need clearer direction? Commit to spending time each day this week in God’s Word, allowing it to recalibrate your heart and mind towards His will.
Day 2: Sharing the Good News
Reading: Romans 10:14-15
Devotional: Neville Westwood’s passion wasn’t just to travel, but to share the good news of Jesus wherever he went. His journey reminds us of our calling to be bearers of the Gospel. Consider the people in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you creatively share God’s love with them this week? Remember, like Neville, sometimes our actions of kindness and compassion speak louder than words. Pray for opportunities to be a living testament of God’s love to those around you.
Day 3: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Reading: James 1:2-4
Devotional: The journey around Australia was filled with obstacles for Neville and Greg, from mechanical failures to harsh terrains. Yet, they persevered, driven by their mission. In our spiritual lives, we too face trials that test our faith. Reflect on a current challenge you’re facing. How might God be using this to strengthen your character and deepen your dependence on Him? Remember, just as Neville’s compass never failed him, God’s presence remains constant in our lives, guiding us through every trial.
Day 4: Compassion in Action
Reading: Luke 10:30-37
Devotional: Even when racing to be the first to circumnavigate Australia, Neville stopped to help stranded travelers, risking his own goals. This mirrors Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that love for others should always trump our personal ambitions. Today, be intentional about noticing the needs of those around you. Is there someone God is calling you to serve, even if it means sacrificing your time or comfort? Ask God to give you His eyes to see and His heart to respond with compassion.
Day 5: Leaving a Legacy of Faith
Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6
Devotional: Neville Westwood’s journey etched his name in history books, but more importantly, it left a legacy of faith and service. As believers, we’re called to live in a way that impacts not just our present, but generations to come. Reflect on the spiritual legacy you want to leave. How are your current choices and priorities shaping that legacy? Remember, like the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11, our greatest impact comes not from worldly achievements, but from a life lived in faithful obedience to God. Pray for God’s guidance in aligning your life with His eternal purposes.
💬 Discussion Question
How does Neville Westwood’s journey demonstrate the power of personal conviction and faith in action? What can we learn from his determination to share the gospel despite numerous challenges?
The sermon mentions the importance of investing in the lives of others. How can we, like Neville Westwood, make a lasting impact on those around us through our faith?
How can the church community support and encourage each other in maintaining a strong connection to Jesus, especially in the face of increasing challenges to faith?
📣Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for the stories of faith and courage that inspire us to live boldly for You. As we’ve learned from the journey of Neville Westwood, may we also be driven by a passion to share Your love and Your truth with those around us.
Lord, we ask for Your guidance and strength as we continue our own journeys. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, using the Bible as our compass, teaching us Your truth and guiding our every step. May our lives be a testament to the joy and peace that only You can provide.
Bless each family represented here, that together, we may grow closer to You and to one another. Keep us firm in our faith, especially during challenging times, so that we may stand ready to meet Jesus when He returns.
We ask all this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
📣 Call to Action
✅ Think about or write down: What stood out to you?
✅ Share: Invite someone to join this devotional!
✅ Prayer Requests: Need prayer? Let us know! 🙏 Submit Your Prayer Request
🔔 See you next week for another powerful devotional!
Watch Further Sermons CLICK HERE
📚 Small Group Guide
Our Bunbury Church Small Group Guide extends the weekly devotional into focused discussions, offering practical support and deeper exploration of God’s word for those eager to grow in Christ.
