Bold Faith: Embracing Prayer and God's Limitless Power
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of prayer and faith in our lives, especially in light of recent events that have shaken our nation. We began by grounding ourselves in Scripture, specifically 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and 2 Chronicles 7:14, which call us to pray for all people, including those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. This is not a mere spiritual platitude but a powerful act that can move the hand of God. We are reminded that as the Church, we have a responsibility to lead in prayer and seek God's intervention for our nation.
We then transitioned into the second part of our series, "Songs We Sing," focusing on the song "Waymaker." This song highlights God's attributes as a miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness. The essence of this message is to build our faith in a big God who is always at work, even when we don't see or feel it. Faith is not about positive thinking but is rooted in the reality of who God is and His promises.
We explored what it means to live with bold faith in a big God. This involves believing that nothing is impossible for God and that He calls us to be risk-takers for His glory. We looked at examples from Scripture, such as Jesus being amazed by both great faith and lack of faith, and how our faith can either limit or unleash God's power in our lives. We also delved into Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Fame of Faith," to understand that faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God without guarantees.
In conclusion, we are called to shift our focus from our limitations to God's limitless power. Just as God took Abraham outside his tent to show him the stars, we are invited to step out of our self-made limitations and see the vast possibilities that God has for us. Our faith journey may be messy and filled with uncertainties, but it is through these steps of faith that we experience God's miraculous power and fulfill our God-given destinies.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is not an empty spiritual exercise but a powerful act that can move the hand of God. We are called to pray for all people, including those in authority, to bring about peace and godliness in our lives. This is a responsibility that the Church must lead in, especially in times of national crisis. [08:17]
2. Faith in a Big God: Our faith should be rooted in the reality of who God is and His promises, not just in positive thinking. God is always at work, even when we don't see or feel it. This understanding builds our faith and helps us trust in God's omnipotence and omniscience. [13:45]
3. Bold Faith Requires Risk: Living with bold faith means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks for God's glory. Hebrews 11 teaches us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. This often involves moving into waters over our heads where we must rely entirely on God. [21:46]
4. Embrace Uncertainty: Stepping towards a God-given destiny often requires stepping away from man-made security. Like Abraham, we may not have all the details, but we are called to trust God and take steps of faith. Some of the greatest chapters in our lives will not have titles until much later. [34:14]
5. God's Vision is Greater: God's dreams for us are far greater than our own. Just as He showed Abraham the stars to illustrate His vast promises, God invites us to look beyond our limitations and trust in His limitless power. Whatever we are asking God for, His plans are even bigger and better. [39:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:33] - Call to Prayer
[08:57] - The Power of Prayer
[11:28] - Introduction to "Songs We Sing"
[12:08] - Scriptural Foundations of Worship
[13:07] - Exploring "Waymaker"
[13:45] - Building Faith in a Big God
[14:37] - Living with Bold Faith
[15:28] - Jesus' Amazement at Faith
[17:35] - Examples of Great and Small Faith
[20:09] - Self-Examination of Faith
[21:46] - Faith Requires Risk
[26:21] - Faith vs. Guarantees
[30:13] - Embracing Uncertainty
[32:51] - Abraham's Journey of Faith
[34:14] - Stepping Away from Security
[39:04] - God's Greater Vision
[42:27] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity."
2. 2 Chronicles 7:14: "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
3. Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, who are we instructed to pray for, and what is the intended outcome of these prayers?
2. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, what are the conditions that God sets for hearing from heaven and healing the land?
3. What does Hebrews 11:1 define faith as, and how does this definition relate to the concept of assurance in things not seen?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the power of prayer and its impact on our lives and nation? [08:17]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does praying for those in authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, contribute to living peaceful and godly lives? What might be the broader implications for society?
2. Reflecting on 2 Chronicles 7:14, what does it mean to humble oneself and seek God's face in the context of national and personal crises?
3. How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 challenge or support your current understanding of faith? How does this align with the sermon’s message about faith being more than positive thinking? [13:45]
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus was amazed by both great faith and lack of faith. What does this tell us about the importance of faith in our relationship with God? [17:35]
### Application Questions
1. Prayer for Authority: How often do you pray for leaders and those in authority? What specific steps can you take to make this a regular part of your prayer life? [08:17]
2. Humbling Ourselves: In what areas of your life do you need to humble yourself and seek God's face more earnestly? How can you practically turn from any "wicked ways" that may be hindering your prayers? [10:50]
3. Bold Faith: Think of a situation where you need to step out in bold faith. What risks are involved, and how can you trust God more in this area? [21:46]
4. Embracing Uncertainty: What is one area of your life where you feel uncertain or insecure? How can you embrace this uncertainty and trust God’s plan, similar to Abraham’s journey? [34:14]
5. God’s Greater Vision: Reflect on a dream or goal you have. How might God’s vision for you be greater than what you are currently envisioning? What steps can you take to align your dreams with God’s limitless power? [39:04]
6. Faith in Action: Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a big God. How will you rely on God’s strength rather than your own abilities? [13:45]
7. Overcoming Limitations: What self-made limitations are holding you back from experiencing God’s full potential in your life? How can you step out of these limitations and trust in God’s greater vision for you? [37:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is not an empty spiritual exercise but a powerful act that can move the hand of God. We are called to pray for all people, including those in authority, to bring about peace and godliness in our lives. This is a responsibility that the Church must lead in, especially in times of national crisis. When we pray, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His intervention in our world. This act of faith can bring about significant change, not just in our personal lives but also in our communities and nations. [08:17]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Think of a leader or authority figure in your life or community. Spend a few minutes today praying specifically for them, asking God to guide and bless their decisions.
Day 2: Faith in a Big God
Our faith should be rooted in the reality of who God is and His promises, not just in positive thinking. God is always at work, even when we don't see or feel it. This understanding builds our faith and helps us trust in God's omnipotence and omniscience. When we recognize that God is a miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness, our faith grows stronger, and we can face life's challenges with confidence. [13:45]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where you struggle to see God's hand at work. How can you remind yourself of God's promises and His nature in this situation today?
Day 3: Bold Faith Requires Risk
Living with bold faith means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks for God's glory. Hebrews 11 teaches us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. This often involves moving into waters over our heads where we must rely entirely on God. Bold faith is not about recklessness but about trusting God enough to take steps that seem daunting or uncertain. [21:46]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk. What step can you take today to move out of your comfort zone and trust God more fully?
Day 4: Embrace Uncertainty
Stepping towards a God-given destiny often requires stepping away from man-made security. Like Abraham, we may not have all the details, but we are called to trust God and take steps of faith. Some of the greatest chapters in our lives will not have titles until much later. Embracing uncertainty means trusting that God has a plan, even when we can't see the full picture. [34:14]
Genesis 12:1 (ESV): "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you had to step into the unknown. How did God show up in that situation? What is one uncertain area in your life now where you need to trust God more?
Day 5: God's Vision is Greater
God's dreams for us are far greater than our own. Just as He showed Abraham the stars to illustrate His vast promises, God invites us to look beyond our limitations and trust in His limitless power. Whatever we are asking God for, His plans are even bigger and better. We are encouraged to dream big and trust that God's vision for our lives surpasses our own. [39:04]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one dream or goal you have that seems too big or impossible? How can you trust God to work beyond your limitations and bring His greater vision to fruition?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible does not paint prayer as an empty spiritual platitude. The Bible... The Bible tells us that it is one of the most central and powerful things that any follower of Christ should keep in their repertoire, and God instructs us to do it because we can move heaven, and we can move the hand of God." [08:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is not the power of positive thinking. It's not just, I'm going to think more optimistically. I'm going to think more positively. Faith has to be grounded and rooted in something. And it's not in ourselves or what we can do or how good we are. Our faith is rooted in who God is, what He says, and who He actually is." [13:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I am convinced that God wants us to... To be the kind of people who believe Him for great things, man. That we don't dream small dreams or think small thoughts. That we would trust Him to work through us to make a difference in this world. This is why He gave us certain instructions. That we would be the salt of the earth. That we would make a difference." [14:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can have faith or you can have control, but you can't have both. You're gonna have to give some up because if you want control you'll never have faith. You'll only stick close to the shore. You'll only do what you know you can do. You'll never take godly risk. You'll never stake holy curiosity. But if you have faith you're gonna have to lose it." [29:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith isn't about guarantees. You know the only guarantee that God's going to give you is that he said you will never be alone, that he will be faithful to you, and he will be with you through it all. That's his guarantee, that every time you try, you won't be by yourself. I'll be with you, and I'll be faithful in some form or fashion, even if it's a Romans 8 and 28, that all things in the end are going to work together for the good, even if you don't see it right now." [31:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes you just know that you heard God's voice. You know it. I've been there, full of faith, know that God spoke to me, and then the very next day, you're not even sure if he spoke to you at all. Walking this faith journey out can be difficult and messy, and faith is being caught between, here it is for me, what I believe and what I know and what I'm feeling. Faith is caught between what I know and what I'm feeling." [22:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Don't think for a minute that just because you failed at something that you didn't have faith. That's the lie of the enemy. That's a huge lie that he tells us to try to intimidate us and keep us from ever trying anything big for God again. Bro, it takes faith to take a step. It takes faith to take a step." [25:30] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, learn now to embrace uncertainty. Some of the greatest chapters of your life will not have titles until much later. Embrace uncertainty now. That following God means that there is going to have to be a step away from your man-made security." [34:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What is your tent? What are you living in that you've created that's holding you back from believing for great and godly things? Is it your limited finances, your emotional insecurity, your low self-esteem, your lack of education? I don't know, man. Maybe today God just brought you here today to hear this word so that metaphorically he could lead you out from underneath all of those things that you have created or that are limited by you in order to see his power and remind you of what he can do." [39:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "With God the best is yet to come bro we haven't seen anything yet whatever you're asking God for it's smaller than his dream for you trust him lean on it shift your focus from yourself to God and it's the start of something great so no matter the challenge their obstacle that you're facing today and I know it's a plethora given a crowd this side a lost family member maybe a fragmented marriage a struggling business your battle with anxiety depression I don't know your fears your worries those things that have held you captive your whole life you're not gonna be able to get out of it you're not gonna be able to live addictions I don't know but just humor me tonight when the sun goes down walk out of your house or your apartment get out of your tent and look up at the stars and try to count them and remember when you do for with God nothing nothing nothing shall be impossible to him" [42:27] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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