Deepening Faith: Trusting God Beyond the Surface
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to pray for our dear sister Lana Negley, who is still facing health challenges in Bismarck, North Dakota. We also lifted up Sis. Beaver and Dan Boggs, who are dealing with their own health issues. We believe in the power of prayer and trust that God will bring healing and strength to them. We also celebrated the wonderful time our kids and teens had at youth camp, praying that the spiritual encounters they experienced will continue to shape their lives.
Our focus today is on moving beyond surface-level faith to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Using the story of Peter's miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:4-11, we explored how Peter had to trust Jesus and go deeper, both literally and spiritually. Despite his initial failure and skepticism, Peter obeyed Jesus' command to cast his nets again, resulting in an overwhelming catch. This miracle led Peter to recognize Jesus as Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly.
We are called to do the same—to move beyond just attending church and saying we are Christians. True faith involves a transformative relationship with Jesus, where we are molded and shaped to become more like Him. This requires us to examine our motivations and actions through the lens of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to reveal and heal the innermost parts of our lives.
We also need to build genuine connections with other believers, engaging in community and fellowship that encourages spiritual growth. Regular self-examination and journaling can help us stay accountable and aware of areas where we need to grow. As we deepen our faith and understanding of ourselves, we will experience the fullness of God's power and purpose in our lives.
Let's commit to moving beyond the surface in every area of our lives, trusting that as we venture into deeper waters, we will encounter miracles, transformation, and true relationships that reflect the love and power of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Community: We began by lifting up those in our community who are facing health challenges, emphasizing the importance of collective prayer and support. This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God works through our prayers to bring healing and strength. [01:04]
2. Moving Beyond Surface-Level Faith: Using the story of Peter's miraculous catch, we learned that true faith requires us to go beyond just attending church and saying we are Christians. It involves a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus, where we trust Him even in our failures and disappointments. [39:05]
3. Trust and Obedience: Peter's willingness to obey Jesus' command, despite his initial failure, led to a miraculous catch of fish. This teaches us that when we trust and obey Jesus, even when it doesn't make sense, we open ourselves up to experiencing His power and provision in our lives. [43:20]
4. Self-Examination and Growth: We must regularly examine our motivations and actions through the lens of the Holy Spirit. God is more concerned with the "why" behind our actions than the actions themselves. By allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal and heal our innermost thoughts, we can experience true transformation. [53:53]
5. Building Genuine Connections: Engaging in community and fellowship with other believers is crucial for our spiritual growth. We need to spend time with each other, support one another, and use our spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ. This helps us to grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. [01:03:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Prayer for Lana Negley and Others
[01:46] - Youth Camp Reflections
[02:32] - Special Prayer for Healing
[03:57] - Worship and Words of Knowledge
[37:00] - Introduction of Pastor Steve
[37:28] - Water Baptism Announcement
[38:26] - Caleb's Recognition at Youth Camp
[39:05] - Going Beyond Surface-Level Faith
[40:22] - Developing Intimate Relationships
[40:58] - Luke 5:4-11: The Miraculous Catch
[42:04] - Invitation to Trust Jesus
[43:20] - Trust and Obedience
[44:56] - Deep Faith vs. Surface Faith
[46:35] - Being the Church
[47:34] - Transformative Relationship with Jesus
[49:51] - Peter's Journey from Skepticism to Faith
[50:25] - Testimony of Deeper Faith
[53:53] - Self-Examination and Growth
[55:16] - Seeing Through the Lens of the Holy Spirit
[57:49] - The Danger of Cultural Influence
[59:36] - Living Out Our Faith
[01:00:09] - Practical Steps for Deepening Faith
[01:03:01] - Importance of Community and Fellowship
[01:04:12] - Regular Self-Examination
[01:08:50] - Journaling and Hearing from God
[01:09:39] - Commitment to Deeper Faith
[01:10:27] - Trusting Jesus in Deeper Waters
[01:13:11] - Growing Our Faith
[01:16:38] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Water Baptism
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 5:4-11 (NIV)
> "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!' For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.' So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's initial reaction to Jesus' command to cast the nets again, and what was the result of his obedience? ([40:58])
2. How did Peter respond after witnessing the miraculous catch of fish? ([41:33])
3. What did Jesus say to Peter after the miracle, and what was Peter's response? ([42:04])
4. According to the sermon, what does moving beyond surface-level faith involve? ([46:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter was initially skeptical about casting the nets again, and what changed his mind? ([40:58])
2. How does Peter's reaction to the miracle reflect his understanding of Jesus' identity? ([41:33])
3. What does Jesus' invitation to Peter to "fish for people" signify about Peter's future role? ([42:04])
4. How does the sermon suggest we can move from surface-level faith to a deeper, transformative relationship with Jesus? ([46:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt skeptical about following a command from God. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([40:58])
2. Peter recognized his own sinfulness after witnessing Jesus' power. How can we cultivate a similar awareness of our need for Jesus in our daily lives? ([41:33])
3. Jesus called Peter to a new purpose after the miracle. What new purpose or calling do you feel God might be inviting you into, and how can you respond? ([42:04])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of self-examination and growth. What practical steps can you take this week to examine your motivations and actions through the lens of the Holy Spirit? ([53:53])
5. Building genuine connections with other believers is crucial for spiritual growth. How can you engage more deeply in your church community to foster these connections? ([01:03:01])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of regular self-examination and journaling. How can you incorporate these practices into your routine to stay accountable and aware of areas where you need to grow? ([01:04:12])
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you feel you are only engaging at a surface level. What steps can you take to go deeper in that area and experience transformation? ([01:09:39])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Community
Description: Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and with each other. When we lift up those in our community who are facing health challenges, we are not only asking for God's intervention but also showing our support and love for one another. Collective prayer reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God works through our prayers to bring healing and strength. This communal act of faith can be a source of immense comfort and encouragement, reinforcing the bonds within our spiritual family. [01:04]
Bible passage: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is facing a challenge. How can you commit to praying for them daily this week, and how might you reach out to offer your support?
Day 2: Moving Beyond Surface-Level Faith
Description: True faith goes beyond merely attending church and identifying as a Christian. It involves a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus, where we trust Him even in our failures and disappointments. The story of Peter's miraculous catch of fish illustrates this point vividly. Despite his initial skepticism and failure, Peter obeyed Jesus' command to cast his nets again, resulting in an overwhelming catch. This act of trust led Peter to recognize Jesus as Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly. We are called to move beyond surface-level faith and seek a deeper connection with God. [39:05]
Bible passage: "And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' And Simon answered, 'Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.'" (Luke 5:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Trust and Obedience
Description: Peter's willingness to obey Jesus' command, despite his initial failure, led to a miraculous catch of fish. This teaches us that when we trust and obey Jesus, even when it doesn't make sense, we open ourselves up to experiencing His power and provision in our lives. Trust and obedience are fundamental aspects of a deep, transformative faith. They require us to step out of our comfort zones and rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. By doing so, we allow God to work miracles in our lives and reveal His greater purpose for us. [43:20]
Bible passage: "And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink." (Luke 5:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt hesitant to follow God's guidance. How can you practice trust and obedience in similar situations moving forward?
Day 4: Self-Examination and Growth
Description: Regular self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. We must examine our motivations and actions through the lens of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to reveal and heal our innermost thoughts. God is more concerned with the "why" behind our actions than the actions themselves. By engaging in self-examination, we can identify areas where we need to grow and invite the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. This process of introspection and growth helps us become more like Jesus and align our lives with God's will. [53:53]
Bible passage: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your recent actions and motivations. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to grow, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you in this process?
Day 5: Building Genuine Connections
Description: Engaging in community and fellowship with other believers is crucial for our spiritual growth. We need to spend time with each other, support one another, and use our spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ. Genuine connections within the church community help us grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. These relationships provide a support system that encourages spiritual growth and accountability. By building genuine connections, we create an environment where we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and grow together in our walk with Christ. [01:03:01]
Bible passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community with whom you haven't connected deeply. How can you reach out to them this week to build a more genuine and supportive relationship?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We believe in the freedom for the Holy Spirit to do what he wants to do. And guess what? He often uses me and you. And again, words of wisdom and words of knowledge, they're on those worship practice sheets that are right in front of you in your pew if you're not ready. If you're not sure about what just happened, you can read from a scriptural perspective about words of knowledge." [37:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So we need to go beyond just surface level, gone to church this week, check, and that's it. Well, that's not it. That ain't nothing. Amen. A lot of people do that, and I think that's just a surface level relationship. But we also need to just be honest with God and allow him to evaluate our lives and then just be honest with ourself about what God sees." [40:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Deep faith involves a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus. You're being molded and shaped to become like Christ because you spend so much time with Him. You can't help begin to emulate some of the things that He does. Amen? To be like Jesus. To be like Jesus. That's all I ask is to be like Him, the old chorus says." [46:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So we need to allow the Holy Spirit, like Peter, to lead us into deeper waters. Where miracles and transformation. And true relationships wait. If we'll choose to move beyond the surface. If we'll choose to venture into places that maybe we've never gone before. Or maybe we failed there. I choose to believe that Peter was out there and he failed." [01:10:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No more excuses. No more just hanging down on the surface. No more just hanging down on the surface because it's safer. He's calling you to launch out somewhere deeper and to trust him. Because he said, when you go out there, there's powerful things going to happen. But I need you to trust me. And so, just do what Jesus said. Just do what he says." [01:13:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so there's an invitation from Jesus to Peter. To work past his failure. Now if you're like me, you've got some things that have happened in your life that you're probably not pleased with, not happy that happened. If you're like me, you probably fail on a regular basis. And so there was an invitation from Jesus to Peter to work past that because he toiled all night. He fished all night and he caught nothing." [42:43] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so we need to learn to trust the Lord. And Peter was being molded and shaped. And so Jesus performed this great miracle in front of him. So that Peter would learn to trust him. And Peter would learn to trust him. And Peter would be developed. And Peter would become a great leader of the New Testament church after Jesus ascended to heaven. But it began with faith in Jesus. It began with obedience to the words of Jesus." [44:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so deep faith involves this transformative relationship with Jesus. Showing that you're a Christian by being the church. You're not just called to come to a church. This is just a building. You are the church. The church, when you leave, leaves. Amen? Leaves this building. This is just a building. The church leaves the building and pours out into your neighborhoods and pours out into your communities and pours out into your workplaces." [47:34] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so we need to move beyond surface faith to deep faith. Well, let's look at Peter. Peter initially had surface level faith. He had a surface level understanding of Jesus. And I would dare say that he was probably skeptical about Jesus. But after the miraculous catch of fish, he went deeper. He recognized Jesus as Lord. And he followed him wholeheartedly. He left everything. They all left everything. And they chose to follow Jesus." [49:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so we need to allow the Holy Spirit, like Peter, to lead us into deeper waters. Where miracles and transformation. And true relationships wait. If we'll choose to move beyond the surface. If we'll choose to venture into places that maybe we've never gone before. Or maybe we failed there. I choose to believe that Peter was out there and he failed. He failed at being a fisherman. He was deflated and defeated. And Jesus says, no, not a good enough excuse. You go out. You go out one more time. And this time, trust me." [01:10:27] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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