Embodying Faith: The Courage to Serve Others
Summary
The essence of being the "horizontal Jesus" is about embodying the hands and feet of our Lord by actively engaging in acts of service and love towards others. This can sometimes be straightforward, like helping someone with their groceries or offering to watch children so their parents can visit loved ones in the hospital. However, there are moments when being the hands and feet of Jesus requires immense courage and the willingness to take significant risks. These moments demand a deep exercise of faith.
The story of Willis Turner, a member of our church in Dallas, exemplifies this kind of faith and courage. Before heading off to the Vietnam War, Willis's father prayed for him and assured him that he would return home. This promise planted a seed of hope and faith in Willis's heart. During the war, Willis found himself in a dire situation where his comrades were trapped and injured under siege. Faced with the decision to risk his life, Willis remembered his father's words and chose to act in faith. He courageously went into the danger zone and successfully rescued eight of his comrades, bringing them to safety.
This story illustrates the power of believing in the promises of our Father. When we trust in what God has spoken to us, it not only secures our own lives but also empowers us to extend that security and hope to others. Being a horizontal hand for others means stepping out in faith, even when it involves personal risk, to bring life and hope to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith in Action: True faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. It is in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened. By trusting in God's promises, we can find the courage to act, even when the path is fraught with danger. [00:22]
2. The Power of Words: The words spoken to us, especially by those we trust, can have a profound impact on our lives. Willis's father's assurance of his safe return planted a seed of faith that carried him through the war. Our words can inspire and empower others to act with courage and faith. [01:00]
3. Courage to Serve: Being the hands and feet of Jesus means being willing to serve others, even at great personal risk. Willis's decision to rescue his comrades demonstrates the selfless love and courage that comes from a deep faith in God's promises. [01:43]
4. Community and Support: Our faith journey is not meant to be walked alone. Just as Willis was supported by his father's words, we too can find strength and encouragement in our community. Together, we can face challenges and extend God's love to those in need. [01:43]
5. Living Out the Gospel: The call to be a horizontal Jesus is a call to live out the gospel in practical ways. It is about embodying Christ's love and compassion in our daily interactions, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. [01:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Introduction to Horizontal Jesus
[00:45] - Simple Acts of Service
[01:00] - The Story of Willis Turner
[01:20] - The Power of a Father's Words
[01:43] - Courage in Action
[02:05] - Faith and Risk
[02:30] - Being a Horizontal Hand
[02:50] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-17 - Faith and deeds
2. Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is confidence in what we hope for
3. 1 John 3:18 - Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth
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### Observation Questions
1. What are some examples of simple acts of service mentioned in the sermon that embody being the hands and feet of Jesus? [00:22]
2. How did Willis Turner's father's words impact his actions during the Vietnam War? [01:00]
3. What specific action did Willis take that demonstrated his faith and courage? [01:43]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Willis Turner illustrate the relationship between faith and action as described in James 2:14-17? [01:43]
2. In what ways can the words of encouragement from trusted individuals influence one's faith journey, similar to Willis's experience? [01:00]
3. How does the concept of being a "horizontal Jesus" challenge traditional views of faith as a personal and private matter? [01:43]
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### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone to help someone. What motivated you, and how did it impact your faith? [00:22]
2. Think about a promise or encouraging word someone has spoken to you. How has it influenced your actions or decisions in challenging situations? [01:00]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you feel called to take a risk for the sake of others. What steps can you take to act on this calling with faith and courage? [01:43]
4. How can you be more intentional about being the hands and feet of Jesus in your daily interactions? What specific actions can you take this week? [00:22]
5. Consider the role of community in your faith journey. How can you support others in your community to live out their faith courageously? [01:43]
6. What are some practical ways you can embody Christ's love and compassion in your workplace or neighborhood? [01:43]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, especially when facing personal risks or challenges? [01:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
True faith often requires stepping out of comfort zones and embracing risks. It is in these moments of uncertainty that faith is both tested and strengthened. By trusting in God's promises, individuals can find the courage to act, even when the path is fraught with danger. This kind of faith is not passive but active, calling believers to move forward despite fear or doubt. The story of Willis Turner exemplifies this, as he chose to act on his father's promise and his faith, risking his life to save others. [00:22]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where you feel called to step out in faith. What is one small step you can take today to move forward in trust, despite any fear or uncertainty?
Day 2: The Power of Words
Words have the power to shape beliefs and actions. The assurance given to Willis by his father planted a seed of faith that carried him through the war. Similarly, the words spoken to us by those we trust can have a profound impact on our lives, inspiring and empowering us to act with courage and faith. It is important to recognize the influence of words and to use them to uplift and encourage others. [01:00]
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement. What words can you speak to them today that might plant a seed of hope and faith in their heart?
Day 3: Courage to Serve
Being the hands and feet of Jesus means being willing to serve others, even at great personal risk. Willis's decision to rescue his comrades demonstrates the selfless love and courage that comes from a deep faith in God's promises. This kind of service requires a heart that is willing to put others' needs above one's own, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ. [01:43]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a way you can serve someone in your community this week, even if it requires stepping out of your comfort zone. What practical steps can you take to make this act of service a reality?
Day 4: Community and Support
The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Just as Willis was supported by his father's words, individuals can find strength and encouragement in their community. Together, believers can face challenges and extend God's love to those in need. Building a supportive community involves being present for one another and offering encouragement and support in times of need. [01:43]
"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: Reflect on your current community. How can you contribute to building a more supportive and encouraging environment for those around you?
Day 5: Living Out the Gospel
The call to be a horizontal Jesus is a call to live out the gospel in practical ways. It involves embodying Christ's love and compassion in daily interactions, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. This means actively seeking opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ through actions, words, and attitudes, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. [01:43]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your daily life where you can more fully embody the love and compassion of Christ. What specific actions can you take to live out the gospel in this area today?
Quotes
"The horizontal Jesus is about being the hands and feet of our Lord in touching the lives of others. Well, sometimes that's real easy. Sometimes helping a lady with her groceries or watching some children so people can visit their loved ones at the hospital or even visiting them yourself. Sometimes it's not that hard to do, but sometimes being the hands and feet of Jesus demands great courage and taking great risk." [00:00:06]
"Whenever you take great risks that means you're gonna have to exercise some serious faith. That's why I want to tell you about the story of Willis Turner. Willis Turner is a man at our church in Dallas, and when he was about to go off to war in Vietnam, his father looked at him, prayed for him, and then said to him, 'Willis, you are going to come back from Vietnam.' He planted the seed of return into Willis' heart, mind, and life." [00:00:34]
"Now Willis went off to war and was involved in all the major battles in Vietnam, but on one specific occasion, his comrades were trapped under siege. Some of them were injured, and it was up to him to be the one to go in to bring them out to safety. He was gonna have to risk his life. He was gonna have to believe his father who told him, 'You're going to come back.'" [00:01:14]
"And as an act of faith with courage, he went in and brought eight of his comrades to safety. Brought eight of them out, because he was determined to not just save his life but to reach out and save the life of others. So, when you believe in what your Father has to say to you, it gives you courage to not only be secured for you but to be a horizontal hand for others." [00:01:43]
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