Embracing Faith: A Journey into God's Promised Future
Summary
Today marks a significant milestone for our church family as we celebrate 36 years of apostolic history and look forward to a future filled with promise and divine purpose. This moment is not just a celebration of past victories but a call to step forward in faith, impacting not only our current generation but also those yet to come. Our journey is akin to the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, where God called Moses to lead His people out of bondage. Like Moses, we are called to be moved by the suffering around us and to bring divine deliverance to those in need.
As we stand at this pivotal point, we are reminded that our assignment is not merely to commemorate the past but to prepare for the future. God has hidden a portion of what He has in store for us, protecting us from being overwhelmed by the magnitude of His plans. Our task is to trust in His guidance and move forward, even when the path seems uncertain. The story of our church is a testament to God's faithfulness, and as we embark on this new chapter, we are called to invest in His kingdom with all our hearts, minds, and resources.
The journey ahead requires sacrifice and commitment, much like the biblical accounts of David and the building of Solomon's Temple. David's willingness to invest in the future, even when he would not see its completion, serves as an example for us. We are called to make commitments today that will launch us into a future known only to God. As we prepare to make these commitments, we are reminded that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
In this moment, we are encouraged to listen to God's voice and respond with faith and courage. Our contributions, no matter how small they may seem, are vital to the work God is doing in our midst. As we unite in prayer and commitment, we trust that God will guide us and provide for us as we move forward into the future He has prepared.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Purpose and Timing: We are at a significant point in our church's history, where God is calling us to move forward in faith. Just as He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He is guiding us into a future filled with promise. Our task is to trust in His timing and purpose, knowing that He has hidden a portion of His plans to protect us from being overwhelmed. [48:26]
- The Power of Sacrifice: Our journey requires sacrifice and commitment, much like David's investment in the future temple. We are called to give of ourselves and our resources, trusting that God will use our contributions to further His kingdom. This act of faith is not just for our benefit but for the generations to come. [01:16:01]
- Faith in Uncertainty: Moving forward in uncertain times requires faith and courage. Despite the chaos and challenges around us, we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. Our spiritual vision allows us to see beyond the present circumstances and trust in God's plan for our future. [01:02:40]
- Community and Commitment: As a church family, we are united in our commitment to God's work. Our collective efforts and sacrifices are essential to the success of our mission. By supporting one another and working together, we can achieve great things for God's kingdom. [01:34:21]
- Listening to God's Voice: In this moment of decision, we are encouraged to listen to God's voice and respond with obedience. Our willingness to follow His guidance will lead to blessings and miracles beyond our understanding. As we make our commitments, we trust that God will provide and guide us every step of the way. [01:36:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:53] - Celebrating 36 Years
[48:26] - Looking Forward with Faith
[51:03] - The Call to Move Forward
[52:53] - The Story of Exodus
[54:16] - Stand Still or Move Forward?
[55:32] - The Power of God's Word
[56:39] - The Role of Sacrifice
[58:24] - Preparing for the Future
[01:00:33] - Impacting Generations
[01:02:40] - Faith Amidst Uncertainty
[01:04:06] - The Apostolic Cause
[01:05:30] - Vision and Commitment
[01:06:32] - A Journey of Faith
[01:12:01] - Kingdom Investment and Miracles
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 14:5-15: This passage recounts the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, highlighting their fear and God's command to move forward despite uncertainty.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Israelites when they saw the Egyptians pursuing them, and how did Moses respond to their fear? ([54:16])
2. How does the sermon compare the church's current situation to the story of the Israelites' exodus? ([48:26])
3. What role does sacrifice play in the biblical accounts mentioned in the sermon, such as David's preparation for Solomon's Temple? ([01:16:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest that God protects us from being overwhelmed by His plans, and what does this imply about our faith journey? ([51:03])
2. In what ways does the sermon encourage the congregation to invest in the future, and how is this related to the biblical example of David? ([01:16:01])
3. How does the sermon address the concept of moving forward in faith despite current uncertainties and challenges? ([01:02:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to move forward in faith despite uncertainty. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([55:32])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrifice for future generations. What is one specific way you can invest in the future of your church or community? ([01:00:33])
3. How can you actively listen for God's voice in your life, especially when making significant decisions? What practices can help you discern His guidance? ([01:36:46])
4. Consider the role of community in your faith journey. How can you support others in your church family as you collectively move forward in faith? ([01:34:21])
5. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in God's timing and purpose. How can you cultivate patience and trust in your current circumstances? ([48:26])
6. Identify a personal area of uncertainty or fear. How can you apply the lesson of walking by faith and not by sight in this situation? ([01:02:40])
7. What is one small contribution you can make to your church or community that might seem insignificant but could have a significant impact over time? ([01:36:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in Divine Timing and Purpose
As we stand at a significant point in our church's history, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's divine timing and purpose. Just as God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He is guiding us into a future filled with promise. Our task is to trust in His timing and purpose, knowing that He has hidden a portion of His plans to protect us from being overwhelmed. This hidden aspect of God's plan is not meant to confuse us but to encourage us to rely on Him more deeply. As we move forward, we are called to step out in faith, even when the path seems uncertain, trusting that God is leading us toward His divine purpose. [48:26]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you actively choose to trust Him more in this area today?
Day 2: The Power of Sacrifice
Our journey requires sacrifice and commitment, much like David's investment in the future temple. We are called to give of ourselves and our resources, trusting that God will use our contributions to further His kingdom. This act of faith is not just for our benefit but for the generations to come. David's willingness to invest in the future, even when he would not see its completion, serves as an example for us. We are called to make commitments today that will launch us into a future known only to God. As we prepare to make these commitments, we are reminded that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. [01:16:01]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can sacrificially give of your time, talents, or resources this week to invest in God's kingdom?
Day 3: Walking by Faith in Uncertainty
Moving forward in uncertain times requires faith and courage. Despite the chaos and challenges around us, we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. Our spiritual vision allows us to see beyond the present circumstances and trust in God's plan for our future. This journey of faith is not without its challenges, but it is through these challenges that our faith is strengthened. As we navigate through uncertainty, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us every step of the way. [01:02:40]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of uncertainty in your life where you need to exercise more faith? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?
Day 4: Unity in Community and Commitment
As a church family, we are united in our commitment to God's work. Our collective efforts and sacrifices are essential to the success of our mission. By supporting one another and working together, we can achieve great things for God's kingdom. This unity is not just about working together but about being committed to one another in love and support. As we unite in prayer and commitment, we trust that God will guide us and provide for us as we move forward into the future He has prepared. [01:34:21]
"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: How can you actively contribute to the unity and mission of your church community this week? What specific action can you take to support a fellow church member?
Day 5: Listening to God's Voice
In this moment of decision, we are encouraged to listen to God's voice and respond with obedience. Our willingness to follow His guidance will lead to blessings and miracles beyond our understanding. As we make our commitments, we trust that God will provide and guide us every step of the way. Listening to God's voice requires intentionality and a willingness to be still and attentive. It is in these moments of quiet reflection that we can hear His guidance and direction for our lives. [01:36:46]
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can create space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice? How can you ensure that you are attentive and obedient to His guidance?
Quotes
1) "It is the battles won and the victories gained in 36 years that makes it necessary for this church to look forward to a greater future, more battles and more victories. You are not here by accident. You are here by divine design and divine appointment. I enjoy church anniversaries and I've been privileged to preach a good number of them but I can think of no special event celebration I would rather preach than one like the one we celebrate today where the events and blessings of the past have contrived to force us to thrust into a future that has not been completely explored because God knows what all he has in store for this church and this church family in the next few years." [48:26] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Our assignment today, however, is not just to celebrate the past. Our assignment is to prepare for the future. Some churches simply want to build newer, more modern facilities to make a statement about the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate the future. We're here today to celebrate of what God is preparing to do in your future. So I was on the plane coming here yesterday. The Holy Ghost impressed me that God has called this church to embark on a journey that will impact three generations." [01:00:33] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Forward. How can you be so sure that this is the time for forward? You've seen what's going on right now. There's chaos, confusion, delusion, fear, discouragement all around us. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of our dollars. There's war in Eastern Europe. There's war in the Middle East. China's flexing its muscles in Asia and threatening our security here at home. We're about to elect a new president in a climate that is viciously divided with hatred, violence, and fear everywhere. Even a blind man can see this is not the time to go forward. We just need to play it safe. Let's hold our ground, Pastor. Let's wait for... things to calm down and get better. Maybe we should wait till after the election and see if the economy improves and things settle down a little bit. There will be, there's always gonna be time to move forward in the future, but not today." [01:02:40] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "I hope I'm not reading your mail, but if we're looking through the eyes of carnal flesh forward may not be such a good idea. But we walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. And so the eyes with which we perceive what's around us are not the eyes of carnal reality. They are the eyes of spiritual vision for God's will and God's purpose to be established. The apostolic church is the only voice of the spirit left in our world. And therefore we must speak out and speak up. We must be the voice of the trumpet to give a clear and certain sound as a counterpoint to the cacophony of mixed signals that bombard our ears every day. You have a right to stand up and say, my God is alive and well. He sits on the circle of the earth." [01:04:06] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "I'm here to tell you today, if God speaks to you, do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. Our God, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, will supply all of your need according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus." [01:24:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I'm telling you that some of you are going to look back a year from now, and you're going to say, I don't know how it ever happened. But as I stand here today, I want you to know that you are in the perfect will of God. You don't know exactly what it's going to look like. You don't know how long it's going to take, but God does. And because God knows all of this, He put it on your heart to have this service this morning. And now it's time for us to make commitments." [01:33:17] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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