Embracing Faith: Stepping Deeper into God's Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the call to go deeper in our faith and relationship with God. As we prepare to enter 2025, we are reminded that this is a year to dive deeper into our spiritual lives, our purpose, and our community. The foundation of this journey is rooted in Ephesians 3:17, which speaks of being deeply rooted in love and understanding the vastness of Christ's love. This year, we are called to experience God's love in new and transformative ways, going beyond the surface to truly explore what He has in store for us.
The call to go deeper requires intentionality and commitment. It means slowing down, digging in, and cultivating the roots of our faith. As we deepen our relationship with God, we will find strength and stability in the face of challenges, becoming more fruitful in our lives. This journey is not just about gaining knowledge but about growing in relationship and obedience to God.
We also reflected on the story of Peter walking on water, a powerful illustration of stepping out in faith. Peter's experience teaches us that when we focus on God's word and keep our eyes on Him, we can overcome fear and walk on the very things that threaten to drown us. This year, we are encouraged to step out of our proverbial boats, leaving behind fear and doubt, and embracing the unknown with faith and courage.
As we look to biblical examples like Abraham, Moses, Esther, and Rahab, we see how stepping out in faith led to monumental changes and fulfilled God's promises. Each of these figures faced uncertainty and risk, yet their willingness to trust God led to incredible outcomes. We are reminded that God often calls us out of our comfort zones to fulfill His greater purpose in our lives.
In 2025, let us embrace the call to go deeper, to step out of our boats, and to trust God for something extraordinary. Whether it's moving from fear to faith, from comfort to courage, or from the known to the unknown, God is with us every step of the way. As we prepare for this new year, let's commit to going deeper together, trusting that God will reveal His glory in and through us like never before.
Key Takeaways:
1. Going Deeper in 2025: This year is about diving deeper into our relationship with God, our purpose, and our community. It's a call to experience God's love in new ways and to grow in faith and obedience. This journey requires intentionality and commitment, as we cultivate the roots of our faith to stand strong in the face of challenges. [42:47]
2. Stepping Out in Faith: Like Peter walking on water, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and trust God. When we focus on His word and keep our eyes on Him, we can overcome fear and walk on the very things that threaten to drown us. This year, let's embrace the unknown with faith and courage. [01:04:37]
3. Biblical Examples of Faith: Figures like Abraham, Moses, Esther, and Rahab show us the power of stepping out in faith. Each faced uncertainty and risk, yet their trust in God led to monumental changes and fulfilled promises. We are reminded that God often calls us out of our comfort zones to fulfill His greater purpose. [01:12:25]
4. Faith Overcomes Fear: As we step into 2025, we must choose faith over fear. When we keep our eyes on God, we can walk on water, overcoming the challenges that threaten to hold us back. This year, let's commit to walking in faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. [01:25:24]
5. Embracing the Call to Go Deeper: This year, we are called to go beyond the surface and truly explore what God has in store for us. It's a year of growth, transformation, and a renewed commitment to our faith. As we go deeper, we will encounter God in powerful ways and see His glory revealed in and through us. [45:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:08] - Introduction and Announcements
- [31:34] - Seven Days of Prayer and Fasting
- [36:01] - Launching the Pooler Campus
- [41:46] - Word of the Year: Going Deeper
- [42:47] - Embracing Depth in 2025
- [44:08] - The Call to Intentionality
- [45:56] - Drawing Near to God
- [01:01:46] - The Presence of God
- [01:04:37] - Stepping Out of the Boat
- [01:07:55] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
- [01:12:25] - Biblical Examples of Stepping Out
- [01:20:26] - Rahab's Redemption
- [01:25:24] - Faith Overcomes Fear
- [01:28:31] - The Cost of Staying in the Boat
- [01:34:24] - Invitation to Faith and Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 3:17-19
2. Matthew 14:22-33
3. Hebrews 11:8-11
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Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 3:17-19, what does it mean to be "rooted and established in love"? How does this foundation help us grasp the vastness of Christ's love?
2. According to Matthew 14:22-33, what was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on water, and how did his focus shift during the event? [01:04:37]
3. How does the story of Abraham in Hebrews 11:8-11 illustrate the concept of stepping out in faith? What was Abraham called to leave behind?
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of biblical figures who stepped out of their comfort zones? [01:12:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does being "rooted and established in love" (Ephesians 3:17) prepare believers to face challenges in their faith journey? What role does this play in going deeper in our relationship with God?
2. In the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), what does Peter's experience teach us about the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus during life's storms? [01:04:37]
3. Reflecting on the sermon, how do the examples of Abraham, Moses, Esther, and Rahab demonstrate the transformative power of faith? What common theme do these stories share? [01:12:25]
4. The sermon emphasizes the need to step out of our comfort zones. How does this concept relate to the idea of experiencing God's love in new and transformative ways? [42:47]
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Application Questions:
1. As we enter 2025, what specific steps can you take to intentionally deepen your relationship with God? Consider areas where you need to slow down and cultivate your faith. [42:47]
2. Reflect on a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone. What fears or doubts are holding you back, and how can you overcome them with faith? [01:04:37]
3. The sermon encourages us to embrace the unknown with courage. Identify a "boat" in your life that you need to step out of. What practical steps can you take this week to begin that journey? [01:28:31]
4. How can the examples of biblical figures like Abraham and Esther inspire you to trust God for extraordinary outcomes in your life? What is one area where you need to exercise more faith? [01:12:25]
5. In what ways can you be more intentional about experiencing God's love in new ways this year? Consider how you can engage more deeply with your community and purpose. [42:47]
6. Think about a time when you allowed fear to prevent you from taking a step of faith. How can you apply the lesson of Peter walking on water to face similar situations in the future? [01:04:37]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate faith over fear in your daily life? How can you encourage others in your community to do the same? [01:25:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Depth in 2025
In 2025, the call is to dive deeper into our relationship with God, our purpose, and our community. This journey is not just about gaining knowledge but about experiencing God's love in transformative ways. It requires intentionality and commitment, as we cultivate the roots of our faith to stand strong in the face of challenges. By slowing down and digging in, we can grow in faith and obedience, finding strength and stability. This year is an invitation to explore what God has in store for us, going beyond the surface to truly encounter His love. [42:47]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally deepen your relationship with God and experience His love in a new way?
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith
The story of Peter walking on water is a powerful illustration of stepping out in faith. When we focus on God's word and keep our eyes on Him, we can overcome fear and walk on the very things that threaten to drown us. This year, we are encouraged to step out of our proverbial boats, leaving behind fear and doubt, and embracing the unknown with faith and courage. By trusting God, we can move from fear to faith, from comfort to courage, and from the known to the unknown. [01:04:37]
Matthew 14:28-29 (ESV): "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a practical step towards that this week?
Day 3: Biblical Examples of Faith
Figures like Abraham, Moses, Esther, and Rahab show us the power of stepping out in faith. Each faced uncertainty and risk, yet their trust in God led to monumental changes and fulfilled promises. These biblical examples remind us that God often calls us out of our comfort zones to fulfill His greater purpose in our lives. By looking to these stories, we can find inspiration and courage to trust God in our own journeys, knowing that He is faithful to lead us to incredible outcomes. [01:12:25]
Hebrews 11:8-9 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."
Reflection: Reflect on a biblical figure who inspires you to trust God. How can their story encourage you to step out in faith in your own life?
Day 4: Faith Overcomes Fear
As we step into 2025, we must choose faith over fear. When we keep our eyes on God, we can walk on water, overcoming the challenges that threaten to hold us back. This year, let's commit to walking in faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. By focusing on His presence and promises, we can find the courage to face our fears and move forward in confidence, knowing that He is guiding us through every trial and triumph. [01:25:24]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you actively choose faith over fear in this area today?
Day 5: Embracing the Call to Go Deeper
This year, we are called to go beyond the surface and truly explore what God has in store for us. It's a year of growth, transformation, and a renewed commitment to our faith. As we go deeper, we will encounter God in powerful ways and see His glory revealed in and through us. By embracing this call, we open ourselves to new experiences of His love and grace, allowing Him to work in our lives in extraordinary ways. [45:56]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel called to go deeper? How can you begin to explore this area more fully this week?
Quotes
And so today I just want to declare over you, over this house, over this church, that 2025 is the year to go deeper. This is the year where we dive deeper into our relationships with God, deeper into our purpose, and deeper into the community we're building together. [00:43:02] (16 seconds)
It's a year of growth, transformation, and a renewed commitment to go beyond the surface and truly explore what God has in store for us. Can we say amen? [00:43:59] (12 seconds)
But going deeper requires intentionality. It requires commitment. It means we will need to slow down, dig in, and cultivate the roots of our faith. It's a call to grow, not just in knowledge, but in relationship and obedience. Can we say amen? [00:44:17] (16 seconds)
We are called to be rooted, to be firmly grounded in Christ. The deeper our roots grow, the stronger we will stand in the face of challenges and adversity, and the more fruitful our lives will become. This year we are going deeper in our faith, and as we do, we will experience a strength and stability we've never known before. Can we say amen? [00:44:49] (22 seconds)
Psalm 42 .7 says, This deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls. All your waves and breakers have swept over me. In this scripture, we are reminded that God's call to us is deep. It's not just a gentle whisper, but a roar calling us to come closer to experience his fullness. When we go deeper in God, we don't just experience the surface level of his goodness. We encounter the powerful, overwhelming waves of his presence that brings transformation. Can we say amen? [00:45:10] (30 seconds)
Going deeper means drawing near to God intentionally, making space for him in our lives. This year we are committed to going deeper in our worship, deeper in our prayer, and deeper in our love for each other. Can we say amen? [00:45:56] (15 seconds)
Hope City, I declare over you today that this is the year where we will be rooted, we will be strengthened, and we will overflow with the fullness of God. As we go deeper, we will grow stronger, we will encounter God in powerful ways, and we will see his glory revealed in and through us like never before. Can we say amen? So as we prepare to step into 2025, let's embrace this year with faith and anticipation. Let's go deeper together. Can we say amen? [00:46:11] (33 seconds)
He doesn't always tell us about the storms that we will encounter along the journey, but he did promise them in the beginning. He said, hey, get in the boat and let's go to the other side. And I'm telling some of you today that if you're willing to step out of your boat, if you're willing to step out on faith and do something you've never done before, I believe that you're going to have a greater 2025 than your eyes can even imagine. [01:08:41] (25 seconds)
God called Abraham out of his past into a promise that he had no clue what the fullness of what it was going to look like. And I'm telling some of you here, God has a promise for some of you. God has a promise for some of you. God has a promise for some of you. God has a promise for some of you, but it's not in the boat. [01:12:25] (13 seconds)
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