Embracing Faith: Transformative Power and Divine Promises
Summary
In this beautiful season, we are reminded of the blessings that come with being part of a community that is deeply rooted in faith and love. As we prepare to honor our full-time admin staff with a love offering, we reflect on the life of Jim Robinson, a cherished member of our church family. Jim's journey with us was a testament to the transformative power of faith. He often spoke of how his life changed when he was introduced to Jesus at MetroTab, a sentiment echoed by his wife, Tricia. Their story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: to bring people closer to the kingdom of God.
Jim's unwavering faith, even in his final moments, is a profound example of a life lived with purpose and conviction. He knew that his ultimate healing would come when he was called home to be with the Creator. This perspective challenges us to view our struggles and trials as temporary, with the promise of eternal reward as our ultimate hope.
The Word of God is the most enduring, life-changing gift we have. It is a gift that comes with responsibility, much like any other significant gift we receive in life. The story of Mary, who was visited by the angel Gabriel, illustrates the power of God's Word. Despite her initial fear and confusion, Mary embraced the message and trusted in God's plan, leading to the miraculous birth of Jesus. Her story is a spiritual parallel for our lives today, reminding us that God has come to us, offering a relationship that is intimate and transformative.
We are called to walk in obedience, to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to declare God's Word over our lives. This requires self-discipline and the courage to overcome fear, which is the enemy's most effective tool. By embracing wisdom and living in obedience, we can find favor with God and birth miracles in our own lives.
As we move through this season, let us declare the Word of God over our lives, trusting that everything He has said about us will come true. Let us be kingdom shakers and givers, living in the center of His abundance, peace, and provision.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Transformative Power of Faith: Jim Robinson's life exemplifies the profound change that comes from knowing Jesus. His story reminds us that our ultimate healing and reward lie in our eternal home with God. This perspective encourages us to view our earthly struggles as temporary, with the promise of eternal life as our hope. [01:53]
2. The Gift and Responsibility of God's Word: The Word of God is a life-changing gift that requires responsibility. Like Mary, who embraced the angel's message, we are called to trust in God's plan and allow His Word to transform our lives. This involves embracing the responsibilities that come with His gifts. [06:48]
3. Overcoming Fear with Faith: Fear is the enemy's most effective tool, but God has not given us a spirit of fear. By embracing self-discipline and trusting in God's Word, we can overcome fear and live as ambassadors in His kingdom. This requires us to drop generational curses and stand firm in our faith. [15:10]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the "how" in our lives, providing the power and guidance we need to fulfill God's plan. By walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we gain access to the mysteries and revelations of God, enabling us to overcome resistance and birth miracles. [24:58]
5. Declaring God's Word Over Our Lives: We are encouraged to declare God's Word over our lives, trusting that everything He has said about us will come true. This involves living in obedience, embracing wisdom, and being kingdom shakers and givers, living in the center of His abundance and provision. [38:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:53] - Remembering Jim Robinson
- [01:53] - The Transformative Power of Faith
- [02:43] - A Made-Up Mind
- [03:32] - The Gift of God's Word
- [04:07] - Responsibility with Gifts
- [06:48] - The Life-Changing Word
- [07:48] - Mary's Encounter with Gabriel
- [09:14] - Mary's Faith and Favor
- [11:36] - The Power of Belief
- [13:15] - God's Intimate Relationship with Us
- [15:10] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
- [17:57] - Finding Favor Through Wisdom
- [20:47] - Trusting in God's Plan
- [24:58] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [29:39] - Obedience and Blessing
- [38:48] - Declaring God's Word Over Our Lives
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:26-38
2. 2 Timothy 1:7
3. Mark 11:24
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Observation Questions:
1. How did Jim Robinson's story illustrate the transformative power of faith, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:53]
2. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message, and how did she respond to it? [08:29]
3. According to the sermon, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [24:58]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fear and faith? [15:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jim Robinson's perspective on healing challenge common views on suffering and eternal life? [03:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Word of God is a life-changing gift, and what responsibilities come with it? [06:48]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of overcoming fear with faith, and what role does self-discipline play in this? [15:49]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of declaring God's Word over our lives, and how does this relate to living in obedience? [38:48]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your faith was transformative in your life. How can Jim Robinson's story inspire you to view your struggles as temporary with the promise of eternal life? [01:53]
2. Like Mary, have you ever received a message or calling from God that initially confused or disturbed you? How did you respond, and what can you learn from Mary's example? [08:29]
3. Fear is described as the enemy's most effective tool. Identify a specific fear in your life. How can you apply 2 Timothy 1:7 to overcome it with faith and self-discipline? [15:10]
4. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us. How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [24:58]
5. Consider the concept of declaring God's Word over your life. What specific promises from Scripture can you declare over your current circumstances? [38:48]
6. The sermon encourages living as kingdom shakers and givers. What practical steps can you take to live in the center of God's abundance, peace, and provision? [38:48]
7. Reflect on the idea of birthing miracles in your life. What is one area where you need to trust in God's plan and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about a miraculous change? [24:58]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Perspective of Faith
Faith transforms our lives by shifting our focus from temporary struggles to the promise of eternal life with God. Jim Robinson's life serves as a powerful example of this transformation. His unwavering faith, even in his final moments, reminds us that our ultimate healing and reward lie in our eternal home with God. This perspective encourages us to view our earthly struggles as temporary, with the promise of eternal life as our hope. By embracing this eternal perspective, we can find peace and purpose in our daily lives, knowing that our faith in Jesus offers us a future filled with hope and healing. [01:53]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What current struggle in your life can you view through the lens of eternity, trusting that God has a greater purpose and reward for you?
Day 2: Embracing the Responsibility of God's Word
The Word of God is a life-changing gift that comes with great responsibility. Like Mary, who embraced the angel's message despite her initial fear and confusion, we are called to trust in God's plan and allow His Word to transform our lives. This involves embracing the responsibilities that come with His gifts, understanding that His Word is not just for our benefit but also for the benefit of others. By living out the truths of Scripture, we can become vessels of God's love and grace, impacting the world around us in profound ways. [06:48]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively live out a specific truth from God's Word today, taking responsibility for the impact it can have on those around you?
Day 3: Conquering Fear Through Faith
Fear is one of the enemy's most effective tools, but God has not given us a spirit of fear. By embracing self-discipline and trusting in God's Word, we can overcome fear and live as ambassadors in His kingdom. This requires us to drop generational curses and stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. By choosing faith over fear, we can experience the freedom and courage that come from living in alignment with God's will, allowing us to fulfill our divine purpose with confidence and joy. [15:10]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific fear that has been holding you back. How can you replace that fear with faith today, trusting in God's power and love to guide you?
Day 4: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the "how" in our lives, providing the power and guidance we need to fulfill God's plan. By walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we gain access to the mysteries and revelations of God, enabling us to overcome resistance and birth miracles. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with boldness and conviction, equipping us to face challenges and obstacles with divine strength and wisdom. By cultivating a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can experience the transformative power of God's presence in every aspect of our lives. [24:58]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite Him to lead you today?
Day 5: Declaring God's Promises Over Our Lives
We are encouraged to declare God's Word over our lives, trusting that everything He has said about us will come true. This involves living in obedience, embracing wisdom, and being kingdom shakers and givers, living in the center of His abundance and provision. By speaking God's promises over our lives, we align ourselves with His will and open the door for His blessings to flow into our lives. This practice of declaration strengthens our faith and reminds us of the power and authority we have as children of God, enabling us to walk confidently in His promises. [38:48]
"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific promise from God's Word do you need to declare over your life today? How can you incorporate this declaration into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?
Quotes
But when you think about what life -changing gift, the word of God is the only enduring life -changing gift we have been given. The Bible says Jesus came and the word became flesh when he came. In Luke chapter 1, we read these words. God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin named Mary. Can you just imagine being in your room and an angel appears to you? Now, I know you holy folks, it'd be fine. You'd have a whole full -blown conversation. But I'm going to tell you, if an angel walks in my house, if an angel walks in my house this afternoon, [00:06:48] (43 seconds)
Mary responded, may everything you have said about me come true. See, when God speaks, things happen. Mary believed how she got to that point, the Bible doesn't tell us, but she believed the word of God and she received a miracle. Your will is the strongest force on the earth. The God you serve can force you, but he will not. The enemy that you're afraid of would love to force you, so he causes you to be afraid and sends you his, he's got one little bag of tools of tricks. He uses, he pulls out the same bag all the time. [00:11:36] (45 seconds)
God came to Mary. But I can't. I came here to tell you today, God has come to you. In 1 John 4, 10, this is real love. Not that we loved God. We don't really even know how to love God until he came to us. But that he loved us and sent his son. as a sacrifice to take away our sins. You know, we'll close out Christmas in just about three minutes and we'll be heading into Easter in about six minutes. And there'll be a cross and an Easter story. We don't really have the words to describe the gift that he is to us. [00:13:15] (47 seconds)
God has not given us a spirit of fear. Nor timidity, according to this translation. So that's just not my personality. Well, he didn't give you a timid personality. Someone in your family did. Somebody beat you down. Somebody taught you that your voice wasn't worthy to be heard. God did not do that for you. God gave you a voice. He made you an ambassador in his kingdom. So you've got to drop off the generational curses and stand up and become who he's called you to be. But he gave us power, love, and this tough one, self -discipline. [00:15:10] (44 seconds)
Mary found favor with God and according to the scriptures we can find favor with Him. You know how you get favor? You get wisdom. Whoever, look at your neighbor and say I'm a whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives favor. There's your prerequisite for favor. You got to get your act together. You got to have a balanced brain. Now when you start walking in wisdom you can start expecting favor. Just bring it down to your children. You know if you have a wise child or if you have a wild child. [00:17:57] (45 seconds)
See, it's easy to get favor. You live in obedience. Mary birthed a miracle. The scriptures tell us that we can birth a miracle. Mark 11, 24. I tell you, look at this. You can pray for anything. There's no exemption. There's no exemptions there. There's no qualifiers there. You can pray for anything. And if you. believe. Now, a lot of folks pray and do not believe. Sometimes believing is hard. Sometimes walking in faith that Dr. Steve Ball has is hard. [00:20:47] (38 seconds)
He is the answer to our how. The Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You'll be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me. The Holy Spirit is the how in our life. And I have told you before, you can get in the school of roar. I can show you again today. Today, what the triune God looks like. You have God, the father. I'm going to just grab three men. There's three right here on this front row. Look at y 'all right here in the, in, in the, the Godhead. Y 'all run up here with me. Cause I'm not coming way down there off the top of this step right here. [00:24:58] (39 seconds)
He knows the mind of God, and he will come and share with you the secrets of the mind of God, revelations and mysteries that you will never know until you have the power of the Holy Spirit. See, it's the Holy Spirit that will wake you up in the middle of the night and say, I want to reveal something to you. The Holy Spirit may have you pray for someone. You don't have a clue. You don't have a clue who it is. Then in five days, you'll meet somebody and say, I felt your prayer. Happens all the time. See, it's the Holy Spirit. [00:29:39] (37 seconds)
Declare his word over your life. It's the greatest gift. Put his word on your mirror, on the dash of your car. Put his word in your heart. The Bible says, I've hidden your word in my heart that I won't sin against you. We had our three of our kids at the house last night. I went to wake up this beautiful Brianna this morning. You know, something about Sunday mornings, you can sleep. I was hoping she didn't have to be on this stage this morning because I thought, oh, we are late. And she didn't have to be. But I walked in and she had her cell phone. I said, what you doing, baby? She said, reading my Bible. You did good, Dad. You did good, Mom. [00:38:48] (57 seconds)
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