Embracing Forward-Focused Faith for New Beginnings
Summary
Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 28 years of God's faithfulness at the Father's House. Reflecting on our journey, we remember the humble beginnings at Browns Valley Elementary School, where a small group of believers stepped out in faith. Over the years, we've witnessed trials, breakthroughs, and victories, all leading to the expansion of God's kingdom. As we look back, we give all glory to God, acknowledging that His love and faithfulness have been the foundation of our journey.
Our focus today is on the faith of Joshua, a man who exemplified forward-focused faith. Joshua's life teaches us that faith does not settle for less than what God has called us to accomplish. Even in his old age, Joshua continued to conquer new territories, driven by a faith that refused to settle. This is a call for us to embrace a faith attitude that looks forward, not backward, and to pursue the promises of God with determination.
As a church, we are called to take new ground, both corporately and individually. This includes planting a new church in Santa Barbara, a city in need of a life-giving church. We are invited to participate in this mission by sowing seeds of faith, just as others have done for us in the past. Faith involves taking risks, making sacrifices, and stepping out into the unknown, trusting that God will provide.
On a personal level, taking new ground means pursuing the prophetic destiny God has for us. It involves moving in obedience, clearing out hindrances, and driving out longstanding enemies. We are called to focus on what God is going to do, not on the size of the challenges we face. By developing an attitude of faith, we can overcome obstacles and step into the fullness of God's promises.
As we move forward, let us be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to displace the things of this world. Through prayer, worship, and obedience, we can live above the challenges and take possession of the land God has promised us. Together, let's embrace the spirit of faith and believe for miracles, salvation, and transformation in our lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is forward-focused and refuses to settle for less than what God has called us to accomplish. It looks beyond current challenges and leans into the promises of God, just as Joshua did in his old age. [09:52]
- Taking new ground requires moving in obedience, clearing out hindrances, and driving out longstanding enemies. This involves recognizing and removing distractions and heart entanglements that hinder our progress. [14:57]
- Faith involves taking risks and making sacrifices that others may not understand. It requires stepping out into the unknown, trusting that God will provide and fulfill His promises. [19:26]
- Developing an attitude of faith means focusing on what God is going to do, not on the size of the challenges we face. By lifting our eyes to God's promises, we can overcome obstacles and step into the fullness of His plans. [24:13]
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for displacing the things of this world and living above challenges. Through prayer, worship, and obedience, we can take possession of the land God has promised us. [30:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebrating 28 Years
- [02:15] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
- [04:00] - The Faith of Joshua
- [06:45] - Faith Does Not Settle
- [09:52] - Planting in Santa Barbara
- [12:30] - Sowing Seeds of Faith
- [14:57] - Taking New Ground
- [17:20] - Moving in Obedience
- [19:26] - Clearing Out Hindrances
- [21:45] - Driving Out Enemies
- [24:13] - Focus on God's Promises
- [26:30] - Filled with the Holy Spirit
- [30:05] - Displacing Worldly Things
- [32:45] - Embracing the Spirit of Faith
- [35:49] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 13:1
- Numbers 13:30
- Psalm 115:1
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Observation Questions:
1. In Joshua 13:1, what does God remind Joshua of, and what does this reveal about Joshua's mission despite his age?
2. According to Numbers 13:30, how does Caleb's response to the challenges in the land differ from the other spies, and what does this indicate about his faith?
3. How does Psalm 115:1 reflect the attitude of giving glory to God for His faithfulness and love, as mentioned in the sermon? [04:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Joshua's continued pursuit of new territories in his old age teach us about the nature of faith and perseverance? [06:45]
2. How does the story of Caleb and Joshua in Numbers 13 illustrate the importance of having a forward-focused faith, especially when facing overwhelming challenges? [19:26]
3. In what ways does Psalm 115:1 encourage believers to attribute their successes and victories to God's love and faithfulness rather than their own efforts? [04:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt too old or too young to pursue a goal. How can Joshua's example inspire you to take action despite your perceived limitations? [06:45]
2. Identify a "giant" or challenge in your life that seems insurmountable. How can you adopt Caleb's attitude of faith to confront this challenge? [19:26]
3. What are some specific hindrances or distractions in your life that you need to clear out to move forward in faith? How can you begin to address these this week? [24:13]
4. Consider a promise or vision God has placed in your heart. What steps of obedience can you take to move toward this promise, even if the path seems unclear? [14:57]
5. How can you actively participate in the mission of your church, such as the new church plant in Santa Barbara, by sowing seeds of faith? What sacrifices might this involve? [09:52]
6. In what ways can you ensure that your focus remains on God's promises rather than the size of the challenges you face? [24:13]
7. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of being filled with the Holy Spirit to displace worldly distractions and live above challenges? What practical steps can you take to achieve this? [30:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Forward-Focused Faith Refuses to Settle
Faith is a dynamic force that propels believers to pursue God's promises with determination, refusing to settle for less than what God has called them to accomplish. Joshua's life exemplifies this forward-focused faith, as he continued to conquer new territories even in his old age. This kind of faith looks beyond current challenges and leans into the promises of God, trusting that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing. By adopting a forward-focused faith, believers can overcome obstacles and step into the fullness of God's plans for their lives. [09:52]
Joshua 14:10-12 (ESV): "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have settled for less than what God has promised? How can you take a step of faith today to pursue His promises with renewed determination?
Day 2: Obedience and Clearing Hindrances
Taking new ground in faith requires believers to move in obedience, clearing out hindrances and driving out longstanding enemies. This involves recognizing and removing distractions and heart entanglements that hinder progress. By focusing on what God is going to do, rather than the size of the challenges faced, believers can overcome obstacles and step into the fullness of God's promises. This process of clearing hindrances is essential for spiritual growth and advancement in God's kingdom. [14:57]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What distractions or hindrances are currently holding you back from moving forward in faith? What practical steps can you take today to remove these obstacles and focus on God's promises?
Day 3: Faith Involves Risks and Sacrifices
Faith often involves taking risks and making sacrifices that others may not understand. It requires stepping out into the unknown, trusting that God will provide and fulfill His promises. This kind of faith is not passive but active, requiring believers to take bold steps in obedience to God's leading. By embracing the risks and sacrifices that come with faith, believers can experience the fullness of God's provision and the joy of seeing His promises fulfilled in their lives. [19:26]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: What is one risk or sacrifice God is calling you to make in your faith journey? How can you trust Him to provide and guide you as you step out in faith?
Day 4: Focusing on God's Promises
Developing an attitude of faith means focusing on what God is going to do, not on the size of the challenges faced. By lifting their eyes to God's promises, believers can overcome obstacles and step into the fullness of His plans. This requires a shift in perspective, choosing to see challenges as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. By focusing on God's promises, believers can cultivate a faith that is resilient and unwavering, even in the face of adversity. [24:13]
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to focus on today? How can you remind yourself of this promise throughout the day to strengthen your faith?
Day 5: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for displacing the things of this world and living above challenges. Through prayer, worship, and obedience, believers can take possession of the land God has promised them. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live victoriously, enabling them to overcome obstacles and experience the fullness of God's presence and power in their lives. By cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, believers can embrace the spirit of faith and believe for miracles, salvation, and transformation in their lives and communities. [30:05]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you today? What specific practices of prayer, worship, or obedience can you incorporate into your daily routine to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him?
Quotes
"Your land is the prophetic destiny God is calling you to that you've yet to realize. It's the version of your life that you see when you are looking through eyes of faith. And your land is the realization of every promise that God has put in your heart for the future. Let me talk to some people who have been hanging on to a promise for a decade or two." [00:59:00] (21 seconds)
"Faith focuses on what God is going to do, not the size of the enemies or the difficulty of the journey. Let me ask you a personal question today. Where's your focus? We're all dealing with some giants, guys. We're all dealing with some parasites in the land. Maybe for you it's a marriage rift. It's a financial bump, it's kids far from God, and there's a long list." [01:32:37] (21 seconds)
"I will not settle, limit, draw back, or shrink my vision to the size of my current condition. Would you read that out with faith, all locations? Let's go. I will not settle, limit, draw back, or shrink my vision to the size of my current condition. What are you looking for in the future? What does God put in your heart? In those moments when you're in a prophetic atmosphere, you're praying, you feel the Holy Spirit, and you start writing some stuff down." [01:58:31] (31 seconds)
"God is not looking to co-exist with greed, lust, anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, perversion, or unbelief. These are enemies that must be driven out. Now, if you neglect these enemies, there will be a day where they grow up and they dig in so deeply and their descendants show up that they begin to take you out. Let's think about it. You know, Goliath was probably a cute little baby." [02:05:53] (29 seconds)
"When you came to Jesus, whenever that was, and you said, Lord, come into my life. I believe you're the Son of God. Forgive me of my sins. I believe you're coming back for your church. Be the Lord of my life. In that moment, the Holy Spirit indwelt you. The presence of Christ. And you were changed. You no longer belong to the system of this world. Your eyes no longer blinded by the God of this world." [02:19:14] (23 seconds)
"The more that I mature in Christ, and the very personal nature of Jesus grows in my life, and the more I'm filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, the more the things of this world are displaced from my appetites and my vision. That's why Paul said, be ye being filled is the tense of the verb. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. And keep getting filled with the Holy Spirit." [02:30:00] (22 seconds)
"It's the finished work of the cross. It's the love of your Savior saying, I have more land for you. And I'm gonna come and show you how to walk in freedom. So we're gonna make some declarations here in just our last minute or two together. And I want you to pray these out and speak these out in faith. This is some of the inheritance that you have as a Christ follower." [02:57:44] (22 seconds)
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