Embracing God's Power Through Creation and Faith

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I reflected on the majesty of God's creation, specifically the mighty oceans, the valley stones, the fields, and forests, and how they all give praise to the Creator. I emphasized the importance of recognizing God's hand in the natural world and the call for us to join in that chorus of praise. I reiterated this theme throughout the sermon, drawing attention to the awe-inspiring aspects of creation that often go unnoticed but continually glorify God.

I then transitioned to discuss the power of God as demonstrated through the history of His people. I recounted the biblical narratives where God showed His might by parting the Red Sea, bringing down the walls of Jericho, and providing for His people in the wilderness with manna and water. These stories were used to encourage the congregation to trust in God's power and His ability to overcome any barriers in our lives. I urged the congregation to see beyond the immediate challenges and to envision the promises and blessings of God as already realized in their lives.

I posed a question to the congregation, asking what they see when they look at their lives: do they see insurmountable barriers or do they see a cause that cannot be stopped? I challenged them to have the faith of Caleb and Joshua, who trusted in God's promises despite the giants in the land. I called on the church to be people who see opportunities for God to work, rather than obstacles that are unbeatable.

As we moved into a time of worship and prayer, I encouraged the congregation to respond to God's word in whatever way they felt led. I prayed for God to pour out His word over our lives and for us to respond adequately, expressing our love and commitment to Him.

Finally, I reminded the congregation of the importance of being not just hearers of the word but doers as well. I thanked them for their faithfulness in giving, which has enabled our church to continue its ministries. I asked for continued honor and obedience in giving as we collected the morning offering.

Key Takeaways:

1. The natural world is a testament to God's glory, and as we observe the mighty oceans, the valley stones, the fields, and forests, we are reminded to join in their praise. This recognition of God's handiwork invites us to a deeper appreciation of His presence in all aspects of life. [18:35]

2. The stories of God's deliverance and provision for His people in the Bible are not just historical accounts but are relevant promises for us today. They serve as reminders that God is capable of bringing us through any challenge we face. [51:58]

3. Our perspective on life's challenges can either limit us or propel us into God's promises. Seeing through the lens of faith, like Caleb and Joshua, allows us to embrace the opportunities God provides for victory and growth. [52:34]

4. Worship and prayer are not passive activities but active responses to God's word. In these moments, we are called to engage with God, pouring out our hearts and allowing His truth to transform us. [53:06]

5. Our actions, including our giving, are a reflection of our trust and obedience to God. Faithfulness in the small acts of honor towards God enables the church to fulfill its mission and extend the kingdom. [59:43]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
2. Exodus 14:21-22 - "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left."
3. Joshua 6:20 - "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are some examples of God's creation mentioned in the sermon that give praise to Him? [18:35]
2. Can you list the biblical events mentioned in the sermon where God demonstrated His power? [51:58]
3. How did Caleb and Joshua's perspective differ from the other spies when they scouted the Promised Land? [52:34]
4. What actions did the pastor encourage the congregation to take during the time of worship and prayer? [53:06]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing God's handiwork in nature deepen our appreciation of His presence in our lives? [18:35]
2. In what ways do the stories of God's deliverance in the Bible serve as relevant promises for us today? [51:58]
3. How can having the faith of Caleb and Joshua change our perspective on the challenges we face? [52:34]
4. What does it mean to be not just hearers of the word but doers as well, according to the sermon? [59:43]

#### Application Questions
1. When you observe the natural world around you, how often do you take a moment to praise God for His creation? What can you do to make this a regular practice? [18:35]
2. Think of a current challenge in your life. How can the stories of God's deliverance in the Bible encourage you to trust in His power to overcome it? [51:58]
3. Reflect on a situation where you saw an obstacle as insurmountable. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to work? [52:34]
4. During worship and prayer, how do you usually respond to God's word? What steps can you take to engage more actively in these moments? [53:06]
5. How does your giving reflect your trust and obedience to God? What changes can you make to ensure your actions align with your faith? [59:43]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can be more of a doer of the word rather than just a hearer. What specific action will you take this week to live out this commitment? [59:43]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to see opportunities for God to work, rather than focusing on obstacles? [52:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Creation's Praise Reflects God's Glory
The natural world is a breathtaking canvas that displays the grandeur of its Creator. As one gazes upon the mighty oceans, the intricate patterns of valley stones, the vastness of fields, and the complexity of forests, it becomes evident that each element of creation is a hymn of praise to God. These aspects of the natural world are not just happenstance; they are intentional expressions of God's artistry, inviting humanity to recognize and join in the chorus of adoration. The beauty and order found in nature serve as a constant reminder of God's presence and His desire for a relationship with His creation. By observing and appreciating the world around us, we are drawn into a deeper sense of gratitude and worship, acknowledging the divine fingerprints on every part of the earth. [18:35]

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard." - Psalm 19:1-3 ESV

Reflection: As you walk outside today, take a moment to observe one aspect of nature you usually overlook. How does this detail of creation reflect the character and glory of God to you?

Day 2: God's Power in Our Stories
The narratives of the Bible are not mere stories from the past; they are alive with the power of God, demonstrating His ability to deliver and provide for His people. Recalling the parting of the Red Sea, the fall of Jericho's walls, and the miraculous provision of manna and water in the wilderness, one is reminded that the same God who acted then is active now. These accounts encourage believers to trust in God's power to overcome any barriers in their lives. They are not just historical events but are promises that God is ever-present and capable of bringing His people through any challenge they face. By envisioning God's promises as already fulfilled, one can live with confidence and hope, even amidst difficulties. [51:58]

"For nothing will be impossible with God." - Luke 1:37 ESV

Reflection: Recall a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. How did you experience God's power in that situation, and how can that memory strengthen your faith today?

Day 3: Faith's Perspective on Challenges
Perspective is a powerful force in how one interprets life's challenges. The question is whether to view obstacles as insurmountable barriers or as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. The faith of Caleb and Joshua, who trusted in God's promises despite the presence of giants in the land, serves as a model for believers today. By adopting a perspective of faith, one can see beyond immediate difficulties and embrace the possibilities for victory and growth that God provides. This shift in viewpoint allows for a life lived in anticipation of God's promises, rather than in fear of the challenges that lie ahead. [52:34]

"And Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.'" - Numbers 13:30 ESV

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that seems daunting? How can you adjust your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to work in your life?

Day 4: Active Response in Worship and Prayer
Worship and prayer are not passive activities but are dynamic responses to the living word of God. In moments of worship and prayer, believers are called to engage with God actively, pouring out their hearts and allowing His truth to transform them. These practices are not just rituals; they are opportunities to express love, commitment, and to respond to God's word in a personal and meaningful way. As one enters into worship and prayer, there is an invitation to experience the presence of God and to be changed by it, growing in faith and understanding. [53:06]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22 ESV

Reflection: During your next time of prayer, what is one specific area of your life you can surrender to God, and how can you express that surrender through your actions?

Day 5: Faithfulness in Giving Reflects Obedience
Giving is a tangible expression of trust and obedience to God. It is a reflection of one's faith and a commitment to the mission of the church. By being faithful in the act of giving, believers participate in the work of extending the kingdom of God. This practice is not just about financial support; it is about honoring God with one's resources and acknowledging His provision and lordship. As the church comes together in giving, it enables the continuation of ministries and the reaching out to others with the love of Christ. [59:43]

"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: How does your current practice of giving reflect your trust in God's provision, and what steps can you take to grow in this area of obedience?

Quotes

"And if God can free his people from bondage, if he can part the Red Sea, if he can back up the Jordan River, if he can rain bread from heaven, pour water from a rock, pour down the walls of Jericho, then I promise you, he can bring you through, over, and around any barrier that crops up in your life." [51:58]( | | )

"Servants of God who are trusting in him, even when they see impassable or unconquerable barriers, they believe in the name and the power of our God to execute his plans and his purposes regardless." [51:58]( | | )

"What do you see this morning? Do you see an enemy that's unbeatable and can't be driven out? Or do you see an opportunity to occupy new areas through God's power in your life? Do you see barriers that can't be overcome or do you see a cause that can't be stopped?" [52:34]( | | )

"That's why I trust Him. Are you gonna trust Him? Trust Him for His promises. Trust Him that even though things may seem giant to us, they're not to Him. Trust Him that even though things may seem unconquerable, He is well able to overcome." [59:43]( | | )

"You guys have done such a great job of honoring God in this way over the past several months, even the past couple years in our church. That enables us to continue to do ministries for our Lord so just continue to be honoring and obedient in that." [59:43]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?