Embracing God's Provisions and Living Out Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to send off Eric and Anthony as they embark on a mission trip to Chennai, India. We prayed for their safety, anointing, and the impact they will have on the communities they visit. This mission is a testament to their willingness to serve God and spread His love, even at personal cost.
Reflecting on the story of the man who ignored God's help during a flood, we explored how often we miss God's provisions because they don't align with our expectations. This led us to examine John the Baptist's doubts about Jesus being the Messiah, despite witnessing numerous miracles. John’s question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" resonates with us today. We often find ourselves questioning God's presence and plans, especially when circumstances are challenging.
Jesus' response to John’s disciples was not a simple affirmation but a recounting of His miraculous works, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating that He is indeed the Messiah. This serves as a reminder that God has already provided everything we need through Jesus. We don't need to wait for another savior or a new wave of revival; the Holy Spirit is already at work within us.
We are called to act as children of God, recognizing that we are co-heirs with Christ. This means living out our faith boldly, sharing the good news, and being a blessing to others. The miracles and blessings we experience are not just for us but are meant to be shared with the world. Our community, our friends, and our families need the hope and salvation that Jesus offers.
In conclusion, we must stop waiting for another sign or revival and start living out the faith and blessings we have already received. Today is the day of salvation, and we are called to be active participants in God's kingdom, spreading His love and grace to all.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Provisions Often Come in Unexpected Ways: Just like the man in the flood story, we sometimes miss God's help because it doesn't come in the form we expect. God provides for us in various ways, and we need to be open to recognizing His hand in our lives. [46:37]
2. Jesus Fulfills All Our Needs: John the Baptist's doubts remind us that even the most faithful can question God's plans. Jesus' response to John’s disciples highlights that He has already fulfilled the prophecies and provided everything we need. We don't need to wait for another savior; Jesus is enough. [50:43]
3. We Are Co-Heirs with Christ: As believers, we are co-heirs with Christ, meaning we share in His inheritance. This includes the power to heal, proclaim the good news, and live out our faith boldly. We must recognize our identity in Christ and act accordingly. [01:07:24]
4. The Time for Revival is Now: Revival isn't something we need to wait for; it is already here. The Holy Spirit is at work within us, and we are called to be active participants in God's kingdom. We must stop waiting for another sign and start living out our faith today. [01:10:42]
5. Our Community Needs Us: Our friends, family, and community need the hope and salvation that Jesus offers. We are called to be a blessing to others, sharing the good news and extending God's love. Our spiritual health directly impacts our ability to reach and bless others. [01:14:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:17] - Sending Off Eric and Anthony
[37:06] - Prayer for the Mission Trip
[43:15] - Gratitude for Church Staff
[45:27] - The Flood Story
[46:37] - Recognizing God's Provisions
[47:55] - Miracles of Jesus
[49:15] - John the Baptist's Doubts
[50:43] - Jesus' Response to John
[52:17] - Relating to Our Doubts
[55:16] - Addressing Modern Doubts
[58:25] - Jesus' Miracles as Proof
[01:00:00] - Recent Miracles in Our Church
[01:03:01] - Revival is Already Here
[01:07:24] - Our Identity in Christ
[01:10:42] - The Time for Action
[01:14:48] - Our Community Needs Us
[01:18:06] - Closing Prayer
[01:19:32] - Invitation to Accept Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:2-5 (NIV)
> When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."
2. Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)
> "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
### Observation Questions
1. What was John the Baptist's question to Jesus, and why did he ask it? ([50:43])
2. How did Jesus respond to John the Baptist's question, and what was the significance of His response? ([50:43])
3. According to the sermon, what are some ways God provides for us that we might overlook? ([46:37])
4. What does Genesis 12:2-3 say about the blessings given to Abraham and his descendants?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might John the Baptist have had doubts about Jesus being the Messiah despite witnessing His miracles? ([52:17])
2. How does Jesus' response to John the Baptist's question affirm His identity as the Messiah? ([50:43])
3. In what ways does the story of the man in the flood illustrate our tendency to miss God's provisions? ([46:37])
4. How does the promise in Genesis 12:2-3 relate to our role as believers in spreading God's blessings?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you might have missed God's provision because it didn't come in the form you expected. How can you be more open to recognizing His help in the future? ([46:37])
2. John the Baptist had doubts even after seeing Jesus' miracles. Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? How did you address it, and what helped you overcome it? ([52:17])
3. Jesus' response to John the Baptist was to recount His works. How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness when you face doubts or challenges? ([50:43])
4. The sermon emphasized that revival is already here and that we are called to act now. What steps can you take this week to live out your faith more boldly and share the good news with others? ([01:10:42])
5. As co-heirs with Christ, we share in His inheritance and responsibilities. How can you better recognize and act on your identity in Christ in your daily life? ([01:07:24])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being a blessing to our community. Identify one specific way you can be a blessing to someone in your community this week. ([01:14:48])
7. The story of the man in the flood teaches us about recognizing God's help. What practical steps can you take to ensure you don't overlook God's provisions in your life? ([46:37])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Unexpected Provisions
Description: Often, we find ourselves in situations where we are desperately seeking God's help, but we fail to recognize His provisions because they don't come in the form we expect. The story of the man who ignored God's help during a flood serves as a poignant reminder of this. He prayed for rescue, but when help came in the form of a boat, a raft, and a helicopter, he dismissed them, expecting a more miraculous intervention. This story challenges us to open our eyes and hearts to the various ways God provides for us, even if they don't align with our preconceived notions. [46:37]
In our daily lives, we must cultivate an awareness of God's presence and provisions. This means being open to the unexpected and trusting that God knows what we need better than we do. It also means being grateful for the small and seemingly ordinary ways He blesses us. By doing so, we can avoid missing out on the help and blessings He is already providing.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were seeking God's help. Did you recognize the ways He provided for you, even if they were unexpected? How can you be more open to recognizing His provisions in the future?
Day 2: Jesus Fulfills All Our Needs
Description: John the Baptist, despite his strong faith and witnessing numerous miracles, found himself doubting whether Jesus was the Messiah. His question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" reflects a common human experience of doubt, especially in challenging circumstances. Jesus' response to John's disciples was not a simple affirmation but a recounting of His miraculous works, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating that He is indeed the Messiah. This response serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus has already provided everything we need. [50:43]
We don't need to wait for another savior or a new wave of revival; Jesus is enough. His life, death, and resurrection have fulfilled all the prophecies and provided us with salvation, hope, and eternal life. In moments of doubt, we can look to the evidence of His works and the fulfillment of prophecies to reassure ourselves of His sufficiency.
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you doubted God's presence or plans. How did Jesus' works and the fulfillment of prophecies reassure you of His sufficiency? How can you remind yourself of this truth in future moments of doubt?
Day 3: Embracing Our Identity as Co-Heirs with Christ
Description: As believers, we are co-heirs with Christ, meaning we share in His inheritance. This includes the power to heal, proclaim the good news, and live out our faith boldly. Recognizing our identity in Christ is crucial for living a life that reflects His love and power. It means understanding that we are not just followers of Christ but also participants in His mission and recipients of His blessings. [01:07:24]
Living as co-heirs with Christ involves embracing the authority and responsibility that comes with this identity. It means stepping out in faith to share the gospel, pray for healing, and be a blessing to others. It also means living with the confidence that we are deeply loved and valued by God, which empowers us to live boldly and purposefully.
Romans 8:17 (ESV): "And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as a co-heir with Christ change the way you live your daily life? What specific actions can you take to live out this identity more boldly and purposefully?
Day 4: The Time for Revival is Now
Description: Revival isn't something we need to wait for; it is already here. The Holy Spirit is at work within us, and we are called to be active participants in God's kingdom. This means that we don't need to wait for another sign or a special event to start living out our faith. The power and presence of the Holy Spirit are already available to us, enabling us to live out our faith and share the gospel with others. [01:10:42]
Understanding that revival is now challenges us to take immediate action in our spiritual lives. It calls us to be proactive in seeking God's presence, growing in our faith, and sharing His love with others. By recognizing that the Holy Spirit is already at work within us, we can live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that we are part of God's ongoing work in the world.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in God's kingdom today, knowing that revival is already here? How can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit's work within you and around you?
Day 5: Our Community Needs Us
Description: Our friends, family, and community need the hope and salvation that Jesus offers. As believers, we are called to be a blessing to others, sharing the good news and extending God's love. Our spiritual health directly impacts our ability to reach and bless others. When we are spiritually healthy, we are better equipped to share the hope and love of Jesus with those around us. [01:14:48]
Being a blessing to our community involves more than just sharing the gospel; it also means living out our faith in practical ways. This can include acts of kindness, offering support and encouragement, and being a positive influence in our community. By living out our faith authentically, we can demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus' love and draw others to Him.
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of one person in your community who needs the hope and love of Jesus. How can you be a blessing to them today, both in word and action? What steps can you take to ensure your spiritual health is strong so you can effectively reach and bless others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God, if you're really God, then why aren't things better for America? God, if you're really God, then why am I going through this circumstance, this situation in my life? God, if you're really the Messiah, then why aren't I being saved from this circumstance that I'm going through right now?" [55:16] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Listen, Believers Chapel, listen. Syracuse, your friends, your family, needs you. They need what you have. They need this Jesus that has saved your life, that has redeemed you, that has provided for you, that has saved your soul from hell, that has saved your finances, that has healed your body, that continues to heal, continues to restore, continues to work, they need what you have." [01:04:09] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want you to rest assured that you have been blessed, that you are being blessed, and that you are a blessing because of Jesus in you. When you receive Jesus as your personal Lord, and Savior, and what he did for you on the cross, the curse of sin was broken over your life, and all those things that come with it." [01:07:24] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are like king's kids. You belong to Christ. You are the blessing that this world needs. You have Jesus in you. And Jesus, for whatever reason, decided to use his people, including the disciples, and including us today, to be a blessing to the world. He chooses to flow through us as his vessels." [01:08:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Freely you have received. Freely give. You have received all these things. I'm asking that we rise up in our faith and stop waiting for, oh, I think this guy that speaks, oh, healing's coming to our church. When he comes, then I'll be able to pray for people that are sick. Oh, if I could just get this thing right in my life, then I can go and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to people that need it." [01:10:12] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so I want to just kind of talk about this just for a second, because I think this relates very well to us today still. And I'll get into that here in a second. Bear with me. But I want to say, why did John in that moment have a hard time accepting that Jesus may or may not have been the one? I mean, all these people are getting healed. People are rising from the dead. There's like all these, like he's healed, he's doing all these ridiculous things. Even the storms stop. He commands the winds to calm. Like, who can do that, right?" [52:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And sometimes in our lives, we have to... We really need that question answered ourselves, don't we? Jesus, are you really my Savior? Are you really the one that paid the price on the cross for me, or should I expect something else? Should I turn my life into something else? Should I live for something else? Should I look for something else? Should I spend my time and my efforts and my energy into something else besides the Savior of the world?" [56:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And Jesus, I love his response. He doesn't just say, yeah, I'm the one. He just puts the proof out right there in words. And he just says, the blind see, the dead arise. And by the way, all these things were prophesied that these things would happen. And all the things that he lists were already prophesied. The good news is proclaimed to the poor. All these things, the kingdom of God has come. All these things have happened." [58:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to just say that Jesus has already done everything that we need. He has already provided us with everything that we will ever need, even in the future. And so I want to just, just since this month, this last month in July, that I've been away, and I have been somewhat disconnected from this, uh, church, uh, because of it, I hear things, you know, through the prayer request line or through, uh, email or through people." [01:00:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I just want to just kind of, after seeing this and reading about this, just proclaim to you today that revival isn't coming. Revival is already here. there's no, there's no, there's no, there's no, there's no, there's no, there's no, there's no, there's no, there's nothing more to wait for. It's not like there's going to be a second Holy Spirit that's coming. It's not like another Savior is coming, or Jesus is coming again to do the same things again. He is already here. He is already moving." [01:02:26] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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