Embracing Our Legacy: Living as People of Faith

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we took a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Pastor Eric Coates, a foundational figure in the history of Hopelands Church. Pastor Eric, who passed away at the age of 98, was instrumental in the spiritual revival of 1978 that led to the establishment of our church. His dedication to the Word and his leadership style, though assertive, laid a strong foundation for a community of Spirit-filled, Bible-centered believers. We honor not only Pastor Eric and his wife Olga but also their family, who opened their homes and hearts to the church community, serving tirelessly and selflessly. Their legacy is deeply embedded in the spirit and mission of Hopelands Church, and we continue to build on the solid foundation they laid.

As we transition into a new sermon series titled "My Christian Life," we focus on the theme "I am a person of faith." Faith is not just a belief but an active, living trust in God that permeates every aspect of our lives. It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, as described in Hebrews 11. Faith empowers us to see the invisible and trust in God's promises despite the unseen. It is essential for pleasing God and is the foundation of our salvation, which is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Our journey of faith is personal and unique, filled with moments when God has touched our lives, provided for us, and guided us through challenges. These moments fortify our identity as people of faith and encourage us to trust God more deeply in every area of our lives. Whether it's in our relationships, health, finances, or callings, faith is interwoven into our everyday actions and decisions. We are reminded that it is not by our might or power but by God's Spirit that we can overcome challenges and fulfill the purposes He has for us.

As we move forward, let us reflect on where we need to trust God more and take bold steps of faith in our daily lives. Let us be encouraged by the legacy of faith left by those who have gone before us and strive to live out our Christian life with confidence and boldness, proclaiming, "I am a person of faith."

Key Takeaways:

- Legacy of Faith: Pastor Eric Coates' life and leadership laid a strong foundation for Hopelands Church, emphasizing Spirit-filled, Bible-centered faith. His legacy reminds us of the importance of sacrificial service and unwavering commitment to God. [53:47]

- Faith as a Living Trust: Faith is not just a belief but an active trust in God that influences every aspect of our lives. It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, empowering us to see the invisible and trust in God's promises. [01:07:02]

- Personal Journey of Faith: Each of us has a unique journey filled with moments when God has touched our lives. These moments fortify our identity as people of faith and encourage us to trust God more deeply in every area of our lives. [01:17:11]

- Faith in Action: True faith is interwoven into our everyday actions and decisions, not just exercised in sacred moments. It involves trusting God in our relationships, health, finances, and callings, and taking bold steps of faith in our daily lives. [01:24:20]

- Empowered by the Spirit: It is not by our might or power but by God's Spirit that we can overcome challenges and fulfill the purposes He has for us. Let us be encouraged to live out our Christian life with confidence and boldness, proclaiming, "I am a person of faith." [01:32:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [50:11] - Finding Our Seats
- [53:47] - Remembering Pastor Eric Coates
- [56:49] - The 1978 Revival
- [58:27] - Birth of Hopelands Church
- [01:00:27] - Legacy of Spirit-Filled Faith
- [01:01:49] - Sacrificial Leadership
- [01:03:10] - Family's Contribution
- [01:07:02] - My Christian Life: I Am a Person of Faith
- [01:13:21] - Faith in Everyday Life
- [01:17:11] - Personal Faith Journey
- [01:18:35] - Trusting God in Challenges
- [01:19:14] - Faith Beyond Sundays
- [01:24:20] - Faith in Action
- [01:32:14] - Empowered by the Spirit

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1-6 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..."
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..."
3. Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty."

#### Observation Questions
1. What role did Pastor Eric Coates play in the establishment of Hopelands Church, and how is his legacy described in the sermon? [53:47]
2. According to Hebrews 11:1-6, how is faith defined, and what examples of faith are mentioned in this passage?
3. How does the sermon describe the personal journey of faith and its impact on everyday life? [01:17:11]
4. What does Zechariah 4:6 suggest about the source of strength and success in our spiritual journey?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the legacy of Pastor Eric Coates illustrate the concept of "faith in action" as described in the sermon? [01:24:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is more than just belief, but an active trust in God? [01:07:02]
3. How does the passage from Ephesians 2:8-9 relate to the idea of faith being a gift and not something earned?
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of recounting personal faith experiences in strengthening one's identity as a person of faith? [01:17:11]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Pastor Eric Coates' legacy. How can you incorporate elements of his sacrificial service and commitment to God into your own life? [53:47]
2. Identify an area in your life where you need to exercise more active trust in God. What steps can you take this week to strengthen your faith in that area? [01:28:35]
3. Consider a moment in your life when you experienced a significant touch from God. How can recalling this moment help you in your current faith journey? [01:17:11]
4. How can you ensure that your faith is interwoven into your everyday actions and decisions, not just reserved for sacred moments? [01:19:14]
5. In what ways can you rely more on God's Spirit rather than your own strength to overcome challenges you are currently facing? [01:32:14]
6. Think of a specific relationship or situation where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate that trust this week? [01:28:35]
7. How can you actively engage with God's Word to strengthen your faith, as suggested by Romans 10:17? What specific plan can you implement to make this a regular practice?

Devotional

Understood. I will now create the 5-day devotional based on the instructions provided.

---

Day 1: Legacy of Faith: Building on a Strong Foundation
The legacy of Pastor Eric Coates is a testament to the power of a life dedicated to faith and service. His leadership was not just about guiding a congregation but about laying a foundation for a community that thrives on Spirit-filled, Bible-centered faith. This legacy is a reminder of the importance of sacrificial service and unwavering commitment to God. Pastor Eric and his family opened their homes and hearts, serving tirelessly and selflessly, embedding their legacy deeply into the spirit and mission of Hopelands Church. As we reflect on this legacy, we are encouraged to consider how we can contribute to the spiritual foundation of our own communities, ensuring that our actions today will inspire future generations. [53:47]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life has laid a spiritual foundation for you? How can you honor their legacy by building on it in your own community today?


Day 2: Faith as a Living Trust: Seeing the Invisible
Faith is more than a mere belief; it is an active, living trust in God that influences every aspect of our lives. It is described in Hebrews 11 as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This kind of faith empowers us to see the invisible and trust in God's promises, even when they are not immediately visible. It is essential for pleasing God and forms the foundation of our salvation, which is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. As we navigate our daily lives, we are called to cultivate this living trust, allowing it to permeate our thoughts, actions, and decisions. [01:07:02]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to trust in fully? How can you begin to cultivate a deeper trust in this promise today?


Day 3: Personal Journey of Faith: Unique and Transformative
Each person's journey of faith is unique, filled with moments when God has touched their lives, provided for them, and guided them through challenges. These moments fortify our identity as people of faith and encourage us to trust God more deeply in every area of our lives. Whether in relationships, health, finances, or callings, faith is interwoven into our everyday actions and decisions. By reflecting on these personal experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of how God is working in our lives and be inspired to continue growing in faith. [01:17:11]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a specific moment when you felt God's presence in your life. How did this experience shape your faith journey, and how can it inspire you to trust God more deeply today?


Day 4: Faith in Action: Trusting God in Every Aspect
True faith is not just exercised in sacred moments but is interwoven into our everyday actions and decisions. It involves trusting God in our relationships, health, finances, and callings, and taking bold steps of faith in our daily lives. This active faith requires us to rely not on our own might or power but on God's Spirit to overcome challenges and fulfill the purposes He has for us. As we strive to live out our Christian life with confidence and boldness, we are reminded that faith is a dynamic force that propels us forward in our spiritual journey. [01:24:20]

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." (Psalm 37:5, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully. What practical steps can you take today to begin trusting Him more in this area?


Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit: Living with Confidence and Boldness
It is not by our might or power but by God's Spirit that we can overcome challenges and fulfill the purposes He has for us. This empowerment by the Spirit encourages us to live out our Christian life with confidence and boldness, proclaiming, "I am a person of faith." As we reflect on the legacy of faith left by those who have gone before us, we are inspired to take bold steps of faith in our own lives, trusting that God's Spirit will guide and sustain us. This empowerment is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey, and that with God's Spirit, we can achieve the extraordinary. [01:32:14]

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength? How can you invite the Spirit to empower you in this area today?

Quotes



The revival ignited by the evangelist and Pastor Richard Holland at the invitation of Eric and Olga Coates. He preached the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. And Richard was the founder of what was originally. In Melbourne, Waverley Mission Church, that later became City Life Church, and still is City Life Church to today, a mega church down there. [00:58:44] (27 seconds)


Pastor Eric's strong, assertive leadership style reflected, the common approach of pioneering pastors in the 70s and the 80s. Those who responded to the call of God on their life to plant flourishing churches across Australia during that era. [01:01:23] (17 seconds)


He was the person that first put faith and trust in me when he appointed me as a youth pastor in about 1999 I kind of say sometimes 1998 but I don't think it was that it was 99 I think it was in the latter part of that because I was never sacked I take it as a compliment that I must have been doing an okay job. [01:05:11] (22 seconds)


I was raised in a church that was full of faith and I like to believe and to encourage us that we would remain a people of faith and that requires us to be actually diligent though in in it diligent in the journey requires that we be diligent and active in the journey of life as living as a Christian. [01:08:25] (27 seconds)


Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God's word by the power of God's word he spoke and an invisible realm gave birth the something that is seen from an invisible realm God spoke and it's his word created out of the invisible something that is invisible the visible touchable. [01:11:41] (37 seconds)


Faith was exercised when you first believed. So you cannot tell me that I don't have any faith. You cannot say I don't have faith for anything. Yes, you have. Yes, you did. You did. You had faith when you first believed. [01:13:55] (20 seconds)


So when I talk about faith, my Christian life, I am a person of faith. Hey, we've got to understand that that faith goes into. Walking with the Lord in every aspect of our life. Not just the holy sacred moments when I sit in church on a Sunday. No, it's a whole of life. [01:19:03] (22 seconds)


Faith is essential. Faith is essential. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. So as I said, if we don't have... If we don't have... If you say, I'm not a person of faith, then you're just going to say my life. You're not going to say my Christian life. [01:22:24] (16 seconds)


Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord. I hear that echoing in my spirit. I hear it echoing from the scriptures and speaking loudly and profoundly to us today. And I say, well, you've been trying to win something in your own strength. [01:35:47] (25 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 19, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

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