Embracing the Now: Faith, Community, and God's Timing
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the return of Alan and Jada Tano, missionaries to the Ivory Coast, who have overcome significant health challenges. Their journey reminds us of the power of faith and community support. As we look forward to 2025, our theme is "Now," emphasizing the importance of seizing the present moment to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. The story of Joshua and Caleb, who saw the potential in the Promised Land despite opposition, serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are realized through faith and action.
The concept of time is central to understanding God's work in our lives. God exists in eternity, and His plans are established beyond the constraints of time. Our challenge is to align our actions with His eternal decrees, trusting that what He has settled in eternity will manifest in our lives at the right time. This understanding allows us to wait on the Lord with confidence, knowing that He upholds us by His word.
As we move into 2025, we are called to embrace the "now" moments, recognizing that God has framed our lives with His purpose. Our times are in His hands, and He has a plan for each of us. This year, we aim to double the number of people saved, see marriages healed, and witness God's blessings and prosperity in our community. We are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will bless us as we share truth, live grace, and grow together.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith in Action: The story of Joshua and Caleb teaches us that faith requires action. Despite the negative reports from others, they trusted in God's promise and were ready to act. This reminds us that faith is not passive; it requires us to step out and seize the opportunities God places before us. [45:54]
2. God's Timing: Understanding that God exists in eternity helps us trust His timing. What He has decreed in eternity will manifest in our lives at the right time. This perspective allows us to wait on the Lord with patience and confidence, knowing that His plans for us are good. [55:55]
3. The Power of Now: Our theme for 2025, "Now," emphasizes the importance of living in the present and acting on God's call today. We are encouraged to embrace the opportunities before us, trusting that God is working in our lives right now to fulfill His purpose. [01:00:54]
4. Framed by God's Word: Our lives are framed by God's word and purpose. Even when we feel out of control, His word pulls us back and keeps us aligned with His will. This assurance gives us the strength to persevere through challenges, knowing that we are held by His power. [01:06:48]
5. Community and Support: The return of Alan and Jada Tano highlights the importance of community support in fulfilling God's mission. As a church, we are called to support one another, helping each other to realize God's plans and purposes in our lives. [01:15:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Missionaries' Return
[03:08] - Theme for 2025: Now
[05:55] - The Story of Joshua and Caleb
[12:46] - Understanding God's Timing
[20:54] - Living in the Present
[28:40] - Framed by God's Word
[35:54] - Community Support
[45:54] - Faith in Action
[55:55] - Trusting God's Timing
[01:00:54] - Embracing the Now
[01:06:48] - God's Word and Purpose
[01:15:40] - Supporting Each Other
[01:20:54] - Call to Action
[01:25:40] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Numbers 14:3-9
- Joshua 1:1-3
- Hebrews 11:3
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Observation Questions:
1. In Numbers 14:3-9, what was the reaction of the Israelites to the report about the Promised Land, and how did Joshua and Caleb respond differently? [33:08]
2. According to Joshua 1:1-3, what command did God give to Joshua after the death of Moses, and what promise accompanied this command? [33:08]
3. How does Hebrews 11:3 describe the creation of the worlds, and what does this imply about the power of God's word? [45:54]
4. What role did faith play in the actions of Joshua and Caleb as described in the sermon? [33:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Joshua and Caleb illustrate the concept of "faith in action," and what can this teach us about responding to challenges in our own lives? [33:08]
2. The sermon emphasized God's timing and eternal perspective. How does understanding God's existence in eternity affect our trust in His plans for us? [55:55]
3. What does it mean for our lives to be "framed by God's word," and how can this understanding provide strength during difficult times? [01:06:48]
4. How does the return of Alan and Jada Tano highlight the importance of community support in fulfilling God's mission? [01:15:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge similar to Joshua and Caleb. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to demonstrate "faith in action"? [33:08]
2. Consider an area of your life where you are waiting on God's timing. How can you cultivate patience and trust in His eternal perspective during this season? [55:55]
3. Identify a specific "now" moment in your life where you feel God is calling you to act. What steps can you take this week to seize this opportunity? [01:00:54]
4. Think about a situation where you felt out of control. How can the concept of being "framed by God's word" help you find peace and direction in similar situations? [01:06:48]
5. How can you actively support someone in your community who is pursuing God's mission, similar to how the church supported Alan and Jada Tano? [01:15:40]
6. What practical steps can you take to double the number of people you share your faith with this year, as inspired by the church's vision for 2025? [01:15:40]
7. Reflect on a relationship in your life that needs healing. How can you apply the principles of living grace and sharing truth to bring restoration to this relationship? [01:15:40]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Faith Requires Action
Faith is not merely a belief but a call to action. The story of Joshua and Caleb exemplifies this truth. Despite the negative reports from others, they saw the potential in the Promised Land and were ready to act on God's promise. Their faith was active, not passive, and it required them to step out and seize the opportunities God placed before them. This teaches us that true faith involves taking steps forward, even when circumstances seem daunting. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises and act upon them, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [45:54]
Numbers 14:6-9 (ESV): "And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, 'The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.'"
Reflection: What is one opportunity God has placed before you that you have been hesitant to act on? How can you take a step of faith today to move forward in that area?
Day 2: Trusting God's Timing
Understanding that God exists in eternity helps us trust His timing. His plans are established beyond the constraints of time, and what He has decreed in eternity will manifest in our lives at the right time. This perspective allows us to wait on the Lord with patience and confidence, knowing that His plans for us are good. We are reminded that our challenge is to align our actions with His eternal decrees, trusting that He upholds us by His word. This understanding gives us the strength to persevere, even when the timing seems uncertain. [55:55]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect plan today?
Day 3: Embracing the Present
Our theme for 2025, "Now," emphasizes the importance of living in the present and acting on God's call today. We are encouraged to embrace the opportunities before us, trusting that God is working in our lives right now to fulfill His purpose. This means recognizing the "now" moments and seizing them with faith and courage. By living in the present, we align ourselves with God's purpose and open ourselves to His blessings and guidance. It is a call to be attentive to His voice and responsive to His leading in our daily lives. [01:00:54]
Psalm 90:12 (ESV): "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Reflection: What is one "now" moment you can embrace today to align with God's purpose for your life? How can you be more present and attentive to His leading?
Day 4: Anchored by God's Word
Our lives are framed by God's word and purpose. Even when we feel out of control, His word pulls us back and keeps us aligned with His will. This assurance gives us the strength to persevere through challenges, knowing that we are held by His power. God's word is a firm foundation that anchors us in times of uncertainty and guides us in our journey of faith. It is a reminder that His promises are true and that He is faithful to fulfill them in our lives. [01:06:48]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you allow God's word to frame your life today? What specific scripture can you meditate on to anchor yourself in His promises?
Day 5: The Strength of Community
The return of Alan and Jada Tano highlights the importance of community support in fulfilling God's mission. As a church, we are called to support one another, helping each other to realize God's plans and purposes in our lives. Community provides strength, encouragement, and accountability, enabling us to grow together in faith. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey and that we are stronger when we stand together. By supporting one another, we fulfill God's call to love and serve each other, reflecting His love to the world. [01:15:40]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to and support today? How can you actively contribute to the strength and unity of your church family?
Quotes
"It's so good to be with you this morning, and I appreciate the presence of God. I know a lot of you know this, but Alan and Jada Tano are missionaries that are out of our church, missionaries to the Ivory Coast in Africa. Alan is originally from the Ivory Coast. He moved over here to go to school, and he met Jada. This is them. You've seen them on the screen behind me, but they've been missionaries since 2009, but because of his kidney failure, and he was on dialysis for two or three years and finally was able to get a kidney they couldn't itinerate." [00:18:10] (41 seconds)
"That's why revelations chapter 1 and verse 8 says I am he which was and is and is to come I am then I am now and I am forever you see David tried to find his beginning David wanted to figure this out and try to find the the the beginning of God and he finally just gave up and in psalms 41 verse 13 he simply says he is from everlasting unto everlasting that's an example of how angicky his world is going to turn out from everlasting to everlasting sovereign and completely in control and David tells us later in songs 31 verse 15 and my times are in your hands so time was created for men but it becomes a purpose it becomes an agent for for what we are supposed to do and there is a season and a time for every person every purpose under the sun according to Ecclesiastes chapter 3 in verse 1 so time is given to you and I so we can appreciate how far that we are in our in regard to our purpose what God has created us and what we are supposed to be doing so so we can look at this and have an appreciation and I always like to say for the amount of days I have been here have I used my days to fulfill the purpose of God am I doing what God has called me to do and if I fulfill what God has predestined and called me to in his purpose whether I live up to your standards or not whether you like me or not it doesn't matter as long as I've done what he has predestined I'm a success I'm going to I'm going to succeed and and I can never be fulfilled I don't think any of us can until we come to our creator and ask why was I made why was I created why am I here what am I supposed to do what am I supposed to do and I'm going to fulfill what God supposed to be doing, now in Hebrews chapter 11 and verse number 3, let me read this scripture to you if I may, it says, by faith we understand that the word." [00:55:54] (123 seconds)
"Worlds were framed by the word of god so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible so so he is telling us that you know in the beginning of the chapter it says faith is the acceptance of things hope for the evidence of things that has not been seen but here he's talking about you know the the world and if we read these scriptures loosely or we really don't pay attention then we can we can run right by this and fail to understand the magnitude of the statement that he has made and decreed we may think well this is just simply about god speaking creation into existence true that is true first of all as concerning the earth and the galaxies and the universe that they was created by the word of god but that's not what this text is saying and what makes the difference is that word worlds when he speaks about world because the greek word for worlds is not the cosmos it's not talking about the the planets and and and the and and all of this and and the universe that's not what he's talking about but he's talking about eons which means ages now stay with me i'm going somewhere through faith through faith ages were framed by the word of god and god spoke a word that progressively went out of his mouth and he declared perpetually ongoing as the word went out it framed in our times and it framed in our future and it framed in certainly our destiny and when god says something that's not the conclusion of the matter it's not just that he says something and it's done like when he said let there be light that wasn't the conclusion of it it was something that was going to be perpetually going on and happening all the time that that that you know the the light was going to be here and he established that and light begins to understand because the word says i'm not going to return to you void and the word finds its mark and light says as long as it takes i will keep going until i have done what you have determined for me to do in your will and this is what god speaks now in hebrews chapter one and verse three he says that he upholds all things by the word of his power he upholds them that means that when god creates something he upholds all things by the word of his power something by his word he turns around what he and and what he has created he sustains it and maintains it by his word because he created it in other words the same word that got it started is the same word that's going to hold it up and it's going to keep it in place now i understand now i began to get it you know i understand why we are here i understand why you are listening to me right now and why we are In this service. Because I have been begotten. And you have been begotten by the word. That same word that spoke us. Into existence. Is holding us up. Can I get one good amen right there?" [00:59:36] (0 seconds)
"Good ministry good ministry brought David before Samuel no training no prestige no clothes looking like a king like his brothers tried to do no equipment nothing only a praise just a praise that's that's all that he had look at somebody and tell them I may not have much all I've got is a praise tell him right now would you come on all I've got is a praise hallelujah and here's what I want to tell somebody in this building right now prophetically you're getting ready to get a promotion and it's because of your praise because of your praise because of your worship because you are believing believing God and and David had an anointing that was post -dated he got the anointing but the day wasn't there yet the inauguration was good." [01:25:08] (62 seconds)
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