Faith and Discernment in Challenging Times
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the importance of discerning the times and maintaining faith amidst challenges. We began by discussing the concept of the Lord's release, a prophetic period that comes at the end of seven years, and how this aligns with current events. We reflected on the role of prophetic voices, emphasizing that true prophecy often involves declaring hope and change even in the midst of adversity, much like Elijah did during a famine.
We delved into Luke 21, where Jesus warns against deception and fear, urging us to stay vigilant and not be swayed by false promises or fear-mongering. This led to a discussion on the current political climate, where many are quick to blame and fear, rather than trust in God's plan. We highlighted the importance of not being deceived by appearances and staying grounded in faith.
The story of Joshua and Caleb was a central theme, illustrating the power of a different spirit—one that trusts in God's promises despite the giants in the land. We contrasted this with the ten spies who spread fear and doubt, leading to a prolonged period of wandering for Israel. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today: to avoid the fear of the day and instead, fear the Lord.
We also touched on the prophetic vision of a brighter future, despite current hardships. This vision aligns with the idea that God has a redemptive plan for us, one that requires our active participation through prayer, fasting, and standing firm in faith. The message concluded with a call to action: to be strong, courageous, and unwavering in our trust in God, as this is the key to overcoming the challenges we face and entering into a period of rest and prosperity.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prophetic Declaration: True prophecy often involves declaring hope and change even in the midst of adversity. Just as Elijah prophesied rain during a famine, we are called to speak God's promises despite current hardships. This requires a deep trust in God's timing and His redemptive plan. [01:34]
2. Discerning Deception and Fear: Jesus warned against being deceived and urged us to stay vigilant. In today's world, it's easy to be swayed by fear-mongering and false promises. We must ground ourselves in faith and discernment, recognizing that not everything that claims to be Christian aligns with God's truth. [05:06]
3. The Spirit of Joshua and Caleb: Joshua and Caleb exemplified a different spirit by trusting in God's promises despite the giants in the land. Their unwavering faith contrasts sharply with the fear and doubt spread by the other spies. This story teaches us the importance of maintaining a perspective of faith and trust in God's word. [08:55]
4. The Consequences of Fear: The Israelites' fear led to a prolonged period of wandering and missed opportunities. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today: fearing the day and doubting God's promises can lead to unnecessary hardships. Instead, we should focus on God's faithfulness and His plans for our future. [14:22]
5. Active Participation in God's Plan: God's redemptive plan requires our active participation through prayer, fasting, and standing firm in faith. We are called to be strong and courageous, not wavering in our trust in God. This active faith is crucial for overcoming challenges and entering into a period of rest and prosperity. [46:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - The Lord's Release
[01:34] - Prophetic Voices and Elijah's Anointing
[02:26] - The Highest Form of Prophecy
[03:17] - The Risk and Accuracy of Prophecy
[04:16] - Luke 21: Deception and Fear
[05:06] - Current Political Climate
[06:01] - Fear-Mongering and False Prophecies
[07:55] - Vision of a Brighter Future
[08:55] - Joshua and Caleb's Different Spirit
[09:48] - Provoking God at the Red Sea
[11:03] - Rejecting God's Leader
[12:52] - Signs of the Times
[14:22] - Manipulation and Prayer
[15:52] - Standing Firm in Faith
[17:15] - The Sound of a Shift
[18:35] - Risky Prophecies and Kim Clement
[19:48] - Redemptive Plan and Prophecy
[21:19] - Predictive Prophecies and Their Fulfillment
[22:36] - Fear of the Day vs. Fear of God
[23:56] - Reporting the Promised Land
[25:15] - Overcoming Fear and Doubt
[26:43] - The Evil Report
[28:04] - Grasshopper Perspective
[29:51] - Caleb's Different Spirit
[31:24] - Fear of the Day and Voting
[32:46] - Congregation's Murmuring
[34:36] - Joshua and Caleb's Encouragement
[35:47] - Voting and Biblical Worldview
[36:59] - Moral Conscience and Discernment
[38:15] - Consequences of Rejecting God's Promises
[39:21] - Woke Churches and Leadership
[40:20] - John the Baptist and Righteousness
[41:11] - Soft Leadership and Provoking God
[42:04] - COVID-19 as a Test
[43:34] - Fear of the Day vs. Fear of God
[44:51] - Joshua's Command to Be Strong
[46:14] - Courage and Trust in God
[47:30] - Fighting for the Next Generation
[48:19] - Entering into Rest
[48:55] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 21:8-11 - "He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am he," and, "The time is near." Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.' Then he said to them: 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.'"
2. Numbers 13:25-33 - "At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land. They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: 'We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.' Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.' But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.' And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, 'The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.'"
3. Joshua 1:6-9 - "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
#### Observation Questions
1. What warning does Jesus give in Luke 21:8-11 about deception and fear? How does He instruct His followers to respond to wars and commotions? [04:16]
2. In Numbers 13:25-33, what was the report given by the ten spies, and how did it differ from the perspective of Joshua and Caleb? [08:55]
3. According to Joshua 1:6-9, what commands does God give to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land? [46:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to discern deception and fear according to Jesus' teaching in Luke 21? How can this apply to our current political and social climate? [05:06]
2. What does the story of Joshua and Caleb teach us about the consequences of fear and the importance of a different spirit? How can we apply this lesson to our own lives? [08:55]
3. How does God's command to Joshua to be strong and courageous relate to the challenges we face today? What does it mean to be strong and courageous in our faith? [46:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt deceived or fearful about current events. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Jesus' teaching in Luke 21? [05:06]
2. Joshua and Caleb trusted in God's promises despite the giants in the land. What are some "giants" in your life that challenge your faith, and how can you adopt a perspective of trust like Joshua and Caleb? [08:55]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of prophetic declaration and speaking hope in adversity. How can you practice this in your daily life, especially when facing personal or communal challenges? [01:34]
4. The Israelites' fear led to a prolonged period of wandering. Are there areas in your life where fear has caused you to miss opportunities or delay progress? How can you overcome this fear? [14:22]
5. God's redemptive plan requires active participation through prayer, fasting, and standing firm in faith. What specific steps can you take this week to actively participate in God's plan for your life and community? [15:52]
6. How can you cultivate a spirit of courage and strength in your faith community, especially in times of uncertainty and fear? What role can you play in encouraging others to trust in God's promises? [46:14]
7. Reflect on the prophetic vision of a brighter future despite current hardships. How can you hold onto this vision and inspire others to do the same? What practical actions can you take to contribute to this vision? [07:55]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of Prophetic Declaration
Description: True prophecy often involves declaring hope and change even in the midst of adversity. Just as Elijah prophesied rain during a famine, we are called to speak God's promises despite current hardships. This requires a deep trust in God's timing and His redemptive plan. Prophetic voices are not just about predicting the future but about instilling hope and encouraging faith in God's promises. In times of difficulty, it is crucial to remember that God's word is steadfast and His promises are sure. We must hold onto these promises and declare them boldly, trusting that God will bring them to pass in His perfect timing. [01:34]
Bible Passage: "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you declare this promise over your life and circumstances today, trusting in God's timing and faithfulness?
### Day 2: Discerning Deception and Fear
Description: Jesus warned against being deceived and urged us to stay vigilant. In today's world, it's easy to be swayed by fear-mongering and false promises. We must ground ourselves in faith and discernment, recognizing that not everything that claims to be Christian aligns with God's truth. This involves a deep commitment to studying the Word of God and seeking His guidance in all things. By doing so, we can discern what is true and what is false, and avoid being led astray by deceptive teachings or fear-based narratives. [05:06]
Bible Passage: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt swayed by fear or deception. How can you ground yourself more firmly in God's truth to avoid such influences in the future?
### Day 3: The Spirit of Joshua and Caleb
Description: Joshua and Caleb exemplified a different spirit by trusting in God's promises despite the giants in the land. Their unwavering faith contrasts sharply with the fear and doubt spread by the other spies. This story teaches us the importance of maintaining a perspective of faith and trust in God's word. When faced with challenges, it is easy to focus on the obstacles rather than the promises of God. However, like Joshua and Caleb, we are called to see beyond the giants and trust in the God who is greater than any challenge we face. [08:55]
Bible Passage: "But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it." (Numbers 14:24, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a "giant" in your life that is causing you fear or doubt. How can you adopt the spirit of Joshua and Caleb to trust in God's promises despite this challenge?
### Day 4: The Consequences of Fear
Description: The Israelites' fear led to a prolonged period of wandering and missed opportunities. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today: fearing the day and doubting God's promises can lead to unnecessary hardships. Instead, we should focus on God's faithfulness and His plans for our future. Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us. By choosing faith over fear, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open the door to His blessings and guidance. [14:22]
Bible Passage: "And the Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord was gone." (Numbers 32:13, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when fear held you back from an opportunity. How can you shift your focus to God's faithfulness and take a step of faith in a current situation?
### Day 5: Active Participation in God's Plan
Description: God's redemptive plan requires our active participation through prayer, fasting, and standing firm in faith. We are called to be strong and courageous, not wavering in our trust in God. This active faith is crucial for overcoming challenges and entering into a period of rest and prosperity. It is not enough to passively wait for God's promises to be fulfilled; we must actively engage in spiritual disciplines and align our actions with His will. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and walk in the fullness of His plan for our lives. [46:14]
Bible Passage: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in God's plan for your life this week? Consider incorporating prayer, fasting, or another spiritual discipline to strengthen your faith and trust in God.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you hear these things, be not terrified. Do not fear the day. But there are some things in the earth that must first come to pass. But the end is not yet." [06:01] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Look up. Your redemption draws nigh. In other words, fear and trust God." [18:35] (6 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Be strong and of good courage. For unto this the people shall thou divide inheritance which I swore. So the key to getting their nation back was to get out of fear. The key to getting their nation back was to fear God." [45:42] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Until the Lord has given your brethren what? What was the result of not getting caught up in the fear of the day? Rest. What does God promise us? Rest. This, my friends, is where we're heading." [48:19] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Really what it takes is an Elijah anointing that can prophesy when it's three and a half years of a famine and harshness on a nation. And then come and suddenly, without any evidence, we're going to be in a storm, without any proof, come as a vessel of God and I hear the sound of abundance of rain." [01:34] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you're standing before the people and you're declaring what God has said and is saying, it carries a greater risk and it carries a greater accuracy because you're speaking it forth in the moment." [03:17] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We cannot afford to fear monger. We cannot afford to fear the day. You know, Joshua and Caleb, I'm going to show you, they had a different spirit and they didn't not one time. Did they get caught up? Even though there were actually giants in the promised land, they didn't report it." [08:55] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And the people, watch, he said, Moses said, don't fear, don't get caught up in the fear of the day, stand still, fear God and what will happen, you'll see the salvation of God. You'll break the finish line ribbon and the Egyptians and some of the buffoonery and the liberalism and the nastiness that you see today, you will not see again. Why? Because I'm resetting the earth." [44:27] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And notice what he says. Keep reading. Verse 6 and 7. Watch the commands. Be strong. Don't waver. Don't get in fear. Don't fear the day. Be strong and of good courage. For unto this the people shall thou divide inheritance which I swore. So the key to getting their nation back was to get out of fear. The key to getting their nation back was to fear God." [45:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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