Faith in Action: Embracing God's Call to Serve
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound journey of faith and action that God has called us to. We began by acknowledging the unique opportunity we have to worship God not only through song but through tangible acts of service, such as supporting efforts to combat human trafficking. This is a reminder that our faith should lead us to action, reflecting God's love in practical ways.
We also shared the exciting news of our ongoing partnership with Impact Church in Northern Virginia, as we prepare to travel to Athens, Greece. This partnership, which began eight years ago, has grown from a simple act of obedience to a significant mission. We met a Syrian refugee who, after encountering Jesus, dedicated his life to sharing the gospel with other refugees. This journey has led to the establishment of a new Arabic-speaking church in Athens, where we will soon ordain him as a pastor. This story is a testament to the power of God's timing and the importance of perseverance in mission work.
As we prepare for this mission, we are reminded of the importance of prayer and support from our community. We invite you to pray for us and consider giving towards this mission, as it represents a collective effort from our church family to spread the gospel.
Reflecting on the Christmas story, we explored the life of Joseph, a man whose journey with Jesus was both joyful and challenging. Joseph's story teaches us that following Jesus requires trust, obedience, and a willingness to be inconvenienced. Despite the difficulties, Joseph's faithfulness to God's plan is a powerful example for us all.
As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, we are reminded that God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. His faithfulness is our strength, and His presence is our comfort. We are called to follow Jesus, not because of the benefits we might receive, but because of who He is—a Savior who is with us, Emmanuel.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith in Action: Our worship should lead us to action, reflecting God's love in practical ways, such as supporting efforts to combat human trafficking. This is a reminder that our faith is not just about personal devotion but about making a tangible difference in the world. [27:00]
2. Perseverance in Mission: The journey from meeting a Syrian refugee to establishing a new church in Athens highlights the importance of perseverance and God's perfect timing. It shows that mission work is not about quick results but about long-term commitment and faithfulness. [29:25]
3. Trust and Obedience: Joseph's story teaches us that following Jesus requires trust and obedience, even when it's difficult. His willingness to follow God's plan, despite the challenges, is a powerful example of faith in action. [58:16]
4. God's Promises: God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. His faithfulness is our strength, and His presence is our comfort. We can trust Him to fulfill His promises, even when we don't understand His timing. [01:15:33]
5. Emmanuel—God with Us: Jesus is both fully human and fully God, embodying the promise that God is with us. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the reason we can face life's challenges with hope and confidence. [01:20:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:00] - Syrian Refugee's Journey
- [27:52] - Meeting the Refugee
- [29:25] - Establishing a New Church
- [32:14] - Call to Prayer
- [38:44] - Personal Reflection and Prayer
- [40:16] - Addressing Injustice
- [52:09] - Joseph's Story
- [58:16] - Trust and Obedience
- [01:02:50] - Inconvenience in Following Jesus
- [01:15:33] - God's Promises
- [01:18:20] - God's Love in Action
- [01:20:00] - Grace and Forgiveness
- [01:20:47] - Emmanuel: God with Us
- [01:28:16] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Isaiah 7:14
---
Observation Questions:
1. What was Joseph's initial reaction upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, and what does this reveal about his character? [52:09]
2. How did Joseph respond to the angel's message in his dream, and what actions did he take afterward? [58:16]
3. What are the two names given to Jesus in Matthew 1:21-23, and what do they signify about His identity and mission?
4. How does the sermon describe the journey of the Syrian refugee and the establishment of the new church in Athens? [27:52]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Joseph's willingness to trust and obey God, despite the potential for public shame, teach us about the nature of faith? [58:16]
2. How does the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, quoted in Matthew 1:23, reinforce the theme of God's faithfulness and promise-keeping in the sermon? [01:15:33]
3. In what ways does the story of the Syrian refugee illustrate the sermon’s message about perseverance in mission work? [29:25]
4. How does the concept of "Emmanuel—God with Us" provide comfort and strength in the face of life's challenges, as discussed in the sermon? [01:20:47]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to take a step of faith that required trust and obedience. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [58:16]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith leading to action. What is one practical way you can reflect God's love in your community this week, perhaps by supporting a cause like combating human trafficking? [40:16]
3. Consider the idea of perseverance in mission. Is there a long-term commitment or project in your life that requires renewed dedication and faithfulness? How can you stay motivated? [29:25]
4. Joseph's story shows a willingness to be inconvenienced for God's plan. What is one area in your life where you might need to embrace inconvenience for the sake of following Jesus? [01:02:50]
5. How can the assurance that God is a promise maker and a promise keeper help you trust Him more deeply in uncertain times? [01:15:33]
6. The sermon discusses the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully God. How does this understanding impact your relationship with Him and your daily walk of faith? [01:20:47]
7. Identify a specific promise from God that you are holding onto in this season of your life. How does this promise encourage you to live out your faith more boldly? [01:15:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action: Love in Motion
Our faith is not meant to be confined to personal devotion or private worship; it is a call to action that reflects God's love in tangible ways. This means engaging in acts of service that address the needs of the world around us, such as supporting efforts to combat human trafficking. By doing so, we embody the love of Christ and make a real difference in the lives of others. This is a reminder that our faith should be visible and active, not just a matter of belief but a lifestyle of love and service. [27:00]
"Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one practical way you can demonstrate God's love in your community this week. How can you take a step to serve others in a way that reflects your faith?
Day 2: Perseverance in Mission: The Long Road of Faithfulness
The journey from meeting a Syrian refugee to establishing a new church in Athens is a powerful testament to the importance of perseverance and God's perfect timing. Mission work is not about achieving quick results but about committing to a long-term vision and remaining faithful to God's call. This story illustrates how small acts of obedience can lead to significant outcomes when we trust in God's timing and remain steadfast in our mission. [29:25]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a mission or project you are involved in. How can you remain committed and patient, trusting in God's timing for the results?
Day 3: Trust and Obedience: The Cost of Following Jesus
Joseph's story is a profound example of trust and obedience in the face of challenges. Following Jesus often requires us to step out in faith, even when it is inconvenient or difficult. Joseph's willingness to follow God's plan, despite the personal cost, is a powerful reminder that true discipleship involves surrendering our own plans and trusting in God's greater purpose. [58:16]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust and obey God? How can you take a step of faith to surrender this area to Him today?
Day 4: God's Promises: Faithfulness in Uncertainty
God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. His faithfulness is our strength, and His presence is our comfort. Even when we do not understand His timing, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises. This assurance allows us to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will never forsake us. [01:15:33]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness." (Psalm 33:4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in moments of doubt or uncertainty?
Day 5: Emmanuel—God with Us: The Foundation of Our Hope
Jesus, being both fully human and fully God, embodies the promise that God is with us. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the reason we can face life's challenges with hope and confidence. Knowing that God is with us, we are empowered to live boldly and courageously, trusting in His presence and guidance in every situation. [01:20:47]
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:23, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life? How does knowing that God is with you change the way you approach challenges?
Quotes
Jesus greets you with grace. Jesus greets you with forgiveness. Jesus greets you with second chances and third chances and fourth chances. [01:20:00] (10 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 08, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?