Faith in Action: Embracing the Unknown Together

In today's gathering, we delved into the theme of "Stepping into the Unknown," focusing on the journey of faith as illustrated in Hebrews 11 and the story of the Israelites in Joshua 3 and 6. The narrative of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho's walls serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. As the Israelites faced the daunting task of entering the Promised Land, they encountered significant obstacles, much like the challenges we face in our lives. These stories remind us that faith is not about the absence of obstacles but about trusting God to walk with us through them.

The Israelites' journey underscores the importance of having a personal faith. It's not enough to rely on the faith of others; we must cultivate our own relationship with God. This personal faith is what sustains us when we face life's inevitable challenges. The Israelites had to step into the river before it parted, demonstrating that faith often requires action before we see the results. Similarly, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will make a way even when the path is unclear.

Moreover, the story of Jericho highlights the power of community. The walls fell not because of one person's faith but because the entire community acted together in obedience to God's instructions. This teaches us that while faith is personal, it is also communal. We need the support and encouragement of others to face the battles in our lives. Being part of a faith community provides the strength and support we need to persevere.

As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded that God is faithful. He has a plan for each of us, and while it may not always align with our expectations, His plan is always for our good. Trusting in His faithfulness allows us to face the unknown with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Personal Faith is Essential: Just as the Israelites had to step into the Jordan River before it parted, we must take steps of faith in our own lives. It's not enough to rely on the faith of others; we need a personal relationship with God to sustain us through life's challenges. [53:20]
• 2. God Walks With Us Through Obstacles: Faith does not promise a life free of obstacles, but it assures us that God will walk with us through them. The story of Jericho reminds us that God has a plan, even when the path seems impossible. [57:35]
• 3. The Power of Community: The fall of Jericho's walls was a communal act of faith. We need the support and encouragement of others to face life's battles. Being part of a faith community provides the strength we need to persevere. [67:45]
• 4. Trust in God's Faithfulness: God's faithfulness is a constant theme throughout the Bible. Even when life doesn't go as planned, we can trust that God is working for our good. Reflecting on past experiences of His faithfulness can strengthen our trust in Him. [70:56]
• 5. Taking Action in Faith: Faith often requires us to take action before we see the results. Like the Israelites, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will make a way. This active faith is a testament to our trust in God's promises. [01:21:29]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:00] - Introduction to Online Church
• [04:00] - Importance of the Connect Card
• [06:00] - Series Introduction: Stepping into the Unknown
• [08:00] - Hebrews 11: Heroes of Faith
• [10:00] - Facing Obstacles in Faith
• [12:00] - The Story of Jericho
• [15:00] - Crossing the Jordan River
• [18:00] - Personal Faith vs. Borrowed Faith
• [21:00] - Experiencing God's Faithfulness
• [25:00] - The Power of Community in Faith
• [30:00] - Trusting God's Plan
• [35:00] - Taking Action in Faith
• [40:00] - Invitation to Baptism
• [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Faith

1. Hebrews 11:30 - "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days."
2. Joshua 3:9-13 - The Israelites crossing the Jordan River.
3. Joshua 6:1-5 - The fall of Jericho.

1. What actions did the Israelites take before the walls of Jericho fell, according to Hebrews 11:30?
2. In Joshua 3:9-13, what specific instructions did Joshua give to the Israelites regarding crossing the Jordan River?
3. How did the Israelites demonstrate their faith in the story of Jericho as described in Joshua 6:1-5?
4. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the Israelites stepping into the river before it parted? [53:20]

1. How does the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River illustrate the concept of personal faith versus borrowed faith? [53:20]
2. In what ways does the communal act of marching around Jericho reflect the importance of community in faith? [01:07:45]
3. How can the Israelites' experience of God's faithfulness in the past encourage believers to trust Him in their current challenges? [01:10:56]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and action, particularly in the context of facing obstacles? [01:21:29]

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant obstacle. How did your personal faith influence your response to that challenge? [53:20]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in overcoming life's battles. How can you actively engage with your faith community to support others and seek support for yourself? [01:07:45]
3. Consider a current situation in your life where the path forward seems unclear. What steps of faith can you take, trusting that God will make a way? [01:21:29]
4. How have past experiences of God's faithfulness strengthened your trust in Him? Share a specific instance and how it impacts your faith today. [01:10:56]
5. The Israelites had to act before seeing the results. Is there an area in your life where you need to take action in faith, even if the outcome is uncertain? [01:21:29]
6. Identify a personal obstacle you are currently facing. How can you invite God into that situation and rely on His guidance and strength? [57:35]
7. How can you cultivate a personal relationship with God that sustains you through life's challenges, rather than relying solely on the faith of others? [53:20]