Faith in Action: Embracing the Unknown Together
Summary
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. [01:07:45]
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. [01:10:56]
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]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:00] - Introduction to Online Church
- [00:04:00] - Importance of the Connect Card
- [00:06:00] - Series Introduction: Stepping into the Unknown
- [00:08:00] - Hebrews 11: Heroes of Faith
- [00:10:00] - Facing Obstacles in Faith
- [00:12:00] - The Story of Jericho
- [00:15:00] - Crossing the Jordan River
- [00:18:00] - Personal Faith vs. Borrowed Faith
- [00:21:00] - Experiencing God's Faithfulness
- [00:25:00] - The Power of Community in Faith
- [00:30:00] - Trusting God's Plan
- [00:35:00] - Taking Action in Faith
- [00:40:00] - Invitation to Baptism
- [00:45:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stepping into the Unknown
Bible Reading:
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.
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Observation Questions:
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]
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Interpretation Questions:
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]
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Application Questions:
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]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Personal Faith
Faith is a personal journey that requires individual commitment and action. The Israelites' experience of stepping into the Jordan River before it parted is a profound illustration of this truth. They could not rely on the faith of their ancestors or leaders; they had to take the step themselves. In our lives, we are often faced with situations where we must act in faith before seeing the outcome. This personal faith is essential for navigating life's challenges and is built through a personal relationship with God. It is not enough to lean on the faith of others; we must cultivate our own trust and belief in God's promises. [53:20]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to take a step of faith today, trusting God even when the outcome is uncertain?
Day 2: God’s Presence in Our Obstacles
The journey of faith is not devoid of obstacles, but it is marked by the assurance of God's presence. The story of Jericho serves as a reminder that God has a plan, even when the path seems impossible. The Israelites faced the formidable walls of Jericho, yet they trusted in God's instructions and witnessed a miraculous victory. Similarly, in our lives, we may encounter challenges that seem insurmountable. However, faith assures us that God walks with us through these obstacles, guiding us and providing strength. Trusting in His presence allows us to face difficulties with courage and hope. [57:35]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Identify a current obstacle in your life. How can you invite God into this situation and trust Him to guide you through it?
Day 3: The Strength of Community
The fall of Jericho's walls was not the result of one person's faith but a collective act of obedience and trust in God. This story highlights the power of community in our spiritual journeys. We are not meant to face life's battles alone; we need the support and encouragement of others. Being part of a faith community provides the strength and accountability we need to persevere. Together, we can accomplish what seems impossible and experience the fullness of God's promises. [01:07:45]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you reach out to for support or encouragement this week? How can you also be a source of strength for someone else?
Day 4: Trusting in God’s Faithfulness
Throughout the Bible, God's faithfulness is a constant theme. Even when life does not 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. The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land was filled with uncertainties, yet they witnessed God's faithfulness time and again. In our own lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when it diverges from our expectations. His faithfulness assures us that He is with us every step of the way. [01:10:56]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with your current circumstances?
Day 5: Taking Action in Faith
Faith often requires us to take action before we see the results. The Israelites had to step into the Jordan River and march around Jericho's walls before witnessing God's miraculous intervention. This active faith is a testament to our trust in God's promises. We are called to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear, trusting that God will make a way. Taking action in faith demonstrates our belief in God's power and His ability to work in our lives. [01:21:29]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in God's promises? How can this step of faith impact your spiritual journey?
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