Faith in God's Provision Amidst Challenges
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the eternal significance of God's work. The transformation that occurs in people's lives, whether it's accepting Jesus, committing to repair a broken marriage, or finding hope in despair, is a testament to God's power and grace. I was also reminded of the importance of partnership, provision, and prayer in carrying out God's work. The sermon emphasized the importance of building our lives on the rock of God's word, not just hearing it but doing it. This is the foundation that will withstand the storms of life.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of leadership in carrying out God's work. The speaker expressed gratitude for the team that God has put in place and their dedication to seeing lives transformed. The speaker also acknowledged the challenges faced, including financial ones, but expressed confidence in God's provision and protection. The sermon ended with a call to continue being a ministry built upon God's rock, committed to doing His word.
Key Takeaways:
- The transformation that occurs in people's lives through God's work is of eternal significance ([03:09:57]).
- Building our lives on the rock of God's word involves not just hearing it but doing it ([03:00:33]).
- Leadership plays a crucial role in carrying out God's work, and it's important to have a team dedicated to seeing lives transformed ([03:07:46]).
- Despite challenges, including financial ones, we can have confidence in God's provision and protection ([03:06:27]).
- The call to continue being a ministry built upon God's rock, committed to doing His word ([03:11:50]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders #!!03:00:05!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key differences between the wise and foolish builders in the passage?
2. How does the passage describe the outcomes of the wise and foolish builders' actions?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the 'rock' symbolize in this passage?
2. How does the passage define wisdom and foolishness in the context of hearing and doing God's words?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you heard God's words but did not act on them like the foolish builder? What was the outcome?
2. How can you ensure that you are like the wise builder, hearing God's words and acting on them in your daily life?
3. What is one specific action you can take this week to apply God's words in your life?
4. Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to apply the wisdom of building your house on the rock?
5. How can you help others in your life to also be like the wise builder?
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Significance of God's Work
God's work in our lives is not temporary or fleeting, but eternally significant. The transformation that occurs when someone comes to know Jesus, or when a broken relationship is mended, or when despair is replaced with hope, is not just a momentary change. It is a profound shift that has eternal implications. This is the power and the promise of God's work in our lives. [07:40]
Psalm 138:8 - "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant transformation in your life. How did that change impact your understanding of God's eternal work in your life?
Day 2: The Power of Partnership in Ministry
Our participation in God's work is not just a duty, but a privilege. We are partners in the divine work of transforming lives and communities. Our prayers, our provision, and our partnership are all vital contributions to the work of the Kingdom. We are not mere spectators, but active participants in God's redemptive work. [03:10:34]
1 Corinthians 3:9 - "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's work this week? What specific steps can you take to partner with God in His redemptive work?
Day 3: Building on the Rock
Our lives must be built on the solid foundation of God's word. When we hear and do God's word, we are like the wise man who built his house on the rock. Despite the storms and challenges of life, our lives will stand firm because they are founded on the unshakeable truth of God's word. [03:00:33]
Matthew 7:24-25 - "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to build your life more firmly on the teachings of God's word?
Day 4: Creating a Spiritual Home
Our churches and communities should be places where people feel at home. They should be places where people encounter the love of God, the fellowship of believers, and the transformative power of the Gospel. As we serve and minister to others, we are creating a spiritual home where people can grow in their relationship with God. [02:29:41]
1 Peter 4:9 - "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a spiritual home in your church or community this week?
Day 5: The Assurance of God's Provision
God is our provider and protector. He has sustained us in the past, and He will continue to do so in the future. We can trust in His provision and protection, knowing that He will never abandon us or forsake us. Our faith is not in our own abilities or resources, but in the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. [03:06:27]
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's provision and protection in your life? How can this assurance shape your faith and trust in God this week?
Quotes
1. "Our mission is to proclaim Jesus as Lord and savior, to teach the authoritative word of God and serve his church and our nation and throughout the world. That's why this place is here. I believe if we do that, God will take care of the rest. He will protect, he will provide. He's done it for 117 years, why should we stop to think that he would continue in the future?" - 03:06:27
2. "What God does here is eternal, life significant stuff. The fact that somebody can come here and not know Jesus and leave here and know Jesus. The fact that somebody can come here and their marriage is falling apart and they leave here committed to making it work. What God does here is from him, this is his work and we're honored and privileged to be a part of it." - 03:09:57
3. "We know that you will provide all that's needed. We know that you will protect us. You did again this through the storms and the pass-through fires, you helped us survive through COVID. Lord, we don't know what the rest of this day brings or tomorrow brings, we know there's always a new challenge around the corner but we know that you are there. You are there, Lord." - 03:11:50
4. "We had this winter of all winters here. We had rain, we had wind, we had hail, we had snow. We had a bomb cyclone. It made holes in the road, it made trees fall, it made mud slide. But this is how God works, it's through relationships." - 02:34:50
5. "We do have financial challenges. We were given an abundance of money through COVID. We chose to use that money to eliminate debt and to do this Ponderosa project. You being here is critical and also the stories that we've heard these days together have been beautiful of what this place means." - 02:59:30
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