Faith, Obedience, and God's Provision in Our Journey

 

Summary

Faith is the cornerstone of our lives, shaping our actions and guiding us through the unseen. Reflecting on Hebrews 11:1-3, faith is described as the firm foundation that makes life worth living. It is the trust in God that allows us to see beyond the visible, to understand that the world was called into existence by His word. This faith, though sometimes appearing illogical, is what sets us apart, as it did for our ancestors. Abraham's story exemplifies this faith. Despite the challenges and sacrifices he faced, he trusted God's promises, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. His obedience led to God's provision and blessing, demonstrating that faith often requires us to act beyond understanding.

Similarly, the story of Ruth illustrates the power of obedience and honor. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow God's path led to her becoming part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. Her story is a testament to how God rewards those who honor Him, even when they do not fully understand His ways. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's plan, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and will provide in ways we cannot imagine.

In our journey, we have faced challenges regarding the land God has led us to. Like Abraham, we have placed this land on the altar, trusting God to do with it as He wills. Despite the uncertainty, we have witnessed God's provision, with two-thirds of the needed payment being provided. This miracle reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of resilience, integrity, and virtue in our walk with Him.

We are also embarking on a new venture, blending ministry with the marketplace. This opportunity allows us to share the gospel in new ways, reaching people who may not know Christ. It is a chance to advance the kingdom by integrating faith into everyday business practices. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of community and the role each of us plays in this journey. Together, we can shoulder the load and fulfill the vision God has placed before us.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith as a Foundation: Faith is the unseen foundation that supports our lives, allowing us to trust in God's promises even when they seem illogical. Like Abraham, we are called to act in faith, trusting that God will provide and bless us for our obedience. [01:00:06]

- Obedience and Honor: Ruth's story teaches us the value of obedience and honor. Her loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow God's path led to blessings beyond her imagination. This reminds us that God rewards those who honor Him, even when the path is unclear. [01:06:46]

- God's Provision: In times of uncertainty, we are reminded of God's faithfulness. Just as He provided for Abraham and Ruth, He continues to provide for us, often in unexpected ways. This encourages us to trust in His plan and remain resilient in our faith. [01:08:52]

- Blending Ministry and Marketplace: Our new venture of integrating ministry with the marketplace is an opportunity to share the gospel in new ways. It challenges us to see business as a platform for evangelism, advancing the kingdom by reaching people who may not know Christ. [01:12:53]

- Community and Vision: Each of us plays a vital role in fulfilling the vision God has placed before us. By working together, we can shoulder the load and advance the kingdom. This journey requires resilience, integrity, and a commitment to the Great Commission. [01:16:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00:06] - Abraham's Faith and Obedience
- [01:01:19] - God's Provision for Abraham
- [01:02:55] - Trusting God with Our Land
- [01:04:22] - Ruth's Loyalty and God's Blessing
- [01:05:33] - Boaz as Kinsman Redeemer
- [01:06:46] - Ruth's Obedience and Honor
- [01:08:52] - God's Provision for Our Needs
- [01:09:32] - Resilience and Integrity
- [01:10:33] - Standing Firm in Faith
- [01:11:47] - Launching a New Venture
- [01:12:53] - Ministry in the Marketplace
- [01:14:00] - Embracing New Opportunities
- [01:15:56] - Community and Vision
- [01:16:59] - The Great Commission and Our Role

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:1-3
- Genesis 22:1-18
- Ruth 2:1-12

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Hebrews 11:1-3 describe faith, and what role does it play in the lives of believers according to the sermon? [01:00:06]

2. In the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, what specific actions did Abraham take that demonstrated his faith and obedience to God? [01:01:19]

3. What were the circumstances that led Ruth to glean in Boaz's field, and how did Boaz respond to her presence? [01:05:33]

4. According to the sermon, what parallels are drawn between the stories of Abraham, Ruth, and the current journey of the church community? [01:08:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of faith when it seems illogical or foolish to others? How does this relate to the examples of Abraham and Ruth? [01:00:06]

2. How does the sermon interpret God's provision in the story of Abraham and Isaac, and what does it imply about God's faithfulness in our own lives? [01:01:19]

3. In what ways does Ruth's story illustrate the concept of obedience and honor, and how does this relate to the blessings she received? [01:06:46]

4. How does the sermon propose blending ministry with the marketplace, and what are the potential benefits and challenges of this approach? [01:12:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's plan despite not understanding it fully. How did that experience shape your faith? [01:00:06]

2. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is a profound act of faith. What is something in your life that you find difficult to place on the "altar" for God? How can you take a step towards doing so? [01:01:19]

3. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi led to unexpected blessings. How can you demonstrate loyalty and honor in your relationships, and what impact might that have? [01:06:46]

4. The sermon discusses God's provision in unexpected ways. Can you identify a recent situation where you experienced God's provision? How did it change your perspective? [01:08:52]

5. The idea of integrating faith into the marketplace was highlighted in the sermon. How can you incorporate your faith into your work or daily interactions in a meaningful way? [01:12:53]

6. Community and shared vision are emphasized as vital in the sermon. How can you contribute to your community's vision and support others in their faith journey? [01:16:59]

7. The sermon encourages resilience and integrity. What are some practical steps you can take to build these qualities in your life, especially when facing challenges? [01:09:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as the Unseen Foundation
Faith is the unseen foundation that supports our lives, allowing us to trust in God's promises even when they seem illogical. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This kind of faith is exemplified in the life of Abraham, who trusted God’s promises despite the challenges and sacrifices he faced. His willingness to obey God, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, demonstrated a profound trust in God’s provision and blessing. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith often requires us to act beyond our understanding, trusting that God will provide and bless us for our obedience. [01:00:06]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." (Hebrews 11:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, even when it seems illogical? How can you take a step of obedience today?


Day 2: Obedience and Honor Lead to Blessing
Ruth's story teaches us the value of obedience and honor. Her loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow God's path led to blessings beyond her imagination. Despite the uncertainty of her future, Ruth chose to honor Naomi and follow her to a foreign land. Her actions not only provided for her and Naomi but also placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's plan, knowing that He rewards those who honor Him, even when the path is unclear. Ruth’s story is a testament to how God sees the bigger picture and provides in ways we cannot imagine. [01:06:46]

"And Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'" (Ruth 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a relationship or situation where you can show honor and obedience to God’s ways. How can you demonstrate loyalty and trust in God’s plan today?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Provision
In times of uncertainty, we are reminded of God's faithfulness. Just as He provided for Abraham and Ruth, He continues to provide for us, often in unexpected ways. The journey of faith is not without its challenges, but it is in these moments that we witness God’s provision. The story of Abraham placing his land on the altar, trusting God to do with it as He wills, is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. Despite the uncertainty, God provided two-thirds of the needed payment, demonstrating His provision and encouraging us to remain resilient in our faith. [01:08:52]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: What is a current need or challenge you are facing? How can you trust God to provide for you in this situation, and what steps can you take to demonstrate that trust?


Day 4: Ministry in the Marketplace
Our new venture of integrating ministry with the marketplace is an opportunity to share the gospel in new ways. It challenges us to see business as a platform for evangelism, advancing the kingdom by reaching people who may not know Christ. This blending of ministry and marketplace allows us to live out our faith in everyday business practices, creating opportunities to share the love of Christ with others. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded of the importance of community and the role each of us plays in fulfilling the vision God has placed before us. [01:12:53]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you integrate your faith into your daily work or business practices? What is one specific way you can use your work as a platform to share the gospel this week?


Day 5: Community and Vision
Each of us plays a vital role in fulfilling the vision God has placed before us. By working together, we can shoulder the load and advance the kingdom. This journey requires resilience, integrity, and a commitment to the Great Commission. As a community, we are called to support one another, sharing the burdens and joys of the journey. Together, we can fulfill the vision God has given us, advancing His kingdom and making a difference in the world. This requires each of us to be committed to the vision and to play our part in the community. [01:16:59]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What role do you play in your community of faith? How can you actively contribute to the vision and support others in their journey this week?

Quotes



"Sometimes God tests us, and he tests our willingness, not to just listen to him, but also to do what he is asking, right? We can listen, but it doesn't necessarily mean we do. And Abraham did what God wanted, and God, seeing this, he provided a rescue. Okay? Okay? So some things have come up regarding this land that we know the Lord brought us to. We knew in late October there was a large payment needed for us to be able to stay here. And like parents trying to protect their children, we did what we could by contacting everyone we knew outside of the barn to see if they could help in some way help us." [01:02:55] (39 seconds)


"And everybody loves what's happening here. They love the vision. They see what's happening. They see the opportunity God's placed before us. And in our discussion with our F5 leadership team, we, as a team, spiritually put this land on the altar to give back to God. If we had in any way taken it into our hands or whatnot, we put it back on the altar and said, God, you do with this land what you want." [01:03:34] (26 seconds)


"This is not just a business opportunity to make money, guys. This is an opportunity to do ministry in the marketplace. It's a Christian business that has to abide by the bylaws of the church. This is an opportunity to share Christ with people who are coming to get married that may not be saved. People that are coming to do corporate retreats that may not be saved. This is an opportunity to blend and to marry, as Jared so eloquently put it, the sacred with the marketplace." [01:12:53] (30 seconds)


"We get to share the gospel of Christ in those circles of those people come here. Like all of you in your place of business, if you own a business or you work for a business, which probably most of you do, you have an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with everyone you come in contact with. And we will be able to do that also." [01:13:59] (18 seconds)


"So we're not doing this to take our eyes off the ministry. We're doing this to marry the ministry with the marketplace and have an opportunity to advance the kingdom, because that is what we are called to do. We have discipleship classes. We've got our foundations of faith, our leadership classes. We've got the financial classes, other classes we do throughout the year. We have those community life groups. We've got the community life groups. We've got the community life groups. We've got discipleship. We've got to advance the kingdom and bring people into knowing Jesus. And this opportunity for sanctuary at the barn is just that." [01:14:40] (29 seconds)


"We know for certain God has been wanting to blend ministry with the marketplace over and over and over again. Our friends at the well, you know, she's got a sourdough bread company. She's blending ministry with the marketplace. This is our opportunity to do the same thing." [01:15:56] (17 seconds)


"There's a reason God said something about being fishers of men. Two purposes, service to our Christian brothers and sisters and evangelization to the others with the gospel of Christ, which is the good news. It's an integral part of what's happening here. And it's the part and parcel of the Great Commission, telling people about Jesus and making disciples, serving your fellow man." [01:16:59] (22 seconds)


"The great movement is made up of each small movement and part. And this ministry is good ground. It's fertile soil. It's good ground. We're fishing and we're farming. Fishing, fishing, and we're farming. We're fishing and we're farming. We're fishing and we're farming. We have to do more fishing. That's bringing them in. That's bringing them to Jesus. Bringing them here. Farming is the discipleship." [01:19:32] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
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