Faith: Overcoming Obstacles and Claiming Victory
Summary
In my sermon, I began by invoking the presence of God and welcoming the congregation to receive the word of God. I then introduced Minister Jason Ricks who led the congregation in praise and worship, reminding us that no matter how cloudy our circumstances may seem, the sun is always shining in our spirits. Drawing from the book of Joshua, I shared the story of Joshua and the Israelites' conquest of Jericho, emphasizing the power of faith in overcoming obstacles. I highlighted the fact that even though the city was heavily fortified, God promised Joshua victory.
In the second part of my sermon, I delved deeper into the concept of faith, drawing from Bishop Ivy Hillard's teaching on "attacking the facts with faith." I emphasized that every negative fact in our lives is subject to change by faith. I used examples from the Bible, such as Daniel in the lion's den and Moses parting the Red Sea, to illustrate how faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. I concluded the sermon by encouraging the congregation to tear down the walls the enemy has built in their minds and lives, assuring them that victory is theirs in Christ Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. No matter how cloudy our circumstances may seem, the sun is always shining in our spirits. (01:30:43)
2. Every negative fact in our lives is subject to change by faith. (01:36:34)
3. Faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, as illustrated by biblical figures like Daniel and Moses. (01:38:01)
4. The enemy may try to build walls in our minds and lives, but these walls can be torn down through faith. (01:48:13)
5. Victory is ours in Christ Jesus. We need only to believe and claim it. (01:32:54)
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 6:1-10, 16 #!!01:32:11!!#
2. Hebrews 11 #!!01:37:17!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the walls of Jericho in Joshua 6?
2. How did Joshua and the Israelites respond to the walls of Jericho?
3. What does Hebrews 11 say about faith and how does it relate to the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho illustrate the power of faith?
2. What does the phrase "every negative fact is subject to change" mean in the context of these Bible passages?
3. How does the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho relate to the concept of overcoming mental and spiritual barriers?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a "wall" in your life that you believe is hindering you from receiving God's promises? How can you apply the lessons from Joshua's story to this situation?
2. How can you use your faith to change a negative fact in your life, as suggested by the phrase "every negative fact is subject to change"?
3. How can you apply the concept of faith as described in Hebrews 11 to your daily life?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt like the odds were against you, similar to Joshua and the Israelites? How did you respond and what can you learn from that experience?
5. How can you encourage others in your life to use their faith to overcome their own "walls" or challenges?
Devotional
Day 1: Overcoming Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can suddenly invade our minds, sticking with us throughout the day. The enemy uses these thoughts to disturb our spirit and soul. However, we have the power to overcome these thoughts by pleading the blood of Jesus and trusting in His power to bring down every wall the enemy has built in our minds and lives ([01:48:13]).
2 Corinthians 10:5 - "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent instance where a negative thought invaded your mind. How can you use the power of Jesus to overcome such thoughts in the future?
Day 2: Embracing the Sunlight of God's Presence
Even when our circumstances seem cloudy and dark, we can find joy and warmth in the sunlight of God's presence. No matter how much the clouds are there, the sun is still shining. This is a reminder to praise God even in the midst of our trials, for His light is always shining on us ([01:30:43]).
Psalm 4:6 - "Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD."
Reflection: What are some ways you can remind yourself of God's presence and light during difficult times?
Day 3: Attacking Facts with Faith
Every negative fact in our lives is subject to change through faith. Even if it's a fact that certain illnesses run in our family or we come from a poverty-stricken society, our faith in God can change every negative fact in our lives ([01:36:34]).
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: What is a negative fact in your life that you can start attacking with faith?
Day 4: The Power of God's Promises
God's promises are powerful and unchanging. Even when we face obstacles and challenges, we can trust in His promises to bring us victory. The story of Joshua and the Israelites overcoming the city of Jericho is a testament to this truth ([01:38:47]).
Joshua 21:45 - "Not one of all the LORD's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."
Reflection: What is a promise from God that you are holding onto in your current situation?
Day 5: Stepping into New Beginnings
Just like Joshua, we may find ourselves stepping into new roles and opportunities. These new beginnings may bring doubts and fears, but we can find courage and strength in God's promise to be with us wherever we go ([01:34:59]).
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: What new beginning are you stepping into and how can you rely on God's promise to be with you in this new season?
Quotes
1. "Lord, as we prepare to hear what you have for us, our cups are waiting, our arms are waiting, our hearts are waiting to receive of you today. We ask for a special anointing on the man of God as he gives us what you've given him." - 01:29:57
2. "I know it's cloudy on the outside but it's sunny on the inside. No matter how much the clouds are there, the sun is still shining. So I need someone to give God a praise because I know you feel cloud in your spirit but the sun is still shining." - 01:30:43
3. "Every wall that the enemy has built in your mind and in your life is coming down today. I need some Victorious People, people who are ready to destroy and take down the walls in your life." - 01:48:13
4. "Every negative fact is subject to change. It may be a fact that certain illnesses may run in your family or it may be a fact that you may come from a poverty society. However, whatever negative fact is subject to change by faith." - 01:36:34
5. "Walls will come in a form of fear, trauma, negative thoughts, negative people, negative circumstances. However, any wall that the enemy builds is coming down in the name of Jesus." - 01:46:55
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