Faith: The Foundation of Our Christian Journey
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the essence of faith and its centrality in our Christian walk. Everything in our lives, from grace to mercy, hinges on faith. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Hebrews 12:2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This focus on Christ is crucial because wherever our eyes are, that's where our lives will follow. If our eyes are not on Christ, we are in error. It’s all about Jesus, and it should never be about anything else. Imagine a world where all denominations dissolve, and all we have is Jesus. That would be a world where our eyes are firmly fixed on Him, guiding us through every challenge that comes our way ([01:07:55]).
Living a life of faith does not mean a life free from problems. We live in a fallen world, and challenges are inevitable. I am acutely aware of the sickness affecting many in our congregation, and I pray for you daily. I know the crushing blow of a terminal illness diagnosis firsthand, but I urge you to hold your position of faith. Do not let the enemy distract you. Stay focused on Christ, for He is the only way through our trials ([01:10:39]).
Repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The call to repent is a call to change our minds, our thinking, and our direction. Jesus' first message was to repent and believe the good news. Every blessing we receive comes through Christ, and He must remain in heaven until the final restoration of all things. We are included in the covenant God promised to Abraham, and through Jesus, all families on earth will be blessed ([01:13:59]).
When God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him, it was a call to leave everything behind and follow God. This is a picture of the new birth in Christ. When we say yes to Jesus, our old life is dead, and we must leave it behind. God doesn't want to remodel our old life; He wants a total demolition. Many struggle with believing that God can forgive them, but the cross was for everyone. Personalize God's call to Abraham by inserting your name. God is calling you to leave your old life and follow Him completely ([01:15:38]).
Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame for 40 years. When Peter told him to rise and walk in the name of Jesus, the man was healed immediately. This miracle was not by Peter's power but by faith in Jesus' name. Peter seized the opportunity to address the crowd, emphasizing that it was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who healed the man. This same God raised Jesus from the dead, and through faith in Jesus, we too can experience healing and transformation. Are you looking for opportunities to serve and share the gospel? God calls us to be channels of His power, living holy and righteous lives so that His power can flow through us to others ([34:39]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith is Central to Our Christian Walk: Everything in our lives, from grace to mercy, hinges on faith. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This focus on Christ is crucial because wherever our eyes are, that's where our lives will follow. If our eyes are not on Christ, we are in error. It’s all about Jesus, and it should never be about anything else. [01:07:55]
2. Hold Your Position of Faith Amidst Trials: Living a life of faith does not mean a life free from problems. We live in a fallen world, and challenges are inevitable. I am acutely aware of the sickness affecting many in our congregation, and I pray for you daily. I know the crushing blow of a terminal illness diagnosis firsthand, but I urge you to hold your position of faith. Do not let the enemy distract you. Stay focused on Christ, for He is the only way through our trials. [01:10:39]
3. Repentance is a Lifelong Call: Repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The call to repent is a call to change our minds, our thinking, and our direction. Jesus' first message was to repent and believe the good news. Every blessing we receive comes through Christ, and He must remain in heaven until the final restoration of all things. We are included in the covenant God promised to Abraham, and through Jesus, all families on earth will be blessed. [01:13:59]
4. Leave Your Old Life Behind: When God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him, it was a call to leave everything behind and follow God. This is a picture of the new birth in Christ. When we say yes to Jesus, our old life is dead, and we must leave it behind. God doesn't want to remodel our old life; He wants a total demolition. Many struggle with believing that God can forgive them, but the cross was for everyone. Personalize God's call to Abraham by inserting your name. God is calling you to leave your old life and follow Him completely. [01:15:38]
5. Be a Channel of God's Power: Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame for 40 years. When Peter told him to rise and walk in the name of Jesus, the man was healed immediately. This miracle was not by Peter's power but by faith in Jesus' name. Peter seized the opportunity to address the crowd, emphasizing that it was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who healed the man. This same God raised Jesus from the dead, and through faith in Jesus, we too can experience healing and transformation. Are you looking for opportunities to serve and share the gospel? God calls us to be channels of His power, living holy and righteous lives so that His power can flow through us to others. [34:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07:55] - The Centrality of Faith
[01:10:39] - Holding Faith Amidst Trials
[01:13:59] - The Lifelong Call to Repentance
[01:15:38] - Leaving the Old Life Behind
[34:39] - Being a Channel of God's Power
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
2. Hebrews 12:2: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
3. Acts 3:12-16: "When Peter saw this, he said to them: 'Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, what is the role of faith in our salvation?
2. In Hebrews 12:2, what are we instructed to do with our eyes, and why is this important?
3. What was the reaction of the crowd when Peter healed the lame man in Acts 3:12-16, and how did Peter explain the miracle? [39:44]
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus during trials? [01:10:39]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that everything in our lives hinges on faith? How does this align with Ephesians 2:8-9? [01:07:55]
2. What does it mean to "fix our eyes on Jesus" in practical terms, according to Hebrews 12:2 and the sermon? [01:09:01]
3. How does Peter's explanation of the healing in Acts 3:12-16 demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus' name? [39:44]
4. The sermon mentions that repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. How does this concept of repentance relate to the idea of leaving our old life behind? [01:13:59]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply this lesson to future challenges? [01:10:39]
2. Are there specific distractions in your life that prevent you from keeping your eyes on Jesus? What steps can you take this week to minimize these distractions? [01:09:01]
3. The sermon calls us to be channels of God's power. Identify one way you can serve someone in need this week and share the gospel with them. [34:39]
4. Repentance involves changing our minds, thinking, and direction. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? What practical steps can you take to make this change? [01:13:59]
5. The sermon encourages us to leave our old life behind and follow Jesus completely. What is one aspect of your old life that you need to let go of, and how can you commit to this change? [01:15:38]
6. Peter and John seized the opportunity to share the gospel after healing the lame man. Are you actively looking for opportunities to share your faith? How can you be more intentional about this in your daily life? [39:16]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of living a holy and righteous life so that God's power can flow through us. What changes can you make in your life to become a more fit vessel for God's use? [56:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Faith is central to our Christian walk. Everything in our lives, from grace to mercy, hinges on faith. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This focus on Christ is crucial because wherever our eyes are, that's where our lives will follow. If our eyes are not on Christ, we are in error. It’s all about Jesus, and it should never be about anything else. Imagine a world where all denominations dissolve, and all we have is Jesus. That would be a world where our eyes are firmly fixed on Him, guiding us through every challenge that comes our way. [01:07:55]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions are currently taking your focus away from Jesus? How can you practically shift your focus back to Him today?
Day 2: Hold Your Position of Faith Amidst Trials
Living a life of faith does not mean a life free from problems. We live in a fallen world, and challenges are inevitable. Many in our congregation are affected by sickness, and prayers are lifted daily for them. The crushing blow of a terminal illness diagnosis is a reality for some, but the call is to hold your position of faith. Do not let the enemy distract you. Stay focused on Christ, for He is the only way through our trials. [01:10:39]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing? How can you hold your position of faith and trust in Jesus through this trial?
Day 3: Repentance is a Lifelong Call
Repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The call to repent is a call to change our minds, our thinking, and our direction. Jesus' first message was to repent and believe the good news. Every blessing we receive comes through Christ, and He must remain in heaven until the final restoration of all things. We are included in the covenant God promised to Abraham, and through Jesus, all families on earth will be blessed. [01:13:59]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to repent and change your thinking? How can you take a step towards repentance today?
Day 4: Leave Your Old Life Behind
When God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him, it was a call to leave everything behind and follow God. This is a picture of the new birth in Christ. When we say yes to Jesus, our old life is dead, and we must leave it behind. God doesn't want to remodel our old life; He wants a total demolition. Many struggle with believing that God can forgive them, but the cross was for everyone. Personalize God's call to Abraham by inserting your name. God is calling you to leave your old life and follow Him completely. [01:15:38]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What aspects of your old life are you still holding onto? What steps can you take to fully embrace the new life in Christ?
Day 5: Be a Channel of God's Power
Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame for 40 years. When Peter told him to rise and walk in the name of Jesus, the man was healed immediately. This miracle was not by Peter's power but by faith in Jesus' name. Peter seized the opportunity to address the crowd, emphasizing that it was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who healed the man. This same God raised Jesus from the dead, and through faith in Jesus, we too can experience healing and transformation. Are you looking for opportunities to serve and share the gospel? God calls us to be channels of His power, living holy and righteous lives so that His power can flow through us to others. [34:39]
Acts 3:6-8 (ESV): "But Peter said, 'I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!' And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."
Reflection: How can you be a channel of God's power in your community today? What specific actions can you take to serve and share the gospel with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you decide to get real, if you decide to repent, if you decide to come clean, if you decide to start taking responsibility for yourself, it's amazing how people who have no options and no future will ignore the very words that I just said because they're so deceived and so inwardly turned that they're determined that it's somebody else's fault. And if I could just get that person out of my way, you're the one that it is a fault and you have to take responsibility for it and until you do your life will not change period." [01:02:20]
2. "If you like your current circumstance then by all means stay in it bothering the rest of your life quit bothering the rest of us with it. But if you won't change then get in the stream of redemption and mercy, get in the stream where life begins to happen, where God begins to transform your life and he brings you out of that pit of despair that you've been living in and he begins to give you a hope and a future." [01:03:40]
3. "You cannot find what you're not looking for. That'll be true 100% of the time. If you're not looking for it, you can't find it. What's that got to do with the day? Because today is all about looking for opportunity." [34:10]
4. "If you see the lame man, he jumps to his feet and he locks on to Peter the whole time that he is in front of this crowd he can't let Peter go and he's still dancing around he's holding on to him. Are you locked on to Christ? Are you in lockstep with him? Are you got both hands wrapped around? I mean, are you in it? Are you in a relationship? Because a relationship is a two-way street. There's something coming and going between the two of you. Are you in it?" [48:23]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The cross is about faith, grace is about faith, mercy is about faith. Everything that happens in your life happens by faith. Everything that God brings into your life has an element of faith attached to it and if you're not walking in faith then you're walking in unbelief that there isn't anything in the middle." [01:07:55]
2. "Christian, the life that God has called us to live, he's called us to live in faith in him and to trust him. That is not a life that is free from problems. Why? We live in a fallen world and this world is evil. And so we have to make the most of the opportunity we have in these evil days. There are going to be problems. And I am aware, I am so painfully aware of the sickness that is affecting my church right now. I am painfully aware of it and I'm praying over you, praying over you every single day." [01:10:39]
3. "Repent. Do you know that from the beginning of the book of Genesis all the way to Revelations, the theme of repentance is in every single book. We're told to repent over and over and over and over again. When the gospels open, the first thing we hear is repent. We hear it from John. We hear it from Mark. We hear it and we even hear it from Christ himself. The first thing that he says to his people is to repent." [01:13:59]
4. "Look at what God says to Abraham. And think about this in your own life. The Lord said to Abraham, leave your country and your people and your father's household and go to a land that I will show you. It's not like a first picture of the new birth. Leave everything that you know and you're going to go where I'm going to take you now. You got to leave everything behind. And when you said yes to Christ, everything in the old life is dead. I don't need anything. Jesus doesn't need a remodel. He wants to do a total demolition of your old life." [01:15:38]
5. "Peter saw his opportunity and he addressed the crowd. See, Peter was looking for opportunity. Peter was a man on a mission. Peter knew what it was to see people in need and he was looking for them. Peter saw his opportunity and he addressed the crowd. People of Israel, he said, what is so surprising about this? Why do you think that's so surprising? Why do you stare at us as though we made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of all of our ancestors." [39:16]
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