Faith's Power: Embracing God's Promises Amidst Doubt
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker is a profound exploration of faith, the power of God's promises, and the importance of not succumbing to the cynicism of the world. The speaker begins by recounting personal experiences of facing rejection from worldly institutions like banks and government entities, only to receive a "yes" from God, leading to the fulfillment of dreams. This narrative sets the stage for the central message of the sermon: what God has done in the past is a prophecy of what He will do in the future, as God remains unchanged over time.
The speaker draws from the biblical story of the woman with the issue of blood, who, despite societal restrictions and constant rejection, reached out to touch the hem of Jesus's garment and received healing after 12 years of suffering. This act of faith is presented as a model for believers to follow, encouraging them to persistently seek God's favor and permission in their lives, even when faced with limitations and negative identities imposed by others.
The concept of exceptionalism in faith is further illustrated through the story of Peter asking Jesus for permission to walk on water amidst a storm. The speaker uses this to encourage the congregation to step out in faith, to be exceptional, and to expect God to do great things. The sermon also includes an invitation for those seeking forgiveness and a fresh start to turn to God, assuring them of His willingness to grant them a new beginning.
The speaker introduces Pastor Jason Warman, who exemplifies the gift of faith, and shares the success of his church, Coast Life Church in Venice, Florida. This introduction serves as a testament to the power of faith in action within the community.
The sermon also addresses the importance of not accepting a "no" from people when God has given a "yes," using the story from Mark chapter 10 where Jesus rebukes the disciples for preventing children from coming to Him. The speaker warns against the age of cynicism and militant unbelief that seeks to destroy faith.
Finally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision for greater things and not being limited by restrictions. They remind the congregation that the Bible is for us, and what God did for biblical figures, He can do for us today. The speaker concludes by reassuring the audience that God is both able and willing to bless and provide, and that all of God's promises are fulfilled in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The stories of the Bible serve as a testament to God's unchanging nature and His consistent interaction with humanity. The speaker's personal experiences of overcoming rejection with God's affirmative response illustrate that the divine "yes" can defy the "nos" of the world, encouraging believers to hold onto God's promises despite cynicism and doubt. [47:52]
- Being a Christian is not about titles or deeds but about faith and the boldness to approach God's throne of grace. The story of the woman with the issue of blood exemplifies a countercultural pursuit of God's healing, demonstrating that faith can break through societal limitations and lead to divine encounters and miracles. [53:24]
- Exceptionalism in faith is not about arrogance but about the courage to believe in the supernatural and to ask for God's permission to step into the extraordinary. The speaker's prayer for the congregation to break free from negative identities and embrace God's exceptional plans is a call to live a life marked by big faith and divine expectation. [01:10:37]
- The concept of a force multiplier, such as faith, is introduced to show that believers can achieve more with God than on their own. The success of Pastor Jason Warman's church is highlighted as an example of faith's multiplying effect, inspiring the congregation to welcome and learn from those who exhibit strong faith. [34:13]
- The sermon concludes with a powerful invitation for new beginnings, emphasizing that God's response to our need for forgiveness and a fresh start is always "yes." This assurance of God's grace and the transformative power of being a new creation in Christ offer hope and encouragement to all seeking redemption. [01:13:29]
- The speaker's reflection on the story of the woman with the issue of blood and the disciples' encounter with the storm at sea underscores the importance of faith as a response to God's promises. Believers are challenged to not conform to cultural norms but to expect and affirm God's miraculous work in their lives, recognizing that faith is a valuable potential that should be cherished. [57:39]
- Cynicism and unbelief are identified as significant barriers to experiencing God's blessings. The speaker asserts that faith is the conduit through which God's will is brought into the Earth, and Christians have the permission to believe and have faith for what God has willed. This insight calls believers to resist the encroachment of cynicism and to maintain a posture of faith and expectation. [42:36]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)
> "And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."
2. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
> "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
3. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
> "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' reaction when the disciples rebuked the parents for bringing their children to Him? [37:50]
2. How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood illustrate the concept of faith breaking through societal limitations? [55:40]
3. What does Hebrews 4:16 encourage believers to do, and what can they expect to receive when they do so?
4. According to 2 Corinthians 1:20, what is the significance of God's promises being fulfilled in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was indignant when the disciples tried to prevent the children from coming to Him? What does this tell us about His view of access to Him? [37:50]
2. How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood challenge cultural norms and what does it teach us about persistence in faith? [55:40]
3. What does it mean to "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence," and how can this change a believer's approach to prayer and seeking God's help? [52:54]
4. How does understanding that all of God's promises are "Yes" in Christ impact a believer's faith and expectations? [01:06:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt rejected or faced a "no" from the world. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently knowing that God's "yes" can defy the world's "no"? [46:43]
2. The woman with the issue of blood acted counterculturally to receive her healing. Is there an area in your life where you need to step out in faith despite societal or cultural restrictions? What steps can you take this week to act on that faith? [55:40]
3. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God's throne with confidence. What specific needs or desires do you need to bring before God with boldness this week? How can you remind yourself to do this daily?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of not letting cynicism and unbelief hinder our faith. Are there areas in your life where cynicism has crept in? How can you actively combat this with faith and expectation? [40:19]
5. Pastor Jason mentioned the concept of exceptionalism in faith. What does it mean for you to live an exceptional life of faith? Identify one practical way you can step out in faith this week. [01:08:57]
6. The sermon concluded with an invitation for new beginnings. Is there an area in your life where you need a fresh start or forgiveness? How can you embrace God's "yes" for a new beginning today? [01:11:10]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's promises are "Yes" in Christ. How can this truth transform your prayer life and your expectations for what God can do in your life? [01:06:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Affirmation Defies Worldly Rejection
God's "yes" can overturn the world's "no," empowering believers to trust in His promises and overcome cynicism. Faith in God's affirmative response leads to the fulfillment of dreams and the realization that divine possibilities are not limited by human rejection. [47:52]
Isaiah 55:11 - "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God's "yes" prevailed in your life despite the world's "no"? How did that experience strengthen your faith?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Societal Limitations
True faith persists in seeking God's favor, breaking through societal barriers and negative identities to experience His healing and grace. Like the woman with the issue of blood, believers are called to reach out in faith, defying the limitations imposed by others. [53:24]
Hebrews 11:29 - "By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned."
Reflection: What societal limitations or negative identities have you allowed to hinder your faith? How can you actively reach out in faith today to overcome these barriers?
Day 3: Courage to Believe in the Supernatural
Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, expecting God to do great things, and to be exceptional in their pursuit of the divine. The courage to believe in the supernatural is not arrogance but a bold trust in God's power and promises. [01:10:37]
Daniel 3:17-18 - "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate exceptional faith in your current circumstances? What specific step can you take to show your trust in God's supernatural power?
Day 4: Faith as a Force Multiplier
Faith acts as a force multiplier, enabling believers to achieve more with God than on their own. The multiplying effect of faith is evident in the success of those who trust in God's promises and act upon them. [34:13]
2 Kings 4:2-4 - "Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?' 'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a small jar of olive oil.' Elisha said, 'Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you apply your faith as a force multiplier in your life or community? What resources or talents can you offer to God for His multiplication?
Day 5: New Beginnings in God's Grace
God's response to our need for forgiveness and a fresh start is always "yes," offering hope and encouragement to all seeking redemption. This assurance of grace invites believers to embrace the transformative power of being a new creation in Christ. [01:13:29]
Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: What area of your life do you need God's grace for a new beginning? How can you step into this newness today, leaving the past behind?
Quotes
"The Bible isn't about us but I do believe that the Bible is for us and that God recorded all of these stories so that what we believe is that what God did in their lives, God is able to do in our lives." [44:43]
"If God ever took down a giant, he can take down a giant in your life, and if God ever saw Daniel through a lion's den, he'll take you through the Lion's Den of your life, and if God ever walked three Hebrew boys through a fiery furnace, he will stand with you in every fiery trial of your life." [45:15]
"I believe we need to be people who have an expectation to believe that God can do what he said he would do and that whatever we touch by faith will touch us." [56:07]
"I think we need to be careful that we don't receive a no from somebody else when we have a yes from God because it doesn't matter how many people have told you no, you only need one yes from the almighty God to change the circumstances of your life." [46:15]
"Today every promise that God has made is yes and amen in Jesus Christ, and today your life is living under the yes of Heaven that wherever you go in your life, there is the yes of Heaven that is echoing over your life and every promise that God made in his word is yes and amen in Christ Jesus." [01:07:18]
"Faith always seems to be the exception...when there were 12 Spies sent into the Promised Land by the way God had already said yes to Israel you can have the promised land, God had already said yes from heaven but 12 Spies go in, 10 of them come back saying no, no, no, only two of them come back saying yes, yes, yes, God said it we can do it, we are well able." [01:07:55]
"God may have willed it but what God does is he doesn't simply do it...he gives somebody on Earth the permission to believe for it, the permission to believe and have faith for it." [41:24]
"Our primary job in Christ as Christians is to reach up to what's in heaven and pull Heaven down into Earth with our faith and believe God that what he has willed in heaven, God is going to do on the earth." [42:01]
"I believe if God has given us access and permission then we should be tenacious; in fact, I believe permission should inspire persistence. You see all through the Bible where there were people who lived lives that were marked by restrictions, in fact, there's the story of the woman with the issue of blood... she decided to be countercultural instead of living by the cultural restrictions that had been placed on her." [54:30]
"if you're wondering today if God will receive you, I just want to tell you the answer is already yes. God's already saying yes, I love you, yes I'll forgive you, yes I'll receive you, yes I'll take that off of your life." [01:11:42]
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